Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 BMW 5 Series
Our scoring places the 2019 BMW 5 Series at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.6/10, 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.3/10 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 8.6/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $49,045–$64,725, 23 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 5 Series sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 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 2019 BMW 5 Series is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability 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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2019 BMW 5 Series ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $49,045 starting price is about 77% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 5 Series Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 BMW 5 Series scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.4 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
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
Common Questions — 2019 BMW 5 Series
Is the 2019 BMW 5 Series reliable?
We rate the 2019 BMW 5 Series's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2019 BMW 5 Series worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #687 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 48% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2019 BMW 5 Series cost?
The 2019 BMW 5 Series starts at $49,045 and ranges up to $64,725 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 5 Series years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 5 Series years we've rated are 2014 (6.9/10), 2015 (7.2/10), 2017 (7.3/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — BMW 5 Series
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
