2005 BMW 5 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 BMW 5 Series has a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Airbags are the top problem area with 10 complaints (48% share), and NHTSA lists 4 recalls, including one for airbags and one for brakes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #4 of 9 5 Series years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2005 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags10 (48%)
- Electrical System4 (19%)
- Brakes3 (14%)
- Structure & Body2 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the frontal airbag warning light stays illuminated even after dealer repairs, sometimes with the passenger airbag deactivated.
- Some owners were told their VIN was excluded from the airbag recall despite showing the same symptoms.
- Brake vacuum pump leaks caused increased stopping distance and longer braking time at low speeds, even after recall repairs.
- One owner reported a steering system failure tied to the serpentine belt on BMW's active steering system, resulting in a temporary loss of steering control and a crash.
- A rear passenger door reportedly popped open and would not latch while the vehicle was moving.
2005 BMW 5 Series recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Electrical System367,682 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 10V446000Oct 1, 2010Brakes198,352 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 08V384000Aug 5, 2008Airbags200,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Bmw is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
Risk: In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on november 6, 2008. Bmw will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
2005 compared with other 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 BMW 5 Series has a Complaint Index of 63 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 9 model years with data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW 5 Series?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 10 of 21 complaints (48%), followed by electrical system issues with 4 complaints and brakes with 3 complaints.
- Does the 2005 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 BMW 5 Series, covering the electrical system (battery cable connector), brakes (vacuum pump leak), airbags (passenger seat sensor mat), and transmission (parking pawl guide plate).
- How does the 2005 model compare to other 5 Series years?
- The 2005 model's Complaint Index of 63 is worse than the 2007 (38, Good), 2010 (13, Best), and 2012 (25, Good) model years, but better than 2006 (75), 2008 (100), and 2011 (88), all rated Avoid.
- What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2005 5 Series?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,500 miles overall, with airbag complaints centered around 71,512 miles and brake and electrical complaints around 80,000 miles.