2009 vs 2010 BMW 5 Series

Both years

• A failed brake booster All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel for a hard, stiff brake pedal.

  CarGurus lists failed brake boosters, which can stiffen the pedal dramatically, among the E60's typical problems.

  CarGurus

• Worn control arms and bushings All years

  What to check: Feel for vibration under braking and listen for clunks, and look for uneven tire wear.

  CarGurus lists broken or worn-out control arms, and Euro Premium Parts says worn front bushings cause vibration under braking.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cooling system parts All years

  What to check: Look for coolant leaks, and ask whether the water pump and thermostat have been replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts says radiator, expansion tank, water pump and thermostat failures are routine at around 80,000 to 100,000 miles on the sixes. CarGurus lists bad thermostats and fuel pumps too.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil use and leaks on the V8s All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for blue smoke at start-up and oil around the timing covers.

  Euro Premium Parts lists worn valve stem seals, timing cover and alternator bracket gasket leaks, and high oil use even on well-kept cars.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Battery drain and electrical faults All years

  What to check: Ask about battery warnings, and try the locks, lights, windows and climate control.

  Euro Premium Parts lists battery drain from the battery sensor or the trunk wiring, and CarGurus lists a variety of electrical issues and leaky sunroof seals.

  CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

• 10V446000 2004–2010

  A check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak oil, which over time can contaminate the brake booster. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

• 12V126000 2004–2010

  The positive battery cable's connector may have been fitted wrongly to the trunk floor, so its bolt can loosen and the connection overheat. Dealers inspect and secure it. NHTSA

• 13V407000 2008–2010

  Resistance at the taillights' contacts can damage the connector, so some rear lights work only intermittently or not at all. Dealers replace the bulb carriers. NHTSA

• 17V683000 2007–2011

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

• 22V119000 2006–2010

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse. This replaces and expands 17V683000 and 19V273000. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

3.0L inline-six (2006–2010) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.8L V8 (2006–2010) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference, 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six (2008–2010) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Transmissions

Six-speed manual Edmunds, Six-speed Steptronic automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed SMG automated manual Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference, xDrive all-wheel drive (2006–2010) Edmunds, CarGurus

Body styles

Sedan Edmunds, a published reference, Sport Wagon (2006–2010) Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

Sport Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds

Both years

• Sought after: A naturally aspirated six, such as the 530i 2006–2010 One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts calls the N52 530i the best balance of performance and reliability, and says the inline-six cars are generally the safest choice. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Watch for: The SMG gearbox All years Walk away One source so far

  CarGurus lists trouble with the SMG transmissions among the E60's problems and says it is better just to stay away from them. CarGurus