2011 BMW 5 Series recalls and problems
The 2011 BMW 5 Series has 4 safety recalls and 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 BMW 5 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 BMW 5 Series recalls
Recall 23V-707: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 12V-161: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-521: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 10V-331: Fuel System, Other
Problem: 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
2011 BMW 5 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 30 | |
| Steering | 20 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Suspension | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Suspension › Front — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2011 BMW 5 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 BMW 5 Series: 23V-707 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-161 (engine and engine cooling), 11V-521 (engine and engine cooling), 10V-331 (fuel system, other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW 5 Series?
Owners report tires problems most often (30 reports), followed by steering (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.