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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

Tires complaints

30 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2012
Tires

GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES SIDEWALL BUBBLES AFTER DRIVING JUST A FEW THOUSAND MILES. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE WITH A DEFECT THAT WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANY IMPACT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10462117

13,000 miles · Apr 21, 2012
Tires

LAST APRIL I PURCHASED A BMW 550IX. IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR WHILE ON THE FREEWAY I DEVELOPED A FLAT TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO RUN THE VEHICLE 40 MILES TO MY HOME WITH THE TIRE FLAT BUT HAD TO FLATBED THE VEHICLE TO MY CAR REPAIR STORE TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THAT TIRE HAD A BUBBLED SIDEWALL AT THE TIME OF THE FLAT ALTHOUGH I CANNOT SAY THA…

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LAST APRIL I PURCHASED A BMW 550IX. IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR WHILE ON THE FREEWAY I DEVELOPED A FLAT TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO RUN THE VEHICLE 40 MILES TO MY HOME WITH THE TIRE FLAT BUT HAD TO FLATBED THE VEHICLE TO MY CAR REPAIR STORE TO REPLACE THE TIRE. THAT TIRE HAD A BUBBLED SIDEWALL AT THE TIME OF THE FLAT ALTHOUGH I CANNOT SAY THAT THE BUBBLED SIDEWALL WAS WHERE THE TIRE FAILED. I HAD THE TIRE REPLACED FOR AROUND $500 AND THE MECHANIC MADE NO MENTION TO ME ABOUT THE BUBBLED SIDEWALL ISSUE WITH THIS TIRE ALTHOUGH, AS IT TURNS OUT, HE WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. AT THE TIME OF REPAIR OF THE ABOVE FLAT, MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT TIRE ALSO HAD A BUBBLED SIDEWALL NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT OF THAT TIRE IN ORDER TO PASS MY STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION. SINCE THE REPAIR IN LATE MARCH 2012, I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT TIRE HAS A BUBBLED SIDEWALL. I MIGHT ADD THAT NO POTHOLES HAVE BEEN HIT, DO ROAD DEBRIS HAS BEEN STRUCK. SO TWO AND POSSIBLY THREE OF FOUR OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH IS JUST NOW OVER 1 YEAR OLD, HAVE FAILED SIDEWALLS NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS AROUND 13,000 MILES. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10455993

2,600 miles · Mar 30, 2012
Tires

GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRE FAILURE- BUBBLE IN SIDEWALL WITH LESS THAN 3,000 MILES ON IT. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10453570

5,500 miles · Feb 27, 2012
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, LINE SIZES P245/40/R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE FRONT TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, LINE SIZES P245/40/R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE FRONT TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #10449484

8,000 miles · Feb 27, 2012
Tires

TIRES ARE EXTREMELY SUSCEPTIBLE TO BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALL CAUSED BY ROUTING DRIVING. I'VE REPLACED TWO TIRES IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS ON A NEW VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 12,000 MILES. (BMW 550I X-DRIVE). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10449478

6,400 miles · Jan 21, 2012
Tires

RUN-FLAT TIRES BMW SPORTS PACKAGE TIRE BULGE SIDEWALL - UNACCEPTABLE THE BMW DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE CLOSE TO $500 FOR REPLACEMENT! WE ARE TAKING THE COMPLAINT TO THE LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WILL OFFER A REPLACEMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ALL NEW TIRES. IT APPEARS THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE T…

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RUN-FLAT TIRES BMW SPORTS PACKAGE TIRE BULGE SIDEWALL - UNACCEPTABLE THE BMW DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE CLOSE TO $500 FOR REPLACEMENT! WE ARE TAKING THE COMPLAINT TO THE LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WILL OFFER A REPLACEMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ALL NEW TIRES. IT APPEARS THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES. I THINK A RECALL IS APPROPRIATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10444727

7,320 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Tires

CREATION OF BUBBLE IN SIDEWALL OF GOODYEAR RUN FLAT 19INCH ALL SEASON TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442186

3,200 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Tires

MY 2011 BMW 550XI HAS GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 2 RUN FLATS, 245/40. I TOOK DELIVERY OF THE CAR IN JUNE 2011 AND HAVE HAD REPEATED BUBBLES ON THE FRONT TIRES. FOUR TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO DATE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH TIRES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS. THE BMW DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO SAY WHETHER IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON TIRES WITH…

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MY 2011 BMW 550XI HAS GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 2 RUN FLATS, 245/40. I TOOK DELIVERY OF THE CAR IN JUNE 2011 AND HAVE HAD REPEATED BUBBLES ON THE FRONT TIRES. FOUR TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO DATE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH TIRES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS. THE BMW DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO SAY WHETHER IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON TIRES WITH BUBBLES. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437460

2,000 miles · Oct 27, 2011
Tires

REPEATED SIDEWALL BUBBLES ON MY GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 2 TIRES, 245/40 R19, AND NEED FOR REPLACEMENT, BOTH FRONT TIRES IN TWO SEPERATE INCIDENTS, WITH LESS THAN 7,000 MILES ON THE CAR, AFTER HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THEY ARE UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10432979

5,000 miles · Oct 26, 2011
Tires

ORIGINAL TIRES ON BMW 550I XDRIVE WITH M SPORT PACKAGE HAVE FAILED DUE TO BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALLS. THESE ARE GOOD YEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNFLATS, 245/40R19 98 V. I HAVE HAD FRONT RIGHT TIRE REPLACED TWICE, AND FRONT LEFT TIRE NOW AWAITING 3RD REPLACEMENT. BUBBLES OCCUR AFTER TIRE TAKES ANY SMALL IMPACT IN THE ROAD, SUCH AS DRIVING…

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ORIGINAL TIRES ON BMW 550I XDRIVE WITH M SPORT PACKAGE HAVE FAILED DUE TO BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALLS. THESE ARE GOOD YEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNFLATS, 245/40R19 98 V. I HAVE HAD FRONT RIGHT TIRE REPLACED TWICE, AND FRONT LEFT TIRE NOW AWAITING 3RD REPLACEMENT. BUBBLES OCCUR AFTER TIRE TAKES ANY SMALL IMPACT IN THE ROAD, SUCH AS DRIVING OVER A MANHOLE THAT IS NOT QUITE UP TO THE LEVEL OF THE PAVEMENT, OR HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE. ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, THERE ARE NO OTHER TIRE REPLACEMENTS APPROVED, AND THE CURRENT TIRE REPLACEMENT IS ON BACKORDER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO DRIVE ON TIRES THAT CAN POTENTIALLY BLOW OUT THE SIDEWALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED. I FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE A NATIONAL RECALL ON THESE TIRES, WHICH WOULD THEN OBLIGATE BMW TO USE A DIFFERENT TIRE LINE. THANK YOU. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10432934

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.