Which year model of used BMW 5-series is the best to buy used?

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We break down average pricing, mileage, and features of each recent year model of BMW 5-series

Photo of BMW 5-series

The BMW 5 Series has been around since 1972 and is the second most popular BMW on the market. It is best known for its elegant look and powerful engine. Available as a 4-door sedan, a 5-door wagon, or a 5-door fastback, the 5 Series is an excellent luxury choice in whatever size you’re looking for. The seventh and most recent generation began in 2016 with the BMW G30/G31/G38. If you’re looking to purchase one of these beauties, you’ll probably be interested to know how much they usually go for—and how much you can save.

Here at CoPilot, we have all the information you’re looking for. Below, we lay out the average prices, mileage, and savings that you can get from buying a used 5 Series sedan. Not enough? Check out our app and compare for yourself!


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How much can you save buying a used 5-series?

2020 BMW 5 Series Quick Look:

The 2020 BMW 5 Series will cost around $61,775. There are various trim options available, as well as a sedan or hatchback version. The 2020 made some minor changes on top of the upgrades 2019 saw, and offers a powerful ride, a classy look, and a comfortable, technology-packed interior.

What else it has to offer:

  • WiFi Hotspot
  • Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keep Assist
  • Entertainment system
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Multi-Zone A/C
  • Wireless charging
  • Smartphone Integration & Apple CarPlay

2016 Used BMW 5 Series VS. New

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2016 BMW 5 Series MSRP when new: $62,903

2016 BMW 5 Series Average Used Price: $28,679

Savings: $34,224 or 54%

Mileage Average: 49,602

How much you save by buying a used 2016 BMW 5 Series

The 2016 BMW 5 Series was originally priced at $62,903 but if bought used today, would provide a massive savings of over 54%, or $34,224!

Newer features the 2016 BMW 5 Series lacks

The 2016 comes with a myriad of great features like smartphone integration and a backup camera, as well as many safety features from blind spot monitoring to lane keep assist. However, it misses out on many of the more modern upgrades that BMWs have made, such as the availability of a WiFi hotspot, wireless charging, massaging seats, and more.

Is buying a used 2016 BMW 5 Series a good deal?

It’s a good deal. The 2016 is definitely the best dollar for dollar deal of these options, but you’ll be missing out on lots of modern features that the later models catch up on.

2017 Used BMW 5 Series VS. New

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2017 BMW 5 Series MSRP when new: $62,976

2017 BMW 5 Series Average Used Price: $36,917

Savings: $26,059 or 41%

Mileage Average: 34,304

How much you save by buying a used 2017 BMW 5 Series

Buying a 2017 5 Series today will set you back about $36,917 as opposed to the $62,976 it would’ve cost you if bought new. That’s a savings of 41% for a reliable car with a complete redesign from the 2016.

Newer features the 2017 BMW 5 Series lacks

2017 saw some serious improvements for the 5 Series. As well as an upgraded interior, it came with the implementation of seat massage, a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging. The only features you’d really miss out on are the hands-free liftgate (added in 2018) and some more modern safety features (mostly seen in 2019).

Is buying a used 2017 BMW 5 Series a good deal?

It’s a great deal to buy a used 2017! Not only do you get the benefit of the sedan redesign, but you get it for almost half off the original price. The average mileage isn’t bad either, and should still provide a reliable ride.


BUY A CAR THAT KEEPS ITS VALUE

Some vehicles can lose 10-15% of their value just by being driven off the lot. Here are the fastest-depreciating cars to avoid.


2018 Used 5 Series VS. New

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2018 BMW 5 Series MSRP when new: $70,577

2018 BMW 5 Series Average Used Price: $45,276

Savings: $25,301 or 36%

Mileage Average: 30,468

How much you save by buying a used 2018 BMW 5 Series

The 2018 BMW 5 Series provides a sizable savings of 36% when bought used. $25,301 saved on a car that, in many ways, feels practically new is not a bad deal at all.

Newer features the 2018 BMW 5 Series lacks

Slight improvements were made to the 2018 5 Series, such as a hands-free liftgate and the release of new trims. However, it still lacks some newer features like remote engine start and cross-traffic alert, as well as the many safety features that the 2019 5 Series sees.

Is buying a used 2018 BMW 5 Series a good deal?

With only a few key features missing compared to the newest model, it’s a steal to get a 2018 BMW 5 Series for over a third off the cost of a new one. The average mileage of a 2018 is even fairly low, sitting right around 30,000, making this a great deal overall.

2019 Used 5 Series VS. New

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2019 BMW 5 Series MSRP when new: $63,714

2019 BMW 5 Series Average Used Price: $47,033

Savings: $16,681 or 26%

Mileage Average: 16,625

How much you save by buying a used 2019 BMW 5 Series

A used 2019 BMW 5 Series grants a fair savings of 26% or $16,681. Though that’s the lowest savings of the bunch, the 2019 is the closest thing to new you can get while still saving a fair amount of dough.

Newer features the 2019 BMW 5 Series lacks

The 2019 BMW made Apple CarPlay, as well as safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, standard. Overall, it doesn’t miss out on much that the 2020 model can brag about.

Is buying a used 2019 BMW 5 Series a good deal?

With over a quarter knocked off the original price, it’s a pretty good deal. The 2019 is close to the 2020 in terms of features, but far in terms of price!


A brand-new car can lose 10-15% of its value the minute you drive it off the lot. Let depreciation work in your favor by searching for nearly-new cars at significant discounts off MSRP.


What’s The Best Used 5 Series Deal?

Our recommendation here is the 2017. If you go with the 2017 5 Series, you’ll benefit from a completely redesigned sedan, an improved and technologically capable interior, and a major savings of 41%. Additionally, with a modest average mileage of only 34,304, you’ll still get a reliable ride while you save over $25,000.

If your heart is set on the newest model, however, the 2019 5 Series is practically identical to the 2020 in terms of quality. It also provides a generous savings of over $15,000.

Check out CoPilot Compare to find what used BMW 5 Series are available near you!