Used BMW 5 Series (Mk7, 2017–2024): The Classy Exec That Still Knows How to Party

Some cars are brilliant at one thing. A hot hatch that corners like a caffeinated terrier. A luxury saloon that’s basically a leather armchair with wi-fi. A hybrid that makes you feel smug at traffic lights. But every so often, a car comes along that manages to juggle all of it — like the friend who’s equally good at karaoke, spreadsheets, and making roast potatoes. Enter: the BMW 5 Series Mk7.

Launched in 2017, the seventh-generation 5 Series has been called many things: “the driver’s exec,” “the E-Class’s arch-nemesis,” “that car James in finance definitely doesn’t need but insists is ‘essential for motorway comfort.’” Whatever the label, the reality is the same: this thing is good. Like, annoyingly good.

A Bit of History (Because Cars Age Like Fine Wine… Or Like Milk)

BMW first launched the 5 Series back in 1972, when hybrid tech was a distant sci-fi dream and estate cars were still boxy bricks. Fast-forward fifty years and the Mk7 (codenamed G30 for the saloon and G31 for the Touring estate) is basically a masterclass in how to evolve without losing the plot.

At launch, buyers could pick between sensible diesels like the 520d, smooth petrols like the 540i, and even a plug-in hybrid 530e for those flirting with eco-credentials. By the facelift in 2020, BMW had freshened up the styling, lobbed in more driver aids, and added punchier options like the M550i xDrive and the 545e hybrid.

In other words, whether you’re a motorway mile-muncher, a company car warrior, or just someone who likes their commute to feel a bit… cinematic, there was a Mk7 for you.

And yes — there’s also the M5. But that’s a different beast entirely, like comparing Thor’s hammer to a nice claw hammer from B&Q. Same family tree, very different chaos levels.

So, Which One’s the Sweet Spot?

The beauty of the Mk7 is that you can’t really buy a bad one. Diesels like the 520d are frugal without feeling poverty-spec. Plug-in hybrids like the 530e give you smug EV vibes around town with petrol backup for longer trips. And if you go petrol, the 540i’s six-cylinder engine is smoother than a Barry White ballad.

The xDrive four-wheel-drive versions add traction in grim weather, though they do drink a bit more. Honestly, unless you live halfway up Ben Nevis, a rear-wheel-drive with winter tyres might make more sense.

Trim-wise, even the entry-level SE was stacked: adaptive cruise, heated seats, LED headlights, navigation — basically all the toys you need. M Sport looks sharper and adds bigger wheels and brakes, but unless you’re desperate for the body kit, it’s more show than substance.

Rivals: Who Dared Challenge the 5?

It wouldn’t be an exec showdown without the usual suspects:

• Mercedes E-Class: If the 5 Series is Ronaldo, the E-Class is Messi — both brilliant, but one makes you grin a bit more when it scores.

• Audi A6: Solid, stylish, but a bit like dating someone who’s perfect on paper yet leaves you cold.

• Jaguar XF: Gorgeous but ageing, like that rockstar still wearing leather trousers.

• Volvo S90/V90: Safe, minimalist chic, very “Swedish architect who only drinks flat whites.”

• Lexus ES: Smooth and bulletproof, though less exciting than a podcast about tax returns.

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The truth? The 5 Series still manages to feel the most complete. It’s the car that nails every category without making a fuss about it.

Living With One: The Good, the Bad, and the “Is That a Rattle?”

Let’s start with the positives. The Mk7’s interior is a masterclass: clean dash layout, rock-solid materials, brilliant infotainment (seriously, it was one of the best in class). There’s space for five adults without anyone feeling like they’ve drawn the short straw. Boot space? 530 litres in the saloon, or a cavernous 1,700 litres if you go for the Touring with seats folded.

Engines are strong, economy is decent, and servicing is clever with BMW’s “Condition-Based Servicing” — the car basically tells you what it needs and when.

The downsides? Servicing costs aren’t exactly budget-friendly. Recalls happened — six in total, from dodgy seatbelts to hybrid battery issues. And a few owners reported rattly back seats, though nothing catastrophic. Insurance can sting too, especially if you’re younger than 40 and not on first-name terms with your broker.

Oh, and run-flat tyres? They can make the ride feel more “shopping trolley over cobblestones” than “magic carpet.” Some owners swear by switching them out.

Everyday Scenarios: Where the 5 Series Shines

Picture this. Monday morning, motorway slog, 200 miles ahead. Adaptive cruise keeps the stress low, the cabin stays hushed, and the seat massage (if you’ve splurged) does its thing. Friday night? That same car whisks the family to the coast with luggage, snacks, and Spotify battles all handled in comfort. Sunday morning? It’s suddenly a driver’s car again, carving through back roads with a poise that makes you forget it’s a big executive saloon.

It’s a bit like watching Daniel Craig switch from James Bond tuxedo mode to dad-in-trainers at the school gate. Same person, totally different vibe — and both work.

Running Costs: The Not-So-Fun Part

BMWs have never been cheap dates. Oil and filter changes can set you back £300–£500 depending on the engine, and brake fluid needs swapping every couple of years. At least you don’t need to worry about cambelts — all engines use chains. Fuel economy varies wildly: a 520d can sip happily at over 50mpg, while a 540i will make you think twice before any long commute. Insurance? Ouch, especially for the bigger engines.

But here’s the thing: while it costs more than, say, a Mondeo or Passat, you’re not just paying for a badge. You’re paying for an experience that makes the boring bits of driving feel a little less… beige.

What Owners Actually Say

From the 2024 Driver Power survey, owners raved about the infotainment, reliability, and interior quality. Complaints? High running costs, the odd gripe about ride comfort (especially on run-flats), and a few saying “my E-Class was nicer.”

But the general vibe was overwhelmingly positive. Quotes ranged from “puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it” to “a practical and very fast car that can take five adults, a dog, and luggage, while managing 42mpg.” Which, frankly, is the executive dream combo.

Pop Culture Moment: The Dashboard Drama

Worth noting — some owners did mention the occasional warning light popping up. And when your dashboard lights up, it’s a bit like Stranger Things’ Upside Down suddenly appearing in your car. Not all lights mean doom, but ignore the wrong one and it’ll cost you. BMW’s electronics are brilliant when they behave, but sometimes they’re like that friend who’s great 90% of the time and then throws a tantrum at a house party.

Verdict: Still Worth It?

Absolutely. The Mk7 5 Series is one of those rare cars that manages to be everything at once — smart, quick, efficient, practical, and just that bit cooler than its rivals. It might not be cheap to run, but then again, neither is your gym membership, and at least this one gets you places.

So whether you’re eyeing up a plug-in hybrid for your commute or a diesel Touring to cart around kids, dogs, and IKEA wardrobes, the BMW 5 Series Mk7 remains a brilliant all-rounder.

Think of it this way: if cars were dinner guests, the 5 Series is the one who brings the wine, tells the best stories, and somehow still helps with the washing up.