What are the worst BMW 5 Series years?

Q: What are the worst BMW 5 Series years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst BMW 5 Series years are 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997.

BMW 5 Series: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2011worst year81 complaints · 4 recalls 20106 complaints · 5 recalls 20098 complaints · 4 recalls 2008worst year105 complaints · 4 recalls 200713 complaints · 4 recalls 2006worst year85 complaints · 8 recalls 200521 complaints · 5 recalls 2004worst year64 complaints · 8 recalls 200315 complaints · 2 recalls 1997solid year1 complaints · 3 recalls 1996solid year0 complaints · 3 recalls 1995solid year3 complaints · 3 recalls 1994solid year0 complaints · 3 recalls 1993solid year0 complaints · 3 recalls 1992solid year0 complaints · 3 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.