Used BMW 5 Series SE for sale

What is the BMW 5 Series SE?

Although a BMW 5 Series SE is an entry-level model, it comes loaded with a lot more kit than you’d usually get in a typical family hatchback.

The German manufacturer stopped selling this model with the introduction of its eighth-generation G60 model introduced in late 2023, but you can buy a used BMW 5 Series SE from the seventh-generation G30 car, which still looks very attractive.

Besides a more budget-friendly price tag, the BMW 5 Series SE is also available with some of the brand’s most economical engine options, helping to keep the costs of premium motoring down.

– Read our BMW 5 Series review

What are the BMW 5 Series SE specs?

Two of the most common engine options are the 184hp 520i petrol and the 190hp 520d diesel, which use economical 2.0-litre engines.

There are also some 3.0-litre picks, including the 286hp 530d diesel and the 340hp 540i petrol.

If you like the sound of doing around 30 miles around town on electric power alone, a pair of plug-in hybrid models were also available – the 292hp 530e with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and the 394hp 545e with a 3.0-litre petrol engine.

Used BMW 5 Series SE features and equipment

Despite being the most affordable version of the 5 Series, the SE still gets large alloy wheels, interior ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and some leather trim inside.

They also get parking sensors, cruise control and LED headlights, though it’s worth checking any individual listing because BMW changed the kit over the years.

Newer models also come with a pair of 12.3-inch screens – one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the touchscreen infotainment system which uses the highly acclaimed iDrive system.

Where the 5 Series SE sits in the BMW range

SE is the entry-level model for the 5 Series, but it comes loaded with kit. BMW phased out this model with the introduction of the 5 Series G60, but you can buy SE models spanning back multiple generations.

The mid-range model used to be Sport in the early noughties. For a period at the start of the 2010s, there were mid-spec Modern and top-tier Luxury models available, but these didn’t last long before BMW changed the naming system.

Since then, and until now, M Sport is the highest trim you can get. It’s a sporty-looking variant that comes with more kit.