2011 BMW 5 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 81 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is tires (38% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a camshaft failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number- 14V176000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2023
“While driving with ac on smoke started coming heavily for the interior ac vents. A very toxic smoke, with electrical smell. I noticed the bmw 3 series has a recall on electrical blower problem. I think my car has the same issue.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“A few days back my steering wheel started making a squeaky noise like one of the rubbers have gone bad in the steering column. My car has approximately 55k miles on it and is majorly garage kept. I researched online and there are numerous complains of the same issue. You can see an example at: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=838504 you can hear the squeak if the car is driving or is static.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“My ac fan motor has started to make a weird noise when you lift the foot from the accelerator. This happens even when the car is stationary”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2018
“While make turns while driving the vehicle axel makes popping noise and steering wheel jerks violently. Took to shop they said nothing found wrong with car. Cv axel replaced on both sides problem still persists.also not even 10k miles the car went thru 2 belt tensioner causing the drive belt to snap/tear.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 5-series. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2016
“NHTSA recall campaign 16v-746 was issued 13 oct 2016. To date bmw has yet to to notify us to schedule the repair of the defect - nearly 6 months after the recall was issued. We believe this an unacceptably long wait for which we have not seen any action from NHTSA or other federal authorities to compel bmw to accelerate compliance with the recall order. Are we going to have to wait for people to die in a fiery made for tv news accident before this is taken seriously??? Fix my car!!”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2016
“Wheels / rims failed. Crack caused them to not hold air. Only driven for pleasure and no excessive driving or events. Failed under normal driving conditions in geography. Dealer refused to warranty.”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2015
“Involved in an accident. Other vehicle going southbound crossed over median strip of highway, hit three cars going northbound, mine was third car to be struck. Offending car did a 360 in front of me, I slowed to about 25 and he moved into me. I struck his rear passenger side corner. I had front end damage over $5k. No airbag, but default messages and an airbag icon came on the video screen and the front instrument panel. It states "driver and passenger airbag or restraint system malfunction." *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014
“The driver door does not shut intermittently the door release, door unlock/lock, door handle does not release the state. The car won't move because the door is not locked, it can take upwards of a few hours of tinkling to get this going again. The dealer has diligently changed so many parts and its not that they are not trying to remedy the situation. Is anyone else experiencing this out there. My 4 yr warranty will end in june and I am vvery concerned how I am going to resolve this issue.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CAN BECOME WEDGED AGAINST THE TANK.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2012 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 7-SERIES, X5 SAV, AND X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
How other years compare
Check your exact 5 Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 5 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 81 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 BMW 5 Series. The most complained-about area is tires (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 5 Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 5,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.