IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2020 BMW 5 Series (G30)

The facelift brought revised lights, newer infotainment, and wider mild-hybrid use on UK cars, but tyre wear and cooling niggles remain the main ownership notes.

What changed for 2020

  • •LCI update with refreshed styling and infotainment.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Tyres on inner shoulders, track-rod wear, and sensor faults after minor bumper damage.
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2020 period has 2 more issues than the BMW 5 Series (G30) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Active Grille Shutter Failure

ModerateCooling System

The aero flaps behind the grilles can stick or lose motor drive, triggering engine-management warnings and occasionally affecting warm-up behaviour.

Most affected: 520i, 530i, 540i, 520d, 530d

Estimated cost: £300–£600Affects: 2017–2020Often appears around: 30,000-80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine-management light with shutter faults
  • •Clicking from the grille area
  • •Overcooling or slow warm-up on some trips

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Scan for active-grille faults
  • ✓Inspect for stone or salt damage in the shutter assembly
  • ✓Check operation after a test drive rather than only from cold

Coolant Expansion Tank Leak

ModerateCooling System

Hairline cracks around the expansion tank or attached fittings can cause repeated low-coolant warnings on B48 and B58 petrol cars.

Most affected: 520i, 530i, 540i

Estimated cost: £150–£350Affects: 2017–2021Often appears around: 25,000-70,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Intermittent low-coolant warnings
  • •Pink residue around the tank seam
  • •Sweet smell after shutdown

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the tank and vent hose closely under strong light
  • ✓Check whether coolant level is stable across multiple heat cycles
  • ✓Look for recent top-up bottles in the boot

Display Key Screen Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Cars fitted with the touchscreen display key can suffer battery degradation, poor charging, or a dead screen, which is annoying rather than critical but expensive for a key.

Most affected: Higher-spec SE and M Sport models with display key option

Estimated cost: £200–£400Affects: 2017–2024Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-specific

Typical symptoms

  • •Blank or dim key screen
  • •Key losing charge quickly
  • •Intermittent comfort-access recognition

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Confirm both keys are present and working
  • ✓Check whether the display key charges properly in its cradle
  • ✓Do not overpay for the feature if it is already failing

Buying Tips for the 2020 BMW 5 Series (G30)

  • ✓LCI cars are desirable, though condition and options still matter more than model year alone.
2017–2019 BMW 5 Series (G30)2021 BMW 5 Series (G30)

Browse 2020 BMW 5 Series (G30) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2020 BMW 5 Series (G30) vehicles.

View 2020 Directory

Other BMW 5 Series (G30) Year Periods

2017–2019202020212022–2024

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