If you’re out shopping for a classy bimmer that has all the modern gizmos in a slightly more stretched-out package, then the BMW 5 Series is probably for you. It’s like the staple 3 Series, only bigger and more “executive”.
But as with any high-end automobile, you’d want to get the best out of this luxurious piece of German engineering, which is why the question of how long these things actually last is a popular search query.
Whether it’s about the total number of miles it can run or the number of dents it can do to your wallet should something go wrong, here’s all that you need to know about the BMW 5 Series lifespan and reliability!
How many miles can a BMW 5 Series last?
The BMW 5 Series is known to last an average of 200,000 miles, with some models even reaching 250,000 miles or more with good maintenance.
When it comes to gauging how reliable a certain car make and model is, one of the first things to consider is its average lifespan. In other words, how many miles does it usually last before owners have to move on to another ride?
In the case of the BMW 5 Series, it’s been known to last up to 200,000 miles on average, though some have been able to reach the 250,000-mile mark on their unit.
However, it’s important to consider that the maximum mileage of any car can depend on a lot of factors, such as the owner’s driving habits, how frequently it’s driven, and how well you can stick to the recommended maintenance intervals.
While models from the 5 Series lineup are able to cross 200,000 miles on the odometer, this doesn’t mean that it’s completely problem-free.
In particular, BMW 5 Series units that have already crossed the 100,000-mile mark start to experience more major issues that are in need of more expensive repairs.
Thus, if you’re thinking of buying any BMW 5 Series model off the secondhand market, then you should be wary of such high-mileage samples since not every owner maintains it well enough past this point.
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
The BMW 5 Series is considered to have good reliability on average, though it’s also dependent on the model year and how well-maintained it is.
BMW 5 Series models last an average of 200,000 miles, and common problems involve the fuel pump, transmission, suspension, brakes, and timing chain.
While the BMW 5 Series, as a whole, has been considered to be generally reliable throughout the years, this doesn’t make it flawless in any way, especially when compared to models from other brands.
Depending on which model year we’re talking about, you may get a different answer to the question “Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?”, and this is due to some model years (or entire generations) being more prone to hiccups than others.
For instance, BMW F10 5 Series models from 2011 to 2015 are notorious for having timing chain issues with their N20 4-cylinder engines. In addition, transmission issues are also common for this 5 series generation.
Newer 7th-gen G30 models, on the other hand, are not as problematic so far, with the most common problems after several months of driving being minor issues with the dashboard and HUD, and some interior rattling noises.
How reliable is the BMW 5 Series compared to other BMW models?
The BMW 5 Series is one of the most reliable models in the BMW lineup in terms of lifespan, which can potentially reach up to 250,000 miles (402,000 km).
The BMW 5 Series is 1st on the list of BMW vehicles with the highest potential mileage, followed by the 3 Series and M3 models.
| BMW Model | Highest Potential Lifespan/Mileage |
| BMW 5 Series | 250,000 miles (402,000 km) |
| BMW 3 Series | 240,000 miles (386,000 km) |
| BMW M3 | 230,000 miles (370,000 km) |
| BMW X5 | 220,000 miles (354,000 km) |
| BMW X3 | 210,000 miles (338,000 km) |
| BMW 7 Series | 200,000 miles (322,000 km) |
| BMW M5 | 200,000 miles (322,000 km) |
| BMW X1 | 170,000 miles (274,000 km) |
| BMW M4 | 170,000 miles (274,000 km) |
| BMW X6 | 165,000 miles (266,000 km) |
| BMW 4 Series | 140,000 miles (225,000 km) |
| BMW 8 Series | 130,000 miles (209,000 km) |
| BMW X4 | 130,000 miles (209,000 km) |
| BMW 2 Series | 110,000 miles (177,000 km) |
How reliable is the BMW 5 Series compared to its competitors?
The BMW 5 Series has similar reliability to competitors like the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, and Volvo S90, which all have a 200,000-mile lifespan.
The 5 Series is slightly less reliable than the Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes E-Class, which both have a 250,000-mile lifespan and higher reliability ratings.
| Luxury/Executive Midsize Sedan Model | Average Lifespan/Mileage |
| BMW 5 Series | 200,000 miles (322,000 km) |
| Audi A6 | 200,000 miles (322,000 km) |
| Mercedes Benz E-Class | 200,000 to 250,000 miles (322,000 to 402,000 km) |
| Jaguar XF | 150,000 to 200,000 miles (241,000 to 322,000 km) |
| Lexus ES 350 | 250,000 miles (402,000 km) |
| Volvo S90 | 200,000 miles (322,000 km) |
The BMW 5 Series, especially the newer G30 model, already has quite respectable reliability judging by the fact that it can reach 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.
However, the 5 Series still has some pretty tough competition in its class, with some of them just neck and neck or even slightly surpassing it in the reliability department amongst other things.
According to rankings by J.D. Power, BMW as a brand already beats its close German competitor Audi in terms of overall dependability, and this also remains true when we compare the 5 Series with the latter’s A6 sedan model.
Mercedes, on the other hand, has its E-Class model go toe-to-toe with the 5 Series and just about beats with an iSeeCars reliability rating of 8.5/10. The BMW, in comparison, only scored a close 8.3/10.
Another notable model in the same category that surpasses the BMW 5 Series is the Lexus ES 350. With the blood of a Toyota, the ES 350 gets an iSeeCars reliability rating of 9/10 versus the 5 Series’ 8.3/10.
Similar competitors that are either hot on the BMW 5 Series’ tail or just right there alongside it in terms of reliability include the Jaguar XF, Cadillac CT6, and Genesis G80.
How much does the BMW 5 Series maintenance cost per year?
2009 to 2020 BMW 5 Series models have an annual maintenance cost between $468 and $886 on average, which is $82 to $500 cheaper than the average annual maintenance cost for all BMW models at $968.
In general, the average annual maintenance cost for any BMW model is $968, according to data by RepairPal. Maintenance costs for the BMW 5 Series, however, will depend on the exact model and year.
According to our research, the 2020 model has the cheapest maintenance cost of $468 per year out of all the BMW 5 Series from 2009 to 2020.
On the other side of the spectrum, the most expensive BMW 5 Series model year to maintain is the 2011 model, with an annual maintenance cost of $886.
As for 2021 and newer BMW 5 Series units, there is still not enough data regarding their annual maintenance costs at this time to come up with an average amount due to how new they are.
But regardless of the model year, we can still conclude that, based on the available data, the BMW 5 Series has a cheaper maintenance cost per year than the average for all BMW vehicles, which is $968.
| BMW 5 Series Model Year | Annual Maintenance Cost |
| 2020 | $468 |
| 2019 | $546 |
| 2018 | $672 |
| 2017 | $871 |
| 2016 | $697 |
| 2015 | $849 |
| 2014 | $797 |
| 2013 | $882 |
| 2012 | $844 |
| 2011 | $886 |
| 2010 | $738 |
| 2009 | $849 |
BMW 5 Series Maintenance Cost vs Other BMW Models
In the table below, you can see how BMW 5 Series models fare against other BMW models in the lineup in terms of annual average maintenance cost.
All average maintenance costs for each model are based on RepairPal’s data and may be subject to change over time.
| BMW Model | Average Annual Maintenance Cost (RepairPal) |
| BMW 5 Series (528i) | $825 |
| BMW 5 Series (530i) | $620 |
| BMW 5 Series (535i) | $977 |
| BMW 5 Series (535d) | $1,046 |
| BMW 1 Series (128i) | $801 |
| BMW 1 Series (M) | $870 |
| BMW 2 Series (228i) | $922 |
| BMW 3 Series (320i) | $1,157 |
| BMW 3 Series (330i) | $748 |
| BMW X1 | $915 |
| BMW X3 | $1,034 |
| BMW X4 | $988 |
| BMW X5 | $1,166 |
| BMW X6 | $1,206 |
| BMW M3 | $1,161 |
| BMW M4 | $2,781 |
| BMW M5 | $1,173 |
| BMW M6 | $1,485 |
BMW 5 Series Reliability Ratings and Reviews
The BMW 5 Series has a reliability score of 83/100 on average for the 2007 to 2024 model years, according to ratings by J.D. Power.
The BMW 5 Series also received overall consumer/reviewer ratings of 81/100 (J.D. Power), 4.3/5 (Edmunds), and 4.1/5 (TrueCar) on average.
Edmunds Reliability Rating/Review
Edmunds’ average overall rating for the BMW 5 Series is quite high at 4.3/5, which we calculated by taking the average of consumer ratings from multiple model years from 2023 to as early as 2007.
Based on our findings, almost all BMW 5 Series model years between 2007 and 2023 consistently had consumer ratings of at least 4/5.
However, one model year stood out from the rest as having the lowest rating at only 3.6/5, which was the 2012 model. Owners have mostly complained about engine problems at the 50,000-mile mark for this year.
Overall, the newer 7th-gen G30 models from 2017 onwards have fetched higher ratings of 4.1 to 4.6/5, and Edmunds’ reviews have praised them for having more refined and better-performing engines with little to no issues.
J.D. Power Reliability Rating/Review
J.D. Power’s reliability rating gives the BMW 5 Series an average of 83/100 across multiple model years between 2007 and 2024.
However, it’s important to note that the 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010 model years were excluded from this calculated average as there are no ratings available for them.
In addition, J.D. Powers also rates the BMW 5 Series with an overall average score of 81/100 for the same model years discussed, with the highest being 86/100 given to the 2016 model year.
The BMW 5 Series has consistently ranked in the top 3 for J.D. Power’s “Best Midsize/Upper Midsize Premium Car” category between 2018 and 2024, which are all years under the G30 generation of the 5 Series.
It has either bested or at least tied other models in the category in overall ratings such as the Mercedes E-Class, Volvo V90, Genesis G80, Tesla Model S, Audi A6, and Porsche Taycan.
However, earlier BMW 5 Series G30 model years still trailed behind the Audi A7, Cadillac CT6, and Mercedes CLS in terms of overall rating.
According to J.D. Power, owners commonly praise the 5 Series for its smooth transmission and ride quality, especially those belonging to newer model years.
As for the cons, owners have complained of the heating and air conditioning system underperforming compared to other brands. The audio system, navigation system, and other infotainment features were also known to have issues.
TrueCar Reliability Rating/Review
TrueCar provides ratings from the owners of BMW 5 Series models themselves, and it averages to about 4.1/5 for the 2010 to 2024 model years of the German luxury sedan.
The majority of these model years have received a TrueCar owner’s rating of 4/5, and this includes the entire BMW F10 5 Series generation from 2010 to 2016.
Pre-facelift models of the G30 generation between 2017 and 2020 have also received consistent 4/5 ratings from owners.
By the 2023 model year, however, the 5 Series received a considerably higher owner’s rating of 4.5/5, and we can see why based on TrueCar’s positive comments regarding its wide range of engines and sharp but smooth handling.
However, some owners have complained through TrueCar about 5 Series’ brakes tending to squeal just after 2,000 miles of total driving.
In addition, some have found the infotainment system and other tech features too complicated to learn. Even the climate control system also has trouble maintaining a certain temperature setting, specifically in the 2019 model.
What are the common problems of a BMW 5 Series?
Some common problems of the BMW 5 Series include timing chain failure, fuel pump problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, brake noises, and other brake issues.
Timing Chain Failure
If you ever get any secondhand BMW 5 Series, then one of the most common problems that you should look out for is a failing timing chain.
Timing chain failures are known to affect multiple model years of the 5 Series, especially the F10 generation that’s equipped with the N20 I4 engine.
If you have a failing timing chain on your BMW 5 Series, then you’ll most likely notice symptoms like engine misfires, engine whining or rattling noise, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light (CEL).
You may also find that the timing chain itself is either loose or has a lot of play and that there will be some metal shavings when draining the oil.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, then you should get your timing chain checked right away, which also includes checking the tensioner, rails, and oil pump drive chain module if they need replacing.
Fuel Pump Problems
Fuel pump problems are another big issue with the BMW 5 Series, a car that is meant to provide the smoothest engine power delivery every time you touch the throttle, but it can’t exactly do that with a faulty fuel pump.
The BMW 5 Series is very much known for fuel pump failures that deprive the engine of adequate fuel. So not only can a bad fuel pump affect your performance while you’re out and about, but it can even cause your car to not start at all.
In particular, the 5 Series’ HPFP (High-Pressure Fuel Pump), which is found in both gasoline and diesel variants of the luxury sedan, is known to fail and cause sudden loss of engine power, higher engine temperatures, and reduced fuel efficiency.
While the diesel-powered BMW 535d model from 2014 to 2016 already had a recall for this specific fuel pump issue, we can’t say the same for other 5 Series models, so it’s best to have your fuel pump checked out if you’re experiencing the same symptoms.
Transmission Problems
Another category of problems of the BMW 5 Series that can really take a toll on your wallet if not solved immediately is transmission problems.
BMW 5 Series owners commonly complain of their transmission jerking every time they shift into any gear, which can also be accompanied by an audible clunking sound. In some cases, the transmission may even start skipping gears entirely.
Such transmission issues result in a pretty rough and unpredictable driving experience and can hinder your vehicle from accelerating or decelerating properly when needed.
This can happen in both manual and automatic versions of the 5 Series. More specifically, it’s most common in models equipped with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission.
Apart from getting your transmission inspected by a mechanic right away, it’s also important to regularly monitor your transmission fluid and get it drained and replaced when necessary.
Suspension Problems
You might have not expected that a model like the BMW 5 Series, which is known to provide a very comfortable and smooth ride, can also be prone to suspension problems. But alas, it is.
While BMW suspension components are usually expected to last 10 years, driving habits and how frequently you drive your car can significantly affect their lifespan.
It’s quite common that the suspension shocks and struts can prematurely wear out on the 5 Series, and when they do, you’ll start to feel a lot of vibrations, clunking noises, and an unstable and bumpy ride.
Even newer 5 Series models like the BMW 530e can also be subject to these suspension issues if the components are not properly maintained.
If your BMW 5 Series has already crossed the 50,000-mile mark, then this is already a good point to have your suspension components inspected and replaced when needed, as recommended by suspension manufacturers.
Brake Noises and Other Brake Issues
If you have a secondhand BMW 5 Series or are planning to buy one, then it’s also essential to check the condition of its brakes, as they are another potential source of issues that can put you at risk while driving.
From squeaking noises and worn-out brake pads to an unlubricated brake vacuum pump, any sort of issue with your braking system can affect your car’s ability to slow down safely, if it even slows down at all.
So whether it’s replacing your brake pads, checking your brake fluid levels, or not slamming on the brakes too much, be sure to take good care of your braking system to avoid running into such issues.
What are the recommended maintenance intervals for the BMW 5 Series?
| Mileage Interval | BMW 5 Series Maintenance Procedures |
Every 10,000 miles | Change engine oil Replace oil filter Perform a tire rotation |
Every 30,000 miles | Check engine temperature Inspect and clean the braking system Change brake fluid Inspect various electronics Inspect exhaust system |
Every 60,000 miles | Replace the engine air filter Replace the cabin air filter Inspect/replace spark plugs Inspect hoses in the engine bay Inspect head gaskets for leaks |
Every 80,000 miles | Replace spark plugs (if not yet performed at 60,000-mile intervals) Inspect PCV system Inspect/replace ignition coils |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
