2012 vs 2013 BMW 5 Series

Both years

• 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)

Both years

• 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

Both years

Engines

2.0L turbo four-cylinder (2012–2016) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L twin-turbo V8 Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six with an electric motor (2012–2014) 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

Both years

• Jet Black 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Space Gray Metallic 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Cashmere Silver Metallic 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Imperial Blue Metallic 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Alpine White 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Carbon Black Metallic 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Black Sapphire Metallic 2012–2016 Edmunds

Both years

• Cinnamon Brown Dakota 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Black Dakota 2012–2016 Edmunds
• Black Nappa 2012–2016 Edmunds

Both years

• 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)

• 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