BMW 5 Series 2003–2010 car dimensions: 4843 mm long, 1846 mm wide and 1491 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,675 kg. Braked towing is 2,000 kg.
The cabin has a standard iDrive system with a colour screen for controls and audio. Dual-zone automatic climate control is fitted as standard. Cruise control is standard on many grades and optional on others, with an active version available later. Park Distance Control sensors front and rear are optional or standard depending on trim. Lane departure warning arrived as an option on later cars. A reversing camera was available with Professional navigation.
Boot space measures 500 litres with seats up and expands to 1650 litres with the rear seats folded. The split-folding rear bench and optional automatic tailgate make loading straightforward for family or weekend use.
Braked towing capacity reaches 2000 kg and unbraked is 750 kg across most models. Payload is typically around 550 kg depending on engine and equipment. Self-levelling rear suspension is standard on Touring versions to help with loads.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is common. Front seats are leather-trimmed and power-adjustable with driver memory on many cars. Optional comfort seats add multi-way electric movement plus backrest width adjustment. Active seats vary cushion support to cut fatigue on long runs. Active ventilation and front or rear seat heating are available on higher specs. The optional panoramic glass roof opens the cabin to light. Cup holders and a practical load bay with split-folding seats complete the estate layout.
Fuel tank holds 70 litres across the range.
Condition Based Service tracks oil life, brake pads, fluid and filters by actual use.
Euro NCAP gave the related E60 sedan four stars for adult occupant protection.
Standard kit includes dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, DSC and crash-activated front headrests on later cars.
Self-levelling rear air suspension is standard on the Touring.
Engines range from four-cylinder diesels to six- and eight-cylinder petrol units. Official combined figures for efficient diesels sit near 5.2 litres per 100 km. larger petrol engines use more. Real-world use depends on driving style and load.
Servicing follows the Condition Based Service system. Oil changes, brake fluid, cabin filter and pad wear are calculated from sensors, fuel use and time rather than fixed mileage alone. Maximum oil intervals reach around 25 000–30 000 km or 24 months under light duty.
Safety equipment centres on a stiff passenger cell, multiple airbags, belt pretensioners and electronic stability control. The Touring shares the sedan’s four-star Euro NCAP adult rating. Optional systems such as adaptive headlights and lane departure warning appeared later in the run.
Keep the car by following CBS prompts, using approved long-life oils and checking common age-related items such as suspension bushes and electronics. Regular brake fluid changes every two years after the first three help maintain stopping performance.
Length 4843 mm, Width 1846 mm, Height 1491 mm, Wheelbase 2886 mm (5 Series 2003–2010)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW press technical data sheet.