Released in 1972, the 5 Series was BMW’s blank canvas when creating the ultimate driver’s car. With various petrol, diesel, hybrid and electrified versions throughout the 5 Series’ 8 generations, it’s the M5 that still has car enthusiasts salivating over spec sheets and 0-60 times. This is a sleeper car that rivals super and hypercars for sheer pace and driving pleasure, albeit at a fraction of the price.
The late 1990s E39 and mid-2000s E60 M5 (with a screaming V10) remain among the most popular cars in the German brand’s portfolio to this day. The cars pushed engine technology and sheer power, and steered brand identity by balancing driving dynamics and comfort in the executive car segment.
The M also spawned factory styling additions with revised front and rear bumper assemblies, integrated front spoilers and air scoops, a subtle rear spoiler and M-specific mirrors. These morphed into the M-Sport packages offered as factory options in the less powerful 5 cars. Interestingly, the aftermarket followed suit, with bespoke lines of BMW 5 Series styling parts. Both have the aim of improving aero performance and adding a bit of flair.
Why Consider Exterior Styling Parts for Your 5?
No 5 Series is short on power, or, for that matter, unique styling. Adding exterior body parts, however, changes both components and the cars in crucial ways:
- Enhanced aerodynamics: Spoilers, splitters, side skirts and diffusers manipulate the oncoming air hitting the car, with the goal of reducing drag and lift, while increasing downforce. With the 5 commonly coming as a standard rear-drive setup, aero styling parts aim for stability, balance and maximised traction across both the front and rear axles. Front splitters increase downforce in the front tyres, while taming understeer for controlled cornering and shorter braking distances when combined with matching side skirts, rear spoilers and diffusers. This further emphasises the car’s famed 50:50 weight distribution. leading to predictable handling, optimal grip and responsive steering.
- Aesthetics: Entry-trim 5s can be bland and basic, especially in terms of the exterior design. To match the aggressive looks of the M5 without shelling out a considerable sum, consider the aesthetic benefits of optional factory M-Sport and M-Performance styling packages (for higher trims) or aftermarket M-inspired aero and conversion kits. The latter is the more affordable way to get the sporty look of M-cars.
- Durability and paint protection: With sports suspension fitted, the 5 sits lower than most sedans. Aftermarket kits consisting of front bumpers and integrated lips do a great job at protecting factory panels and the paintwork in general when hitting or scraping road obstacles like speed bumps, potholes or road debris. The same task is assigned to diffusers and more pronounced rear bumpers when shielding metal in the exhaust tips. Common styling parts materials, such as engineered ABS and reinforced polyurethane (PU) are considerably cheaper than the 5’s factory steel/aluminium/composite bodywork, and simpler to repair. This means fewer scratches, dents, and chipping in spirited track runs or when having fun on B-roads.
- Lower weight: Both ABS and PU are considerably lighter than the factory polypropylene (PP) commonly used by BMW in exterior bodywork, including the bumpers. The materials can shave off considerable weight if you’re after faster track times or skimming tenths off from 0-60 acceleration in head-to-head bouts. For serious weight savings, also consider carbon-fibre in both OEM and high-end aftermarket options, which, besides the lower weight (half that of aluminium and two-thirds of steel), is considerably stronger and more flexible when handling considerable stress, such as in high-speed bends, or abrupt braking.
- Simplified Fitment: Exterior body parts are engineered to fit the exact contours of the 5 body using advanced design technologies such as 3D scanning and CAD software, and parts that offer a seamless look. These are cut to ensure tight tolerances, proven, real-world tested aero benefits (with a secure fit), and trim-specific design peculiarities, such as diffuser exhaust cutouts for twin-tip systems.
Factory vs. Aftermarket Styling Kits: Know the Differences
When shopping for BMW 5 Series styling parts, consider the differences between OEM parts produced and installed by BMW, and aftermarket splitters, spoilers, bumpers, rear wings, side skirts and diffusers. often offered at discounted prices. Key differences affecting your purchase include:
Pricing: OEM M-Sport styling kits go for anywhere between £1800 and £6000 and are dependent on parts, your 5 Series model and trim, materials (carbon-fibre parts are dearer) and whether you option new alloys. By comparison, precision-engineered aftermarket kits with bumpers, spoilers, side skirts and diffusers in a high-gloss black or carbon look top out at around £800. This, though, doesn’t include installation or painting.
Fitment: Factory parts will always ensure a clean, integrated look with the rest of the bodywork. On that note, third-party styling parts builders have invested in considerable tech and research, but steer clear of budget options that involve major modifications such as cutting and drilling into the factory panels for comparable fit and finish.
Quality: BMW uses in-house polypropylene or polycarbonate and ABS blends for bumpers and protective body parts. With that said, M-performance packs step up to composite carbon-fibre reinforced plastics, or Kevlar, to achieve strength and motorsport-inspired aggressive looks. With wheels included, this can reach £10000 for the current G60/G61 5 cars, and more for discontinued cars. While ABS and PU parts exhibit high impact, scratch, chemical and heat resistance, are lightweight and easy to shape, they don’t quite match the OEM offerings for overall quality. At a fraction of the price, though, they come extremely close. Again, steer clear of excessively cheap materials (such as fibreglass) to prevent premature cracks, warping and difficulty with colour coding.
Defined warranties: M-Sport packages on new 5 Series cars are covered by a full new car manufacturer warranty, often 3 years for the UK and EU. Separate factory parts come with 2-year warranties when installed by authorised BMW dealerships. Aftermarket styling parts in ABS and PU generally have a one-year warranty. And high-end parts manufacturers (including body kits) usually offer 2-year warranties, and are often BMW-approved.