Should I buy a diesel-hybrid BMW 5 Series?
The question
Should I buy a BMW 5 Series diesel-hybrid second hand? Is this a high risk and does the extra weight impact performance?
Asked by Kevin F ·
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
There was never any full-hybrid BMW 5 Series nor a plug-in hybrid using diesel. BMW’s diesel engines have used “mild-hybrid” technology for many years though, and for a given model year you generally can’t choose to have one with or without that – it was either standard or it was not.
The mild-hybrid system adds a modest amount of weight, but it more than makes up for that with a little boost to the performance, as well as to economy. So, generally, it’s a good thing to have.
If you actually meant to ask about the plug-in-hybrid 5 Series, such as the 530e or 545e, these are fuelled by petrol and while they are heavy due to the weight of the big battery and electric motor, they are also really powerful, so performance is not an issue at all.
The plug-in-hybrid system in earlier examples is known to potentially develop expensive issues, however, so do your homework on that if this is the car you are referring to. And for a diesel, check the service history and make sure there’s no problem with the diesel particulate filter.
Answered by Shane O' Donoghue