What years of the BMW 5 Series should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2006, 2008, and 2011 are rated Avoid. The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2011 at 88 and 2006 at 75.

What is the best BMW 5 Series year?

The 2010 model year is rated Best, with only 6 complaints and the lowest complaint index of all years at 13, despite carrying 5 recall campaigns. 2007 and 2012 are also rated Good.

What are the most common problems with the BMW 5 Series?

Across all years, Engine issues make up 20% of complaints, Fuel System 18%, Airbags 18%, Electrical System 17%, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires 16%.

Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have recalls?

Yes, the 2011 5 Series has 4 recall campaigns, including two auxiliary water pump recalls and a VANOS bolt replacement recall, none marked do-not-drive.

Is the 2008 BMW 5 Series reliable?

The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index (100) of any 5 Series year in this dataset, with 105 complaints centered on the fuel system and engine, so it is rated Avoid relative to other years.

BMW 5 Series Best and Worst Years (2005–2023)

Avoid 2006, 2008, and 2011 BMW 5 Series years — they carry the highest complaint indexes (75, 100, and 88) and multiple recalls. The 2010 model year is rated Best with a complaint index of just 13, while 2007 and 2012 are also Good choices.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2006 Avoid 2008 Avoid 2011 Best 2010

Model years: 9; 2005–2023
NHTSA complaints: 329
Recall campaigns: 12
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 8
Top problem area: Engine

5 Series Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 5 Series problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Caution	63	21	2	1	4	Airbags	—	—
2006	Avoid	75	85	4	2	7	Airbags	—	—
2007	Good	38	13	0	0	3	Airbags	—	—
2008	Avoid	100	105	1	3	3	Fuel System	—	—
2009	Caution	50	8	1	0	3	Fuel System	—	—
2010	Best	13	6	0	0	5	Engine	—	—
2011	Avoid	88	81	2	2	4	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2012	Good	25	10	0	0	0	Engine	—	—
2023	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—

5 Series years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 BMW 5 Series Index 100 · 105 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 105 complaints and 3 recalls. Fuel System problems accounted for 46% of complaints at a median 22,250 miles, including engine smoking tied to a high-pressure fuel pump that owners said cracked even after replacement. Engine complaints made up 38%, with a median failure mileage of 25,000. Owners also described brake fluid running low and causing a crash, and electrical ground wires melting near tail lights.

2008 fuel system problems →2008 engine problems →2008 electrical system problems →

2011 BMW 5 Series Index 88 · 81 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 5 Series carries a complaint index of 88 from 81 complaints and 4 recalls, including two separate auxiliary water pump recalls for turbocharged engines and a VANOS bolt replacement recall. Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues dominated at 42% of complaints, with a strikingly low median failure mileage of 3,350. Owners reported engine compartment fires shortly after parking, fuel pump malfunctions causing sudden stalls at low mileage, and persistent steering pull to the right that dealers could not resolve.

2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2011 steering problems →

2006 BMW 5 Series Index 75 · 85 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2006 5 Series logged 85 complaints and a complaint index of 75, with 7 recall campaigns. Airbags were the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,500. Owners reported airbags deploying with low pressure or failing to deploy in low-speed collisions. Electrical System issues followed at 27% of complaints, including flickering interior and exterior lights and one report of a computer lockout tied to a brake failure and crash. Recalls covered engine wiring, a battery cable connector, and a brake vacuum pump check valve that could leak oil.

2006 airbags problems →2006 electrical system problems →

Most common BMW 5 Series problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine67 (20%)
Fuel System59 (18%)
Airbags58 (18%)
Electrical System57 (17%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires52 (16%)
Transmission & Powertrain31 (9%)
Steering26 (8%)
Structure & Body20 (6%)
Brakes19 (6%)
Visibility & Wipers14 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 5 Series should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2006, 2008, and 2011 are rated Avoid. The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2011 at 88 and 2006 at 75.
What is the best BMW 5 Series year?: The 2010 model year is rated Best, with only 6 complaints and the lowest complaint index of all years at 13, despite carrying 5 recall campaigns. 2007 and 2012 are also rated Good.
What are the most common problems with the BMW 5 Series?: Across all years, Engine issues make up 20% of complaints, Fuel System 18%, Airbags 18%, Electrical System 17%, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires 16%.
Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have recalls?: Yes, the 2011 5 Series has 4 recall campaigns, including two auxiliary water pump recalls and a VANOS bolt replacement recall, none marked do-not-drive.
Is the 2008 BMW 5 Series reliable?: The 2008 model year has the highest complaint index (100) of any 5 Series year in this dataset, with 105 complaints centered on the fuel system and engine, so it is rated Avoid relative to other years.