BMW 5 Series Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 5 Series model year from 2002–2012 using 415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 14 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2006 and 2004, which drew far more complaints than other 5 Series years at the same age. The best years are 2002, 2010 and 2009.

11model years
415complaints
14recalls
2008, 2011worst years
2002, 2010best years

Complaints by model year

2002200320042005200620072008200920102011201271564218513105868110
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 5 Series. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201210−25%—TransmissionAverage
2011816.3×4Wheel & TireAvoid
20106−50%5EngineGood
20098−38%3Fuel SystemAverage
20081058.1×3Fuel SystemAvoid
200713typical3AirbagAverage
2006856.1×7AirbagAvoid
2005211.4×4AirbagAverage
2004644.2×6AirbagAvoid
200315−25%—AirbagAverage
20027−56%—TransmissionGood

* Complaints compared with the median 5 Series year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 5 Series problems

Latest BMW 5 Series recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 23V-707 · Oct 20, 2023 · 157,796 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 22V-119 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger

NHTSA recall 12V-161 · Apr 10, 2012 · 2,846 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, x5 sav, and x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 12V-126 · Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger

NHTSA recall 11V-521 · Oct 20, 2011 · 32,084 vehicles

BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

All 14 BMW 5 Series recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 5 Series should you avoid?

2008, 2011, 2006 and 2004 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 5 Series years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2008.

What is the best year for the BMW 5 Series?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other 5 Series years at the same age, followed by 2010 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common BMW 5 Series problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (91), engine & cooling (69) and electrical system (64). Airbag complaints peak in the 2006 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 5 Series had?

14 recalls across 2002–2012. The model year with the most is 2006. See all BMW 5 Series recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.