Models · BMW
BMW 5 Series G30/G31 buying guide
The G30 saloon and G31 Touring were built from 2017 to 2023, with a facelift in 2020. They're well built and most checks are about confirming recall work and how a diesel has been used.
The versions
- Diesels: 518d, 520d and 525d (2.0 four-cylinder), 530d (3.0 straight six)
- Petrols: 520i and 530i (2.0 four-cylinder), 540i xDrive (3.0 straight six), and from 2020 the M550i xDrive (4.4 twin-turbo V8)
- Saloon (G30) and Touring (G31)
- 8-speed automatic on every UK car, with no manual offered; xDrive standard on the 530d and optional on others
- Plug-in hybrid 530e and 545e versions exist but aren't covered here
What to check on a G30 5 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
EGR cooler recall on diesels
What to look for: Ask a BMW dealer or the seller to confirm by VIN that the EGR cooler recall has been done. Ask whether the car has needed coolant topping up.
Why it matters: The EGR cooler on the diesels could leak coolant, which could combine with soot and oil deposits to create a fire risk. BMW's UK recall covered 5 Series diesels built up to December 2017, which includes early G30s, and further campaigns followed, so checking by VIN is the reliable way. Most have been done by now.
Other recalls, including the starter
What to look for: Ask the dealer to list every campaign for the VIN and confirm each is complete.
Why it matters: Cars built between July 2020 and July 2022 were recalled because debris could make the starter relay overheat. Other G30 recalls covered rear drive shafts on cars built in June and July 2020, brake discs on cars built in January and February 2021, the curtain airbags and the steering gear. All are dealer jobs.
EGR valve and particulate filter on diesels
What to look for: Ask how the car has been used, watch for emissions or filter warnings and loss of power on the drive, and check the oil level in iDrive isn't above the maximum.
Why it matters: Some diesel owners have had repeat dealer visits for EGR valve and particulate filter problems, and short-trip use makes filter trouble more likely. A history of longer runs is the better bet. The petrol models have a much stronger reliability record.
Also in the full guide
- Rattles from the rear seats
- Sensors, warning lights and infotainment
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the G30 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
BMW 5 Series E34 · BMW 5 Series E39 · BMW 5 Series E60/E61 · BMW 5 Series F10/F11
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.