2013 vs 2014 BMW 5 Series
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F10
2011–2016
Sold as 528i, 535i, 550i, ActiveHybrid 5
- 6 warnings
- 4 recalls
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F10
2011–2016
Sold as 528i, 535i, 550i, 535d, ActiveHybrid 5
- 6 warnings
- 6 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.
2013
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
2014
Nothing that 2013 lacks.
Both years
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
Recalls
2013
- 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
2014
- 18V755000 2014–2016
The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler as needed, and the manifold if it has leaked. NHTSA
- 21V586000 2014–2016
The high-pressure fuel pump may fail. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
- 21V907000 2014–2016
The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler and inspect the manifold. Cars fixed under 18V755000 need this repair too. NHTSA
- 24V527000 2014
The driver's airbag inflator may explode when it deploys, because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA
Both years
- 15V188000 2013–2014
The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light to meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers replace them. 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
What changed between
After 2013, up to and including 2014.
- 2014A facelift brings minor exterior changes, the 535d diesel, more power for the 550i, standard navigation and a touchpad on the iDrive controller. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
What it came with
2013
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
2014
Both years
Colors
2013
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
2014
Nothing that 2013 lacks.
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
Interiors
2013
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
2014
Nothing that 2013 lacks.
Both years
- Cinnamon Brown Dakota 2012–2016 Edmunds
- Black Dakota 2012–2016 Edmunds
- Black Nappa 2012–2016 Edmunds
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2013
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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
2014
Nothing that 2013 lacks.
Both years
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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)
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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)