Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What Owners Say
"Battery. $5000 in repairs to determine the short in the computer syste."
Anonymous, MD (2018 BMW 5 Series)
2018
BMW 5 Series
EPA MPG:
27 mpg
EPA MPG:
27 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 5 Series to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on the BMW brand score and the previous generation of the 5 Series.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 BMW 5 Series owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
What Owners Say
"There was an engine problem that ended up being covered by a hidden warranty but the cost to diagnose it was $800 and that was not covered."
Anonymous, FL (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"Electronic waste gate failed but was drivable. Dealer replaced under warantee"
Anonymous, OR (2018 BMW 5 Series M5 4.4-L V8 turbo)Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
What Owners Say
"one seat belt in the rear seat does not extend"
Anonymous A., CT (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Control lever on drivers seat broke off and had to be jammed back in position to move the seat."
Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive)Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
What Owners Say
"Experienced some loss of braking function on hills. Took it to a mechanic and had new brakes installed"
Anonymous, PA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
What Owners Say
"Replaced motor mounts"
Anonymous, NC (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
What Owners Say
"Adblue tank had to be replaced"
Anonymous, (2018 BMW 5 Series 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
What Owners Say
"Air conditioning stopped blowing cold. Evaporator had to be replaced."
Anonymous, GA (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
What Owners Say
"While driving on a major freeway in Los Angeles the display screen that shows speed, fuel status, oil pressure and GPS went blank. My wife drove over 100 miles back to our San Diego home using here cell phone information to navigate her retturn."
Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive)Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
BMW 5 Series
vs. Similar Cars
Genesis G80
Lexus ES
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes-Benz E-C...
Volvo V60
BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Sep 27, 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
19V684000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
257473
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jul 17, 2018
An incorrect fuel reading may lead to the vehicle stalling and increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is actually available.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will secure the in-tank fuel line to keep the fuel line from contacting the fuel level sensor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V473000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1645
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jul 11, 2018
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V465000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
5309
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 16, 2018
If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V323000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
846
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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"Coolant system leak"
Anonymous, AL (2018 BMW 5 Series M5 4.4-L V8 turbo)