BMW 5 Series Used vs New: Is Buying Pre-Owned Worth It?

In India, the 5 Series has established a reputation not only as a luxury sedan, but also as the car that professionals upgrade to after they have grown out of an entry-level German. It is spacious enough for chauffeur duty, yet sharp enough to be self-driven. It is that dual role that has made it one of the most popular models of BMW in the country.

The pricing gap between new and used is what actually tilts the scales. A new 530i M Sport or 520d Luxury Line retails at ₹70–80 lakh on-road in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. But a BMW 5 Series used from 2020–21, with mileage under 40,000 km, typically trades in the ₹35–40 lakh range. That is a depreciation hit of 40–50% in just 4 years, which delivers great value for the next buyer. 

What Buying New Really Gives You

There are obvious benefits of going showroom-fresh:

• Full Manufacturer Support: 2 years/unlimited km warranty as standard, and can be extended to 10 years with certain thresholds.
• Updated Kit: The latest iDrive, bigger screens, and safety upgrades. 
• No Risk Factor: No guessing on accident history, odometer rollbacks, or gearbox condition.
• Personalisation: You choose the specifications, colour, and options: no compromises.

However, the question that buyers are asking more in 2025 is simple: is it worth paying almost twice as much as what a BMW 5 Series second hand costs?

What Buying Pre-Owned Gives You

Here are some of the benefits of going second hand: 

• Massive Price Advantage: You’re looking at 40–50% less than new within just 3–4 years, which is like saving ₹30–35 lakh right off the bat.
• Higher Variants Within Reach: Instead of stretching for a base new model, with the same money, you can land a 530i M Sport or Luxury Line with more features.  
• Tested Reliability: Cars that have a documented service record show how they age, wear and still function in Indian conditions. This way, you know what you are getting into.
• Wider Choice in the Market: From diesels that are better on highways and petrols that are more convenient in metro cities, the BMW 5 Series second hand market allows you to choose depending on your driving habits and future plans.

The Real Numbers: Depreciation & Resale

Depreciation is where the 5 Series resale value gets interesting. Unlike the Toyota Fortuner that retains more than 60% of its value after the first 5 years, luxury sedans in India shed money fast. The BMW 5 Series resale value typically looks like this:

• Year 1-2: 25–30% drop, ₹52–55 lakh
• Year 2-3: 35–40% drop, ₹45–48 lakh 
• Year 3-4: 45–50% drop, ₹38–42 lakh 
• Year 4-5: 52–55% drop, ₹34–36 lakh 
• Year 5-6: 58–60% drop, ₹30–32 lakh

Note: These calculations above are based on a new BMW 5 Series with an on-road price of ₹75 lakh. It shows how that same car’s value looks year by year in the used market.

This is why a BMW 5 Series second hand makes sense, as you let the first owner take the biggest depreciation blow and you come in at the perfect time where the price starts going down more slowly. 

Used Market Pricing in 2025

Looking across metro markets:

• Delhi NCR: 2019–20 520d Luxury Line with 40,000 km: ₹34–38 lakh.
• Mumbai: 2020 530i M Sport with 30,000 km: ₹38–42 lakh.
• Bangalore: 2021 520d: often ₹42–47 lakh due to tighter supply.

Meanwhile, new cars are still sitting at ₹70–80 lakh on-road. This shows why a 5 Series makes a stronger case in the used market.

Things to Check Before Buying a Second Hand BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series is not a buy-it-blind type of car. The badge may seem enticing, but if you buy without inspecting, you could be dealing with hidden issues. Here’s a short checklist:

• Service History: Should be complete and preferably dealer-stamped. If there are any gaps, you must walk away. 
• Transmission Health: The ZF 8-speed is tough, but test for jerks, delayed shifts, or transmission warning lights. 
• Electronics: Cycle iDrive, cameras, parking sensors, sunroof. These are frequent weak spots. 
• Suspension: Air suspension (on higher trims) is expensive if it leaks. Inspect carefully. 
• Tyres & Brakes: A full set of run-flats costs ₹80,000–₹1 lakh, while brake discs and pads can add another ₹60,000–₹80,000. Consider this prior to negotiating if the tyres need to be replaced.

This is where CARS24 comes in. Here you will find BMW 5 Series used listings that are pre-inspected and you will find it easy to spot a genuine second hand BMW 5 Series and not a money pit.

Who Should Buy New vs Used?

• Buy New If:
  • You want zero-risk ownership with full warranty. 
  • You will rack up mileage fast and prefer the cushion of an extended service pack. 
  • You like customisation matters such as choosing specs, colour, and trim your way.
     

• Buy Used If: 
  • You want the badge and comfort without burning ₹80 lakh. 
  • You’re fine with a 3–4 year old car that’s already taken its biggest depreciation hit. 
  • You will inspect and verify records before paying.

A used BMW 5 Series is the wiser financial choice for most buyers in 2025. The only time buying new makes sense is if your budget does not constrain you or if you want the latest facelift tech.

Summary 

So, is a BMW 5 Series second hand worth it? The numbers speak louder than the badge. Paying half the price of new for 80–90% of the same experience is a trade too good to ignore, provided you pick the right car. Factor in ₹1–1.5 lakh a year for maintenance, stick to verified cars, and you will have a luxury sedan that speaks class on the road. 

In addition to the savings, a BMW 5 Series used also has an advantage because the depreciation slows after the 4th year. Add to that the fact that the comfort, dynamics, and badge appeal of the car have not gone out of date and it becomes obvious why the 5 Series still dominates the second hand BMW 5 Series market in metros. 

If you want a shortcut to finding clean, inspected options without the usual risks, CARS24 makes the search for your next 5 Series easier and safer.