2011 BMW 5 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 160 of 466 complaints (34%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 165 in 2010 to 466 in 2011.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | vs. 2011 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–4,300 | 3,500–4,300 | 3,100–4,550 | 2,850–4,550 | 2,850–4,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–21 | 18–22 | 17–25 | 17–27 | 17–27 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–18 / 22–28 | 15–19 / 22–28 | 15–21 / 22–31 | 15–23 / 19–34 | 15–24 / 22–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–494 | 404–494 | 355–523 | 329–523 | 325–510 | |
| Complaints filed | 110 | 165 | 466 | 260 | 193 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 10 | 20 | 6 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 3 | 14 | 4 | 7 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 10 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
Engine: 160 of 466 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA rates it 17–25 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 BMW 5 Series?
EPA estimates $3,100–$4,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (11)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 31 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 355 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg | 28 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $4,550 (high) | 523 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 20 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg | $4,300 | 494 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 160 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 76 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 87 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 54 | 2 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 13 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 31 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 99 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 19 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 20 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 15 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 33 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (10)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 23V707000 · Oct 20, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 18V248000 · Apr 20, 2018
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · Campaign 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT · Campaign 17V067000 · Feb 3, 2017
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Consequence: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · Campaign 16V832000 · Nov 17, 2016
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 16V746000 · Oct 17, 2016
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Consequence: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 14V176000 · Apr 14, 2014
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 12V161000 · Apr 11, 2012
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 11V521000 · Oct 27, 2011
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM · Campaign 10V331000 · Jul 22, 2010
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD DISPLAY A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. AS A RESULT, IF THE TANK BECAME EMPTY, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.