Most common 2011 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of the 81 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 →
2011 BMW 5 Series recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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 › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
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.
Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
BMW is recalling certain 2010 and 2011 5-series and 5-series gran turismo passenger vehicles manufactured from January 12 through July 1, 2010. The vehicle's fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on October 18, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
What 2011 BMW 5 Series owners say
Wheels & tires all 32 →
Wheels / rims failed. Crack caused them to not hold air. Only driven for pleasure and no excessive driving or events. Failed under normal driving conditions in geography. Dealer refused to warranty.
Wheels / rims failed. Crack caused them to not hold air. Only driven for pleasure and no excessive driving or events. Failed under normal driving conditions in geography. Dealer refused to warranty.
Steering all 20 →
There are 3 major issues. 1. Vehicle tends to veer to the right. Feeling is quite like a vehicle that hasn't been aligned for a while. 2. The most dangerous. Upon acceleration and/or at low speed, the vehicle randomly jerks forward without any notice- making it too late for the driver to slam the brakes. If your vehicle is standing three feet behind another vehicle in stop and go traffic, you can easily crash and rear end into the car in front of you. And of course, you will be sued for not keeping your distance. This can easily cause some serious injuries. 3. Vehicle wobbles as if the tires were not balanced. There are clearly unknown defects that can not be located. Took it to the local BMW dealer, they keep ascribing it to "normal" characteristics and they keep informing me that bmws are built that way, they are now sportier. However, to any new owner, it is now deadlier. …
While make turns while driving the vehicle axel makes popping noise and steering wheel jerks violently. Took to shop they said nothing found wrong with car. Cv axel replaced on both sides problem still persists.also not even 10K miles the car went thru 2 belt tensioner causing the drive belt to snap/tear.
Transmission & drivetrain
There are 3 major issues. 1. Vehicle tends to veer to the right. Feeling is quite like a vehicle that hasn't been aligned for a while. 2. The most dangerous. Upon acceleration and/or at low speed, the vehicle randomly jerks forward without any notice- making it too late for the driver to slam the brakes. If your vehicle is standing three feet behind another vehicle in stop and go traffic, you can easily crash and rear end into the car in front of you. And of course, you will be sued for not keeping your distance. This can easily cause some serious injuries. 3. Vehicle wobbles as if the tires were not balanced. There are clearly unknown defects that can not be located. Took it to the local BMW dealer, they keep ascribing it to "normal" characteristics and they keep informing me that bmws are built that way, they are now sportier. However, to any new owner, it is now deadlier. …
While make turns while driving the vehicle axel makes popping noise and steering wheel jerks violently. Took to shop they said nothing found wrong with car. Cv axel replaced on both sides problem still persists.also not even 10K miles the car went thru 2 belt tensioner causing the drive belt to snap/tear.
2011 BMW 5 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 24 / 18 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series a good car?
Based on 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 5 Series rates avoid: 6.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 5 Series at the same age. It is one of the 5 Series years we suggest avoiding. 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 2011 BMW 5 Series?
The wheels & tires — 32 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (20) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 BMW 5 Series, the most recent from October 20, 2023 (engine). 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 2011 BMW 5 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 2,000 miles; 92% 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.