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The short version
- The 5 Series wheel bearing chart runs by chassis code: E39 fronts are 513172, E60 fronts are 513210.
- Both generations share one rear: 512225, from 1997 to 2009.
- The older E34 splits its rear by body: 511020 sedan, 513180 wagon.
- Every number here is a bolt-on hub; BMW spared this car the press.
BMW people talk in chassis codes for a reason. Say “2005 5 Series” and the parts counter still needs to know if it is a late E39 or an early E60, because the fronts differ while the rears do not.
Fronts change, the rear stays
The E39 5 Series wheel bearing up front is 513172; the E60 that replaced it takes 513210.
At the rear, both run the same 512225 for twelve years straight, which is rare corporate discipline.
5 Series wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 to 2009 | Front hub, E60 and E61 | 513210 check price |
| 1997 to 2003 | Front hub, E39 | 513172 check price |
| 1992 to 1993 | Front hub, late E34 | 513125 check price |
| 1997 to 2009 | Rear hub, E39 and E60 | 512225 check price |
| 1989 to 1995 | Rear, E34 sedan | 511020 check price |
| 1982 to 1995 | Rear, E34 and E28 wagons and earlier | 513180 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Price links lead to Amazon searches for that number. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases.
Lookups run through the cross reference page.
The E34 body split
An E34 sedan rear is 511020 while the Touring wagon carries 513180, the number stretching back into the E28 era.
On a thirty-year-old BMW, check the body style before the year.
Know your chassis code
The transition years trap people: 2003 and 2004 both sold, and the code decides the front. The VIN or a look at the headlights settles it in seconds. The smaller sibling’s story is on the 3 Series page, and the make overview on the BMW page.
Heavy, fast, and honest about it
These are heavy cars driven quickly, and the fronts hum first, usually past 120,000 miles. Runflat tires drone convincingly enough to fake the symptom, so separate them before spending.
That separation is on the tire noise page.
Diagnosing a 5 Series wheel bearing
- Establish the chassis code before pricing anything.
- Rule out the runflats, the great BMW imitator.
- Weave at speed and place the hum.
- Rock each wheel at twelve and six.
- On an E34, check the body style for the rear.
The routine is on the checking page.
Common questions
Which 5 Series wheel bearing fits my front?
E39 (1997 to 2003): 513172. E60 (2004 to 2009): 513210. Late E34: 513125.
Is the rear really the same for both generations?
Yes, 512225 serves E39 and E60 alike, 1997 through 2009.
Do I need a press?
No. These are bolt-on hubs at every corner listed here.
Does xDrive change anything?
The all wheel drive cars follow their own front listings. Confirm by VIN on a 535xi-type car.
What about the M5?
Own hardware, own listings, outside this table.
And 2010 onward cars?
The F10 generation resets the numbers. Match those by VIN.