BMW 5 Series Common Problems

Since its debut in 1972, the BMW 5-Series has been a defining model in the executive sedan segment. The platform strikes a comfortable medium between the smaller 3-Series and the larger full-size 7-Series, providing a great balance of driving dynamics and interior space. 

The 5-Series has retained the level of advanced engineering that you would expect from the Germans over its over half-century of production. BMW consistently pushes the envelope with both the drivetrain, suspension, and interior technology. 

This focus on staying on the forefront of automotive development, as important to the vehicle’s identity as it’s been, brings with it unforeseen production oversights that can come back to haunt owners down the line. Despite the modern generations of the platform being generally dependable vehicles, there are still some common issues with the BMW 5-Series that owners and prospective buyers should understand. 

Common BMW 5-Series Issues By Generation 

Despite spanning over eight generations, we’ll be focusing on the more recent generations of the 5-Series starting with the fifth.

E60/E61 (2003-2010)

Initially rolling off the production line in 2003, the fifth-generation 5-Series brought a significant exterior overhaul with its departure from the boxy body lines of its predecessors. The new iteration also boasted a turbocharged straight-six option, the first turbo fitted to a 5-Series model. Most fifth-generation 5-Series vehicles came with 7-speed SMG transmissions, with manual transmissions being offered only in the North American market.

SMG Problems

The cutting-edge sequential-manual gearbox (SMG) transmissions fitted to the vast majority of these models provided rapid shifts and seamless power delivery, however, the added complexity of these gearboxes left them vulnerable to a variety of issues.

The SMG pump used on these transmissions can become problematic. Responsible for providing the hydraulic pressure needed to shift gears, a failed pump can cause erratic shiftings, warning lights, or the inability to shift at all. 

Faulty Injectors

Defective injectors are a known problem on the 525i and 530i models from this generation, which use the N53 engine. Leaking injectors allow fuel to enter the combustion chamber prior to the intake stroke, causing misfires and a rough idle that can cause further damage to internal engine components. 

Control Arm Failure

Control arm replacements have become a common service for owners of fifth-generation 5-Series. Faulty or worn control arms will cause the vehicle to behave unexpectedly over bumps and dips in the road surface. Letting this issue linger will only cause further damage to surrounding suspension components, and should be addressed as soon as possible. 

F10/F11/F07 (2010-2017)

Debuting in 2010, the sixth-generation 5-Series brought further modern features to the platform, including the addition of a dual-clutch transmission option, a turbocharged V8 engine trim, and various interior and driver assist features. 

Car Veers to Side

Owners of early sixth-generation 5-Series have reported the vehicle veering to the side while driving. Though this can result from alignment or tire issues, early models from this generation have slight flaws in the electric power steering system that may cause the vehicle to pull to this side. 

This issue only occurs on models using electric power steering systems, so AWD X-Drive models that use hydraulic steering systems should be immune from this malfunction. Later years of this generation seem to have fixed this problem. 

Valve Cover Gasket

While not unique to this generation, or this BMW model for that matter, valve cover gaskets have been noted as a problem area for sixth-generation 5-Series vehicles.

The valve cover gasket sits between the engine and the valve cover, sealing oil in to lubricate the engine’s internals. With frequent use and old age, these gaskets will wear down and potentially tear, allowing oil to leak from the engine and depriving it of crucial lubrication. 

As you probably know, running your vehicle with an inadequate volume of oil can lead to irreparable engine damage and should be avoided at all costs. 

Electrical Faults

The sixth-generation 5-Series packed a host of new electrical sensors and features, and with that came various new failure points.

While we can’t dive into all possible electrical faults here, some of the most common affect interior features like windows, A/C, iDrive infotainment, and the many driver assists and aids. Diagnosing electrical issues can be like finding a needle in a haystack, and is best left to a trusted professional who can nail down the source of your problem.

G30/G31 (2017-2024)

BMW revealed the seventh-generation 5-Series in 2016, bringing with it further improvements to handling, electric assists, and refreshed modern styling. The B-series engines powering the platform have proven to be dependable motors, but this does not mean the vehicle is without its potential issues.

Valve Cover Gasket

Like previous generations, the valve cover gasket is a common source of oil leaks in the seventh-generation 5-Series. As you approach higher mileage, you should keep an eye out for any visible leaks coming from the area. Allowing oil to leak deprives your motor of critical lubrication and cooling.

Water Pump Failure

BMW has been using electric water pumps in their engines for years now, and while they bring some real benefits, it also brings the risk of electrical faults affecting the performance of your cooling system.

Whether due to a blown fuse, shorted wiring, a bad sensor, or an issue with the pump’s internals itself, a faulty water pump can leave your motor without an adequate amount of coolant to keep itself at a healthy operating temperature. 

Coolant Filter Disintegration

Disintegration is never a word that you want to hear when talking about automotive components, but that’s exactly what occurs on some BMW models including the B58-powered 5-series. Worn filters allow for particles and debris to reach your oil, contaminating it and wreaking havoc on the internals of your motor. 

The best way to avoid this is regular oil services and filter replacements. Filters, even those for Bimmers, are typically cheap replacements and give you peace of mind that your engine is running on clean oil. 

G60/661 (2024-Present)

Entering production in 2024, the eight-generation BMW promises to continue the improvements to driving dynamics, luxury, and reliability that we’ve seen from previous iterations. While we don’t know the long-term dependability of these vehicles just yet, they’ll likely address many of the issues from the previous generation. 

BMW Services at Alex’s Autohaus

Whether your Bimmer is a 5-Series or otherwise, the specially-trained Euro technicians at Alex’s Autohaus in the Salt Lake Valley have extensive experience working on BMW platforms and can provide yours with unmatched diagnostics and repair! Give us a call or schedule online with our friendly team today.