2013 BMW 5 Series: common problems and reliability
· F10One of the weaker 5 Series years.
425 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 5 Series?The 2013 BMW 5 Series has 425 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag n63 v8 (550i) reliability: owners report expensive engine issues including rod bearings, valve stem seal leaks, and other auxiliary component failures; many say the car is only manageable with a comprehensive warranty.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 BMW 5 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 5 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2013 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 425 complaints, the 2013 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 2013 5 Series
exterior lighting
Campaign 15V188000BMW 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."
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 14V627000BMW 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 13V454000BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump
Campaign 24V608000BMW 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.
What owners report on the F10 5 Series
Owners widely praise the F10 for its timeless design, comfortable ride, and excellent daily-driver qualities, often calling it one of BMW’s best modern designs and a true successor to the E39.
- Very frequentN63 V8 (550i) reliability
Owners report expensive engine issues including rod bearings, valve stem seal leaks, and other auxiliary component failures; many say the car is only manageable with a comprehensive warranty.
- RecurrentN20 four-cylinder timing chain
Early N20 engines (2012-2014) are reported to have weak timing chain guides that can fail and destroy the engine; revised in later production.
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
Owners report needing replacement around 65k-75k miles.
- RecurrentValve cover gasket and oil cooler gasket leaks
Oil leaks onto the exhaust downpipe causing smoke, reported around 65k miles.
- IsolatedTiming chain stretch (N55/N47)
One owner notes that the timing chain on some engines can stretch and require replacement, which is an expensive job.
Owner insights for the F10 5 Series. Read the full F10 owner report.
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 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 5 Series against its rivals
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