1996 BMW 5 Series

The 1996 BMW 5 Series is a large Car.

There are 7 variants of the 5 Series available in Australia and this generation went on sale in early-1993.

The 1996 5 Series was offered with a 2 year, unlimited km warranty.

Engine options for the BMW 5 Series include 2.0L in-line 6-cylinder (110kW/190Nm), 2.5L in-line 6-cylinder (125kW/245Nm), 2.5L in-line 6-cylinder (141kW/250Nm), 2.8L in-line 6-cylinder (142kW/280Nm), 3.0L v8 (160kW/290Nm), 3.5L v8 (173kW/320Nm), 4.0L v8 (210kW/400Nm) and 4.4L v8 (210kW/420Nm). Available with 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions. All variants feature rear-wheel drive.

Driveaway: N/A^†

Transmission: 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual

Driven Wheels: Rear

Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded

Body Types: Sedan or Station Wagon

Powertrain Type: N/A

View 2 images

Driveaway: N/A^†

Transmission: 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual

Driven Wheels: Rear

Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded

Body Types: Sedan or Station Wagon

Powertrain Type: N/A

Expert Rating

Very Good

1 Reviews

Owner Rating

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1996 BMW 5 Series

Features & Specs

Powertrain & Performance

Engine specs, power, and efficiency

Handling & Mechanics

Drive Feel: Steering, Suspension, Ride Quality

Towing & Off-road Capacity

Strength, stability, and off-road performance

Exterior & Dimensions

Design, size, and presence on the road

Interior

Comfort, tech, and convenience inside

Technology

Infotainment, connectivity, and smart features

Safety & Security

Protection, prevention, and alerts

Cost of Ownership

Coverage, maintenance, and peace of mind

1996 BMW 5 Series

Available Variants

The BMW 5 Series comes in a variety of variants with the cheapest being 520i and the most expensive being 540i.

520i

Price from $0^†

523i

Price from $0^†

525i

Price from $0^†

528i

Price from $0^†

530i

Price from $0^†

535i

Price from $0^†

540i

Price from $0^†

1996 BMW 5 Series

Reviews

Very Good

Max Davies

2026 BMW 5 Series review

BMW continues to stick with diesel power for its large executive sedan, and the 5 Series is all the better for it.

Pros

Top-class safety tech
Supreme turbo-diesel performance and efficiency
Comfortable, premium interior

Cons

More expensive than direct rivals
Too much screen, too few buttons
Some optional features should be standard

7 Months Ago

Read full review

CarExpert Rating

Very Good

This rating has been converted from our previous rating system. Read about our new review ratings.

Excellent

An outstanding car in almost every way. A joy to drive, packed with great features, and highly recommended.

Very Good

A well-rounded car that's enjoyable to drive, offers great value or features, and is easy to recommend.

Good

A solid choice that does most things well. Comfortable, capable, and worth considering in this segment.

Average

Meets the standard for this segment. May not stand out, but still a dependable and reasonable option.

Below Average

Falls a bit behind others in the segment, but still passes safety checks and may suit specific needs or budgets.

Pros

Top-class safety tech
Supreme turbo-diesel performance and efficiency
Comfortable, premium interior

Cons

More expensive than direct rivals
Too much screen, too few buttons
Some optional features should be standard

See all BMW 5 Series reviews

BMW 5 Series

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1996 BMW 5 Series

News

BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series PHEVs recalled due to fire risk

1 Month Ago

BMW recalls over 10,000 vehicles in Australia due to fire risk

1 Month Ago

Multiple BMW models recalled for fire risk

6 Months Ago

More than 24,000 BMW and Mini vehicles recalled for fire risk

6 Months Ago

BMW recalls over 16,000 vehicles in Australia due to fire risk

6 Months Ago

William Stopford

BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series PHEVs recalled due to fire risk

Owners of almost 300 BMW plug-in hybrids are being told to park away from structures and other vehicles because of a potential fire risk.

1 Month Ago

William Stopford

BMW recalls over 10,000 vehicles in Australia due to fire risk

Owners of more than 10,000 BMWs produced between 2020 and 2025 are being advised not to leave their vehicles running unattended due to a fire risk.

1 Month Ago

William Stopford

Multiple BMW models recalled for fire risk

BMW is recalling another raft of vehicles this year for a third issue that could potentially lead to a vehicle fire.

6 Months Ago

William Stopford

BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series PHEVs recalled due to fire risk

Owners of almost 300 BMW plug-in hybrids are being told to park away from structures and other vehicles because of a potential fire risk.

1 Month Ago

William Stopford

BMW recalls over 10,000 vehicles in Australia due to fire risk

Owners of more than 10,000 BMWs produced between 2020 and 2025 are being advised not to leave their vehicles running unattended due to a fire risk.

1 Month Ago

William Stopford

Multiple BMW models recalled for fire risk

BMW is recalling another raft of vehicles this year for a third issue that could potentially lead to a vehicle fire.

6 Months Ago

More than 24,000 BMW and Mini vehicles recalled for fire risk

6 Months Ago

BMW recalls over 16,000 vehicles in Australia due to fire risk

6 Months Ago

See all BMW 5 Series news

How does the 1996 BMW 5 Series compare?

Quickly see how the BMW 5 Series stacks up against its competition.
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Power to Weight

70.74 - 130.03 kW/t

66.87 kW/t

130.03 kW/t

Boot Space

460 litres

390 litres

530 litres

Warranty (Years)

2 years

3 years

Warranty (Distance)

Unlimited

Years on Sale

2 - 3 years

2 years

3 years

See all BMW 5 Series Features and Specs

1996 BMW 5 Series

Historical Information

Explore the BMW 5 Series through the years.

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Base

2026

M Sport

2026

$125,388

Year

2026

Engine Type

2.0L Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle

3.0L Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Fuel

Premium Unleaded

Diesel

Transmission

Automatic

Body Type

Sedan

Number of Doors

4 Doors

Drivetrain

Rear

4x4

Maximum Power

153 kW

223 kW

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1996 BMW 5 Series

Dimensions

4,720 mm

1,751 mm

1,412 mm

The dimensions shown above are for the base model.

Specification	Measurement
Overall Length	4,720 mm
Overall Width	1,751 mm
Overall Height	1,412 mm
Wheelbase	2,761 mm
Turning Circle	11,000 mm
Load Capacity	480 mm

Dimensions in this table show the minimum and maximum values of all variants for this vehicle.

Looking for complete BMW 5 Series size & space specs?

Our BMW 5 Series Exterior and Dimensions Page has every measurement you need to know exactly how this vehicle will fit your driving, garage, or work needs.

BMW 5 Series

Sales Data

2024614Total Sales

2025544Total Sales

2026138YTD Sales

BMW 5 Series Sales rolling 12-months^#

*Based on VFACTS and EVC data

Looking for complete BMW 5 Series price history?

Our BMW 5 Series Pricing Page shows exactly how prices have changed over time.

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1996 BMW 5 Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest BMW 5 Series?

The cheapest BMW 5 Series is the 520i variant that starts from $78,830.

See all BMW 5 Series Pricing

What is the most expensive BMW 5 Series?

The most expensive BMW 5 Series is the 540i variant that starts from $147,000.

See all BMW 5 Series Pricing

What is the best towing capacity of a BMW 5 Series?

The best towing capacity of a BMW 5 Series is 2075 kg offered by the following variants: 528i, 535i and 540i.

See all BMW 5 Series towing capacity

What is the largest BMW 5 Series sold in Australia?

The largest BMW 5 Series is the 523i variant which measures 1800mm wide, 4775mm in length and sits 1435mm tall.

What is the most powerful BMW 5 Series sold in Australia?

The most powerful BMW 5 Series is the 540i variant which has 210kW of power and 400nm of torque.

Where is the BMW 5 Series built?

The BMW 5 Series is built in Germany and shipped to Australia.

What is the heaviest BMW 5 Series sold in Australia?

The heaviest BMW 5 Series is the 525i variant which has a gross vehicle weight of 2205 kg.

What sort of fuel does the BMW 5 Series use?

The BMW 5 Series uses Premium Unleaded Petrol.

# Based on VFACTS and EVC data

† Displayed prices are based on the drive-away price of the vehicle, which includes delivery charges, registration fees, number plates, and applicable road taxes, based on a Sydney location. However, prices may vary between states and territories, and additional costs such as compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, dealer delivery fees, and optional extras are not included. These prices are subject to change without notice and may not reflect current market pricing or dealer offers.

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