F10 BMW 5 Series 2011–2016 F10

The sixth 5 Series, a sedan only in the US, with a four-cylinder 528i from 2012, the turbo six 535i, the twin-turbo V8 550i, a hybrid and from 2014 a diesel, and xDrive on most.

6 engines25 colors6 warnings21 recalls

How it was checked: 46 sources read.

Generation F10 2011–2016 Pick a generation
Model year All 6 Pick a year

Overview

Engines
3.0L inline-six, 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six, 3.0L turbo inline-six with an electric motor
Came as
On record
6 warnings, 21 recalls

Sold as 528i, 535i, 550i, 535d (2014–2016), ActiveHybrid 5 (2012–2014)

The story

Jacek Frohlich designed the exterior from 2005 under Adrian van Hooydonk. The F10 was unveiled in Munich in November 2009 and went into production in January 2010, sharing its platform with the F01 7 Series. A published reference

CarGurus says it dropped the controversial looks of the E60 and drew cues from earlier cars such as the E39. It was the first 5 Series with a hybrid, a turbocharged V8 and an eight-speed automatic, and the US lost the wagon. CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

For 2012 the 528i took a turbo four-cylinder in place of its six. A facelift went into production in July 2013, and the 2014 cars brought the 535d diesel and more power for the 550i. Edmunds, a published reference

Colors

Show all 25 colors
  • Titanium Silver Metallic2012
  • Citrin Black Metallic2016
  • Glacier Silver Metallic2016
  • Jatoba Brown Metallic2016
  • Azurite Black Metallic2016
  • Champagne Quartz Metallic2016
  • Mineral White Metallic2016
  • Mineral Grey Metallic2016
  • Mediterranean Blue Metallic2016
  • Frozen Bronze Metallic2016
  • Moonstone Metallic2016
  • Dark Graphite Metallic2016
  • Tanzanite Blue Metallic2016
  • Jet Black2012–2016
  • Space Gray Metallic2012–2016
  • Cashmere Silver Metallic2012–2016
  • Imperial Blue Metallic2012–2016
  • Alpine White2012–2016
  • Carbon Black Metallic2012–2016
  • Black Sapphire Metallic2012–2016

Interiors

Show all 13 interiors
  • Oyster and Black Nappa2012
  • Black Nappa2012–2016
  • Venetian Beige and Black Dakota with Exclusive Stitching2016
  • Black SensaTec2016
  • Venetian Beige and Black SensaTec2016
  • Ivory White Nappa with Black2016
  • Mocha Nappa with Black2016
  • Venetian Beige and Black Dakota2016

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

Engines

Transmissions

Drivetrains

Body styles

Packages

Figures

Years and what changed

  1. 2011

    The redesigned 5 Series arrives as a sedan only, with a turbo V8 in the 550i and an eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive later in the year. Edmunds, a published reference

  2. 2012

    The 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

  3. 2013

    No significant changes. CarGurus

  4. 2014
    Refresh

    A 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

  5. 2015

    No major changes. CarGurus

  6. 2016

    Better USB and Bluetooth connections in the last year before the redesign. Every model is an automatic. Edmunds

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

Going to see one? Take the checklist with you.

Open the checklist

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

Show all 21 recalls

  • 2014–2016 Recall 18V755000

    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

  • 2011–2012 Recall 18V248000

    The electric auxiliary water pump can fail and its circuit board overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 2007–2011 Recall 17V683000

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

  • 2011 Recall 17V067000

    The rear driveshaft's constant velocity joint can fatigue and break. Dealers inspect it and replace it depending on when it was made. NHTSA

  • 2016 Recall 16V914000

    The initiators of the seat-mounted side airbags may fail to fire in a crash. Dealers replace the airbag modules. NHTSA

  • 2011 Recall 16V832000

    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

  • 2011–2012 Recall 16V746000

    Wire contacts in the in-tank fuel pump may not be crimped well enough. Dealers replace the fuel pump module. NHTSA

  • 2016 Recall 16V747000

    The driver's seat belt retractor may not lock as designed. Dealers replace the belt. NHTSA

  • 2016 Recall 15V718000

    The left rear seat's inboard child seat anchor may be bent down, so a child seat cannot latch to both anchors. Dealers inspect and repair it. NHTSA

  • 2013–2014 Recall 15V188000

    The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light to meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

  • 2012–2013 Recall 14V627000

    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

  • 2011 Recall 14V176000

    The bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

  • 2012–2013 Recall 13V454000

    The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers modify the cars to prevent it. NHTSA

  • 2011 Recall 12V161000

    The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 2011 Recall 11V521000

    The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 2010–2011 Recall 10V331000

    The fuel level sensor in the tank can become wedged against the tank. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

Maintenance

Warranty when new

Basic50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Drivetrain50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Rust12 years EdmundsAny miles
Roadside assistance4 years EdmundsAny miles
Free scheduled maintenance50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds

Before you pay: every warning, recall and check on one sheet.

Open the checklist