2011 BMW 5 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 5 Series › 2011
These records cover every 2011 BMW 5 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2011 BMW 5 Series. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, 5-series gran turismo, model year 2012 6-series convertible, 7-series, X5 sav, and X6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. the safety recall began on april 30, 2012. owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 X5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 X6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. the safety recall began on december 19, 2011. owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster would display a larger amount of fuel than was actually in the tank. as a result, if the tank became empty, the vehicle could stall increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall began on october 18, 2010. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
81 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a camshaft failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number- 14V176000…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a camshaft failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number- 14V176000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5-series. The contact stated that there was an electrical malfunction in which the vent controls failed to function for the air conditioner and heater. Due to the extreme temperatures, the vehicle was unable to be driven. BMW of wilmington (4920 new centre dr…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5-series. The contact stated that there was an electrical malfunction in which the vent controls failed to function for the air conditioner and heater. Due to the extreme temperatures, the vehicle was unable to be driven. BMW of wilmington (4920 new centre dr, wilmington, nc 28403, (910) 392-2700) stated that the blower motor may need to be replaced and was to contact the manufacturer. An independent mechanic tested and diagnosed the vehicle, but the details were unknown. Volvo cars new bern (3405 doctor m.l.k. Jr blvd, new bern, nc 28562, (252) 638-6161) diagnosed that the blower motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. *js
- Electrical system
While driving with ac on smoke started coming heavily for the interior ac vents. a very toxic smoke, with electrical smell. I noticed the BMW 3 series has a recall on electrical blower problem. I think my car has the same issue.
- Engine · Power train · Steering
While make turns while driving the vehicle axel makes popping noise and steering wheel jerks violently. Took to shop they said nothing found wrong with car. Cv axel replaced on both sides problem still persists.also not even 10K miles the car went thru 2 belt tensioner causing the drive belt to snap/tear.
- Electrical system
My ac fan motor has started to make a weird noise when you lift the foot from the accelerator. This happens even when the car IS stationary
- Steering
A few days back my steering wheel started making a squeaky noise like one of the rubbers have gone bad in the steering column. My car has approximately 55K miles on it and IS majorly garage kept. I researched online and there are numerous complains of the same issue. You can see an example at: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=838504 you can hear the squeak if the car IS driving or IS static.
- Engine · Unknown or other
Positive crankcase ventilation pcv valve heater this IS a recall BMW states remedy not available yet.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Nhtsa recall campaign 16v-746 was issued 13 oct 2016. to date BMW has yet to to notify us to schedule the repair of the defect - nearly 6 months after the recall was issued. we believe this an unacceptably long wait for which we have not seen any action from nhtsa or other federal authorities to…
Nhtsa recall campaign 16v-746 was issued 13 oct 2016. to date BMW has yet to to notify us to schedule the repair of the defect - nearly 6 months after the recall was issued. we believe this an unacceptably long wait for which we have not seen any action from nhtsa or other federal authorities to compel BMW to accelerate compliance with the recall order. are we going to have to wait for people to die in a fiery made for tv news accident before this IS taken seriously??? fix my car!!
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5-series. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5-series. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
- Electrical system · Seats
While driving for 15 minutes with seat warmers on my husband (driver) turned it off. We were travelling on suburban roads around 40 mph. then at a stop light he noticed a burning smell. We continued driving when light turned green. Then I noticed the smell a few seconds later, so I opened a window…
While driving for 15 minutes with seat warmers on my husband (driver) turned it off. We were travelling on suburban roads around 40 mph. then at a stop light he noticed a burning smell. We continued driving when light turned green. Then I noticed the smell a few seconds later, so I opened a window expecting to find smell a fire nearby or hear sirens. At that point we saw a ploom of smoke come from under his seat towards the passenger side open window. He immediately pulled over, jumped out of the car and turned everything off. The smoke took some time to clear but did stop. Several minutes later we drove 1 mile to the BMW dealership. we were told its not under warranty, and would cost $1,700 to fix. I declined to pay $1,700 to fix and requested they disconnect seat heater. BMW personnel informed me it could not disconnect power to seat heater without disconnecting the entire ac/heat system. This IS a personal safety issue, not a warranty issue. For a seat heater to cause smoke it caused a fire and this IS a defect. The car will catch on fire if the seat warmer IS activated. I asked dealership what if I loan my car to someone who does not know about the defect, they suggested putting tape over the button. This IS not acceptable safety measure to prevent burns, fire, or even death. consider for a moment people have small children that ride in this vehicle. On a cold morning I could have buckled kids in, turned on car, seat heater, and talk to a neighbor for 2 minutes, or teacher at the carpool line.... What would have happened to the children? there IS no visible damage to vehicle but BMW personnel did agree there was smoke smell in vehicle caused by seat warmer.
- Wheels
Wheels / rims failed. crack caused them to not hold air. only driven for pleasure and no excessive driving or events. failed under normal driving conditions in geography. Dealer refused to warranty.
- Wheels
Wheels / rims failed. crack caused them to not hold air. only driven for pleasure and no excessive driving or events. failed under normal driving conditions in geography. Dealer refused to warranty.
- Unknown or other
The driver door does not shut intermittently the door release, door unlock/lock, door handle does not release the state. The car won't move because the door IS not locked, it can take upwards of a few hours of tinkling to get this going again. The dealer has diligently changed so many parts and its…
The driver door does not shut intermittently the door release, door unlock/lock, door handle does not release the state. The car won't move because the door IS not locked, it can take upwards of a few hours of tinkling to get this going again. The dealer has diligently changed so many parts and its not that they are not trying to remedy the situation. IS anyone else experiencing this out there. My 4 yr warranty will end in june and I am vvery concerned how I am going to resolve this issue.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
Involved in an accident. Other vehicle going southbound crossed over median strip of highway, hit three cars going northbound, mine was third car to be struck. Offending car did a 360 in front of me, I slowed to about 25 and he moved into me. I struck his rear passenger side corner. I had front end…
Involved in an accident. Other vehicle going southbound crossed over median strip of highway, hit three cars going northbound, mine was third car to be struck. Offending car did a 360 in front of me, I slowed to about 25 and he moved into me. I struck his rear passenger side corner. I had front end damage over $5K. No airbag, but default messages and an airbag icon came on the video screen and the front instrument panel. It states "driver and passenger airbag or restraint system malfunction." *js
- Visibility › Windshield
As I waited for my wife in my apartment parking space, my rear windshield shattered completely with a loud bang. I was completely taken by surprise and frightened by the noise. I was lucky not to be in motion at the time of the shattering. no foreign objects impacted my vehicle or the rear windshield. *tr
- Tires
Goodyear eagle LS tires sidewall bubbles after driving just a few thousand miles. This IS the second tire with a defect that was not caused by any impact. *tr
- Electrical system
Just parked the vehicle, turned off the vehicle and smelled something burning. exited the vehicle, observed smoke from under the hood, opened the hood and observed flames from the left side of the engine, mostly on the top left of the engine now. called the fire department who extinguished the…
Just parked the vehicle, turned off the vehicle and smelled something burning. exited the vehicle, observed smoke from under the hood, opened the hood and observed flames from the left side of the engine, mostly on the top left of the engine now. called the fire department who extinguished the flames, and had the car towed to the dealer. the vehicle IS now in their lot waiting for their investigators to look at the vehicle. The first comment out of the dealership, maybe an animal built a nest in the engine area. this vehicle only had 3000 miles on it, purchased in june of 2011, and IS garage kept. *tr
- Tires
Last april I purchased a BMW 550ix. In march of this year while on the freeway I developed a flat tire. I was able to run the vehicle 40 miles to my home with the tire flat but had to flatbed the vehicle to my car repair store to replace the tire. That tire had a bubbled sidewall at the time of the…
Last april I purchased a BMW 550ix. In march of this year while on the freeway I developed a flat tire. I was able to run the vehicle 40 miles to my home with the tire flat but had to flatbed the vehicle to my car repair store to replace the tire. That tire had a bubbled sidewall at the time of the flat although I cannot say that the bubbled sidewall was where the tire failed. I had the tire replaced for around $500 and the mechanic made no mention to me about the bubbled sidewall issue with this tire although, as it turns out, he was aware of the problem. at the time of repair of the above flat, my mechanic informed me that the passenger-side front tire also had a bubbled sidewall necessitating replacement of that tire in order to pass my state vehicle inspection. since the repair in late march 2012, I noticed that the passenger-side front tire has a bubbled sidewall. I might add that no potholes have been hit, do road debris has been struck. so two and possibly three of four of the original tires on this vehicle, which IS just now over 1 year old, have failed sidewalls necessitating replacement. The mileage on the vehicle IS around 13,000 miles. *js
- Tires
Goodyear eagle LS-2 tire failure- bubble in sidewall with less than 3,000 miles on it. *js
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I with goodyear eagle LS-2 tires, line sizes p245/40/r19. The contact stated that both of the front tires developed bubbles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the tires were unsafe to drive on and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I with goodyear eagle LS-2 tires, line sizes p245/40/r19. The contact stated that both of the front tires developed bubbles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the tires were unsafe to drive on and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The tires were replaced. The vin and dot numbers were not available. The failure mileage was 5,500 and the current mileage was 12,000.
- Tires
Tires are extremely susceptible to bubbles in the sidewall caused by routing driving. I've replaced two tires in less than 6 months on a new vehicle with less than 12,000 miles. (BMW 550I x-drive). *tr
- Tires
Run-flat tires BMW sports package tire bulge sidewall - unacceptable the BMW dealer wants to charge close to $500 for replacement! we are taking the complaint to the local goodyear dealer to see if they will offer a replacement. I would like to have all new tires. it appears this IS going to be an ongoing problem with these tires. I think a recall IS appropriate. *tr
- Tires
Creation of bubble in sidewall of goodyear run flat 19inch all season tire. *tr
- Tires
My 2011 BMW 550xi has goodyear eagle LS 2 run flats, 245/40. I took delivery of the car in june 2011 and have had repeated bubbles on the front tires. Four tires have been replaced to date. I have never had an issue with tires for the last 20 years. The BMW dealer IS not able to say whether it IS dangerous to drive on tires with bubbles. *kb
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 series. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact approached a stop sign and depressed the brake pedal when the vehicle suddenly accelerated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 series. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact approached a stop sign and depressed the brake pedal when the vehicle suddenly accelerated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the failure occurred due to driver error. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. An engineer was sent to inspect the vehicle and performed software updates. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008105Only fuel nozzles with the recommended specified diameter for diesel engine passenger vehicles can beinserted into the filler neck. Most fuel stations have their diesel fuel pumps fitted with this recommendeddiameter fuel nozzle. However, if the vehicles filler-neck misfuelling protection system has been disabled, or the incorrectdiameter fuel nozzle has been installed on the diesel fuel pump, the vehicles diesel fuel system can becontaminated by filling the diesel engine vehicle with gasoline. If the diesel fuel system has been contaminated with gasoline, follow the repair guidelines below:
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The 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.
- 10247567Engine 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
- 10245422Customers 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.
- 10244242Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
- 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- 10059089BMW - brake booster vacuum might reduce if temperature gets below 14 degrees
- 10059005Engine failure warning and reduced engine output will occur due to high-pressure pump failure.
- 10058994BMW: tsb contains an owner's notification letter. Select document search button below. Information provided regarding the extension of limited warranty on the in tank fuel (pump) delivery module of 10 years without mileage limitation, depending on in service date. Included document.
- 10058986The plastic oil filter might fail which will cause a leakage to the internal and /or external engine oil or coolant
- 10058976Faulty codes in the dme for the engine thermostat activates the service engine soon light.
- 10058483BMW: 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.
- 10057568BMW: 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.
- 10057532BMW: 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.
- 10057527BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up IS low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10057341BMW: malfunction warning light for engine IS illuminated due to purge air system micro leakage and ventilation of fuel tank from contamination.
- 10057339BMW: electrical contacts for circuit heater in thermostat can develop moisture and corrosion causing service engine soon light to illuminate. Updated 9/25/15.
- 10057337BMW: due to debris entering oil passage of engine, it will knock and lose power, during cylinder head mating surfaces and cleaning of engine block after repair to engine.
- 10057335BMW: the camshaft (vanos) adjustment units, on certain vehicle, had the limited warranty extended, without the limitation of mileage, to 10 years.
- 10056099BMW: 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.
- 10056095BMW: the position of an affected tire IS incorrectly displayed, when tire pressure IS low, in instrument cluster and control display (cd), due to software error. Model 2011 f 01, 02, 04, 07, 10, 12, 13, 25 (X3).
- 10053326BMW: different fault codes stored for the N51, N52K, N52T, and N55 engines in the dme related to vanos and camshaft position. Updated 11/1/13. Updated 05/05/2014
- 10052612BMW: 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.
- 10052367BMW: software error causing the parking assistant system to malfunction. Models 2010-2013 F10, 10H, 12, 13.
- 10052366BMW: on some activehybrid (3,5,7), the high voltage battery IS cooled by refrigerant and IS regulated by expansion valve at base of battery and it can become stuck in open position, either permanently or intermittently. Models F02H, F10H, F30H. No model years listed.
- 10052365BMW: 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.
- 10052360BMW: 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.
- 10052359BMW: 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.
- 10052357BMW: on some vehicles, engine may go into failsafe program when vehicle accelerates due to unfavorable dme software. Models 2010-2013 F10, F13, F12.
- 10052012BMW: 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.
- 10052011BMW: 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.
- 10051912Airbag warning lamp illuminated; shorted wire in front seat harness. BMW models F07, and F10. Model years 2009-2013.
- 10051439BMW: intermittently goes into park during a msa engine start. The transmission can intermittently go into the park position (p) when msa engine start IS occurring. A drive gear can be selected in order to drive away, and no relevant faults are stored.
- 10046679BMW: improper detection of an evaporative system leak caused by contamination of poppet valve inside pressure switch for tank leakage diagnosis module (nvld-natural vacuum leak detection), will be replaced. Model 2011 F10. Updated 1/11/13.
- 10045283BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp IS illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. Updated 10/31/12. Models 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. Updated 1/18/13. Updated 4/18/2013. Updated 05/13/2013 updated 5/19/15.
- 10045282BMW: while driving vehicle, at times would be rough running; white or blue smoke seen exiting exhaust system and the engine oil IS consumed above specifications. Updated 1/11/13.
- 10044288BMW: the engine malfunction due to excessive temperatures occurring because of vapors forming in fuel systems. Models 2010-2011 F07, 10, 12, 13. Updated 1/18/13. Updated on 4/18/2013. Updated 7/10/13.
- 10044281BMW: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles, a defect involving the electric auxiliary water pump can over heat or fail to cool engine and fire may occur in vehicle or engine compartment.
- 10043910BMW: delay in engine response. Updated 08/06/2014
Every BMW 5 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.