2007 BMW 530i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2007 BMW 530i ranks worst of 16 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 100 and 73 complaints. Electrical system problems lead at 32% of complaints, with airbags and engine issues close behind, and it carries an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 16 530i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 73
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2007 BMW 530i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System23 (32%)
- Airbags20 (27%)
- Engine16 (22%)
- Brakes6 (8%)
- Steering6 (8%)
- Seat Belts5 (7%)
- Other4 (5%)
- Structure & Body4 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (5%)
- Fuel System2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the engine surging or hesitating at low speeds, in one case leading to a crash into a rock at 30 mph.
- Engine fires have been reported, including one that started as the car was ignited in the early morning and another with a ticking noise, burning odor, and smoke through the vents tied to recall 17V683000.
- Owners describe brake pedals traveling to the floor or failing to respond, with incidents at low speeds around 10 mph and 4 mph that resulted in crashes.
- One owner reported corroded rear brake hard lines causing brake fluid loss, describing it as common on this generation and its predecessor.
- A front passenger airbag warning light stayed on despite five repair attempts, with BMW unable to confirm the system was safe.
- Owners report water intrusion near the trunk affecting an electrical module (RDC), which in turn caused broader electrical system failures.
2007 BMW 530i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 13V564000Nov 12, 2013Airbags76,565 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2007 BMW 530i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other 530i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 BMW 530i reliable?
- Among 16 model years of the 530i tracked, 2007 has the highest complaint index at 100 and ranks worst overall, earning an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 530i?
- NHTSA data shows electrical system complaints make up 32% of reports, followed by airbags at 27% and engine issues at 22%. The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 107,500 miles.
- Does the 2007 BMW 530i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a PCV valve heater on the engine (campaign 17V683000) and one covering airbags (campaign 13V564000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2007 530i compare to other model years?
- The 2007 530i has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2005 (67, Caution) and 2006 (93, Avoid). Later years like 2017 (index 40) earned a Good verdict, showing 2007 is worse relative to other 530i years.
- Were there any fires reported in the 2007 BMW 530i?
- NHTSA logged 3 fire reports for the 2007 530i, including incidents tied to engine and electrical system problems, alongside 2 injuries and 5 crashes.