BMW 5 Series Engine Problems

Engine complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Engine
  19
• Exhaust system
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  2336%
• 25k–50k
  1625%
• 50k–75k
  1422%
• 75k–100k
  58%
• 100k–150k
  58%
• 150k+
  12%

What owners report

I was driving at about 65 MPH on a highway uphill, engine completely stalled, no power, got a message "drive-train malfunction, no maximum output, drive moderately". I was surrounded by cars/semi trucks, very dangerous situation. Managed to pull over on the should. Could not restart car, got a message "automatic start/stop deactivated: engine will not start automatically. Press the start/stop button to start the engine." about 30 mins after engine stalled, I finally restarted the car. Continued to drive on the highway for about 10 miles @ 60-65 MPH. At a local street, as I slowed down to approach a traffic light, engine stalled again, no power, car stopped in the middle of road, got the two same messages, could not start car. About 30 mins after engine stalled, I finally started the car.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 5-Series. The contact stated that the vehicle excessively overheated without warning. The contact constantly had to exercise caution in the event that the vehicle May have reduced engine power and was uncertain if the failure would result in a fire. BMW gallery of norwood (918 boston providence hwy, norwood, ma 02062, [phone]) was notified of the failure, but had not specified if the failure was related to any recall campaigns or technical service bulletins. The dealer stated that further diagnostic testing was required. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a camshaft failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number- 14V176000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5-Series. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. …

I purchased a new BMW 535i on May 26, 2008 and on aug 8, 2008 while I was driving my car at 70 miles and hour the car started was shaking as if running on 3 cylinders. There was a message from the car stating engine malfunction reduced power! I waited 3 hours for a tow truck and after a few days I received a call from richmond BMW stating I needed a new high pressure fuel injection system. I said fine and then received a call the next day saying my car was ready. When I picked it up they didn't repair anything they said they were told by munich to just reset the light and claim atmospheric conditions!! On Friday September 5th while trying to cross an intersection I was almost t-boned when my car again lost power. Then on Saturday September 6th the engine lost power again and same message popped up on the idrive screen. …

The 2006 BMW 5 Series used aluminum head and valve cover bolts which were over-torqued during assembly and break after approximately 80K. BMW admits this problem exists but refuses to issue a recall. BMW's repair cost is ~$6000. These bolts are non serviceable and should never be removed, when broken they cause massive oil leaks and possibly fire. I contacted BMW, they requested to review the car. BMW agreed that the bolts were broken then refused to fix the problem claiming the car has too many miles. BMW knew the mileage when they requested to review the problem ... Why waste my time if they knew they were going to do nothing? My vehicle now losses approximately 1-2 quarts of oil per 100 miles. I am chagrined that BMW will not admit their manufacturing defect. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil and the brakes failed while driving at low speeds. The brakes worked normally when applied at high speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a new power brake booster and vacuum pump needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 104,932.

Related recalls (4)