2013 BMW 5 Series Review
Price Range: $6,500 - $11,990
View 378 more photos
View 378 more photos
View 378 more photos
View 378 more photos
View 378 more photos+374
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $9,679
$
to$
Price
BMW 5 Series model years
BMW 5 Series types
- Sedan
- Hybrid
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong and relatively fuel-efficient engines
- capable handling
- clean interior design with high-quality materials
- top safety scores
- excellent seats
- plenty of high-tech features.
Cons
- Less sporty than some rivals
- smallish trunk.
What’s new
Split-folding rear seats and a universal garage door opener are now standard features for all 2013 BMW 5 Series models.
Edmunds says
The 2013 BMW 5 Series remains a leader among midsize luxury sedans as an all-around performer.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
42 listings
- $6,869great price$4,715 below market
- 102,899 miles
- 21 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- 45 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
- Vehicle History:
- 1 accident, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- Features and Specs:
- 24 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- WBAFU7C59DDU70036
- Stock:
- AC3900
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- $7,999fair price$892 below market
- 125,514 miles
- 23 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 27 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Alexandria, VA
- Vehicle History:
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- Features and Specs:
- 28 Combined MPG (23 City/34 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- WBAXG5C52DDY31848
- Stock:
- CP4096
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
Vehicle overview
In the 40 years the BMW 5 Series has been in production in its various iterations, it has come to define the midsize luxury sedan market, and for good reason. A steady stream of improvements and innovations, plus an admirable blend of comfort, craftsmanship and performance, has set this midsize BMW apart from the middle-of-the-road cars in its market segment.
The 2013 BMW 5 Series proudly carries on this tradition, although its core message of performance has been obscured by luxury. When this generation of the 5 Series debuted two years ago, it took to the stage with larger dimensions and a decidedly more relaxed personality. For those who put a premium on comfort and space, the compromise was certainly justified.
But don't think for a second that the BMW 5 Series is a laggard. Even the entry-level 528i's turbocharged four-cylinder engine has the decisive response of an inline-6, yet delivers 28 mpg in combined driving. For those who put a greater emphasis on power, the 535i with its turbocharged inline-6 and the 550i with its V8 will surely satisfy your cravings. Then there's the raucous M5 with its raucous twin-turbo 560-horsepower V8 (a model covered in a separate review). The only exception is the ActiveHybrid 5, which hardly seems to justify its marginal fuel savings at its high price.
Whatever your leanings, it seems there's a 2013 BMW 5 Series to suit you. But those in the market for a midsize luxury four-door would also do well to check out some of its competitors. The rare driver who yearns for the days of BMW's "ultimate driving machine" will find that spirit alive and well in the 2013 Audi A6 and, to a lesser degree, the 2013 Lexus GS 350. Others who seek even more luxury will likely find the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar XF to their liking. If you're undecided among any of these choices, rest assured; there's not a bad one in the bunch.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 BMW 528i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. As with all 5 Series models, rear-wheel drive is standard and "xDrive" all-wheel drive is optional. Also standard are an eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic stop-start function that shuts down the engine when the car stops in order to save fuel. In Edmunds performance testing, a 528i went from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is about average for base-model midsize luxury sedans. BMW-estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 22/33/26 with all-wheel drive.
The BMW 535i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel-drive models get a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic; all-wheel-drive models are automatic only. Automatic stop-start is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, a rear-drive 535i with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is average among comparable sedans. BMW-estimated fuel economy is 20/30/23 with the manual, 20/30/24 with rear-wheel drive and the automatic and 21/30/24 with all-wheel drive.
Powering the ActiveHybrid 5 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that is paired to an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, they produce 335 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque and achieve a (disappointing) rating of an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 mpg. In Edmunds performance testing, the ActiveHybrid 5 took the slightest of leads over the 535i by accelerating to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The BMW 550i gets a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The same transmission and drive options from the 535i are available on the 550i, with the exception of auto stop-start. In Edmunds performance testing, a rear-drive automatic-equipped 550i went from zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20 with the automatic and rear-wheel drive, 15/22/17 with the manual and rear-wheel drive and 15/20/17 with all-wheel drive.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2013 BMW 5 Series includes stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry in wet conditions and automatically snugging the brake pads to the rotors when the driver abruptly lifts off the throttle. Also standard is the BMW Assist emergency communications system, which includes automatic crash notification, an emergency response button, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle recovery.
When equipped with active cruise control, the 5 Series comes with a pre-collision system that can warn the driver of the possibility of rear-ending a vehicle ahead. If a collision is imminent, it can also automatically apply the brakes. A lane-departure warning system and a blind-spot monitor are optional. The night-vision system is capable of displaying possible hazards that are otherwise out of regular headlight range.
In Edmunds brake testing, various 5 Series models with the Sport package's summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in distances ranging from 110-114 feet. Those are excellent numbers, but typical for summer tires. By comparison, the heavier ActiveHybrid 5 with all-season tires stopped in 125 feet: longer, but also about average.
In government crash tests, the 5 Series earned a top five-star rating for overall performance, with four out of five stars being given for overall front-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 5 Series earned a top rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.
Driving
Among the many choices you have in the way the 2013 BMW 5 Series is configured, the 550i comes closest to justifying the company's traditional definition as the "ultimate driving machine." That said, the 300-hp 535i or even the less potent 528i is hardly like sitting in the cheap seats; most people will be more than satisfied with their power. Likewise, the ActiveHybrid 5 uses the supplemental electric power more for performance than fuel economy. (To its detriment, though, the hybrid power plant is relatively unrefined in its launch and power delivery in low-speed stop-and-go traffic.)
Regardless of which engine you choose, the 2013 BMW 5 Series comes standard with BMW's Driving Dynamics Control, which alters the suspension, steering, throttle and automatic transmission response based on four driver-selected settings. In theory, it allows drivers to set up the car as they'd like, but overall this larger iteration of the 5 Series has lost the agility and communication of its predecessors. The steering transmits less feel, the larger dimensions make it feel bulky on tighter roads, and there's just a general feel of isolation that didn't exist before. Then again, its quieter cabin, more comfortable ride and lighter steering in parking lots should appeal to more buyers than before.
Interior
Both drivers and passengers will be quite pleased with the 5 Series' cabin. There's nothing particularly fancy going on, but the overall look of the dash is clean thanks to the standard iDrive interface that eliminates the need for a gaggle of buttons. The layout features a center display screen and a configurable display in the gauge cluster. The iDrive controller provides a large amount of customization of the car's features, though we think Mercedes' COMAND system is still a little easier to use overall. Opting for the navigation system is recommended, as its screen is larger and much better-looking than the standard center display.
The front seats are quite comfortable, with the optional "multicontour" seats in particular providing an unmatched degree of adjustability. In back, there's enough room for a pair of 6-foot adults to be comfortable, and the backseat is nicely contoured and padded. The trunk, at 14 cubic feet of luggage capacity, is smaller than average for this segment.
2013 BMW 5 Series models
The 2013 BMW 5 Series is a midsize luxury sedan available in four trim levels that correspond with engine choice: 528i, 535i, 550i and ActiveHybrid 5. The high-performance M5 model is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment on the 528i includes 17-inch wheels, adjustable driving settings (which alter suspension, steering, throttle and automatic transmission response), automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a sunroof, cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors and keyless ignition/entry. Inside you get dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar), driver memory functions, split-folding rear seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery and a power tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Electronic features include the BMW Assist emergency communications system, Bluetooth, the iDrive electronics interface and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The 535i gets a six-cylinder engine, 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery. The ActiveHybrid adds four-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a larger iDrive screen. The 550i gets a V8 engine, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and 14-way power front seats, but reverts back to the dual-zone climate control. All of these extra luxury and convenience features are available on the respective lower trim levels.
There is a wealth of other options available on every 5 Series trim, many of which are available within packages or as individual options. These include a power trunk lid, active cruise control, an automatic parallel parking system, active steering, a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system, automatic high beams, headlight washers, side/top-view parking cameras, a head-up display and an infrared night-vision display. Inside you can add four-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sport steering wheel, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system, smartphone app integration, a power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades, a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and a premium sound system.
The Sport package adds bigger wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, a sport steering wheel, an increased top speed and the 14-way seats. The M Sport package adds to those items a special aerodynamic body kit, special wheels and an M Sport steering wheel.

2027 BMW i3 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV: How These Electric Sedans Stack Up

The BMW M2 Is One of Our Favorite Sports Cars. Now You Can Get It With All-Wheel Drive

2026 BMW X7 vs. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Big Luxury Buses Compared

2027 Audi RS 5 vs. 2026 BMW M3: High-Po Heavyweights Compared
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$217/mo for 5 Series 528i
5 Series 528i
vs
$252/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2013 BMW 5 Series has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #14 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#14 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$761/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
0.48x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
15.8%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 24V608000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 720796
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- Defect Consequence:
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 15V188000
- Manufactured from:
- 2013-01-30 to 2013-06-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 13981
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and M5 vehicles, 2013 ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles and 2014 525d xDrive vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Defect Consequence:
- The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 14V627000
- Manufactured from:
- 2012-06-18 to 2013-06-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 8988
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
- Defect Consequence:
- A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 13V454000
- Manufactured from:
- 2012-06-01 to 2013-06-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 76191
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
- Defect Consequence:
- A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in November 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW 5 Series Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(48%)
4(28%)
3(10%)
2(10%)
1(4%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fatal Flaw in Windshield and Mileage
3.63 out of 5 starssemitame, 02/24/2013
2013 BMW 5 Series 550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I have had several BMW's from the M3C to the X5M.
The 550ix with sport line package satisfies my need for a nice looking, powerful 4-dr sedan that is less challenging to drive than an M series. There are two fatal flaws for me.
1. Windshield area and angle makes it impossible to get out of too much direct sun.
Even with cooling seats and the a/c running, it can be quite uncomfortable in … summer.
2.
After 5,000 miles, still getting only 14 mpg.
Have had problems with variable comfort settings (comfort, normal, sport and sport plus) and battery not holding a charge.
The battery issue came up with X5M as well.
Ridiculous placement of what is supposed to be an ashtray.
Performance Hybrid Winner
4.88 out of 5 starszaxman, 10/11/2012
2013 BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid 5 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
This is my 5th BMW and my second in the 5 series line.
I had 2010 535 and loved it.
I was going to order an X1 2.8 M-line, but the sales manager mentioned the arrival of new car the day I stopped by see my salesperson.
I was not looking for an ActiveHybrid 5 but an outstanding discount on top of the $4500 eco-credit sealed the deal.
The car has all the performance of a 535 and added fuel … economy.
It is early yet but on the same circuit of driving I averaged 24 MPG with my 2010 535 and I am in the low 30s with this one.
With 25% better MPG and the eco-credit, the price difference between the regular 535 and hybrid disappears.
Check one out if you can.
They are difficult to find.
Awesome Car!
4.88 out of 5 starsbeachbum20, 02/16/2015
2013 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Ive had my 2013 BMW 528i for a little over a year and I love it - best car I've owned.
Ive driven sports cars and luxury sedans and for me this is a great hybrid of fun to drive and creature comfort. The 4-cyl engine is plenty powerful for city and highway driving and the fuel economy is surprisingly good. Its a very comfortable car for daily driving and easily accommodates … four adults. The interior is quiet, comfortable, luxurious, and attractive. The handling is excellent. I purchased it from a BMW dealer as a CPO vehicle and I havent had any reliability issues.
Overall, the 528i is an excellent car with a great balance of luxury, comfort, sportiness, and fuel economy
5 1/2 years, almost 80k miles
5 out of 5 starsjim9757, 05/10/2013
2013 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
I am very happy with this car. I've only had two maintenance issues - needing to "retrue" the rims and replacing tie rod assemblies because they had seized and they couldn't align the car. Both probably due to years of Houston potholes . The car is a dream to drive and I still get over 30 mpg on the highway. I did go to Bridgestone driveguard tires on the third set at 60k miles and … they have softened the ride. I think it is an improvement.
2013 5 Series Features & Specs
Sedan
528i
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $47,800 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $217/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.0 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 5 Series include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestMarginal
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
| 3.8 average Rating out of 12 reviews. |
| Starting at $68,300 |
| Starting at $63,900 |
| 3.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
| Starting at $48,000 |
Related Used 2013 BMW 5 Series info
Shop by model trim
- 2013 BMW 5 Series 528I Xdrive for sale
- 2013 BMW 5 Series 528I for sale
- 2013 BMW 5 Series 535I Xdrive for sale
- 2013 BMW 5 Series 535I for sale
- 2013 BMW 5 Series 550I Xdrive for sale
Vehicle reviews of used BMW models
- BMW 2 Series 2020 Review
- BMW 2 Series 2021 Review
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 2020 Review
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 2021 Review
- BMW 3 Series 2020 Review
Shop similar used models
- Used Volvo S90 2025
- Used BMW Activehybrid-5 2016
- Used Mercedes-benz S-class 2026
- Used Volvo S60 2025
- Used Lexus LS-500H 2023
- Used Lexus LS-600H-L 2016
- Used Mercedes-benz Cls-class 2023
- Used BMW M3 2026
- Used Mercedes-benz E-class 2026
Shop used vehicles in your area
Research newer models of BMW
Other models
- New Ford Transit-Passenger-Van for Sale in Portland, OR
- New Mini Cooper for Sale in Kankakee, IL
- New Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class for Sale in Herndon, VA
- New Subaru Ascent for Sale in Easton, PA
- New Toyota Rav4-Plug-In-Hybrid for Sale in Marion, OH
- New Chevrolet Silverado-Ev for Sale in Crossville, TN
- New Porsche Macan for Sale in Fort Collins, CO
- New Acura Integra for Sale in Schaumburg, IL
- New Kia Sportage-Hybrid for Sale in Trenton, NJ
- Used Kia Optima in Abilene, TX 2020
- Used Subaru Outback in Sammamish, WA 2026
- Used Honda Crosstour in Newton, NJ 2015
- Used Toyota Rav4-Hybrid in Rosemead, CA 2025
- Used Bentley Continental in East Brunswick, NJ 2025
- Used Audi RS-6 in Wellington, FL 2026
- Used Lexus RX-350 in Nanuet, NY 2023
- Used BMW X7 in Lumberton, NC 2026
- Used Infiniti G37-Coupe in Berlin, CT 2010
- Used Volkswagen Taos in Freeport, NY 2026

