2005 BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series 2005

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2005 BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (43%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (14%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (23%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (1%)

Chart based on 136 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 BMW 5-Series.

2005 BMW 5-Series engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (13%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (36%)

< $100 (25%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 56 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 BMW 5-Series

Engine not specified

92000 mi

US $250
crack in coolant overflow reservoir 
95000 mi

US $250
Secondary air intake needs to be cleaned which requires removing head. Estimate 5 days and $5500, debating repair now 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

70000 mi Vacuum leak. 
83000 mi Replacement of water pump 
93000 mi

US $7000
valve stem seals leaking. oil ports clogged 
135000 mi

US $2500
replaced intake manifold 
130000 mi

US $3000
spark plugs, gaskets and many other things replaced. 
133300 mi

US $2000
Coolant leaking everywhere. 
97000 mi

US $345
coolant system supply hose assembly leak, replaced hose. refilled coolant 
100300 mi

US $2400
coolant tube between engine's piston banks. typical problem for 2004-05 v-8s 
70000 mi

US $50
Replaced 2 broken transmission mounts and one broken motor mount. 
91500 mi

US $585
Replaced vacuum pump. Cost: parts - $434, labor - $117, total - $585. 
94000 mi

US $1308
Replaced coolant tank, thermostat, and several hoses. Cost: Parts - $330, labor - $978, total - $1,308. 
97000 mi AND, I have three oil leaks: 1. Valve cover, left side of engine, 2. Front cover, right side of engine, 3. Alternator. $1400 estimate to fix. Traded car. 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD

175000 mi

US $28
Ignition coil on one cylinder replaced 
200000 mi

US $200
Aga transfer pipe repair - 700 diy 2k dealer terriable engine design Water pump replaced along with some hoses 
63000 mi

US $50
Another trip for loss of coolant, replaced coolant temperature sensor. 
63800 mi

US $50
Radiator replaced.  
49000 mi

US $375
Coolant leaking. Pressure tested system, replaced expansion tank and revealed problem with water pump & tensioner pulley. 
49000 mi

US $167
Replaced water pump & tension pulley Upper radiator hose failure 
63000 mi

US $2600
Valve cover gaskets and vacuum pump gasket leaking oil. 
64000 mi

US $1600
Check Engine light came on. Auxiliary air pump, pipe and a coolant hose were replaced. 
68300 mi

US $250
Thermostat replaced 
74000 mi

US $2500
3 Oil leaks 
78000 mi

US $450
Replace thermostat 
78000 mi

US $400
Replace cracked coolant reservoir, thermostat sensors. 
88000 mi

US $5800
Replace seals valve covers Cooling hose replaced 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed automated manual RWD

73000 mi

US $2500
Vacuum pump replaced 
79000 mi

US $400
Replace expansion tank and hose 
95500 mi

US $500
Water pump crapped out. Knew it was an issue when I bought the car though and planned on having it repaired. 
60000 mi oil gasket,  
41000 mi

US $170
faulty oxygen sensor led to the 'check engine' light 
53000 mi

US $1000
High emissions detection. Found to be sensor related. 
46000 mi

US $1300
Defective fuel pump. 
50200 mi

US $250
SES light came on. Screen says "increased emissions". Mechanic replaced two crankcase ventilation valves. 
57100 mi

US $700
Cooling systems hose leak. 
60000 mi

US $650
Cylinder head gasket repaired. 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

167200 mi

US $130
Hardened valve cover gasket, leaking oil. 
141000 mi

US $300
thermostat stuck open (limited heat in cabin) and replaced 
175000 mi

US $50
valve cover gasket leaking, replaced 
81600 mi

US $640
CCV Valve Replacement 
100000 mi

US $1900
Oil pan gasket leak fixed 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

97500 mi Car reported malfuntioning (always open) thermostat, resulting in increased emmisions. 
100000 mi

US $100
Clutch started slipping at 100K miles. 
104600 mi Thermostat replaced. Clutch replaced. 
141000 mi While driving car bogged down and began to run rough. Indie mechanic replaced an ignition coil that failed.  Also discovered that oil level sender was throwing codes. Replaced as well. 
110100 mi

US $700
Motor mounts. Radiator hose. Gasket. 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD

86800 mi

C $340
Replaced squeaky AC tensioner and Alternator tensioner 
89600 mi

C $200
Engine valve cover gasket seems to be leaking. Replaced VCG and took advantage to put new plugs in as well. 
83700 mi

C $250
faulty thermostat and deteriorating water pump 
122840 mi

C $200
Air valve connected to secondary air pump seized and need to be replaced 
217000 mi

C $200
Corroded water pump 

Return to top

2005 BMW 5-Series 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel manual 2WD

63860 mi I noticed oil on driveway.Took car to dealer who replaced fuel pump after diesel had leaked into it.I think they reckoned it was the inlet manifold gasket that was faulty. 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.

2005 BMW 5-Series Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2005 BMW 5-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.