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BMW 5-Series Reliability by Model Generation
Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year and Model | % of Average Repair Frequency | |
 2014 - 2016 BMW 5-Series |
Best
43%
Worst
|
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 2011 - 2013 BMW 5-Series |
Best
147%
Worst
|
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 2004 - 2010 BMW 5-Series |
Best
132%
Worst
|
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|
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|
Best
159%
Worst
|
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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the BMW 5-Series
| BMW 5-Series Reliability And Durability: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Full service for first 4 years. full 2008 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Tremendous warranty which includes annual oil change and inspection paid for by dealer. ANY problems are fixed at no charge to customer. full 2008 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Very good reputation. full 2007 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
No problems in 15,000 miles full 2007 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tried and true inline 6 cylinder engine. full 2005 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Very little rust after 8+ years coupled with top notch materials lasting quite a long time. Replacement parts were very costly but performed for long periods. Current owners offer great advice on what and when to perform preventative maintenance. full 2002 BMW 5-Series review |
| BMW 5-Series Reliability And Durability: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
- accelerator response (hesitation) - engine issues (check engine light requiring three service visits in two months) - engine malfunction light (part of turbo came disconnected) - faulty fuel sensor (recall first three months of new model year) full 2011 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Terrible reputation for poor reliability and absurdly high repair costs as early as 50,000 miles. full 2010 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Unbelievable maintenance after 50K miles, cost and effort. full 2010 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Over 80K many systems were beginning to break down full 2005 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Had several repairs the first month of ownership that were covered by CPO warranty...love that BMW CPO full 2004 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 4.4L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I picked the above "reason" because it's the worst feature of an otherwise perfect vehicle. The durability of the interior is quite frankly an embarassment. I've lost the buttons for max for the heater, up for the driver side temerature, and the top button for the airflow direction .... don't ask me where they went, they just disappeared! I've broken the drivers side cup holder (and come on ... how pathetic are those cup holders!), and once it breaks, it no longer clicks back into the closed position so now I have a half a cup holder sticking out. One other grievance relating to interior durability ... the plastic footrest (left foot) down below the hood lever also fell apart. The plastic just broke away in full 2002 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
This car is known to have a plethora of problems. I have yet to see if it will hold up well for me. full 2002 BMW 5-Series review |
| 2001 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
dealer ship as a mess full 2001 BMW 5-Series review |
