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2011 BMW 5 Series

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

73 reports with mileage · 8 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Tires. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports2 fire reports1 injury reports

Power Train complaints

10 reports
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89,000 miles · Dec 1, 2018
EnginePower TrainSteering

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.

NHTSA ODI #11155399

200 miles · Sep 13, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

THE CAR HAS ACCELERATION ISSUES WHEN NOT ONLY ADDING ADDITIONAL SPEED WHILE DRIVING BUT WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, AS WELL. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING AND THERE IS OFTEN A LAG IN ACCELERATING WHILE THE CAR IS STOPPED OR AT A LOW SPEED, CREATING A SAFETY CONCERN. NOT ONLY IS THERE A S…

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THE CAR HAS ACCELERATION ISSUES WHEN NOT ONLY ADDING ADDITIONAL SPEED WHILE DRIVING BUT WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, AS WELL. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING AND THERE IS OFTEN A LAG IN ACCELERATING WHILE THE CAR IS STOPPED OR AT A LOW SPEED, CREATING A SAFETY CONCERN. NOT ONLY IS THERE A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT IS NOT HOW A $51,000 LUXURY SEDAN SHOULD DRIVE -- IT IS RATHER ROUGH AND ANNOYING TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE CAR ALSO IDLES AT AN EXTREMELY LOW SPEED OR NO SPEED WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AFTER SITTING FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. IN THIS CASE, I HAVE TO APPLY A DECENT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR EVEN TO BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10425302

4 miles · Sep 7, 2011
Power Train

CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO TIP-IN OF ACCELERATOR FROM STANDSTILL. AS YOU PRESS HARDER TO GET INTENDED ACCELERATION, CAR LURCHES FORWARD DRAMATICALLY AND UNSAFELY. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SMOOTHLY, ESPECIALLY IN CLOSE, STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP (THE BMW STORE IN CINCINNATI, OH) ON 9/5/11 AN…

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CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO TIP-IN OF ACCELERATOR FROM STANDSTILL. AS YOU PRESS HARDER TO GET INTENDED ACCELERATION, CAR LURCHES FORWARD DRAMATICALLY AND UNSAFELY. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SMOOTHLY, ESPECIALLY IN CLOSE, STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP (THE BMW STORE IN CINCINNATI, OH) ON 9/5/11 AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT BMW IS CURRENTLY ONLY PROVIDING A SOFTWARE PATCH FOR THE 535 MODEL. I WAS ADVISED TO KEEP DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL BMW ISSUES A SOFTWARE PATCH FOR THE 528, BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY UPCOMING FIX. I AM CONCERNED THAT BMW HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR THE 535, BUT NOT THE 528, AND THAT A POTENTIAL FIX IS UNCERTAIN. THIS IS A MAJOR DRIVEABILITY AND SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424031

50 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. DEALER REP STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT NO FIX HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY BMW. UPDATED 09/29/2011 *LN *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419873

65 miles · Aug 15, 2011
Power Train

BMW 528I THROTTLE LAG/TIP IN/DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM A STANDING STOP;CONSTANT PROBLEM;HAVE BEEN TOLD BY BMW DEALER THAT THIS IS NORMAL.IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND AM FEARFUL IT COULD LEAD TO SAFETY ISSUE.THIS IS A BRAND NEW 2011 MODEL WITH LESS THAN 500 MILES ON ODOMETER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419477

1,000 miles · Aug 13, 2011
Power Train

BMW 528I WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A STOP,THE CAR CREEPS OUT SLOWLY AND WHEN MORE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL IT JUMPS FORWARD VERY FAST AND UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC AND COULD EASILY CAUSE A CRASH. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTED. WHEN COMING ON TO THE FREEWAY THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DOWN SHI…

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BMW 528I WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A STOP,THE CAR CREEPS OUT SLOWLY AND WHEN MORE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL IT JUMPS FORWARD VERY FAST AND UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC AND COULD EASILY CAUSE A CRASH. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTED. WHEN COMING ON TO THE FREEWAY THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DOWN SHIFT AS NEEDED. THIS DELAY HAS ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH FOR ME. WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DOWN SHIFT AS NEEDED AND CAUSES A BUMPING FEELING LIKE SOMEONE RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR. ALL THESE SYMPTOMS HAPPEN RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTED. VERY DANGEROUS.BMW KNOWS OF THESE PROBLEMS AND HAS FIXED THEM IN THE 535 MODEL. BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE 528I MODEL. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING MORE HE CAN DO WITH THE CAR TILL BMW COMES UP WITH A PROGRAMMING CHANGE. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419287

1,200 miles · Aug 10, 2011
Power Train

AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2011 BMW 528I (VEHICLE) I NOTICED AN ACCELERATION LAG STARTING OUT FROM A DEAD STOP. IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO TURN ONTO A STREET FROM A STOP SIGN. IT CRAWLS INTO THE ROADWAY WHEN MODERATE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL. IF ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS CLOSE THIS RESULTS IN HAV…

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AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2011 BMW 528I (VEHICLE) I NOTICED AN ACCELERATION LAG STARTING OUT FROM A DEAD STOP. IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO TURN ONTO A STREET FROM A STOP SIGN. IT CRAWLS INTO THE ROADWAY WHEN MODERATE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL. IF ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS CLOSE THIS RESULTS IN HAVING TO STOMP ON THE GAS PEDAL CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK AHEAD AT AN UNEXPECTED RATE OF SPEED. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. THEY STATED THEY RESET THE "LEARNING" PROGRAM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO ADAPT TO THE WAY ONE DRIVES. THIS DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER TELLING THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AGAIN, THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS "OPERATING AS DESIGNED" AND TOLD ME THAT THEY "ALL DO IT". SINCE THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES ON THE COMPUTER OF THE VEHICLE THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I FEEL THIS WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT AT SOME POINT WHEN IMMEDIATE AND LINEAR ACCELERATION IS NEEDED AT A CRITICAL MOMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10418347

40 miles · Aug 6, 2011
Power TrainSteeringUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

THERE ARE 3 MAJOR ISSUES. 1. VEHICLE TENDS TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. FEELING IS QUITE LIKE A VEHICLE THAT HASN'T BEEN ALIGNED FOR A WHILE. 2. THE MOST DANGEROUS. UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR AT LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY JERKS FORWARD WITHOUT ANY NOTICE- MAKING IT TOO LATE FOR THE DRIVER TO SLAM THE BRAKES. IF YOUR VEHICLE IS…

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THERE ARE 3 MAJOR ISSUES. 1. VEHICLE TENDS TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. FEELING IS QUITE LIKE A VEHICLE THAT HASN'T BEEN ALIGNED FOR A WHILE. 2. THE MOST DANGEROUS. UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR AT LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY JERKS FORWARD WITHOUT ANY NOTICE- MAKING IT TOO LATE FOR THE DRIVER TO SLAM THE BRAKES. IF YOUR VEHICLE IS STANDING THREE FEET BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, YOU CAN EASILY CRASH AND REAR END INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. AND OF COURSE, YOU WILL BE SUED FOR NOT KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE. THIS CAN EASILY CAUSE SOME SERIOUS INJURIES. 3. VEHICLE WOBBLES AS IF THE TIRES WERE NOT BALANCED. THERE ARE CLEARLY UNKNOWN DEFECTS THAT CAN NOT BE LOCATED. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER, THEY KEEP ASCRIBING IT TO "NORMAL" CHARACTERISTICS AND THEY KEEP INFORMING ME THAT BMWS ARE BUILT THAT WAY, THEY ARE NOW SPORTIER. HOWEVER, TO ANY NEW OWNER, IT IS NOW DEADLIER. THE LOCAL BMW DEALER ALSO STATE UNLESS THEY VEHICLE DOESN'T INFORM THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. ITS MORE LIKE, UNTIL SOMEONE DOESN'T SUE THEM IS WHEN THEY WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. BMW SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BEGINS AGAINST THEM.

NHTSA ODI #10418816

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2011
Power TrainSteering

TWO SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY 2011 BMW 535I: 1- STEERING: THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. IT ALSO CANNOT BE CONTROLLED IF ANY WIND IS BLOWING. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN JUST TO KEEP IT CENTERED. 2- TRANSMISSION: THE THROTTLE IS INITIALLY NON-RESPONSIVE FROM STOP OR LOW SPEEDS, THEN SUDDENLY IT JERKS TO THE FRONT, ALMOST HITTI…

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TWO SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY 2011 BMW 535I: 1- STEERING: THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. IT ALSO CANNOT BE CONTROLLED IF ANY WIND IS BLOWING. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN JUST TO KEEP IT CENTERED. 2- TRANSMISSION: THE THROTTLE IS INITIALLY NON-RESPONSIVE FROM STOP OR LOW SPEEDS, THEN SUDDENLY IT JERKS TO THE FRONT, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10397095

4,378 miles · Apr 16, 2011
Power Train

BRAND NEW 2011 BMW 528I IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND HAVING HESITATION AND JERKINESS ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10396094

Official recalls

4

23V707000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 20, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

12V161000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Apr 10, 2012

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 & remedy

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.

11V521000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Oct 20, 2011

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 & remedy

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.

10V331000 · Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

Jul 22, 2010

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.