2009 BMW 525i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2009 BMW 525i has a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th worst of 7 model years. NHTSA lists 1 complaint, 1 fire, and 1 recall (PCV valve heater) tied to the Electrical System.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 525i years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2009 BMW 525i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System1 (100%)
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 a burning smell while driving on the highway.
- The iDrive display showed a battery icon along with a "charging system malfunction" message and a warning that the battery was not being charged.
- Shortly after the warning appeared, power in the vehicle began surging.
- An additional warning message about the 4x4 system and DSC appeared during the electrical event.
- The failure was reported at a median mileage of 123,000 miles.
2009 BMW 525i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2009 compared with other 525i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW 525i reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 50 for the 2009 525i, ranking 4th worst among the 7 model years with data. It has 1 complaint, 1 fire, and 1 recall on file.
- What problems does the 2009 BMW 525i have?
- The single reported complaint involved the Electrical System, describing a charging system malfunction with a burning smell and power surging, reported at 123,000 miles.
- Does the 2009 BMW 525i have any recalls?
- Yes. Recall 17V683000 covers the PCV valve heater on 2007-2011 525i and related BMW models; dealers replace the part free of charge.
- How does the 2009 525i compare to other years?
- The 2009 525i has a complaint index of 50, better than 2006 (83) and 2007 (100), which are both rated Avoid, but worse than 2008 (33).