2011 BMW 5 Series: common problems and reliability

Is 2011 a good year for the 5 Series?

Across the 19 5 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1996) to 866 (2011). With 866 complaints, the 2011 5 Series sits abovethe model's median of 110.

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

What owners report on the F10 5 Series

Owners are sharply divided on the 2011-2013 F10. Many praise its timeless, elegant design, comfortable ride, and hydraulic steering, often calling it a true successor to the E39. However, reliability is a major concern: the N20 four-cylinder engine in the 528i

• N20 engine (528i) timing chain guide failure: Frequency: very frequent. Owners report this can cause catastrophic engine failure; 2012-2014 models are most affected, with 2013 specifically warned against.
• N63 V8 engine (550i) oil consumption and engine failure: Frequency: very frequent. Multiple owners describe the N63 as notoriously unreliable, with recalls for fuel pumps that still fail, and pre-LCI models known to blow engines.
• Driveshaft flex disc wear: Frequency: isolated. One owner reported this as a chassis issue on a 528i (N52) at high mileage.
• Rear differential bushing wear: Frequency: isolated. Reported alongside the flex disc issue on a high-mileage 528i.
• Rod bearing issues on N55 (535i): Frequency: isolated. One owner reported a 535i with 75k miles developing knocking shortly after purchase; another mentioned rod bearings as a somewhat common issue, but this is not widely echoed.

Owner insights for the F10 5 Series. Read the full F10 owner report.

Typical used price

Used 5 Series listings typically run $15,199–$26,297 across 2011 to 2026 model years.

Compare the 5 Series against its rivals