5 Series E60 vs GS III (S190): which is better?
BMW 5 Series E60 (2003–2010) vs Lexus GS III (S190) (2005–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E60
Lexus GS III (S190)Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E60 | Lexus GS III (S190) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2003–2010 | 2005–2011 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 (530i) | 3.0 V6 (GS300) |
| Power, up to | 258 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 300 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 841 mm | 4 825 mm |
| Width | 1 846 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 468 mm | 1 425 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 888 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 71 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 5 Series E60
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 258 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW N52 (3.0): hydraulic lifter ticking
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N52 (3.0)): hydraulic lifter tapping; valve cover gasket and filter housing leaks; electric water pump failure.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Lexus GS III (S190)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- Large tank: 71 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Lexus 3GR/4GR-FSE (V6) engine: carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Lexus 3GR/4GR-FSE (V6)): carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection; oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E60 — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
- GS III (S190) — if you care more about: torque, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 5 Series E60 or GS III (S190)?
5 Series E60: up to 258 hp, GS III (S190): up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E60 — about 42 425 ₸, GS III (S190) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.