Most common 2009 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 5 Series complaints by model year
Best 5 Series years: 2002, 2010, 2009. Years to avoid: 2008, 2011, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2009 BMW 5 Series recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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…
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
What 2009 BMW 5 Series owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
On September 10, 2016 I purchased this car and I have been experiencing stalling and jerking violently and I was told it was bad gas from dealership I purchased it from. I went to BMW in October 2015 I was told it was fuel injectors I was told no recall on the car at that time. In March 2016 the car stopped on me and my visually impaired grandson without warning on the freeway. I took the car to conrad and was told it was the fuel pump so I took the car to different BMW service center now I am told it the fuel pump but not the one under warranty. Both service centers refuse to replace fuel pump that is under extended warranty which is the prime problem. I told them the fuel pump is under extended warranty. They name other stuff instead of replacing the problem the car is a safety hazard. BMW is not sticking to keeping their cars safe. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 5 Series. While driving 75 MPH, the vehicle's power seized and the high pressure fuel pump warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,500. The VIN was not available. Updated 01/05/2017 updated 01/23/17.
2009 BMW 5 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 5 Series a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 5 Series rates average: 38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 5 Series at the same age. It is one of the best 5 Series years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 5 Series?
The fuel & propulsion system — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › fuel pump. Next are the electrical system (2) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 5 Series have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 BMW 5 Series, the most recent from March 2, 2022 (crankcase (pcv)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 5 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2010 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2011, 2006 and 2004. See the full BMW 5 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 5 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.