Checklist: F10 BMW 5 Series (2011–2016)

Look for 6

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Timing chain on the four-cylinder 2012–2016Listen for a rattle at a cold start, and ask whether the chain has been replaced. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Oil use on the four-cylinder 2012–2016Check the oil level, and ask how often it has needed topping up. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Oil use, cooling and turbo trouble on the V8 All yearsAsk for oil top-up and repair records, and look for signs of overheating. A seller's guide (unofficial)
High-pressure fuel pump and injectors on the 535i All yearsFeel for misfires or a loss of power, and listen for a rattling wastegate. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Leaking trunk and sunroof seals All yearsLook for damp carpets in the trunk and cabin, and stains around the sunroof. CarGurus
Worn suspension bushings All yearsListen for knocks over bumps on the test drive. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls to ask about 21

Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 24V608000 2012–2016A 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 24V527000 2014The driver's airbag inflator may explode when it deploys, because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 23V707000 2010–2011The aluminum bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 21V907000 2014–2016The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 21V586000 2014–2016The high-pressure fuel pump may fail. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 18V755000 2014–2016The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 18V248000 2011–2012The electric auxiliary water pump can fail and its circuit board overheat. Dealers replace the pump. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 17V683000 2007–2011The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 17V067000 2011The rear driveshaft's constant velocity joint can fatigue and break. Dealers inspect it and replace it depending on when it was made. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 16V914000 2016The initiators of the seat-mounted side airbags may fail to fire in a crash. Dealers replace the airbag modules. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 16V832000 2011The replacement sensor cluster unit may be programmed wrongly and misjudge when to fire the airbags, pretensioners and active head restraints. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 16V746000 2011–2012Wire contacts in the in-tank fuel pump may not be crimped well enough. Dealers replace the fuel pump module. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 16V747000 2016The driver's seat belt retractor may not lock as designed. Dealers replace the belt. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 15V718000 2016The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 15V188000 2013–2014The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light to meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers replace them. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 14V627000 2012–2013The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 14V176000 2011The bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 13V454000 2012–2013The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers modify the cars to prevent it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 12V161000 2011The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 11V521000 2011The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 10V331000 2010–2011The fuel level sensor in the tank can become wedged against the tank. Dealers repair it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA

What buyers avoid 2

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

The V8 550i without a documented engine fix All yearsEuro 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)
An early four-cylinder 528i 2012–2013CarGurus says the 2010 to 2013 four-cylinder models draw the most complaints and the most serious issues of the F10 range. CarGurus

Checklist: F10 BMW 5 Series 2011–2016

Look for 6

Recalls to ask about 21

What buyers avoid 2