BMW 5 Series Common Problems

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues with the passenger seat occupancy sensor, which often leads to a "Passenger Restraint System Malfunction" warning. This malfunction can prevent airbag deployment, posing a significant safety risk. Complaints often describe the warning light activating intermittently, even when no passenger is present or when a light object is placed on the seat. The issue appears in vehicles with less than 34,000 miles, and repair costs are commonly reported to exceed $2,000. One complaint mentions a failure to deploy airbags during a crash, resulting in an injury. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers, particularly regarding airbag functionality.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the rear window defroster wiring, which has led to fires in at least two cases. Complaints also mention malfunctions in the vehicle's call system due to water leakage in the shark fin antenna, causing potential failures in emergency notifications. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the passenger restraint system, digital display malfunctions, and drivetrain errors linked to the hybrid battery. These issues often occur at varying mileage levels, with some reports as early as 300 miles. Safety implications include instances of fires, one crash, and one injury, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 2 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report several recurring engine issues with the 2018 BMW 5-Series, primarily involving the oil filter housing and coolant system. Complaints frequently mention coolant leaks and overheating, often attributed to failed oil filter housings and water pumps, with some incidents occurring around 50,000 to 65,000 miles. Symptoms include warning lights, smoke, and sudden power loss, with two reports involving engine fires. Additionally, some owners describe engine knocking and power loss due to failed rod bearings and exhaust leaks. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of engine fires and loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues related to software updates, air conditioning, and sunroof integrity. Complaints about the Remote Software Updates (RSU) indicate that updates often fail to install completely, requiring costly dealer intervention, especially in vehicles out of warranty. Multiple owners describe a persistent vinegar or mildew smell from the air conditioning system, which persists despite cabin air filter changes and may require a deep clean. Additionally, two reports detail the sunroof unexpectedly exploding, causing glass to shatter inside the vehicle. Safety implications are notable, with one complaint involving a parked vehicle fire linked to a recall, and another incident where the sunroof explosion nearly led to an accident. These issues appear to occur across various mileages, with some problems manifesting while the vehicle is still under warranty.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2018 BMW 5-Series, particularly related to coolant leaks and electronic malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention coolant leaks from plastic components such as the oil housing unit and coolant vent lines, often occurring around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with safety and convenience features, including ineffective rear cross-traffic alert systems and steering wheel vibration alerts, as well as a malfunctioning Telematics Control Unit. One complaint involves a crash due to unintended acceleration, resulting in two injuries, highlighting a potential safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider them when evaluating the vehicle's reliability and safety.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

SEAT BELTS

Owners of the 2018 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues with the passenger restraint system and seat belt warnings. A common symptom described is the "passenger restraint system malfunction" message appearing intermittently, sometimes linked to weather conditions like dampness. Additionally, several complaints highlight the passenger seat belt not recognizing occupancy, leading to the airbag being turned off, with one report involving a crash and injury due to the seat belt not locking correctly. Some owners mention costly repairs, with estimates around $2,000 to $2,800 for sensor mat replacements. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges and are often recurrent, even after attempted repairs.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 BMW 5-Series frequently report issues related to the power train, with common symptoms including shuddering under acceleration, unexpected gear shifts, and drivetrain malfunctions. Complaints often describe vehicles failing to accelerate or lunging forward unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by warning lights or error messages. Several reports involve failure of components like the crankshaft vibration damper and front axle, often occurring around 35,000 to 54,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, increased risk of accidents, and the possibility of engine overheating or fire due to oil or coolant leaks. These issues may pose significant concerns for used car buyers considering this model.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 BMW 5-Series, including unintended acceleration, which is linked to multiple crashes and injuries. Complaints frequently mention sudden, unexpected vehicle movement even when parked, as well as problems with keyless ignition systems failing to shut off the engine, leading to dangerous situations like carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, there are reports of instrument panel failures, causing speedometer inoperability. These issues are documented at various mileage points, from around 30,000 to over 90,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with incidents of crashes, a fire, and injuries reported, suggesting potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 1 fire, 6 injury reports