The current BMW 5-Series can tow up to 2,000 kg braked. Figures below are the strongest variant in each generation — lighter trims and engines tow less.
Unbraked (no trailer brakes): 750 kg.
| Years | Braked | Unbraked |
|---|---|---|
| 1974–1981 | 1,600 | 500 |
| 1981–1988 | 1,500 | 640 |
| 1988–1995 | 2,100 | 750 |
| 1995–present | 2,000 | 750 |
Towing capacity is the manufacturer-rated maximum for the model's strongest variant in each generation, not an average across trims — a base engine will tow less than the figure shown. Cars with an implausible source-data towing figure relative to their own kerb weight are excluded rather than shown with a guessed correction.