Common Problems with the BMW 5 Series
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the BMW 5 Series and average repair costs.
Compare BMW 5 Series repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday December 11 2025
12 min read
The 5 Series has been setting the standard for luxury saloons since 1972, easily competing with rivals like the Jaguar XF and Audi A6 by offering drivers a complete package of refinement, comfort and choice. BMW gets pretty much everything right with this car - but what about long-term reliability and repair costs?
This guide examines known issues with the 5 Series, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
In a nutshell: The BMW 5 Series is generally a solid choice, especially newer 2017-2023 petrol models, which score well in reliability surveys. But it’s not problem-free: older cars are more prone to suspension wear, timing-chain and braking issues, while newer ones can still suffer from cooling-system faults, drivetrain warnings and occasional electrical or rear air-suspension niggles that can be expensive if left unchecked.
What’s wrong with the BMW 5 Series?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following issues.
BMW 5 Series air suspension problem
Rear air suspension issues are common in the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Symptoms can include the vehicle leaning to one side, sagging at the rear, a loud bag from the suspension airbag, and hissing noises.
BMW 5 Series drivetrain fault
The drivetrain is a group of parts that help move the car by transferring power to the wheels from the engine. Several things, including issues with the fuel, ignition and exhaust systems, can cause a drivetrain fault message on the dashboard. If you see this message, we recommend booking a diagnostic test, which costs £65.07 on average for a 5 Series.
BMW 5 Series overheating problem
Overheating is a known issue. The most likely cause is a faulty thermostat, leaking coolant or failed water pump, but there are other possible explanations. Look under the car and in the engine bay to see if you can spot any puddles of coolant. Remember, you shouldn’t continue to drive an overheating car because you could end up with severe engine damage.
BMW 5 Series bonnet release problem
If your bonnet releases on one side and not the other, as is common in the 5 Series, the cable to the latch is likely broken and will need to be replaced. This job should be quick and easy, costing no more than £50.
Recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2022/084 | 28.03.22 | During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system. |
| R/2021/442 | 29.12.21 | The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification. |
| R/2021/099 | 29.03.21 | The rear drive shafts may not fulfil the durability requirements. |
| R/2021/085 | 15.03.21 | Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications. |
| R/2021/037 | 09.02.21 | Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits. |
| R/2021/015 | 25.01.21 | The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process. |
| R/2020/283 | 14/12/20 | A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit. |
| R/2020/298 | 22.10.20 | In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production. |
| R/2019/368 | 09.12.19 | The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification. |
| R/2018/260 | 15.10.18 | The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. |
| R/2018/211 | 20.08.18 | The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. |
BMW 5 Series 2004-2010 problems
1. Tyre leaks
The run flat tyres fitted to most models as standard are known for leaking air. Unfortunately, they are expensive to replace, and it can be hard to tell whether they are leaking from just an inspection and test drive when buying second-hand. Learn more about run flat tyres and how they work in this guide.
What repair is needed for tyre leaks, and how much does it cost?
The average price of a tyre fitting job on FixMyCar is £120. We have a wide range of run flat and conventional tyres and expert fitters nationwide. Check out our reviews and buying guides for advice on which tyres to choose.
2. Worn suspension
Suspension issues are common, with some components wearing down faster than expected. When this happens, you may notice your car pulling to one side, a reduction in ride comfort, squeaking noises, difficulty steering and one corner of the vehicle sitting lower than the others.
Find out how suspension systems work here.
What repair is needed for worn suspension, and how much does it cost?
Repairing the suspension on a 5 Series costs £204.39 on average on FixMyCar.
3. Malfunctioning iDrive infotainment system
The iDrive infotainment system in some early models can malfunction, and when it does, it renders the stereo, heating, and phone controls useless. Likewise, some drivers have reported that it fails to work on cold mornings until the car has been driven long enough to warm up.
What repair is needed for a malfunctioning iDrive infotainment system, and how much does it cost?
The average price of a 5 Series electrical fault diagnosis on FixMyCar is £71.84. You could contact an auto electrician to fix this problem, but it might be best to go to a BMW specialist since it is a known fault.
4. Injector defects
Fuel injectors atomise fuel and push it into the combustion chamber at the correct moment in the combustion process. Injector defects are a known issue for 525i and 530i models with the N53 petrol engine.
When your fuel injectors stop working correctly, you’ll likely experience:
Rough idling
Poor mileage
Unusual RPMs
What repair is needed for an injector defect, and how much does it cost?
The average price of a fuel injection system repair on FixMyCar is £261.62.
5. Transmission fluid leaks
Transmission fluid is red, making it easy to identify. It makes changing gears less strenuous by lubricating and moving components. Unfortunately, automatic 5 Series models are prone to transmission fluid leaks, leading to slipping gears, accelerated wear and grinding noises if left unrepaired.
Checking your transmission fluid level is the first step in determining whether there is a leak. After that, follow the advice in this guide to see if you can spot where the leak is coming from.
What repair is needed for a transmission fluid leak, and how much does it cost?
The average 5 Series leak diagnosis price on FixMyCar is £88.66.
BMW 5 Series 2010-2017 problems
1. Worn brakes
Since the 5 Series is heavy on its suspension and brakes, these components tend to wear out more quickly - especially the brake pads, which you should check the condition of if buying a car second-hand. Brake pads push against brake discs to create friction, slowing the vehicle, but this also causes abrasions, weakening them over time.
Brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.
Worn brake pads often cause the following symptoms:
Screeching, squealing or grinding noises
Vibrations through the brake pedal
Lack of responsiveness when you apply the brake pedal
Here are five brake problems you should never ignore.
What repair is needed for worn brakes, and how much does it cost?
Replacing the brake pads and discs on a 5 Series costs £439.96 on average.
2. Ticking noises
Ticking noises can be maddening, especially when caused by something more serious than a stone stuck in your wheel. This sound is common in the Mk6 5 Series and usually comes from the front wheels due to a lack of clearance between the back of the brake disc and the wheel-bearing flange.
What repair is needed for ticking noises, and how much does it cost?
Repairing this issue is simple. All you have to do is remove the wheels and fit a washer between the above mentioned components. Or, if you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, a mechanic will happily do it for you.
Our data doesn’t cover how much this will cost, but the job should be quick and inexpensive. You can learn about other causes of ticking sounds here.
3. Leaking water
The last thing you want is for a passenger to climb into your car and be met by a musty smell and squelchy footwell. Unfortunately, this sometimes happens in the Mk6 5 Series due to a leak between the blower cover and the blower motor housing.
What repair is needed for leaking water, and how much does it cost?
To fix this issue, you’ll have to remove the parts from your car and tighten the screws connecting them. As always, this is a job a mechanic can do for you if you don’t fancy messing with anything under the bonnet.
4. Worn timing chain components
If you hear grinding noises when you start your car, never ignore them because they often indicate a problem with the timing chain. And although timing chains usually last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, they are notorious for wearing out more quickly in the 5 Series.
This guide discusses how to find out whether your car has a timing chain or belt.
What repair is needed for worn timing chain components, and how much does it cost?
Cars that have done less than 50,000 miles when the grinding starts should have the lower guide rails, upper chain tensioner and guide sleeves replaced, while cars that have done more miles will also need the upper and lower chains, upper and lower guide rails and high-pressure pump cog replacing.
The average price of a 5 Series timing chain replacement on FixMyCar is £1,270.76.
BMW 5 Series 2017-2023 problems
1. Worn suspension
Warranty data shows that suspension faults are the single most common type of repair claim on 2017–2023 5 Series models. On the road, this usually shows up as knocking or clunking over bumps, slightly vague steering or uneven tyre wear.
What repair is needed for worn suspension, and how much does it cost?
A garage will inspect the suspension (often on a ramp) to find the worn components. Typical fixes include replacing front control arms/bushes, anti-roll bar links, top mounts and, on some Touring models, rear suspension components.
The average price of a 5 Series suspension repair on FixMyCar is £204.39.
2. Cooling system leaks
The cooling system is a known weak spot, especially on 2.0-litre petrol and plug-in hybrid models. Electric water pumps, thermostats and other cooling parts (such as tanks, radiators and pipes) can fail or leak as the car ages, risking overheating if ignored.
Typical symptoms include a low coolant warning, having to top the coolant up more often, a sweet smell from the engine bay, visible drips under the front of the car or the temperature gauge rising quickly.
What repair is needed for cooling system leaks, and how much does it cost?
A garage will pressure-test the cooling system to find where the leak or restriction is. Common repairs include replacing the electric water pump, thermostat, radiator, expansion tank or coolant hoses, then refilling the system with fresh coolant and bleeding out air.
If overheating has been caught early, that’s usually the end of it. If it’s been driven very hot, further checks for head-gasket or engine damage are important.
Average 5 Series repair costs:
Coolant hoses - £118.34
Cooling fan - £62.50
Water pump - £305.58
Radiator - £323.31
3. Drivetrain fault/engine management warning
Some 2017-2023 5 Series owners see a “drivetrain fault” or engine-management warning on the dashboard. This is a general warning rather than one specific problem. It means the car has detected something wrong in the engine or gearbox management system and may reduce power to protect itself.
Common causes include:
A misfire, such as a failing ignition coil or injector
Emissions-system issues, for example with the EGR system on diesels
Sensor faults or software glitches
You might notice the car feels down on power, goes into limp mode or runs less smoothly at the same time as the warning appears.
What repair is needed for a drivetrain fault, and how much does it cost?
Because this warning can mean many different things, the first step is always diagnostics. The repair could be as simple as replacing a faulty sensor or coil pack, cleaning or repairing part of the emissions system, or in more serious cases replacing a larger component.
The average price of a 5 Series diagnostic test on FixMyCar is £65.07.
BMW 5 Series 2024-present problems
The Mk8 5 Series is still relatively new, so there isn't enough real-world data to identify common problems. We'll update this section as soon as we have more information.
BMW 5 Series years to avoid
There aren’t any universally agreed “never buy” years for the 5 Series, but some age and engine combinations are higher-risk and worth approaching with extra care.
2007-2010 520d and other four-cylinder diesels (late E60/E61) - The N47 diesel engine is widely associated with premature timing chain wear/stretch that can lead to very costly engine damage if it fails, especially on higher-mileage cars with patchy history.
Mid-2000s 530d/535d diesels (E60/E61) - Some six-cylinder diesels from this era are known for swirl flap failures in the intake manifold; if the flaps break up and get ingested, repairs can be extremely expensive.
2010-2014 520d/525d diesels (early F10/F11) - Early Mk6 diesels again use versions of the N47 engine, so timing chain issues remain a concern on high-milers, particularly where oil changes have been stretched or service history is incomplete.
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
In the 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, the 2017-2023 5 Series petrol did particularly well, coming in fifth place out of 23 vehicles in the executive car class with a score of 96.4%. The diesel version came in 11th place, scoring 93.9%.
BMW was named the sixth most reliable car brand with a reliability rating of 94.6% - a result that put it ahead of Tesla and Kia but behind Vauxhall and Toyota.
Overall, the 5 Series is one of the more reliable executive cars on sale - especially in petrol form - with diesel models still scoring solidly above average. It isn’t flawless, and repairs can be expensive when something does go wrong, but the latest What Car? data suggests most owners experience few serious problems.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.