Used BMW 5 Series Brake Caliper

No — the E60 (2003–2010) and F10 (2010–2017) are completely different generations with different subframes, hubs, and brake architectures, so calipers are not interchangeable between them. Always quote your exact registration to the breaker so they can confirm the correct generation and specification.

Generation matters a great deal — the E39 (1995–2004), E60 (2003–2010), F10 (2010–2017), and G30 (2017–present) all use different braking systems that are not cross-compatible. Even within a generation, engine size can affect caliper size, as larger-engined variants such as the 530d or 540i were often fitted with bigger brakes than smaller-engined models like the 520i, so give the breaker your full registration rather than just the model name.

Trim level alone does not determine caliper fitment on the BMW 5 Series — what actually matters is the engine variant and the generation of the car. That said, if your car has had an M Sport or optional sports brake package fitted, the caliper specification can differ from a standard SE of the same engine and year, so confirm the exact setup on your car with the breaker against your registration rather than assuming trim badge tells the whole story.

Both years fall within the F10 generation (2010–2017), so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility, but BMW made mid-generation updates that could affect brake specifications on certain variants, and you should confirm the exact part match with the breaker using both registrations before buying.

Yes, absolutely — front and rear calipers are handed, meaning the nearside (NS, left) and offside (OS, right) units are mirror images of each other and are not interchangeable. Always tell the breaker which corner you need, and double-check by confirming the bleed nipple position on any used caliper before it is fitted.

It may do, since braking system design broadly follows engine size and vehicle weight rather than fuel type within the same generation, but a high-output petrol such as a 540i is often fitted with larger calipers than a 520d even if both are in the same generation like the F10. Give the breaker both registrations or your full engine code so they can match the correct specification rather than assuming diesel-to-petrol is a straightforward swap.