Top fixes

Top BMW 5 Series fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the BMW 5 Series faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 189,287 recorded MOT tests, 17.6% failed.

BMW 5 Series
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The BMW 5 Series faces several common faults that owners should be aware of. Knowing the fixes and associated costs can save time and money. Common issues include electrical problems, oil leaks, turbocharger faults, suspension wear, and cooling system failures, with repair costs varying widely.

Common faults include electrical issues and oil leaks.
DIY fixes can save on labour costs.
Parts costs range from £20 to £300.
Garage labour typically costs £50 to £100 per hour.
Some fixes are temporary patches, others are permanent solutions.

Electrical Issues

Electrical problems are common in the BMW 5 Series, especially in models from 2010 to 2017. Symptoms include malfunctioning windows, lights, and infotainment systems. Checking fuses and connections is a good first step. If issues persist, a faulty control module may be the cause, requiring diagnostics costing around £100 and parts around £200 for replacement.

Oil Leaks

Oil leaks often occur in the N47 and N57 engines, particularly in models from 2007 to 2013. Look for oil spots under the car or low oil levels. Tightening or replacing gaskets can be a DIY job if you are comfortable with basic maintenance. Parts typically cost £30 to £50, while a garage may charge £150 to £250 for the repair.

Turbocharger Problems

Turbocharger issues are more prevalent in the 520d and 530d models from 2008 to 2016. Signs include loss of power and unusual noises. Inspecting for leaks or damage is essential. If replacement is needed, parts can cost £300 to £600, with labour adding another £200 to £400 at a garage.

Suspension Wear

Suspension components wear out over time, particularly in models from 2011 to 2017. Look for uneven tyre wear and a rough ride. Replacing worn shock absorbers or bushings can often be done at home with the right tools. Parts cost between £100 and £300, while garage labour may range from £150 to £300.

Cooling System Failures

Cooling system failures are common in the 5 Series, particularly in models from 2012 to 2018. Watch for overheating and coolant leaks. Checking hoses and the radiator for leaks is advisable. A DIY fix might involve replacing a hose for about £20, while radiator replacement is better suited for a garage, costing around £200 for parts and £100 for labour.

BMW 5 Series recall record

65 recalls have been issued for the BMW 5 Series, between 1999 and 2026.

  1. Checking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness

    R/2026/092

    Issued 17 March 2026

    The Safety Recall relates to the air-conditioning wiring harness located behind the dashboard. On the affected vehicles the wiring harness was fixed very close to a screw connection on the interior microfilter housing cover. The microfilter of the air conditioning system will be regularly replaced as part of the oil service. It cannot be ruled out that cables may be damaged when replacing the microfilter during a workshop visit. The filter cover has to be removed from the lower part of the instrument panel. After replacing the filter the cover has to be refitted at which point the wires may become damaged or trapped. If the wiring harness is damaged this could lead to malfunctions of the air conditioning system as well as to a short circuit. In case of a short circuit a sensor may overheat while the vehicle is in operation. As a result smoke may develop from the instrument panel and subsequently a fire cannot be ruled out.

    Remedy:On the affected vehicles the air-conditioning wiring harness will be checked repaired if necessary and re-secured in a modified fixing.

    Affects cars built Jun 2023 to Apr 2025

  2. Replace the Engine Starter Motor

    R/2026/054

    Issued 2 March 2026

    The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.

    Remedy:On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.

    Affects cars built Oct 2020 to Apr 2022

  3. Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)

    R/2025/349

    Issued 18 December 2025

    Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.

    Remedy:Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.

    Affects cars built Sept 2000 to Sept 2003

  4. Program control units (CoC documents)

    R/2026/075

    Issued 28 November 2025

    A quality check has revealed that the affected G61 vehicles software does not reflect the associated CoC documentation.

    Remedy:To ensure your vehicle is in perfect working order we would like to program the control units to adapt the vehicle's software level to the CoC documents. as soon as possible. Naturally this work will be free of charge.

    Affects cars built Nov 2024 to Jun 2025

61 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

BMW 5 Series MOT record

From 189,287 recorded MOT tests, 17.6% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20233114.5%36,897 mi
20222,2249.5%35,797 mi
20211,8268.3%43,509 mi
20204,11610.5%46,023 mi
201915,16011.1%58,943 mi
201818,60211.8%69,312 mi
201714,87713.8%78,452 mi
201615,27612.9%89,042 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements37.7%
  2. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn22.5%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged17.5%
  4. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened11.3%
  5. A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage11.0%

Figures cover every BMW 5 Series tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

BMW 5 Series official figures

Median across 38 variants on sale, electricity / petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
46.3 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
131 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults with the BMW 5 Series?

Common faults include electrical issues, oil leaks, turbocharger problems, suspension wear, and cooling system failures.

Can I fix these issues myself?

Some issues are DIY-friendly, like replacing bulbs, while others may require professional help.

Are these fixes temporary or permanent?

Some fixes are temporary patches, while others can provide a long-term solution.

Sources