2018 BMW 5 Series Reliability - Consumer Reports
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW 5 Series

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BMW continues to focus on luxury, refinement, fuel efficiency and high tech for most of its models somewhat to the detriment of handling agility. Case in point: the redesigned 2017 5 Series is the most luxurious version ever of BMW's midsized sedan. The new car is essentially the same size as the outgoing model, but marginally lighter and roomier.
Alerts
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW 5 Series

Reliability

We expect the 2022 5 Series will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019, 2020 and 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2018 BMW 5 Series has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
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POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
NA
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Transmission Major
NA
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Transmission Minor
NA
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Drive System
NA
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NA
Fuel System
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
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NA
NA
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Climate System
NA
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Suspension
NA
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Brakes
NA
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NA
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Exhaust
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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NA
Paint/Trim
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Body Hardware
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Power Equipment
NA
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In-car Electronics
NA
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NA
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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 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. 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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

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.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Backup camera would not turn on 10% of time when backing up."

Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Hardware replacement

"Screen for environmental control developed a crack. Dealer repaired under warranty"

Anonymous, MD (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Navigation system reboots at the same geographic location in ne New Mexico. It has done it on at least five trips."

Anonymous, KS (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Navigation would stop working 20% of time."

Anonymous, CA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Radio

"Radio was part of a factory recall and replaced."

Anonymous, NY (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Routine software updates

"Cutting engine/radio off without locking car"

Anonymous, PA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Software update fixes

"Software issues began after 18 months. Required complete replacement of software program over two days. Fine ever since."

Anonymous, NC (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Engine check"

R K., OH (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Check engine light came on for no reason many times, requiring that I take vehicle in for service. It took over a year before software fix resolved the problem."

Jeffrey Y., CA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering wheel controls

"The steering wheel moves upward upon exiting the vehicle and on occasion will not return to the driving position. In addition the electronic control does not work to move the wheel back down so you have to drive with the steering wheel up in the air. I consider this to be dangerous. BMW have not been able to fix the problem. i drove the car to the dealer with this intermittent problem 2 weeks ago to show them. They have still not called me to arrange to have it fixed. I think this is.a serious safety issue."

Allan C., ON (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"The heat adjustments require a PhD in engineering to control. After 3 calls to the dealer I still have icy air blowing on my feet and heat on my head."

Anonymous, NY (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Car has recurring and still unresolved climate control issues and cannot maintain cold air flow. BMW dealer has been supportive and professional, but unable to fix the issue. They are currently working with BMW specialists to diagnose the issue and have replaced several components thus far with no success. We are currently awaiting word from the dealer as to what the next move, but the car will now qualify for return under lemon law in our state and we plan to pursue this if this current fix is unsuccessful."

Anonymous, AL (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"They placed an inferior climate control system in this car. When it is very hot out, you have to put auto temp down to 63 and manually control fan. Have not been able to assess heater."

Anonymous, FL (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"The fan intensity controls have little to no effect. Most automatic climate control systems will set the fan to a high setting when you first start a hot car and then taper the fan setting down as the car cools. Most of the time, the BMW's fan settings start too low and then taper down to its lowest setting - nothing in between - even though the car interior is still uncomfortably hot. I have to manually set the temperature to the 60s (or use the max cool button which sets it to 60) for the fan to operate at a temperature appropriate speed."

Anonymous, FL (2018 BMW 5 Series 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"software glitch-reprogrammed at dealer"

Anonymous, DC (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Evaporator

"Air con was not cooling properly. The dealership first tried to simple recharge the refrigerant. After two months it was not cooling, so took it back. That's when the evaporator was found to be leaking."

Anonymous, (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Passenger seat occupancy sensor malfunction caused warning light for airbag malfunction."

Anonymous, KS (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"warning kept going on about passenger seat. was faulty wiring in the seat"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Warning about passenger side airbag not working"

Anonymous, NY (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Alarm showed passenger restraint system was malfunctioning. Had to replace entire wiring harness because of wire short. Assume it was a manufacturing issue because the dealership said they had received a warning from BMW."

Anonymous, NC (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Worked fine for 20,000 miles and has failed recently. Dealer having trouble fixing it despite 3 tries."

Anonymous, VA (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Body control module

"Electrical issue with Seat belt light to come on. Had to go to be serviced at dealership twice to be find problem."

Anonymous, MA (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Gauges

"Entire center dashboard went dark/blank, including HUD display."

Anonymous, WA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

"Inconsistent operation - sometimes it works and other times does not."

Anonymous, VA (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Warning lights

"I get random alerts that various systems require immediate attention. Then the warnings disappear. Service cannot fix them."

Anonymous, NY (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"There are some really cheep plastics in this car for the price level. Design of the seat belts means the passenger side rattles on the plastic when the seat is not occupied. Car uses antifreeze all the time it’s not leaking out but it’s going somewhere"

Bobby W., KS (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"Door and window noise"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The drivers side window squeals when lowered. It only happens in hot weather. I have not been able to successfully demonstrate it at the dealer."

Anonymous, TX (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"Front passenger door soft-close mechanism failed such that door would not properly close."

Anonymous, TX (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Locks and latches

"Rear door locks hang up and do not unlock the rear doors 40% of the time. I brought it to the dealer 2x before they ordered and actuator for it. even after the part install it still has issues. totally dissatisfied with the result and the chrome door moulding is now bent."

Anonymous, (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Drivers door wouldn't stay closed"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Antifreeze leaks

"Failed valve; replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, NM (2018 BMW 5 Series Unsure 4.4-L V8 turbo)
Cooling fan

"Replaced upper cooling fan which caused a "check engine" error. Dealer needed two services to identify the problem."

Anonymous, WA (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Radiator

"Computer problem was resolved by the dealership"

Anonymous, FL (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"Started as shaking when applied brake"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 BMW 5 Series 530e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Rotors

"Vibration was coming the front rotors that premature became warped at 25000 on the odometer. Dealer repaired under warranty"

Anonymous, MD (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Emission control sensor under front of car had to be replaced - caused dash warning light. Seemed more electrical related than performance related."

Anonymous, TX (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Fuel injection system

"Faulty diesel injection system. Poor design"

Anonymous, BC (2018 BMW 5 Series 530i 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

Suspension

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.

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Steering was clicking when turning. Replace steering box under warranty"

Anonymous, FL (2018 BMW 5 Series Unsure 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"The sunglass compartment is made poorly and is hard to close and pops open while driving."

Anonymous, (2018 BMW 5 Series 540i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Power Equipment

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, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Compare 2018 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
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.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jul 17, 2018
An incorrect fuel reading may lead to the vehicle stalling and increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jul 11, 2018
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 16, 2018
If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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