Road Tax Calculator for BMW 5 Series

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The BMW 5 Series is a top choice in the UK's luxury sedan category. It's famous for its top-notch features and strong performance. But, owning one means you must pay road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). This guide will explain all about road tax for the BMW 5 Series in the UK. It will cover how much you might pay, considering the car's engine, emissions, and fuel type.

Key Takeaways

The road tax you'll pay for a BMW 5 Series in the UK depends on CO2 emissions, engine size, and fuel type.
Hybrid and other clean fuel BMW 5 Series get a lucky break, with a road tax of £0 if they have low emissions.
For the usual fuel types, road tax for a BMW 5 Series can be from £0 to £180 yearly. This depends on how much CO2 the car spits out.
But, if it's high on CO2 and uses alternative fuel, that annual road tax can zoom up to £555.
Good news though, some BMW 5 Series cars are so clean they get the low tax rate, band A, which is £0. They emit 100g/km CO2 or less.

Understanding Road Tax in the UK

In the UK, every vehicle must have a road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), each year. How much you pay depends on the car's engine, fuel, and CO2 emissions. The goal is to push people to buy cars that are kinder to the environment by charging more for polluting cars.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)

For the 2024/25 financial year in the UK, car tax costs a flat £190, except for hybrid cars which get a £10 discount. Cars worth more than £40,000 new face an extra £410 'premium car tax' on top of the regular VED. From 2025, electric cars will no longer get free road tax.

Factors Affecting Road Tax Rates

Between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, cars were taxed based on their CO2 emissions, with lower emissions getting cheaper tax. Older cars, from before 1 March 2001, or after March 2001 to April 2017, are grouped differently based on engine size or CO2 emissions. Post-April 2017, there are newer tax bands reflecting the car's emissions, with all cars later paying a standard £190. The UK changed this system in 2017 due to lower CO2 emissions.

Not all the road tax money collected goes to fixing roads; it goes into a larger fund. Since 2014, there's no tax disc, and everything is managed digitally. You'll get a reminder before your tax is due, with the option to pay for six or 12 months. Car tax can be paid online, by phone, or at the Post Office, but addressing extra fees by direct debit is advisable. If you don't pay your car tax on time, you could face an £80 fine, which drops to £40 if paid within 33 days.

BMW 5 Series Road Tax Breakdown

The road tax for a BMW 5 Series depends mainly on its engine size and how much it pollutes. Cars with bigger engines and more emissions pay more tax. An example is the 520 M Sport Edition 520i 184 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop. It costs £47,270 a year in road tax because it emits 152g/km of CO2. On the other hand, the 525d 2.0 SE Auto 4dr BMW pays £42,630 yearly for its 116 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Engine Size and Emissions

The BMW 5 Series comes in many models, with prices from £25,925 to £47,270. NEDC CO2 emissions for these cars vary from 158 g/km to 267 g/km. Things like the type of fuel and how much CO2 the car produces influence its road tax. Prices change based on the car's CO2 levels and its setup.

Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, or Hybrid

There are both petrol and diesel BMW 5 Series models. Diesels usually emit less CO2 than petrol cars. Cars with CO2 emissions below 100 g/km get tax-free status. Tax rates differ for cars that run on alternative fuels and regular cars. The yearly tax for these models can be anywhere from £0 to £555, depending on CO2 levels and the fuel they use.

bmw 5 series road tax

Standard Rate for First Year

If you're getting a new BMW 5 Series, you'll pay road tax for the first year based on its CO2 emissions. This first-year tax is called the "standard rate." For example, the BMW 520 M Sport 520i, which emits 208 g/km of CO2, has a £0 tax. Also, cars emitting between 110 g/km and 142 g/km get £0 tax, covering most 520d and 520i models. Even the BMW 530i, with emissions of 132 g/km, has a £0 tax.

Premium Rate for Cars Over £40,000

If your chosen BMW 5 Series costs more than £40,000, there's an extra tax for the next five years. You'll pay a £390 premium on top of the standard rate each year. This rule affects models like the BMW 520 M Sport and SE, with various CO2 emissions. The 545e xDrive Se, for instance, emits 39 g/km and gets taxed at £57,965. But, luxury models like the M550 xDrive are exempt, so even with 247 g/km CO2 emissions, it's still £0 tax.

BMW 530e Hybrid: A Cost-Effective Choice?

The BMW 530e is part of the 5 Series family but stands out. It balances power with saving fuel. This hybrid model has lower emissions than standard cars. That means you pay less for road tax. Plus, the 530e is good on fuel and can go fully electric for short trips. For many, this makes it a smart buy.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

When it comes to fuel economy, the 530e shines. It gets up to 72 MPGe. In comparison, the 530i does just 27 MPG. Plus, you can go about 19 miles only on electric power. These numbers mean big savings for drivers.

Insurance Considerations

Choosing the 530e for its eco-friendliness is great, but it has a downside. Because it's a bit more complicated, insurance might cost more. Thinking about insurance hikes is key to understanding the true cost of owning the 530e.

Feature	BMW 530e Hybrid	BMW 530i
Starting Price	$52,400	$52,400
Fuel Efficiency	72 MPGe	27 MPG
Electric-Only Range	19 miles	N/A
Tax Credit	$4,668	N/A
Driving Assistance Package	$1,700	$1,700
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.1 gallons	18 gallons
Range Difference	116 miles	N/A

BMW's Warranty and Servicing Options

Buying a BMW 5 Series means grabbing the chance to use the carmaker's solid warranty and servicing deals. These can lower the total ownership costs. New BMWs, including the 5 Series, are covered under a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. This also includes roadside help. If you pick the BMW 530e hybrid, there's a special battery warranty. It lasts six years or up to 100,000 miles.

Battery Warranty for Hybrids

The BMW 530e, part of the 5 Series lineup and a plug-in hybrid, enjoys a strong battery warranty. It guards the high-voltage battery for eight years or up to 100,000 miles. This extra protection means those choosing the electrified 5 Series can relax. Their car investment is well guarded against battery worries.

Fixed-Price Servicing Packages

Budgeting for maintaining a BMW 5 Series is made easier with the brand's fixed-price servicing deals. The BMW Ultimate Care is one such program. It covers scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. And there's unlimited oil and oil filter changes during that time. You can even stretch the benefits to a seven-year mark with the BMW Ultimate Care+ option. This makes long-term cost planning smoother for 5 Series users.

Owning a 5 Series, made better by BMW's warranty and servicing choices, is a true joy. It lets owners manage costs well and relish the luxury and performance their BMW offers with extra confidence.

Comparing Road Tax Costs with Competitors

When you look at the BMW 5 Series, it's smart to check out the road tax. Compare it with others like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and Volvo S90 in the UK market. These are all big rivals and come with different road tax costs.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is in the same price range as the BMW 5 Series. It's popular with business folks and families across the UK. Just like the 5 Series, it also offers different trims inspired by sportier models like the E63 AMG.

Both cars have unique LED day running lights, big grilles, and cool alloy wheels. This is true even for their basic models, making them stand out.

The Mercedes E-Class has a mix of engines including the E200 (184hp), E350 (313hp), and E400d (330-340hp). It gives buyers a lot of choices. For example, the Mercedes E 220 d AMG Line costs £39,170. It has a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 191bhp. Its road tax is £30 a year.

Audi A6 and Volvo S90

The Audi A6 and Volvo S90 are rivals too. They, like the BMW and Mercedes, offer different engines and trims. This variety appeals to various buyers' tastes and budgets.

The Jaguar XF R-Sport 2.0d 180 auto is another option. It has a 2.0-litre diesel engine putting out 178bhp. This model costs £36,850. Its yearly road tax is £30.

In the end, road tax for these luxury cars depends on the model's engine, emissions, and fuel. Buyers must look closely at these factors. This analysis helps choose the right luxury sedan that meets their needs and budget.,

Conclusion

In the UK, road tax for the BMW 5 Series matters a lot to potential buyers. The cost of road tax varies based on the car's engine size, emissions, and fuel. Knowing these details helps buyers pick wisely when looking for a luxury sedan.

Remember, the road tax is just one piece of the puzzle when thinking about costs. It's essential to think about other things like how the car performs, its gas mileage, and warranty. The BMW 5 Series comes in different models, each affecting road tax differently. Considering everything, including road tax and value, is key. This way, buyers can choose what's best for their preferences and budget.

To wrap up, road tax is important for the BMW 5 Series, but just part of the story. Buyers should do their homework and think about all aspects wisely. This ensures they find a 5 Series model that fits their needs and is a good investment.

FAQ

What is the road tax for the BMW 5 Series in the UK?

The road tax for a BMW 5 Series in the UK depends on its engine size and CO2 emissions. Bigger engines and those with higher CO2 emissions pay more. This means a high-performance model will likely have a higher road tax to pay.

What factors affect the road tax rates for the BMW 5 Series?

The road tax rate for a BMW 5 Series is influenced by the engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. The UK wants to encourage people to buy cars that are kinder to the environment. This is why the tax system favors cars with lower emissions.

How is the road tax calculated for a new BMW 5 Series?

When you first buy a new BMW 5 Series, its road tax is based on the CO2 emissions. If the car costs over £40,000 new, you will also pay extra tax for the next five years.

What are the benefits of the BMW 530e hybrid model in terms of road tax?

The BMW 530e, a hybrid version, has lower emissions. This means a lower road tax than standard petrol or diesel cars. Its fuel efficiency and electric-only mode can save you money, making it a smart buy for some people.

How does the BMW 5 Series compare to its competitors in terms of road tax?

Comparing the 5 Series to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90 is key. The road tax can be different based on engine, emissions, and fuel. This means the 5 Series might have higher or lower tax than its competitors.

Road Tax Calculator for BMW 5 Series