Which BMW 5 Series years should you avoid?

The BMW 5 Series years to avoid are 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006 and 2004: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2017. Graded from 24 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common BMW 5 Series problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are engine (1,262 complaints), electrical system (1,214 complaints), air bags (850 complaints).

BMW 5 Series years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006, 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2017

24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 28 model years, the BMW 5 Series has 6,770 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 101 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2011 drew the most complaints (1,947), 2022 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (17).

Model years tracked

6,770

Owner complaints

101

Recalls

119

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,000–$30,593.

Which 5 Series years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2024	18	6	service brakes
2023	18	1	engine
2022	17	0	power train
2021	28	2	electrical system
2020	17	3	electrical system
2019	52	2	electrical system
2018	160	0	air bags
2017	38	1	air bags
2016	249	0	electrical system
2015	252	4	electrical system
2014	290	6	engine
2013	425	4	engine
2012	626	5	engine
2011	1,947	7	tires
2010	207	2	engine
2009	111	4	engine
2008	432	4	electrical system
2007	284	4	air bags
2006	388	8	air bags
2005	192	5	air bags
2004	320	8	air bags
2003	119	2	air bags
2002	98	2	air bags
2001	104	7	air bags
2000	101	4	engine and engine cooling
1999	94	3	service brakes
1998	76	4	engine and engine cooling
1997	107	3	engine and engine cooling

Highest: 2011 (1,947 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (17).

Where owners report problems

engine1,262

electrical system1,214

air bags850

power train630

fuel/propulsion system544

What owners say

Sentiment is highly polarized and generation-dependent.

RecurrentExcessive size and lack of physical controls (G60 generation)
Criticized as too large and unsatisfying due to digital switches for even basic functions like airflow vents.
RecurrentHigh maintenance costs and unreliable engines (specific to older V8 models)
The N63 V8 engine (in 550i/750i) is regarded as one of BMW's most unreliable, requiring expensive repairs. General maintenance for high-mileage examples is costly.
IsolatedDigital interface and haptic feedback concerns (newer generations)
Buttons may not work in very cold weather (below -10°C / 14°F), failing to recognize touch with gloves.
IsolatedBrake squealing and rotor runout
Specifically noted on M-Sport brakes in colder climates, attributed to improper bedding and high-carbon metallurgy.

Owner insights cover all generations of the 5 Series. Individual model years are broken down above.

Generations

G60 (2023-2026)F10H (2013-2016)F10 (2011-2013)F10 (2010-2016)E61 (2004-2010)E60 (2003-2010)E39 (1995-2004)

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