Models · BMW
BMW 5 Series E60/E61 buying guide
The E60 saloon and E61 Touring were built from 2003 to 2010, with a facelift in March 2007. Diesels make up most of the UK market, and the engine fitted to a 520d in particular decides one of the main checks.
The versions
- Diesels: 520d (M47, 163PS, 2005 to 2007, then N47, 177PS), and 525d, 530d and 535d (M57 straight six, 177PS to 286PS)
- Straight-six petrols: 520i to 530i (M54, then N52 and N53), and the 535i twin-turbo (N54, 306PS) from 2007; a four-cylinder 520i from 2007
- V8 petrols: 540i, 545i and 550i (N62, 306PS to 367PS)
- Saloon (E60) and Touring (E61)
- 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or the rarer SMG automated manual
What to check on a E60 5 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Chain rattle on the N47 520d
What to look for: On a 520d from the 2007 facelift onwards, start from cold and listen at the back of the engine, near the bulkhead. A rattle there is the thing to note. Ask for any invoice for chain replacement.
Why it matters: The N47's timing chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, so replacement means taking the engine out. Specialists report the earlier engines as most affected, and around 100,000 miles is a sensible point to replace it, with the oil pump chain done at the same time. Many have had a new chain by now, and an invoice is valuable.
Swirl flaps on the earlier diesels
What to look for: On a pre-2007 520d or a 525d, 530d or 535d, ask whether the swirl flaps have been removed or replaced, and look for an invoice.
Why it matters: The M47 and M57 diesels have small flaps in the inlet manifold that can break up and be drawn into the engine. Many owners have them removed and blanked, or replaced with uprated parts, as a precaution.
iDrive and the controls it runs
What to look for: Use the iDrive for a few minutes: navigation, radio, phone and the heating settings. Note any blank screen, restart, or controls that don't respond, especially on a cold morning.
Why it matters: Early cars are more prone to iDrive faults that can disable the heating, stereo and phone controls, and some won't work on a cold morning until the car has warmed up. Cars from 2005 onwards appear more reliable here.
Also in the full guide
- Suspension and steering
- Diesel running and the particulate filter at high mileage
- Recall work
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E60 5 Series
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
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General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.