Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW 5 Series, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Air bags1
- Electrical system1
- Visibility1
- Unknown or other1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Structure1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Registered new in Europe in 2010
101,301 new BMW 5 Series cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2010; the largest markets were Germany (45,727), the United Kingdom (15,987), Italy (7,333).
- Average mass
- 1,765 kg
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 86% · Petrol 14%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2010 BMW 5 Series cars on Dutch roads are the 3.0 petrol (150 kW, 201 hp), 3.0 petrol (225 kW, 302 hp) and 3.0 petrol (190 kW, 255 hp), out of 12 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 petrol | 150 kW 201 hp | 838 |
| 3.0 petrol | 225 kW 302 hp | 667 |
| 3.0 petrol | 190 kW 255 hp | 517 |
| 2.0 petrol | 120 kW 161 hp | 290 |
| 3.0 diesel | 180 kW 241 hp | 219 |
| 3.0 diesel | 150 kW 201 hp | 118 |
| 2.0 diesel | 135 kW 181 hp | 80 |
| 2.0 diesel | 120 kW 161 hp | 77 |
| 4.4 petrol | 300 kW 402 hp | 75 |
| 2.5 petrol | 140 kW 188 hp | 63 |
| 2.0 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 57 |
| 3.0 diesel | 220 kW 295 hp | 53 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
3,159 first registered in 2010 are on Dutch roads; 46% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €73,035.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,549
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm1,052
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen955
- Band onvoldoende profiel888
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld702
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm634
- Veer gebroken of gescheurd407
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage346
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
6,976 cars built in 2010 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 1,717 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 9,333 of these cars first registered in 2010 took their annual MOT test. 72% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2010 the figure was 60%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.9% | 15.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 0.6% | 17.8% |
| Tyres | 0.5% | 7.4% |
| Visibility | 0.4% | 6.0% |
| Brakes | 0.3% | 9.6% |
| Steering | 0.2% | 3.0% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
1,747 of these cars first registered in 2010 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 310,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
585 2010 cars are on the New Zealand register; 82% arrived as used imports, 15% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
14 Transport Canada recalls for the 2010 BMW 5 Series.
| 2024544 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2023568 20 Oct 2023 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit housing bolts could loosen or break. As a result, the camshaft could become in… |
| 2022095 2 Mar 2022 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short … |
| 2018195 19 Apr 2018 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehicl… |
| 2017470 28 Sept 2017 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with the N52 6-cylinder engine, an electrical short could occur in the PCV valve heater due to manufacturing irregularities. If thi… |
| 2016505 13 Oct 2016 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the wires going to the in-tank fuel pump may not have been crimped correctly. An incorrect crimp could increase the resistance of the circ… |
| 2014170 13 May 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
| 2014127 10 Apr 2014 | Engine On certain vehicles, housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate. If this occurs, the engine would re… |
| 2013310 18 Sept 2013 | Lights And Instruments Certain vehicles may experience the loss of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn and reverse). Failure of any rear lamp function may result in the… |
| 2012109 23 Mar 2012 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the insulated bulkhead connector (used to join the two halves of the positive battery cable) may have been incorrectly installed during veh… |
| 2011376 21 Oct 2011 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehic… |
| 2010328 1 Oct 2010 | Brakes On certain vehicles, a check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time, this could result in contamination of the br… |
| 2010238 22 Jul 2010 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the sender unit within the fuel tank could become stuck, causing the fuel gauge to display a greater quantity of fuel than that which is ac… |
| 2010031 3 Feb 2010 | Label Certain vehicles are equipped with a tire information label that does not conform to the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. It is indicating that the vehicl… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CAN BECOME WEDGED AGAINST THE TANK.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 2010 BMW 5 Series: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009577 | Plastic Fuel Tank Return |
| 10249437 | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 10249027 | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. |
| 10247567 | Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE |
| 10245422 | Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed. |
| 10244242 | Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints. |
| 10182619 | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root caus |
| 10059089 | BMW - BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM MIGHT REDUCE IF TEMPERATURE GETS BELOW 14 DEGREES *MA |
| 10058483 | BMW: PROCEDURAL INFORMATION ON THE INSTALLATION OF FUEL SYSTEM LOW PRESSURE SENSOR AND NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED WILL LEAD TO FAILURE OF LOW PRESSURE SENSOR AND METAL SUPPLY LINE. MODEL 2008-14. *PE |
| 10057568 | BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN STARTING, LOW BEAM, WITH 0552 OPTION, WOULD BRIEFLY FLASHES, DUE TO A FAULTY LED MAIN LIGHT MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACING. MODEL 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. *PE |
| 10057532 | BMW: DURING PROCESS OF STARTING ENGINE, ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST (EPS) WILL BE REDUCED, INTERMITTENTLY, AND YELLOW EPS WARNING LAMP BRIEFLY ILLUMINATES, DUE TO A BRIEF UNDERVOLTAGE. *PE |
| 10057527 | BMW: SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION MODULE (SCR) HAS A STORED FAULT, PRESSURE BUILD UP IS LOW, CAUSING SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. * |
| 10057341 | BMW: MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT FOR ENGINE IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO PURGE AIR SYSTEM MICRO LEAKAGE AND VENTILATION OF FUEL TANK FROM CONTAMINATION. *PE |
| 10057335 | BMW: THE CAMSHAFT (VANOS) ADJUSTMENT UNITS, ON CERTAIN VEHICLE, HAD THE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENDED, WITHOUT THE LIMITATION OF MILEAGE, TO 10 YEARS. *PE |
| 10056099 | BMW: WHEN USING IPHONE, VARIOUS CONNECTIVITY FAILURES OCCUR, SUCH AS DISCONNECTION OF CALL, LIST OF CONTACTS INCOMPLETE, DUE TO THE VARIANTS AND SOFTWARE USED. MODEL 2008-2014. |
| 10053326 | BMW: DIFFERENT FAULT CODES STORED FOR THE N51, N52K, N52T, AND N55 ENGINES IN THE DME RELATED TO VANOS AND CAMSHAFT POSITION. *KB UPDATED 11/1/13. *PE UPDATED 05/05/2014 *JS |
| 10052612 | BMW: ENGINE, DUE TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND ENGINE IS COLD, FAILS TO TURN OVER ON FIRST ATTEMPT, BUT AND WILL TURN OVER AT SECOND OR THIRD ATTEMPTS. MODEL 2010-2012 F10. *PE |
| 10052367 | BMW: SOFTWARE ERROR CAUSING THE PARKING ASSISTANT SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. MODELS 2010-2013 F10, 10H, 12, 13. *PE |
| 10052365 | BMW: WARNING LAMPS ARE ILLUMINATED FOR THE DSC, ABS AND BRAKE AND A POSSIBLE WARNING IN CONTROL DISPLAY FOR CHASSIS CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. MODELS 2012 F25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71, 84. *PE |
| 10052360 | BMW: SOME VEHICLE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE A DELAY IN RESPONSE TO ACCELERATION, AFTER SLOWING DOWN, DUE TO AN UNFAVORABLE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION. MODELS F10, 25, 07, E70, 71. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE |
| 10052359 | BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTOR, CAN LEAD TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE DUE TO INCORRECT OPERATION AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND/OR REPLACED. MODELS F01, 02, 04, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE |
| 10052357 | BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE MAY GO INTO FAILSAFE PROGRAM WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATES DUE TO UNFAVORABLE DME SOFTWARE. MODELS 2010-2013 F10, F13, F12. *PE |
| 10052012 | BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB |
| 10052011 | BMW: FUEL TANK PRESSURE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE WITH A FAULT CODE OF 19401B. THIS LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE PRESSURE MAY BE LOW AS OPPOSED TO AMBIENT. *KB |
| 10051912 | AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED; SHORTED WIRE IN FRONT SEAT HARNESS. BMW MODELS F07, AND F10. MODEL YEARS 2009-2013. *KB |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)