Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 BMW 5 Series
The 2017 BMW 5 Series is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 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. At 6.5/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.8/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $45,583–$60,985, 21 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 5 Series sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2017 BMW 5 Series sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2017 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 $45,583 starting price is about 65% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Smart-money pick: the 2014 BMW 5 Series scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2017's 7.3 — and starts roughly $10,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2017 BMW 5 Series
Is the 2017 BMW 5 Series reliable?
We rate the 2017 BMW 5 Series's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2017 BMW 5 Series worth buying?
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.
How much does the 2017 BMW 5 Series cost?
The 2017 BMW 5 Series starts at $45,583 and ranges up to $60,985 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Owner Essentials — BMW 5 Series
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More BMW Reviews
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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