2011 vs 2012 BMW 5 Series

- 2011
F10 2011–2016 Sold as 528i, 535i, 550i
- 4 warnings
- 10 recalls
- 2012
F10 2011–2016 Sold as 528i, 535i, 550i, ActiveHybrid 5
- 6 warnings
- 5 recalls

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Timing chain on the four-cylinder 2012–2016

What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start, and ask whether the chain has been replaced.

Euro Premium Parts calls the N20's chain a known weak point that often fails early, and CarGurus also names faulty timing chains on the four-cylinder.

CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Oil use on the four-cylinder 2012–2016 One source so far

What to check: Check the oil level, and ask how often it has needed topping up.

Euro Premium Parts says many owners report excessive oil use, which can damage the engine if it is not watched.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

Oil use, cooling and turbo trouble on the V8 All years One source so far

What to check: Ask for oil top-up and repair records, and look for signs of overheating.

Euro Premium Parts lists cylinder scoring, excessive oil use, overheating, turbo, timing chain and fuel pump failures, worst before the facelift.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
High-pressure fuel pump and injectors on the 535i All years One source so far

What to check: Feel for misfires or a loss of power, and listen for a rattling wastegate.

Euro Premium Parts says the pump and injectors can fail, and that wastegate actuators can wear and rattle.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Leaking trunk and sunroof seals All years One source so far

What to check: Look for damp carpets in the trunk and cabin, and stains around the sunroof.

CarGurus lists leaking trunk and sunroof seals among the most common F10 issues, with crankshaft pulleys, battery drains and small electrical problems.

CarGurus
Worn suspension bushings All years One source so far

What to check: Listen for knocks over bumps on the test drive.

Euro Premium Parts says the bushings can wear early, especially on high-mileage cars.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

10V331000 2010–2011
The fuel level sensor in the tank can become wedged against the tank. Dealers repair it. NHTSA
11V521000 2011
The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA
12V161000 2011
The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA
14V176000 2011
The bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. NHTSA
16V832000 2011
The replacement sensor cluster unit may be programmed wrongly and misjudge when to fire the airbags, pretensioners and active head restraints. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
17V067000 2011
The rear driveshaft's constant velocity joint can fatigue and break. Dealers inspect it and replace it depending on when it was made. NHTSA
17V683000 2007–2011
The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
23V707000 2010–2011
The aluminum bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

13V454000 2012–2013
The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers modify the cars to prevent it. NHTSA
14V627000 2012–2013
The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers fit a locking ring to keep the camshaft's seal disk in place. This expands 13V454000. NHTSA
24V608000 2012–2016
A badly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can let water in and short circuit. Dealers inspect and replace the pump and connector as needed and fit a shield. NHTSA

16V746000 2011–2012
Wire contacts in the in-tank fuel pump may not be crimped well enough. Dealers replace the fuel pump module. NHTSA
18V248000 2011–2012
The electric auxiliary water pump can fail and its circuit board overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

After 2011, up to and including 2012.

2012The 528i switches to a turbo four-cylinder and can have all-wheel drive, auto stop-start becomes standard on the 528i and 535i, and the ActiveHybrid 5 joins. Edmunds, CarGurus

Engines: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (2012–2016) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six with an electric motor (2012–2014) CarGurus, a published reference

Engines: 3.0L turbo inline-six Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L twin-turbo V8 Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Transmissions: Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed manual (2011–2014) Edmunds
Drivetrains: Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, CarGurus
Body styles: Sedan Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Packages: Sport Package Edmunds, M Sport Package Edmunds, Luxury Line Edmunds, Modern Line Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Executive Package Edmunds, Technology Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds, Lighting Package Edmunds, Luxury Seating Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Plus Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Individual Composition Package Edmunds

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Watch for: An early four-cylinder 528i 2012–2013 Less sought after One source so far

CarGurus says the 2010 to 2013 four-cylinder models draw the most complaints and the most serious issues of the F10 range. CarGurus

Sought after: A six-cylinder car, such as the 535i All years

CarGurus says it is better to go for a six, which is more powerful and more reliable than the four, and Euro Premium Parts calls the 535i the best balance of performance and reliability. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Watch for: The V8 550i without a documented engine fix All years Walk away One source so far

Euro Premium Parts says the 550i's N63 has one of the worst reliability reputations in BMW's history and advises avoiding it unless the car has a documented engine replacement or major upgrades. A seller's guide (unofficial)