5 Series E60 vs S-Class W221: which is better?
BMW 5 Series E60 (2003–2010) vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 (2005–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E60
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E60 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2003–2010 | 2005–2013 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 (530i) | 3.5 V6 (S350) |
| Power, up to | 258 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque, up to | 300 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 841 mm | 5 076 mm |
| Width | 1 846 mm | 1 871 mm |
| Height | 1 468 mm | 1 473 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 888 mm | 3 035 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 90 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
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.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 90 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M272 (V6): balance shaft and intermediate shaft gear wear on engines before 2008
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M272 (V6)): wear of balance shaft and intermediate shaft gears on pre-2008 engines; intake manifold flap leaks.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E60 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- S-Class W221 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, 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 S-Class W221?
5 Series E60: up to 258 hp, S-Class W221: up to 272 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E60 — about 42 425 ₸, S-Class W221 — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.