| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area
Engine (44%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)
Brakes and Traction Control (3%)
Suspension and Steering (12%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (25%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)
Other (4%)
Chart based on 3566 repairs.
BMW 5-Series other repair cost distribution
$2500+ (2%)
$1000 - $2499 (6%)
$500 - $999 (10%)
$100 - $499 (24%)
< $100 (57%)
Chart based on 126 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2018 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 335hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 22500 mi | Crunching noise from trunk latch |
2016 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 10100 mi | reprogram auto trunk sensor to open with kick of foot. |
2014 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 443hp 4.4L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 9000 mi | hood would not open. had to refill oil. |
2013 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 45000 mi US $820 |
Took to dealer to replace right rear tire damaged by screw picked up on the road, was advised that left rear tire also had significant wear and should be replaced at the same time, ended up with both rear tires being replaced. |
2012 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 375hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 49600 mi $200 |
Windscreen replacement. It was probably a rock which hit it on autobahn. |
2012 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 14000 mi | Window regulator making noise, slower than other windows. |
| 52000 mi | Had to have corrosion removed from all four chromed factory wheels. Tire bead not seating properly and losing air. |
| 98000 mi US $150 |
Bad vibration in the seat. Road Force Balance on the tires fixed it. |
| 210000 mi | The trunk won't close when pressing the button inside of the trunk lid. Dealer fixed it in one day. |
2012 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 70000 mi US $200 |
Tire replaced. But... I was towing a trailer, hit a pothole at 65 mph, and drove 12 miles in heavy traffic before stopping. No loss of control. |
2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 400hp 4.4L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 79000 mi US $200 |
Door latch failing |
2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 45000 mi | dirvers door randomly locks you in! WTF BMW couldn't figure it out for weeks |
| 65100 mi C $1700 |
Also problems with driver door freezing up. |
2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 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 |
| 30000 mi US $75 |
Trunk springs/shock absorber failed, causing the trunk to fly open |
2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 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. |
2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 241hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 102920 mi €50 |
Rear Trunk lid retension shock absorber had to be replaced. The trunk lid was opening too quickly & harshly. |
2011 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 9000 mi | Washer reservoir tank leaking. |
2010 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 12000 mi | rear liftgate failure |
| 104160 mi C $1673 |
Tailgate Hatch Hydraulic Cylinder was replaced. |
2010 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 29900 mi | The lumbar support in the driver side seat was broken and had to be replaced. |
| 113000 mi US $20 |
Wind shield washer pump replaced |
| 89000 mi | Cracked wheel. Caused premature wear of all four tires, necessitating replacement with less than $12,000 miles wear. Cost of new wheel, plus new tires, was $1,400. |
2010 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 74000 mi US $1300 |
new tires and re-balance, but this failed to fix ongoing wheel vibration problem |
2009 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 39000 mi | Sunroof cover would not retract (open) simultaneously with opening of sunroof. |
| 41000 mi US $700 |
Bent rims, tire pressure sensor broken. |
| 54000 mi US $500 |
Windshield washer pump leak. |
| 57000 mi | Left rear passenger window mechanism broke down. Window felt inside the door. |
| 102340 mi $1 |
The boot cover was very hard to open due to bad gas springs |
2009 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 45000 mi US $759 |
Oil Change, Cabin Air Filters, Serpentine Fanbelt, Wipers, Passenger side wheel well cover |
2009 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 62000 mi US $260 |
Drivers door locking failure. |
2009 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 45000 mi US $300 |
Wheel not balancing with RoadForce balance, suspect out of round, possibly tire out of round, not properly rectified, still have vibration. |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 90300 mi US $1600 |
automatic tailgate hydraulic failure. replaced pistons and electrical wiring. |
| 120000 mi US $350 |
the motor that turns the headlamps right or left when you steer right or left, broke, in the right headlight. I chose to not fully repair it, as it would cost $1200. Just making the light aim straight now - cost $240 |
| 121520 mi C $500 |
passenger door lock actuator |
| 38000 mi | Rear window latch failed. |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 17000 mi | Fuel pump failure, 2nd time |
| 20000 mi | Problems fixed by dealer So far so good. |
| 43000 mi US $63 |
Replaced hood shocks |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 63500 mi US $450 |
Replace leaking windshield washer pump |
| 14000 mi | Check engine light came on. Dealer could find nothing wrong, and could not replicate it. |
| 7000 mi | The cause of the problem was determined to be "turbo rattle". A reflash of the car's software (DME) to resolve other problems (voice recognition of media system and AWD/DSC malfunction warning) also fixed the previously described vibration problem. |
| 3000 mi | Courtesy lights failed; Display indicated AWD and DSC malfunction; Date/Time reset. Cause: frequent short trips failed to fully recharge battery. Least important computers start shutting down to preserve battery life. Bought BMW battery charger. |
| 36000 mi US $350 |
Housing for the rear turn and reverse light... |
| 46300 mi | The passenger door would not open sometimes from the inside. Video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO61Z6Bv-ns The passenger front door will not open at all from the outside. |
| 25000 mi | leaking windshield washer pump or reservoir. repaired under warranty. seems to be a known problem on the BMW forums. |
| 31620 mi | DVD Repair for Nav. System |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 37500 mi | Front and rear windscreen seals deteriorating. Howling noise upon turning at low speeds. Passenger side seat extention cover falling off. Trim piece missing from Driver's side left A/C vent. Steering wheel roundel oxidizing from the inside. |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
500-horsepower 5.0L V10 6-speed manual RWD
| 83000 mi US $350 |
Power window regulator. Window dropped into the door. |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 22000 mi | Electric thigh extension in drivers seat broken. Gear stripped. |
| 23000 mi | windshield washer container had a slow leak |
2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 84000 mi US $10 |
Passenger side marker light out. When replacing bulb noticed black wire shield was dry rotted and broke off in pieces once touched exposing wire. Repaired with electrical tape. |
| 55800 mi C $200 |
Windshield washer jets were not working. One was clogged and the other popped out of the connector. Easy fix for both. Had regular maintenance completed as well. |
2007.5 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 174hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD
| 90000 mi | Fault with the steering lock system. Common fault with BMWs. |
2007 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 39000 mi US $50 |
Replace leaking w/s washer pump |
| 113000 mi US $30 |
Hydraulic leak in tailgate lift system. Added hydraulic fluid to the reservoir. |
| 90000 mi US $375 |
hydraulic fluid for liftgate also filled |
2007 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 161hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD
| 75940 mi | Repaired lock on fuel door. (self-repair) actuation rod had broken. |
2007 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 68200 mi US $50 |
Windshield wiper pump was replaced because it was leaking. |
2007 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 49500 mi | CCC (iDrive computer) died and was replaced under warranty. Insulation on exposed wires under the hood repaired. Back window rubber gasket replaced. |
| 58000 mi | Mirror switch repositioned. |
2007 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 49000 mi | Steering Wheel Lock Malfunction |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 99000 mi | 520xit, trunk latch broke and would not close. Had to take to dealer under warranty repair. They also replaced my battery for me since it was having a hard time starting up. |
| 102500 mi US $60 |
Got wheels fixed at rimpro and the car still vibrated. Took it to a mech to make sure it's not the bushings. Well, taking it back to rimpro so they can properly fix it. |
| 110980 mi C $1 |
Door Handle rear driver side |
| 118420 mi C $14 |
Refill of hydraulic oil for the system used for the trunk hatch. |
| 27000 mi | Failed rear latch. |
| 27000 mi | Windshield wipers were not tightened when front windshield was repaired, fixed it myself. |
| 36000 mi | repaired windshield washer reservoir, broke when being filled in -40 weather, likely due to brittle plastic |
| 52000 mi US $100 |
door latch came loose during speaker install, needed dealer to fix. Self inflicted wound! |
| 55000 mi US $320 |
cable broke on latch for drivers door. |
| 71000 mi | windshield wiper frame stuck due to salt |
| 31620 mi | US car purchased Nov 8, 2007. Entered Canada Jan 23 2007 2008-02-10 Warranty repair -Power hatch broken Warranty repair - I drive operating intermittently warranty repair - self leveling suspension warning not operational DVI (department of vehilce |
| 103540 mi C $375 |
windsheld washer pump had leak / replaced |
| 48000 mi | Trunk lid would not latch properly. Latch replaced |
| 80000 mi US $50 |
The rear lift gate hydraulics went out. |
| 52000 mi US $475 |
R&R rear hatch lift arm/system. |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 161hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD
| 83280 mi £215 |
Cracked rim, 3 hairline cracks, very common with mv2. welded 1 and powdercoated all 4 in mirival metalflake silver. |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 63240 mi C $125 |
Front hood shocks |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 99000 mi US $130 |
Part ordered to repair non-functional thigh extension on front passenger seat. Car also checked over since approaching end of warranty, and oil changed. Cost of part and repair deferred until installation (limited to warrant deductible) |
| 99000 mi US $50 |
Installed part to repair passenger seat thigh extension. |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 90000 mi US $1400 |
Both headlight washers were out of adjustment and not spraying properly. Both washer units replaced. |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 114000 mi US $400 |
Windshield washer pump leaks |
2006 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 32000 mi | Replaced damaged tire after delivery, gouge in sidewall noticed after delivery |
2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 78000 mi US $90 |
Windshield washer not working. |
2005 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 81000 mi US $300 |
washer fluid leaking |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 55800 mi C $90 |
Was getting seatbelt/restraint system fault codes in iDrive when car got wet, and diagnostics suggested to replace front crash sensors with newer part number. Got two used ones off eBay, removed front bumper and replaced the sensors. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 47000 mi US $20 |
Windshield Washer Fluid Resevoir |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 77000 mi US $2400 |
rear window sunshade replaced. |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 152000 mi US $400 |
Trunk lid spring and strut worn beyond servicability. Trunk would bang open and rebound when commanded instead of softly and under control. |
| 221100 mi US $500 |
Broken Windshield |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| 133000 mi US $30 |
Windshield washer tank started leaking. Fixed tank and washer pump started leaking. Both replaced easily |
2004 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD
| 47000 mi US $768 |
Per above repair, warning light for windshield washer fluid came on even though had just refilled. Dealer discovered leak in windshield washer pump, replaced pump. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 102300 mi £40 |
Windscreen washer seize up |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 102000 mi US $25 |
Headlight had a broken adjusting link in it. Seats had gotten as hard as a rock (and this happened really suddenly...within about a month). |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
394-horsepower 4.9L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 74000 mi US $50 |
Driver's seat belt was very slow to retract. Dealer replaced belt assembly under warranty. |
| 77000 mi US $50 |
Driver's side lumbar support leaked air, causing the air bladder to deflate over time. Dealer replaced valve. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
290-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 98000 mi US $220 |
fixed 'seat twist' on front passenger seat. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
290-horsepower 4.4L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 86000 mi US $52 |
Replaced broken headlight adjusters on both headlights and realigned lights. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 56000 mi | Front wipers out of whack making excessive noise. |
2003 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 104200 mi | low beam headlight bulbs replaced |
| 85000 mi US $400 |
Drivers seat would not move |
2002 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
394-horsepower 4.9L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 65000 mi US $1850 |
Cracked windshield washer filler hose and malfunctioning washer jet. |
| 41000 mi US $610 |
Repair leaky rear view mirror, $110. |
2002 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
290-horsepower 4.4L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 58000 mi US $8 |
Washer resorvoir was leaking. Went online to view "how to repair" and fixed hole successfully with epoxy. |
| 148000 mi US $825 |
Free up RR seatbelt. |
| 124000 mi US $634 |
Drivers and Passenger Seat Controls did not work. Seat control cables shortened over time causing cable ends to pull out of the seat control motors. Cables were removed and cable ends were shortened fixing the problem. |
2002 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
282-horsepower 4.4L V8 5-speed automatic RWD
| 91750 mi US $770 |
both front ball joints @ struts. |
| 95200 mi | battery replaced due to continuing need to "jump" the car...baffled a very good mechanic!! Thankfully, battery itself was still under warranty. |
2002 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 64500 mi US $175 |
New battery. |
| 86200 mi US $700 |
The hood latch would not disengage. Pulled the lever inside the cab and the hood would not "pop". Caused the hood to stay in a locked position (would not open). Three cables were found to be frayed and broken that operate this. |
| 136000 mi | The backrest of the passenger side seat would literally twist when it was reclined. |
| 138500 mi | Cable came off of driver side seat to raise and lower the seat. The same repair that was on the passenger seat earlier, but just a different cable, will attempt once semester is over. |
| 188000 mi US $250 |
Failed windshield washer hose due to dry rotting. |
2002 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| 72200 mi US $28 |
Right rear window regulator broken on -2 degree day, window would not go up. Found cable jumped track and frayed itself. Easy DIY repair. |
2002 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 113700 mi US $125 |
Left door return replaced because of excess noise opening and closing. |
| 119500 mi US $750 |
Linkage from electric Motor for automatic movement of drivers seat malfunctioned |
| 82000 mi US $527 |
Adjusted cable in drivers seat |
2001 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 98000 mi US $150 |
hydraulic support shock holding rear hatch has lost compression - won't stay open |
2001 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
282-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 111000 mi US $2500 |
Replaced inner driver window rubber gasket. It forced window off of track, due to it applying too much force when window going up |
2001 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| 62000 mi A $120 |
Headlight adjusters broken in both headlights, common issue, fix is postponded but will be done by owner in the near future |
| 92160 mi | Windscreen washer bottle has broken and no longer holds water. Result of driving over rough road |
| 94240 mi | Windscreen washer bottle had broken and no longer held water. |
2001 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD
| 166000 mi US $2990 |
hoses for windshield washer were replaced |
| 153000 mi US $2400 |
Alternator failed, causing stop at nearest convenience within 20 miles. Auto towed to dealership. Alternator replaced, battery replaced, front pads and rotors, service II, |
2000 BMW 5-Series
Engine not specified
| 107000 mi US $300 |
seat belt broken |
2000 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon
193-horsepower 2.8L I6 4-speed automatic RWD
| 62000 mi | Repl Pass Seat Belt, BMW Insp I, II & Flush: Coolant, Transmission Fluid/Filter, Brake Fluid. Plugs, Engine Air & Cabin Filters, Oil & Filter. 4 New Continental DWS Tires, New BMW Rubber Mats, New Emergncy Reflctr, Glovebox Flashlt, Manual |
2000 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan
394-horsepower 4.9L V8 6-speed manual RWD
| 111000 mi | Seatbelt replaced. |
| 162400 mi US $25 |
Headlight adjusters on the e39 cars will often fail due to brittle plastic. Repair kits are available on Amazon and ebay, but replacement of the adjuster is difficult, as it involves completely disassembling the entire headlight assembly. Pre-2001 5-Series have more easily serviceable clamshell headlights. Post 2001 models must be heated along a seam to gain access to the internals of the headlight for replacing the adjuster. |
1999 BMW 5-Series 4-door
8-cylinder manual 2WD
| 68200 mi C $20 |
Fuel filler door hinge replaced because door would not remain open. |
1999 BMW 5-Series 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 151900 mi | The rear wiper stopped working but something was binding and wouldn't let the wiper move. The wiper motor itself was fine but I didn't get a chance to look into it any further |
1998 BMW 5-Series 4-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| 202740 mi | Driver side door brake broke when caught by wind gust |
1998 BMW 5-Series 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 67580 mi $230 |
Rear rhd window lift failure, (iron cable). Fix it the day, with the replacement of the window lift. |
1997 BMW 5-Series 4-door
8-cylinder manual 2WD
| 166000 mi US $10 |
Windshield washer hose disintegrated. Replaced. |
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