DecodedCars2005 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 184–225 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 36 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 225 hp, versus about 345 hp for similar 2005 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl and 4.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 2% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Dingolfing, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2005 5 Series configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +2% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 530i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +2% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 525i | 2.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 525i | 2.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 530i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -3% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 545i | 4.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -8% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 545i | 4.4L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -13% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 545i | 4.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -17% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 BMW 5 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi A6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Lexus GS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus ES | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Volvo S80 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Mar 26, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · 367,682 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · 198,352 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Risk
- POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2005 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Seat Belts — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 BMW 5 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 5 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 5 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 5 Series | 30 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 5 Series | 28 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 5 Series | 29 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 5 Series | 30 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 5 Series | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →