Generation history
The BMW 5 Series has been through 8 generations, starting in 1972, 1981, 1988, 1995, 2003, 2010, 2017 and 2024. The gaps were 9, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7 years, an average of 7.4. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2024. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2030 through 2032, centered on 2031. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The BMW G60/G61/G68 is the eighth generation of the 5 Series. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the BMW 5 Series model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | E12 | 1972–1981 | The E12 is the first generation of 5 Series, and was manufactured from 1972 to 1981. |
| Second generation | E28 | 1981–1988 | The E28 is the second generation of 5 Series, manufactured from 1981 to 1988 as a sedan. |
| Third generation | E34 | 1988–1995 | The E34 is the third generation of the 5 Series, manufactured from 1988 to 1996. |
| Fourth generation | E39 | 1995–2003 | The E39 is the fourth generation of 5 Series, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. |
| Fifth generation | E60/E61 | 2003–2010 | The E60/E61 is the fifth generation of the 5 Series, which was sold from 2003 to 2010. |
| Sixth generation | F10/F11/F07/F18 | 2010–2017 | The BMW F10/F11/F07/F18 is the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was manufactured from 2010 to 2017. |
| Seventh generation | G30/G31/G38 | 2017–2024 | The BMW G30/G31/G38 is the seventh generation of the 5 Series. |
| Eighth generation | G60/G61/G68 | 2024–present | The BMW G60/G61/G68 is the eighth generation of the 5 Series. |
The BMW 5 Series spent 7.4 years per generation on average. The current one is 2 years old. Treat 2030 to 2032 as a range, not a date.
Source: BMW 5 Series (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the BMW 5 Series model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The E12 is the first generation of 5 Series, and was manufactured from 1972 to 1981. It replaced the New Class sedans and was produced in the sedan body style. The initial models were powered by four-cylinder engines, with a six-cylinder engine introduced a year later. There was no M5 model for the E12, however the E12 M535i is considered the predecessor to the M5.
The E28 is the second generation of 5 Series, manufactured from 1981 to 1988 as a sedan. It was initially offered with petrol four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. In 1983, a diesel engine became available for the first time in a 5 Series. The E28 was the first 5 Series with the centre console angled towards the driver and the option of anti-lock brakes (ABS).
The E34 is the third generation of the 5 Series, manufactured from 1988 to 1996. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the range expanded in 1990 to include the "Touring" wagon/estate body style. The E34 was the first 5 Series to be available with the wagon body style, all-wheel drive and V8 engines. It also saw the introduction of stability control (ASC), traction control (ASC+T), a 6-speed manual transmission and adjustable damping (EDC) to the 5 Series range.
The E39 is the fourth generation of 5 Series, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the wagon/estate body style (marketed as "Touring") introduced in 1996. The E39 was the first 5 Series to use aluminium components in the front suspension. The proportion of chassis components using aluminium significantly increased for the E39, in order to reduce weight.
The E60/E61 is the fifth generation of the 5 Series, which was sold from 2003 to 2010. The body styles of the range are: 4-door sedan/saloon (E60 model code) 5-door estate/wagon (E61 model code, marketed as "Touring") The E60 generation introduced various electronic features to the 5 Series, including iDrive, head-up display, active cruise control, active steering and voice control. The E60 also was the first 5 Series available with a turbocharged petrol engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and regenerative braking.
The BMW F10/F11/F07/F18 is the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was manufactured from 2010 to 2017. The body styles of the range are: 4-door sedan/saloon (F10) 5-door estate/wagon (F11, marketed as "Touring") 5-door fastback (F07, marketed as "Gran Turismo") 4-door long wheelbase sedan (F18, sold only in China and the Middle East) The F07 Gran Turismo was the only 5 Series to date produced as a fastback.
The BMW G30/G31/G38 is the seventh generation of the 5 Series. It was officially announced in October 2016, and sales began in February 2017. Body styles included: 4-door sedan/saloon (G30) 5-door wagon/estate (G31) 4-door long-wheelbase saloon (G38) The fastback 5 Series GT model from the previous generation is no longer offered, and was moved to the 6 Series range. The G30 is based on the same modular platform as the 7 Series (G11).
The BMW G60/G61/G68 is the eighth generation of the 5 Series. It was revealed on May 24, 2023, and commenced production in the summer of 2023 at BMW's Dingolfing Plant, with first deliveries beginning around October 2023. Body styles included: 4-door sedan/saloon (G60) 5-door wagon/estate (G61) 4-door long-wheelbase saloon (G68) The fastback 6 Series Gran Turismo model has been discontinued. The 5-series will be offered in 530i, 540i, and 550e trims, with the 530i containing a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, offered with rear or all wheel drive.
Generation notes adapted from BMW 5 Series (Wikipedia).
Today's BMW 5 Series