2011 BMW 525i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2011 BMW 525i has a complaint index of 17, no owner complaints on file, and 1 recall covering the PCV valve heater. Among the 7 model years with data, it ranks 6th worst, meaning it performs better than most other years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 525i years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 0
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- —
Top 2011 BMW 525i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
No component data.
2011 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.
2011 compared with other 525i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 BMW 525i reliable?
- NHTSA lists zero complaints for the 2011 BMW 525i and a complaint index of 17, which is low compared to other years of this model. It ranks 6th worst out of 7 model years with data, meaning most other years have more reported problems.
- Does the 2011 BMW 525i have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V683000) covers the PCV valve heater on the engine. BMW dealers replace the PCV valve heater free of charge; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What year BMW 525i should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006 and 2007 model years carry Avoid verdicts, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100 and 3 and 2 recalls respectively. The 2011 model year is not flagged as Avoid.
- How does the 2011 525i compare to other years?
- The 2011 525i has a complaint index of 17 and 1 recall, far lower than the 2006 (83) and 2007 (100) indexes. It ranks 6th worst among the 7 years with data, indicating fewer reported problems than most other years.