In the car market, $20,000 isn’t a lot of money. Spend so much money, and all you’ll get is the Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, or Nissan Sentra. They are good cars in their own right, but they don’t scream luxury or performance by a long shot. So, if you want to experience a luxury car on a budget, your best bet is to look at the used market. It’s full of some excellent used examples, ranging from old, boxy Lexus models to sensuous Maserati sports sedans.
But caution is advised when picking a cheap used luxury car. They are expensive to maintain and repair, and they can wash away your savings quickly. That’s why it’s best to pick something reliable, something that would make a Toyota blush. Fortunately, you have some good options here outside the Lexus circle, like the 2016 BMW 5 Series. This model is dependable, powerful, handsome, and very affordable in the used market. Here’s how.
The 2016 BMW 5 Series Has Miles To Go Before It Retires
J.D. Power Gave It A Reliability Score Of 88/100
The BMW 5 Series is the German giant’s executive sedan, which has been in production since 1972. It’s currently in its eighth generation, costing upwards of $60,000. But you don’t need to spend that much money to experience that level of BMW finesse and luxury, thanks to the 2016 BMW 5 Series, last of the F10 sixth-generation facelift. It’s among the best examples of a used BMW, and even after a decade, it’s still relevant today, thanks to its stately looks, an array of engine options, and, surprisingly, reliability.
Among The Highest-Rated BMW Models
The sixth-generation facelift of the 5 Series came out in 2014, but we’re focusing on the last model year of the generation, as, by then, BMW had already ironed out the common problems that plagued earlier models. As a result, this 5 Series gets a “Great” Quality and Reliability rating of 88 out of 100 by J.D. Power, which is among the highest for any BMW in the last couple of decades. That suggests high reliability, though being a BMW, don’t expect it to be cheap to run. This is a good, dependable car IF you have the budget for its maintenance.
- Reliability Rating: 88/100 (J.D. Power)
- Annual Maintenance Cost: $697 to $892 (RepairPal)
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Literally Thousands Of Them Are On Sale Today
Reportedly, BMW sold 2.5 million F10 5 Series, and the 2016 model was quite popular in the segment at the time. They are dime a dozen in the used market today. So, finding a well-maintained 2016 BMW 5 Series around you shouldn’t be a problem if you’re a bit patient and know where to look. In any case, you can find this car on the used market for as low as $10,000 for the 528i models, but really well-maintained, low-mileage examples can go as high as $20,000.
2016 BMW 5 Series Trims And Average Used Price
|
528i |
528i xDrive |
535i |
535i xDrive |
535d |
535d xDrive |
550i |
550i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$9,150 |
$11,075 |
$12,075 |
$12,650 |
$12,250 |
$12,500 |
$13,650 |
$14,050 |
You Get What You Pay For
The BMW 5 Series comes in many variants, starting with the base 528i, which can be had for as low as $9,000 for the front-wheel drive model. Meanwhile, the mid-tier 535i and 535d variants should cost you around $12,000 to $13,000. These models are the best pick as they offer enough straight-six power and luxury features. If you’re looking for more performance, you can even go for the V8-powered 550i, which averages at around $14,000.
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Expect To Pay BMW Premium For Maintenance, Though
As bulletproof as the car may be, it’s still not a Toyota. It’s a German executive sedan, and it demands a maintenance premium for it. And if this is your first luxury car, its maintenance costs can surprise you if you’re not prepared for it. For example, it runs on standard 255/45 R18 run-flat rubber, which can cost around $1,000 per set, while the brake pads can set you back by $150 to $450 per axle. That’s why it’s best to have a flexible budget when picking up a used 5 Series, so you’re not caught off guard.
Low Repair Costs For A BMW
RepairPal suggests an annual repair cost of $700 to $900, depending on the model you pick, which isn’t so bad for a BMW sedan. Still, that’s a best-case scenario. If things do go wrong, the BMW 5 Series can burn a massive hole in your wallet quickly. For example, a steering column adjustment motor can cost nearly $1,000, an oil pan gasket replacement can cost nearly $1,900, and replacing the turbocharger can cost up to $7,500. It’s a solid car, but it’s one neglect away from turning into a money pit.
Common Issues On The 2016 BMW 5 Series
Even the most reliable cars are not without their issues, and the same is the case with the BMW 5 Series. Keep an eye out for issues with the spark plugs, water pumps, stretched timing chains, valve cover gasket leaks, overheating turbos, and xDrive differentials wearing out prematurely. So, it’s best to spend some time and find a well-maintained 5 Series with a clean service record. Ideally, you should also get it inspected by a professional.
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A Luxury Sedan That Has Stood The Test Of Time
The 2016 BMW 5 Series is a decade old today, and it remains one of the best luxury sedans you can buy on the used market. It’s part of the F10 facelift generation, which added some much-needed improvements over the predecessors. This facelift brought new models and more power, did away with the Bangle butt, and featured major updates, like adaptive bi-xenon headlights, updated iDrive interface, and more.
Understated Yet Undeniably Luxurious Interiors
Step inside the 2016 BMW 5 Series, and you’ll be greeted with an understated cabin design that’s all about elegant restraint, not being too sporty or flashy. It’s attractively trimmed, featuring high-quality materials all around, including wood inserts and leather seats with enough room for adults, even in the back. At the heart of the dashboard sits a 10.2-inch iDrive infotainment system, which can be controlled by a rotary dial on the center console. It’s no wonder that many still praise this generation of the 5 Series for having one of the most comfortable interiors in the sedan’s history.
There’s An Engine For Everyone
Perhaps the best part about this 5 Series, apart from its dependability, is the breadth of engine options it offers. In typical BMW fashion, all engines come with a turbocharger and standard front-wheel drive, with xDrive AWD on offer. The base engine is the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four N20 engine on the 528i, producing 240 horsepower. This engine can push the car from zero to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 6.1 seconds while returning 27 miles per gallon on the RWD model.
If you’re serious about driving, though, you’d want to pick the 535i model, which features the 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder N55 engine, producing 300 horsepower. This model can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds and return 24 miles per gallon on the RWD model. If you like rolling coal, you can pick the 535d, featuring a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that delivers 255 horsepower. This model offers decent mileage of 30 miles per gallon. BMW also offered the 550i, featuring a 445-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine, though this engine would be the most expensive to run and maintain.
2016 BMW 5 Series Trims And Specs
|
Horsepower |
Torque |
0 to 60 MPH |
Top Speed |
|
|
528i |
240 HP |
258 LB-FT |
6.1 seconds |
140 MPH |
|
535i |
300 HP |
300 LB-FT |
5.4 seconds |
140 MPH |
|
535d |
255 HP |
413 LB-FT |
5.7 seconds |
140 MPH |
|
550i |
445 HP |
479 LB-FT |
4.3 seconds |
140 MPH |
Understated Luxury Styling That Still Looks The Part
The 2016 BMW 5 Series is arguably one of the prettiest models in the sedan’s recent history. Unlike its controversial E60 predecessor, it does away with the infamous bangle butt, while retaining the Hofmeister kink and traditional kidney grills. And while it may look a bit bland compared to modern, edgy Bimmers, its understated appeal is hard to ignore. It’s a handsome car that still looks relevant today. Pick a good one and take care of it, and it may even make it to 2036 with few issues.
Source: BMW, J.D. Power, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, iSeeCars, RepairPal