BMW 5er-Reihe G30/G31/F90 520d, 190 PS, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2017–2020)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2020): known problems and buying guide

  Check the 530e battery and diesel OBD recalls and the oil level before you buy, then test the iDrive screen and the panoramic roof.

• Engine guide BMW B47 2.0 diesel (318d, 320d, 520d): problems, costs and what to check

  A solid diesel with a fire-risk recall, so check the recall work and turbo paperwork first.

• Gearbox guide ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic (BMW Steptronic): problems, costs and what to check

  A solid 8-speed when its fluid is changed on time. Buy with oil records and a clean scan, and avoid one that shudders or has run in limp mode.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. 530e battery recall. If the car is a 530e built from 20 January to 18 September 2020, ask the dealer for proof that the battery recall was done. Bad result: no record of the battery work. The battery can short circuit and catch fire.
2. OBD software recall (diesel). Check the VIN for the OBD software recall covering cars built from 18 August 2016 to 28 February 2022. The workshop update is free and takes about an hour. Bad result: no update on record.
3. Oil level. Check the oil on the dipstick when the engine is cold, and again after a drive. Ask for the record of oil top-ups. Bad result: oil added between services. No scanner is needed.
4. iDrive and assistants. On a test drive, pair a phone, use the navigation and try the parking assist. A scanner reads stored faults. Bad result: screen dropouts, a phone that will not connect, or false tyre pressure warnings.
5. Active bonnet. Drive for a while on a motorway. Bad result: a bonnet that trembles, or a bonnet warning on the dashboard.
6. Panoramic roof and rear seat. Open and close the roof in cold weather and listen for creaks. Sit in the rear and check the seatbelt buckles and seat folding for rattles. Bad result: creaks, a roof that jams, or rattles on a cold start.
7. Starter recall. Mostly facelift cars. For a car built from July 2020, check the VIN for KBA reference 16790R. Bad result: an open campaign. The fix is a starter replacement.

From the engine guide

1. EGR recall (VIN check). Check the VIN for open BMW campaigns. Ask for proof that the EGR cooler was checked or replaced. Bad: an open EGR campaign, or no proof on a car built 2014-2020.
2. Turbocharger (test drive). Ask where the car was driven. Turbo damage is reported mostly on cars used in low outside temperatures, where moisture in the clean-air pipe can freeze. Ask for turbo invoices. Bad: a turbo job with no paperwork. No scanner needed.
3. Injectors (records). Ask for injector service records on any car above 150,000 km. Bad: no record at that mileage. No scanner needed.
4. DPF (scanner). On any car above 250,000 km, check for DPF cleaning or replacement records. Bad: no records. A scanner shows stored DPF fault codes.
5. EGR valve (records). Ask whether the EGR valve was cleaned or replaced. Bad: a car used mostly in heavy traffic with no record. No scanner needed.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the gearbox fault memory with a BMW-capable scanner. Bad result: pressure or solenoid codes such as 4F84, 4F87, P189C or P0748, or a past limp mode.
2. Ask for fluid and filter invoices. Bad result: no fluid change by 80,000 to 120,000 km, or a change without an adaptation reset.
3. Drive the car from cold and select Drive and Reverse. Bad result: a hard 1-2 shift, or a delay of 1-3 seconds before the gear engages.
4. Drive 15 minutes in town, then under load. Bad result: jerky 2-3 shifts, flaring, slipping or a burnt smell.
5. Hold a steady light throttle at low speed. Bad result: a shudder or vibration, which points to the torque converter lock-up clutch.
6. Look under the car on a lift. Bad result: oil at the wiring connector on the case, on the plastic pan or on the cooler lines.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions