Generation-specific owner insights from 45+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?1,216
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2013–2016
14
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment toward the 2013-2016 F10H 5 Series is sharply divided by engine choice.
7 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · medium confidence
Water pump, thermostat, sensors, and hoses.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal suggests the 535i with the N55 inline-six is the most positively regarded gasoline option within this generation, while the 528i's N20 four-cylinder is strongly discouraged.
Owners compare it most often with the Lexus GS, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, Genesis G80 and Lincoln Continental.
Is a 2013–2016 5 Series right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owner sentiment toward the 2013-2016 F10H 5 Series is sharply divided by engine choice. The 528i's N20 four-cylinder is widely condemned as unreliable and is repeatedly singled out for avoidance, with one owner calling the 2013 model a car to avoid "at all costs." In contrast, owners of six-cylinder models report far more positive experiences, with several describing their cars as solid, dependable, and among the best vehicles they have owned. The 550i's N63 V8 is described as a costly "time bomb," while the 535i's N55 is viewed as merely acceptable by German standards. Overall, owners characterize these cars as rewarding but expensive to maintain properly, with no cheap ownership path unless you can do your own work.
Owners comparing the F10H to competitors note that German cars generally require more money to own long-term out of warranty compared to a Lexus. One owner stated that for reliability and a luxurious feel while driving, the Lexus wins "hands down," while BMW offers more versatility between cruiser and sporty modes when properly equipped. Another noted that BMW and Mercedes have better infotainment and more modern powertrains than the Lexus, which uses an older naturally aspirated V6. Owners also observed that both BMW and Mercedes hold value poorly compared to Lexus, making leasing a popular approach for German vehicles.
Owners advise avoiding the 2013 528i specifically, with one commenter warning to "avoid the 2013 at all costs" due to the N20 engine. The 535i's N55 is described as "just barely okay by German-car standards," while the 550i's N63 is called a "$17,000 time bomb" and a "nightmare car." For those considering a 535i, one owner noted the engine is a single twin-scroll turbo, not twin-turbo as some believe. No owner recommended a specific configuration as ideal for purchase.
Owners emphasize that these cars require significant financial commitment as they age, with one noting they are "leaving the 'still almost new' stage and starting to enter the 'needs expensive maintenance' stage." A recurring theme is that buyers should be prepared for costly repairs, with one owner stating "there are no cheap BMWs unless you can do the work yourself." Another owner advised that a ten-year-old BMW can cost less than leasing a new car if you are diligent, but it will never be as inexpensive as a comparable Japanese luxury vehicle. One owner specifically warned that US service intervals are too long and that high-mileage examples may have been functionally neglected by owners following the recommended schedule. Owners also note that the 2013 model year is particularly problematic due to the N20 engine.
One owner who sold a fully loaded 2013 model reported it "never gave me a single problem" despite having extensive options including night vision, cameras, and head-up display, and stated the car's infotainment system remained superior to a brand-new Mercedes MBUX system years later. Another owner with a 2013 model at 98k MSRP called it "one of the best cars I ever owned." These positive reports appear to come from six-cylinder models, contrasting sharply with the negative consensus on the N20 four-cylinder. A 2015 520d owner reported the car "still looks like new, drives well" with plans to keep it as long as possible. Owners also noted that premium fuel is required, with one calculating the savings from using midgrade at only about $22 per month while risking engine damage on a turbocharged engine. Analysis based on approximately 45 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 249 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2015 | 252 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 290 | 6 | engine |
| 2013 | 425 | 4 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)campaign 18V755000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
2015 · fuel system, dieselcampaign 21V907000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
2015 · fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V586000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pumpcampaign 24V608000
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
2014 · exterior lightingcampaign 15V188000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2014 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V527000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
2014 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pumpcampaign 24V608000
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
2014 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)campaign 18V755000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
2014 · fuel system, dieselcampaign 21V907000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
2014 · fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V586000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
2013 · exterior lightingcampaign 15V188000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2013 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 14V627000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
1 more recall not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.