BMW
5 Series
BMW
6 Series
BMW 5 Series vs BMW 6 Series: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The BMW 5 Series offers power, while the BMW 6 Series excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the BMW 5 Series if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the BMW 6 Series if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
5 Series
Overall
Sentiment is highly polarized and generation-dependent. For the latest generation (G60, circa 2024-2025), initial owner feedback is sharply negative, with strong criticism directed at its excessive physical size, the near-total removal of physical controls in favor of digital interfaces, and perceived lack of driving satisfaction, particularly in lower-powered variants like the 520d. In contrast, feedback on the preceding F10 (circa 2010-2017) and G30 (circa 2017-2023) generations is generally positive, with owners expressing love for their vehicles, praising them as excellent daily drivers that balance comfort, performance, and a high-quality, driver-focused interior.
Best version to buy
For the F10 generation, the 535i with the N55 inline-six engine is specifically recommended over V8 models (550i, 750i) due to its superior reliability and lower maintenance costs, making it a smarter choice for used buyers. For the G30 generation, the 530i is noted as having strong torque and not being slow.
Known issues
- ⚠Excessive size and lack of physical controls (G60 generation): criticized as too large and unsatisfying due to digital switches for even basic functions like airflow vents. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠High maintenance costs and unreliable engines (specific to older V8 models): the N63 V8 engine (in 550i/750i) is regarded as one of BMW's most unreliable, requiring expensive repairs.
- ⚠Digital interface and haptic feedback concerns (newer generations): buttons may not work in very cold weather (below -10°C / 14°F), failing to recognize touch with gloves. Frequency: isolated.
6 Series
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The 6 Series is widely admired for its styling, described as "sexy" and "beautiful," and is considered a desirable, emotional purchase. However, long-term owner reports consistently highlight significant concerns regarding reliability and high maintenance costs, particularly for models equipped with V8 engines (N63).
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Anecdotal praise exists for the post-LCI (Technical Update) F12/F13 650i with the N63TU engine, noted for improved reliability over the pre-LCI N63.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very frequent. V8 engine reliability concerns (N63): oil leaks, cooling system failures, requiring tows. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The BMW 6 Series is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the BMW 5 Series, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the BMW 5 Series is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 6 Series?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 6 Series. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 6 Series?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The BMW 5 Series is classed as a Sedan, the BMW 6 Series as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 6 Series?
The BMW 6 Series is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.2-9.4 L/100km combined versus 9.7-10.0 L/100km for the BMW 5 Series, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 6 Series?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.