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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $43,852–$57,790 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 BMW 5 Series at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.4/10, while Value at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.7/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.4/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $43,852–$57,790, 20 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 5 Series sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 BMW 5 Series is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 BMW 5 Series ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $43,852 starting price is about 59% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2014 BMW 5 Series scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2016's 7.3 — and starts roughly $9,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $59,431 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $57,700 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $55,969 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $54,238 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $52,507 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $50,776 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $49,045 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $47,314 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $45,583 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $43,852 | |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $42,121 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.9/10 | $35,000 | Read review → |
We rate the 2016 BMW 5 Series's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 39% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2016 BMW 5 Series starts at $43,852 and ranges up to $57,790 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.