Home / Makes / BMW / 5 Series Known Faults Database BMW 5 Series Common Problems & Known Faults (UK) If you are considering buying a used BMW 5 Series, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 5 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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BMW 5 Series F10/G30 (2014-2018) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 🏛️ Official recall
EGR cooler internal leak allowing coolant to mix with soot, creating a severe fire risk Typical symptoms loss of coolant with no obvious external leak smell of burning from engine bay engine bay fire Affected vehicles
Engines: 2.0d (B47 Engine) / 3.0d (N57)
Typical mileage: 40000-100000 miles BMW 5 Series F-Series / E89 (2012-2015) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Plastic timing chain guides degrade, causing the oil pump drive chain to fail, leading to sudden oil starvation and engine seizure Typical symptoms high-pitched whining noise from engine matching RPM metallic rattle on cold start sudden low oil pressure warning followed by engine failure Affected vehicles
Engines: 2.0i / 2.8i (N20 Petrol)
Typical mileage: 50000-90000 miles BMW 5 Series E90 / E60 (2007-2013) problems Fuel System Medium severity 📝 Editorial
Piezo fuel injector failure and NOx sensor fouling, preventing stratified charge operation and causing misfires Typical symptoms rough idle on cold start strong smell of unburnt fuel hesitation and misfires engine management light Affected vehicles
Engines: 2.5i / 3.0i (N53 Petrol)
Typical mileage: 60000-100000 miles BMW 5 Series F10 / F12 / E70 (2008-2013) problems Engine/Emissions High severity 📝 Editorial
Valve stem seal degradation causing extreme oil consumption and smoking Typical symptoms thick blue smoke from exhaust after idling for 5+ minutes burning 1L of oil every 500 miles misfires from oil-fouled spark plugs Affected vehicles
Engines: 4.4 V8 Twin-Turbo (N63)
Typical mileage: 60000-100000 miles BMW 5 Series E60 / E90 (2004-2008) problems Electrical Medium severity 📝 Editorial
iDrive CCC unit motherboard failure causing constant reboot loop (BMW logo flashing) Typical symptoms iDrive screen stuck on BMW logo screen rebooting every 20 seconds loss of radio, navigation, and parking sensors Affected vehicles
Engines: All pre-LCI
Typical mileage: 80000-120000 miles Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage. Data last verified: June 2026