DecodedCars2016 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 528i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 535d Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 535i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 550i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,001–4,431 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,001 lb (528i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 38 highway), 15% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2016
- Lightest version 187 lb heavier
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 5 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,001 lb | 51/49 |
| 535d Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,255 lb | 51/49 |
| 535i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,156 lb | 51/49 |
| 550i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,431 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 535d Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 38 / 30 | +15% | $3,200 | 335 |
| 535d xDrive Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +15% | $3,200 | 338 |
| 528i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +3% | $3,050 | 338 |
| 528i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 340 |
| ActiveHybrid 5 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 346 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -12% | $3,550 | 378 |
| 535i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -12% | $3,550 | 384 |
| 535i Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 405 |
| 535i xDrive Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -1% | $3,900 | 420 |
| 550i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -24% | $4,100 | 453 |
| 550i xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -27% | $4,350 | 463 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 BMW 5 Series.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW 5 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 BMW 5 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 BMW 5 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 5 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 5 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 5 Series | 30 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 5 Series | 28 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 5 Series | 29 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 5 Series | 30 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 5 Series | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →