Photo: Manoj Prasad from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2010 BMW 5 Series: common problems and reliability
An average 5 Series year.
207 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 5 Series?The 2010 BMW 5 Series has 207 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2010 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 5 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2010 a good year for the 5 Series?
Across the 30 5 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 17 (2022) to 1,947 (2011). With 207 complaints, the 2010 5 Series sits above the model's median of 111.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2010 5 Series
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Campaign 22V119000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 23V707000BMW 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. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is highly polarized and generation-dependent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 5 Series. See the full 5 Series owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used 5 Series listings typically run $13,000–$30,593.
Other 5 Series model years
Compare every 5 Series year side by side to see how 2010 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 5 Series against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy