2011 BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series 2011

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2011 BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (31%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (34%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 228 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 BMW 5-Series.

2011 BMW 5-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (9%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (22%)

< $100 (49%)

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

Chart based on 142 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 BMW 5-Series

Engine not specified

BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2015
Dec 2015

91000 mi
Fuel pumps failed. 
BMW 5-Series in Great Britain
Oct 2010 - Jun 2014
Dec 2012

54000 mi
Front seat heating faulty 
May 2014

86700 mi
night view camera faulty 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

9000 mi
Jerk/hesitation of transmission at 0 to 20 mph. Very annoying and disappointing. 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 181hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Great Britain
Sep 2013 - Apr 2015
Dec 2013

39000 mi
Rear kick plate loose, refitted 
Apr 2014

50700 mi
Near side roof bar loose 
Mar 2015

67000 mi

£243
Module that controls headlamp aim and sidelights blown and needed replacing 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 181hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in Switzerland
May 2011 - Oct 2016
Aug 2012

17380 mi
Repaired steering wheel damaged by dealer while replacing window. 
Nov 2012

21560 mi
Rattle in driver's side door 
Apr 2016

69220 mi

$800
Left rear air suspension failure 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 400hp 4.4L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Jun 2013 - Oct 2016
Jul 2013

23000 mi
One front strut failed. The other striped during alignment. Side View Camera in drivers mirror failed. 
Sep 2014

44000 mi
Crankcase vent valves replaced, spark plugs replaced, fuel injectors replaced. Known TSB 
Nov 2014

46900 mi
Leaking oil around valve stems. Total tear down and remachine of head. Leaking water pump replaced also. 
Aug 2015

66300 mi
Fuel pump failure 
Jan 2016

79000 mi

US $200
Coolant Leak Oil Pan gasket leak Door latch failing Soft Close door failure Camera Warning Chime and lights 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Jul 2015 - Oct 2018
Jul 2017

66000 mi

US $1350
Leaking coolant line for turbocharger needed replacement. Cost was approximately $900. Driver's power seat extender needed repair. Cost to repair was $450. 
Feb 2018

78000 mi

US $600
High pressure fuel pump failure resulting in reduced power mode. It went into reduced power mode that would reset when the car was restarted. AC was very noisy when running at higher fan speeds. Blower motor was failing and needed to be replaced. Extended service contract paid all but $100 for the repair. 
Mar 2018

78000 mi

US $299
Replace front thrust arms due to excessive play when braking- $815 -braking had vibration, problem solved. Required re-alignment at $199 extra. Cracked Rear Differential Bushing-$945 (replace bushing)-problem solved. Leaking Upper Oil Pan Gasket- $2490 replace gasket and problem solved (excessive oil consumption)-problem solved. 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2014 - Jul 2018
Apr 2014

32655 mi
Troubleshoot and replace various electrical components related to the rear steering system. Cut off relays and separate battery. Dealer had to submit ticket to BMW NA to figure out problem. 
Jul 2015

38200 mi

US $50
ACTIVE SEAT VENTILATION, SHORT TO GROUND. RAN TEST PLAN, REMOVED BOTH SEAT BACK COVERS FOR DRIVER FRONT SEAT (COMFORT SEAT WITH REAR MONITOR) AND INSPECTED WIRING. FOUND WIRE SHORTING AGAINST FRAME AT BOTTOM OF SEAT BACK. FOUND FAULT 9307A1 STORED FOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE ELECTRONIC DRIVER DOOR. RAN TEST PLAN AND FOUND THAT DRIVER FRONT OUTER DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT LOCK USING COMFORT ACCESS. DOOR HANDLE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. 
Jun 2016

40000 mi

US $200
Coolant leak from rubber turbo hoses above the engine. 
Jul 2018

49000 mi

US $320
Comfort access no longer working to unlock or lock car doors from the handles 
BMW 5-Series in Nevada, United States
Jan 2015 - Dec 2017
Oct 2015

56200 mi
Rear electric window shade failed to go down. Sketchy covereage under certified warranty. The "shade" is not covered, but the electronics and motor are. Had to do some talking with the shop foreman directly to get a motor ordered. 
Jun 2016

64000 mi

US $725
Turbo oil block leaking. Replaced under CPO. Coolant lines for turbo leaking. Replaced at owner cost. Battery was 50%. Replaced at owner cost. 
Oct 2016

65200 mi

US $50
Valve seals replaced due to oil burning 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2015 - Jul 2018
Nov 2015

38000 mi
Door lock malfunction driver door.  Starter replaced. 
Oct 2016

44000 mi
Emissions control . Cracked pipes and tubes replaced dealer covered items 
Apr 2017

48000 mi

US $100
Oil pan seals were replaced under extended warranty. 
Jun 2017

50000 mi

US $100
turbo cooler lines replaces due to cracks 
Dec 2017

52000 mi

US $100
replaced 2 high pressure fuel pumps replaced Y pipe in cooling system 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Dec 2013
Oct 2012

34000 mi
Was receiving a message that the brake pads needed replacing. Took it to the dealer and they reset the computer. 
Dec 2012

34000 mi
Getting dash messages which were not correct. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

3000 mi
car shuders when accelerating from 60-70 or 70 to 80 transmission shifts very hard intermitently 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Oct 2010 - Nov 2013
Feb 2011

1000 mi
Bad fuel sensor replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2018
Oct 2010

1000 mi
Steering noise when turning steering wheel thru slow turns. They insulated the fuel lines.....but in my opinion it only helped the car a bit, but it still has noise inside the cabin if you turn off the radio and just listen closely. 
Feb 2014

31400 mi
Battery malfunction Drivetrain malfunction 
Oct 2014

38500 mi
The car started shuttering and was not safe to drive we placed the car on a flat bed tow truck using BMW assist. Replaced all fuel injectors. 
Jun 2018

67000 mi

US $5000
Consuming oil 1L every 400 Miles Consuming oil still 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 400hp 4.4L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2011 - Sep 2012
Jan 2012

12400 mi
side view camera system needed replacement and the car needed reprogramming 
BMW 5-Series in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2016 - Mar 2018
Dec 2017

80000 mi

US $1800
While in for recall work on fuel pump dealer found a coolant leak mostly covered by service contract. Small leak requires extensive work to fix, including removal or turbochargers. 
BMW 5-Series in Colorado, United States
Oct 2013 - Aug 2014
Apr 2014

41300 mi
Complete engine failure. New engine installed under warranty. 
BMW 5-Series in Alabama, United States
Mar 2013 - May 2015
May 2013

36900 mi
Rear sun shade would not retract BMW Online would not start properly. Acted as if I didn't have a subscription for this service. Minor scratch on trunk lid when Certified Preowned car purchased. Dealer agreed to repair. 
Aug 2013

39000 mi
BMW Online service would still not work, despite previous trip to the dealer. Required a reset by the BMW Assist group. Rattle coming from the somewhere in or around the interior housing of the 3rd brake light Minor scratch on trunk lid when Certified Preowned car purchased. Dealer agreed to repair. Previous trip did not resolve the scratch. 
Aug 2014

62100 mi
Fuel injector had to be replaced Turbo had to be replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Connecticut, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2022
Nov 2015

29900 mi

US $600
Factory service bulletin to replace fuel injectors and check timing chain. Tire Pressure Monitoring system malfunction. Replaced left front wheel senor. Malfunction still happens, but much less frequent. 
Jan 2022

64000 mi

US $475
2 tire pressure sensors were faulty and replaced 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 400hp 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Dec 2010 - Dec 2012
Mar 2012

23000 mi
Replaced a high pressure fuel pump 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2011 - Mar 2014
Jan 2013

9780 mi
Battery needed to be charged over night. 
Mar 2013

11160 mi
Dead battery. Replaced with new battery. 
Oct 2013

14460 mi
Dynamic drive malfunction. Required new pump from Germany 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Oct 2014 - Mar 2016
Feb 2015

64100 mi

US $50
I had heard a very random metal on metal sound on a cold start. It took 40k miles for dealer to hear it to repair it. Had I not bought the BMW extended warranty I would have paid for the replacement. 
Jan 2016

65000 mi
Leak in turbo intercooler Oil reader kept going from full to empty repeatedly. 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2011 - May 2012
Dec 2011

14000 mi
A piece of trim needed to be replaced due to a defective roof rack accessory cover 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Feb 2014 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016

92000 mi

US $50
Electrical connection in steering wheel broke . Buttons on wheel inop. Air bag warning lamp lit. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Dec 2014 - May 2015
Oct 2014

45000 mi
dirvers door randomly locks you in! WTF BMW couldn't figure it out for weeks 
BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

2000 mi
Main computer had to be replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2012
Jun 2010

200 mi
Paint overspray. Repaired under warranty.  Paint overspray. Repaired under warranty 
Jul 2010

800 mi
Center armrest hinge malfunction. Replaced under warranty. Center armrest hinge malfunction. Replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2010

5000 mi
Fuel Level Sensor replaced under warranty. Preventative TSB. 
Jan 2011

6000 mi
Comfort Access on driver door handle malfunction. Comfort Access on driver door handle malfunction. 
Aug 2011

10000 mi
SW download to address lag in throttle response Worn out button on HVAC system, face plate ordered, but not installed Surround view camera assembly replaced. 
May 2012

15200 mi
SIB240212 Subject: N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2015 - Apr 2019
Feb 2018

61380 mi

C $650
Battery had to be replaced. 
Aug 2018

65100 mi

C $1700
Water pump had to be replaced along with thermostat. The engine started overheating in the fast lane and I had to drive very slowly to my mechanic. Also problems with driver door freezing up. 
Mar 2019

65720 mi

C $450
Weather strip around the driver entry had worn and was replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Nov 2013 - Jul 2016
Feb 2014

44600 mi
Gas needle acting funny. 
Jun 2014

46000 mi
Cloudy chrome exterior moldings replaced. Cloudy fog lights, replaced. 
Oct 2014

47200 mi
Side Sill, BMW Logo faded. Changed. Front Left speaker rattling. Changed. 
Nov 2014

47600 mi
Navigation, A/C, radio buttons pealing. 
Jan 2016

50700 mi

US $50
Blower motor replaced 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2013
Sep 2010

7000 mi
lock function for comfort access failed 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Apr 2017 - Sep 2017
Sep 2017

64000 mi

US $2000
Cooling pump failure. Replaced it and thermostat. 
BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
Dec 2010 - Feb 2015
Oct 2014

49300 mi
The turbo waste gate actuator was noisy. The dealer replaced the part under warranty. 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Jul 2014 - Jun 2017
Aug 2015

44600 mi
Software for transmission updated for low speed hesitation and jerkiness. Squeeking noises when going over bumps at slow speeds. Car wobbles when idling, mostly when engine cold. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Aug 2011 - Apr 2017
Jul 2012

13700 mi
Check engine light came on for the third time. They ran diagnostics and eventually changed some filter, a computer module and recharged the battery. 
Mar 2014

36000 mi
Car has surround cameras. One was not working properly. Had to order the part from Germany and then install and rediagnose. In the end all was fixed proerly 
Dec 2014

49000 mi
High pressure vacuum hose needed to be replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2016 - Jan 2018
Jan 2018

72000 mi

US $5000
Split boots in the drive train led to fluids leaking onto the rotor, which then suffered damage and had to be replaced, front and rear. leaking gasket - replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2014 - Feb 2017
Jun 2016

130000 mi

US $2400
Replaced L and R axle shafts, problem with CV joints 
Sep 2016

135000 mi

US $1600
Water pump failed, replaced thermostat as well 
BMW 5-Series in Colorado, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2017
Jan 2015

US $898
Alignment and new tires because of shaking from 70-80mph. Car still shakes but the problem is much better. 
Mar 2015

93000 mi

US $2900
Front passenger door lock doesn't always unlock with pull (cable feels loose) Rear window shade would not electronically retract, it would try but get stuck before any movement was performed Window Tint removed, dealer scratched trim on drivers window, needs to be replaced 
May 2017

157000 mi

US $15000
Had to replace engine due to the serpentine belt slipping and getting sucked into the main seal. Could have repaired for about half of the cost but there was no guarantee the issue would be resolved upon completion. I now have a new(to me) engine with a warranty through BMW. 
BMW 5-Series in Singapore
Aug 2010 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011

12400 mi
springs had noise. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Nov 2013
Mar 2011

8000 mi
 
Jul 2011

15000 mi
Car would surge at speeds under 10mph 
BMW 5-Series in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2010 - Nov 2011
Jul 2011

15000 mi
Rear passenger door handle was replaced. The car would unlock immediately after it was intentionally locked, unless the driver used the key fob out of range of the proximity sensor. 
BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States
Oct 2010 - Nov 2013
Nov 2011

10000 mi
Front cupholder broke and caused a rattle. It was quickly and easily fixed. I would not call it a defect as I think I broke it. 
Nov 2012

16200 mi
Sunroof opened but would not subsequently close. Needed a control module replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Dec 2013 - Jul 2020
Sep 2016

30000 mi

US $75
A/C blower motor housing had to be replaced due to it coming loose and causing noise when the A/C was on. Trunk springs/shock absorber failed, causing the trunk to fly open 
BMW 5-Series in Alberta, Canada
May 2013 - May 2015
Feb 2015

31000 mi
Nav map had some completely erroneous roads in it. BMW doesn't see this as a problem. Cannot answer an incoming call via the steering wheel button on the first call since starting the car - have to use the iDrive button instead. Once the phone has been used once then the steering wheel button works. Said fixed, didn't. The auto-headlights turn on when they shouldn't. Specifically, the headlights would turn on during sunny cloudless days in the middle of the day. BMW never even commented on this complaint. 
May 2015

31620 mi
Could not answer an incoming call via the steering wheel button on the first call since starting the car. I got sick of trying to get BMW to address this and other complaints. Turned in car at lease end. 
BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Mar 2011 - Aug 2013
Jun 2013

46000 mi
seat calibration warning would not reset BMW letters and other trim came loose from driver and passenger door threshold 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Dec 2013
Aug 2012

20000 mi
Seat warning could not be reset. Dealer reset by computer 
Aug 2013

33000 mi
Pressure valve in drivetrain malfunctioned 
BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2013
May 2012

12000 mi
Requesting 30,000 miles service with 10K on the odometer 
Jul 2013

26700 mi
Fuel pump was leaking fuel by right rear tire. Replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Michigan, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2022
May 2013

25000 mi
The passenger restrain system failed, a sensor/pad needed to be replaced on the seat cushion... and the system reprogramed 
Oct 2013

30500 mi
Knocking noise on steering wheel at low speeds below 20 mph.... replaced steering rack and suspension bushings (fromt) 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2017 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

110360 mi

C $3000
Valve Cover Gasket Leak 
Dec 2017

117800 mi

C $1500
-Leak in the Oil Filter Housing - replaced 2 gaskets ($75 in parts, almost $500 in Labour) -Leak in the Oil Filter Cap ($30 Replaced) 
Feb 2018

119660 mi

C $1000
Oil Leaks from VG + OFHG - extensive leaks, making the car unusable 
BMW 5-Series in Alberta, Canada
Mar 2011 - Jun 2015
Jul 2012

12800 mi
Blackberry bluetooth compatibility resolved. Computer advised car needed new rear brakes, but none required. Computer glitch resolved also with software updates. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Aug 2011 - May 2016
Sep 2011

1000 mi
The Tire Pressure Maintenance System showed a malfunction on the dash board. The dealership discovered one of the tires sensors needed replaced which they did w/o cost. This coincided with the application of my Cilajet sealant. 
Mar 2013

29000 mi
I had to have the key module replaced. I was getting an error message on the console stating that the battery was low, I replaced the battery ($5) in the key module but I was still getting the same error message. Key always operated ok 
Jul 2014

52000 mi

US $20
The fuse kept blowing for the power outlets.the 1 in the front console,1 in the compartment between the 2 frt passenger seats and the 1 in the back seat. I was plugging in my radar detector, GPS and phone. Found another outlet under glove bx 
Aug 2014

53500 mi

US $100
I kept getting a transmission error(I can't recall the exact error message) upon acceleration. I am glad I had an extended warranty otherwise I would have been dishing out over $800 for this repair 
Feb 2016

74600 mi

US $100
I noticed a vibration when the A/C was on and they discovered an issue in the A/C unit that was covered by my extended warranty thank goodness! $850.00. I had to pay the $100 deductible 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2022
Jun 2015

42000 mi
Replaced valve cover gasket and eccentric shaft motor gasket to fix small oil leak that started after VANOS recall. BMW covered under warranty. 
BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2015
Apr 2015

41500 mi
Brake sensor malfunction second time the brake service notification came on the second time they just reprogrammed it and said it was not necessary to do brake job. Center console latch not working well Runs rough when started 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2016 - Jul 2021
Nov 2016

43900 mi

US $440
Oil filter gasket leak. Problem found by dealer who wanted $800 for it. Not serious but dealer & shop said that it could leak on to belts and cause other damage. Main cost was labor of getting to it. Belts were ok. 
Aug 2017

50000 mi

US $165
Replaced ignition coil packs, all six, DIY. 
Feb 2018

51600 mi

US $60
Trunk lid return shock seemed broken as it flew open (in a way that could hurt). I ordered and replaced the right-side spring & shock per online instructions. Less than a half hour. 
Mar 2018

52000 mi

US $160
Shaky idle, occasional CEL/misfire. Spark plugs were done at 41k previous to my ownership. Well, one of them has gone bad, so that got replaced. 
Oct 2018

55000 mi

US $450
Serpentine belt & tensioner pulley replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Jun 2012 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012

38000 mi
Rattling noise coming from front after car is warm. Sounds as if something is loose. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2022
Sep 2015

147000 mi

US $1100
Replaced water pump 
Jan 2016

US $5500
Reverse gear of the manual transmission was inoperable. Looked for used or rebuilt transmissions locally, but couldn't find one. Replaced with a certified manufacturer transmission. 
Feb 2021

315000 mi

US $1000
Adaptive headlight module had water damage. Replaced module and seals. 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 241hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in Finland
May 2014 - Jul 2022
Jun 2017

93000 mi

€500
Rear view camera picture had turned upside down & mirror view. A simple Camera ECU reset would not fix the problem using diagnostics. Re-coding the ECU box (and updating all the SW levels at the same time) fixed the problem. No physical replacements were needed. The front drive axle's outer joint protection rubbers were replaced as they were in wearing out ---> fixed before the dirt would get inside. 
Aug 2017

94240 mi

€400
The left rear suspension spring had broken and needed replacement. The garage suspected a material/manufacturing flaw in the part. 
Mar 2018

102920 mi

€50
Rear Trunk lid retension shock absorber had to be replaced. The trunk lid was opening too quickly & harshly. 
May 2018

102 mi
The exterior bellows of a front drive train axle was broken again after a year it was replaced originally. The replacement work was done under the spare part guarantee 
Jul 2022

120900 mi

€200
Driver's door lock actuator was replaced due to first signs of malfunctioning. 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 181hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Ireland
Jul 2010 - Jul 2012
Jan 2011  
Feb 2011

17980 mi
Variable Damper Control was not performing properly. Known problem. Repair included replacement of both rear dampers and a cracked wheel rim plus re-programming of the appropriate control unit Faulty air pressure sensor diagnosed and replaced under warranty 
Jun 2011

28520 mi

€120
Vibration in steering caused by something other than wheel balance. 
Sep 2011

33480 mi
recurring vibration in steering apparently caused by electric steering pump. BMW not willing to repair. 
Nov 2011

39060 mi
BMW Country Tech. Drove car to verify issue. Problem acknowledged but described as normal. 
Mar 2012

50840 mi

€100
replaced sensor in throttle somewhere 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Nov 2016 - Jan 2017
Nov 2016

63000 mi

US $100
Intermittent hard shifting a low speeds. The dealer had a difficult time diagnosing problem. They reset/reconfigured computer. 
BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
Jan 2017 - May 2019
Mar 2018

63000 mi

US $2510
Seal is bad on the Xenon Headlamp unit, which allowed water inside, which affected the control module 
BMW 5-Series in Indiana, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2022
May 2013

16400 mi
The on-board computer maintenance system sent a messge that the battery was low and needed to be replaced at the next convenient time. 
Jun 2018

87000 mi

US $3871
Cylinder head assembly valve cover replacement,  front brakes complete, rear brakes rotors, brake fluid flush. Left tie rod replacement, alignment. 
Jul 2018

89408 mi

US $6298
Front suspension thrust rods and bushings,  right wheel differential axle seal leaking,  AC compressor leaking. AC Compressor leaking - replaced and freon added. Thrust rod bushings cracked/dry rot. Replaced both thrust rod bushings. Leaking right rear differential axle seal which was replaced. 
Feb 2021

121075 mi

US $919
51-21-7-231-931 Grab handle replacement for the driver side soft close door. 51-21-7-231-931 Grab handle replacement for the driver side soft close door. 
Apr 2021

122568 mi

US $897
Seized lower steering shaft replacement. 
Jun 2021

123536 mi

US $955
Driver side rear door handle for soft closing door replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Dec 2010 - Dec 2019
Mar 2015

64000 mi

US $1000
Battery was overcharging. System reprogrammed, battery replaced.  Also, second problem with Check Engine light for gas cap that failed. 
Apr 2015

64500 mi

US $1000
Oxygen Sensor replaced. 
Jan 2016

63500 mi

US $100
Headlight Failure 
May 2016

78000 mi

US $200
Sunroof stuck. (Also replaced rear tires) 
Aug 2016

82000 mi

US $2300
Parking/Daylights - Two modules malfunctioned. 
Mar 2018

106900 mi

US $4000
Struts and Springs failed 
Sep 2018

116000 mi

US $300
Radio Buttons on BMW are manufactured white and then coated black leaving a white portion for the number. The black covering wore causing button to turn all white. 
Dec 2019

139000 mi

US $100
Bad Spark Plug 
BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2018
Dec 2010

2000 mi
Excessive wind noise from drivers door. One attempt to fix, by pulling the door in a little bit, unsuccessful. I must drive some other cars to see if this is normal noise but seems worse than my camry even though car is quieter overall. 
BMW 5-Series in Kentucky, United States
Aug 2010 - Jul 2014
Aug 2011

9000 mi
Washer reservoir tank leaking. 
Sep 2013

28000 mi
Oxygen sensor repair. 
Jun 2014

33000 mi
Eccentric Shaft Sensor faulty. Replaced Eccentric Shaft Position Sensor and cleaned engine wiring harness connection. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Jul 2010 - Aug 2012
Jul 2012

7000 mi
When you slow down and try to speed up car hesitates 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Jan 2011 - Nov 2012
Feb 2011

10000 mi
Electrical - Map-vanity light in visor work sporadically – malfunction EIC unit, part ordered and replace roof switch cluster – no programming – programming encoding control unit - front mud guard torn off, replace $52 - 
Sep 2011

18000 mi
GPS still unable to locate major retail stores or fast food restaurants 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2013
Oct 2011

5000 mi
A/C was blowing warm. Result was a pinched o-ring in compressor which allowed leakage of freon. 
Nov 2011

6000 mi
A/C evaporator was defective. Required part order + weekend delay for delivery of part. three day repair as total dashboard assembly required removal for repair. 
Jun 2012

11000 mi
Computer warning indicated "return to dealer as soon as possible to have battery replaced". Battery had discharged due to a "software problem", and was recharged. As this occured during a holiday weekend, car was in shop longer than nec. 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Feb 2014 - Jun 2022
Nov 2016

19900 mi

US $350
Message from car's computer indicated battery needed to be replaced. You cannot do this yourself with a late model BMW. I do my own car work so this is disappointing but had to be done by dealer. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2014 - Jul 2022
Mar 2016

45000 mi

US $50
Radiator leaking 
Apr 2018

6800 mi

US $800
Replacement of angel eyes 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2012

5000 mi
Software update 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2014 - Jul 2018
Sep 2015

48000 mi
Got an error message Drivetrain. Drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Have the system checked by your service center Dealer replaced spark plugs and ignition coils Under warranty. Bought my car CPO. 
Mar 2017

65000 mi

US $700
Was due for rear brake service 

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2011 BMW 5-Series 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

BMW 5-Series in Singapore
Oct 2011 - Jul 2018
Feb 2013

13100 mi
Smelly air upon starting the engine 
Oct 2013

19000 mi
Comfort access at door. 
Jun 2014

26660 mi
One of the ignition coils was faulty 
Sep 2014

27280 mi

$50
Radiator leaking 
Apr 2015

32640 mi

$1000
Replace battery 
Aug 2015

35320 mi

$4300
Car jerks when slowing before stopping. Jerking also happen when down shift gear and up shift at low speed. Replace gear box 
Mar 2016

42160 mi

$400
Door handle grip melted 
Jun 2016

43400 mi

$400
Head gasket rubber leaked and replaced 
Jan 2017

30380 mi

$150
Cooling system pipe leak 
Mar 2018

62620 mi

$1000
Loud noise while driving at high speed. Disguised as Vanos clogge Noise at engine Bay at idle speed. Car vibrate while at Low speed. Replaced motor mount. 
Jun 2018

65100 mi

$500
Replaced left headlight. 
Jul 2018

65720 mi

$800
Replaced brake pads and rotor 

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

2011 BMW 5-Series Repair Histories

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 2011 BMW 5-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.