Used 2021 BMW 5 Series for SaleNationwide

Compare 2021 BMW 5 Series Trims

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various preferences and needs.

• Starting at $24,169
• Best MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 72 hwy
• Most Popular: 530i RWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

530i RWD — "Who It's For"

The 530i RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded luxury sedan without paying for higher trims. It's the most popular choice in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $24,524 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 797 listings
• View 530i RWD listings

530i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 530i xDrive AWD is ideal for those who want the luxury of a BMW with the added benefit of all-wheel drive, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

• Avg. market price: $25,334 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 593 listings
• View 530i xDrive AWD listings

530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD — "Who It's For"

The 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD is perfect for eco-conscious shoppers seeking a luxury sedan with impressive fuel efficiency and modern tech features.

• Avg. market price: $24,169 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 72 hwy
• Inventory: 105 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

540i RWD — "Who It's For"

The 540i RWD is the choice for buyers who desire a powerful engine and luxury features without the need for all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $33,422 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 189 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 540i RWD listings

530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD — "Who It's For"

The 530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD is for those who want the benefits of a hybrid with the added traction of all-wheel drive, making it versatile for different driving conditions.

• Avg. market price: $26,406 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 59 city / 67 hwy
• Inventory: 69 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 530e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD listings

540i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 540i xDrive AWD is suited for buyers who want a sporty driving experience combined with the confidence of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $32,772 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 223 listings
• View 540i xDrive AWD listings

M550i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The M550i xDrive AWD is for those seeking a high-performance luxury sedan that delivers thrilling power and advanced features.

• Avg. market price: $38,934 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 165 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View M550i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 530i RWD

With 797 active listings, the 530i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 530i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD

At $24,169 avg market price — below the lineup median of $26,406 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD

With an impressive MPG/MPGe of 59 city / 72 hwy, this trim excels in fuel efficiency.

Browse 530e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 5 Series cost?

Prices have softened 8.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 845 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW 5 Series earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Technology and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the powerful performance, luxurious comfort, and refined interior, and they also like the handling and overall aesthetic details. In use, that lines up with the car’s mission as a midsize luxury sedan that still delivers sportier-than-average driving dynamics while adding a more modern infotainment setup and mild-hybrid tech for 2021.

The main trade-offs are that the car can feel a bit distant compared with older BMW sports sedans, and the advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the 5 Series still makes sense if you want a premium sedan with strong tech, comfort, and multiple powertrain choices. Good and great deals account for 35.7% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a car that feels reliable, dependable, and trouble-free enough to inspire confidence over time, especially for shoppers who want a premium sedan they can count on. The expert evaluation also notes BMW’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty and four years of free roadside assistance, which helps support the ownership experience early on.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about how well the car was maintained and optioned, since luxury features can add complexity and cost if they were neglected.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW 5 Series?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on higher-mileage or heavily optioned cars. Focus on condition, service records, and whether the car’s equipment matches what you want, since luxury features can materially affect both ownership satisfaction and repair exposure.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Lower trims use standard SensaTec upholstery rather than real leather, while Dakota leather and Nappa leather are available at extra cost. The cabin design is restrained and upscale, but the base setup is less lavish than higher-optioned cars.
• Powertrain: The 530i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 540i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and 335 hp and 362 lb-ft. The 530e plug-in hybrid is also available with 288 hp and can drive on electric power alone for significant distances.
• Safety package: Standard safety features include lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist.
• Infotainment: You get a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 7, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a built-in WiFi hotspot are standard.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2021 540i is rated at 26 mpg combined, 23 mpg city, and 31 mpg highway.

Which 2021 BMW 5 Series trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is offered in 3 trim levels: 530i, 540i, and 530e.

Here's the short version:

• 530i: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core 5 Series experience with the 2.0-liter turbo four, rear-wheel drive, and the full standard tech suite. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and still care about comfort, refinement, and a premium cabin.
• 540i: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest all-around balance. You get the 3.0-liter inline-six, the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and notably quicker acceleration, which better matches the 5 Series’ luxury-sport character.
• 530e: Choose this if you want plug-in hybrid capability and the ability to drive on electric power alone for significant distances. It’s the efficiency-focused choice, but you should buy it only if that charging flexibility fits your routine.

The safety package is a meaningful upgrade, since the most advanced driver-assistance features are bundled in the Driving Assistance Plus Package rather than being standard.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW 5 Series?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 35.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 845 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.09% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $28,591, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW 5 Series's resale value?

The current average of $28,785 sits slightly below last year's $31,319.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re a future seller, the key is to buy a well-kept example with desirable equipment, because condition and option content will matter more when the market is softer.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 BMW 5 Series safe?

The 2021 BMW 5 Series earns a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS based on the virtually identical 2020 model, including top “good” scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tests. The standard headlights were rated “marginal,” while optional lights received a “good” rating.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety features include lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you’ll want to check the equipment list carefully on any used example.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW 5 Series or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 35.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• BMW’s 2021 refresh adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling updates.

The bottom line: The 2021 model is the right pick if you want the refreshed 5 Series with stronger tech and a more modern feel, especially if you value the mild-hybrid update and the improved infotainment setup. If you’re mainly shopping on price, a nearby year may still make sense, but the 2021 is the better all-around choice when you want the updated features and a strong mix of comfort, performance, and owner satisfaction.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.