BMW 5 Series Recalls

The BMW 5 Series has 53 recalls spanning 1975 through 2023, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 530i and M5 models where transmission oil leaks into the transmission control unit, causing the gears to seize and cutting drive power without warning.

The 2023 model year also shares a starter motor fire risk with 2021 vehicles. On 2020 plug-in hybrid models, debris in the high-voltage battery during production can cause a short circuit and fire. The 2019 M5 has a transmission wiring harness that can short and drop the transmission into neutral while driving. On 2018 M5 models, a fuel pump software fault can stall the engine, and a separate fuel sensor fault can cause the gauge to read higher than the actual fuel level. The 2018 540d xDrive has an exhaust gas recirculation cooler that can crack and leak, creating a fire risk; some vehicles required a second repair after an incorrect part was installed during the first. A 2018 diesel crankshaft sensor error can also stall the engine. The 2017 model has side curtain airbag inflators that can rupture in a crash and send fragments toward occupants. The 2016 model has airbag inflators that may fail to deploy and a bent child seat anchor on the left rear seat. The 2015 M5 has a rear driveshaft that can fracture and cut drive power. The 2014 diesel has a high-pressure fuel pump that can wear and cause a sudden stall.

From the mid-2000s through the early 2010s, 2004-2010 models have a positive battery cable connector that can overheat and start a fire even while parked. The crankcase ventilation valve heater on 2006-2010 models can short circuit and catch fire while driving or shortly after parking. The 2013 M5 has an oil pump drive shaft that can separate, causing sudden oil pressure loss and potential engine failure. The 2012 model has a vacuum pump that can fail and reduce brake assist. The 2010-2011 models have variable valve timing bolts that can loosen and stall the engine. The 2006 model has front suspension control arm nuts that can loosen and compromise handling, rear shock bushings that can separate, and a parking pawl that may not hold in Park.

Going further back, the 2004 model has a missing fuel line clip that can allow fuel to escape in a frontal crash and ignite, and an engine management unit defect that can cause stalling and prevent restart. The 2002 model has a front strut that can separate from its upper mount if the suspension is fully unloaded, and a Takata-related driver airbag inflator that can rupture and send fragments into the cabin. The 2001 model has an airbag control module that can deploy airbags unexpectedly when the key is turned. The 1998 model has a transmission gear position switch that can allow the vehicle to start in Drive or Reverse. The 1997 and 1996 models have front strut plates that can crack, break, and contact the tire, causing sudden pressure loss. Earlier production from the late 1980s through mid-1990s includes throttle valve faults that can prevent the accelerator from returning to idle, an electrical fusible link that can cut all power while driving, and a brake master cylinder flange that can crack and impair braking on 1984 models.