BMW 5er F10
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
449 PS
4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin
Quiet Man with the V8 Hammer
Fun to Drive!408 PS
4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The BMW 5er F10 is available as Limousine and Touring — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW 5er F10 is available with 9 engine variants — from 90 to 449 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The BMW 520d (Diesel, 177–190 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N47D20 (2010–2014, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2010–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 520d!
The BMW 525d (Diesel, 204–211 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N57D30 (2010–2016, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2010–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 525d!
The BMW 530d (Diesel, 258–265 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N57D30 (2010–2017, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2010–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 530d!
The BMW 535d (Diesel, 299–313 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N57D30 (2010–2017, Be Careful) und B57D30 (2010–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 535d!
The BMW M550d (Diesel, 381 PS) has the N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 520i (Benziner, 184 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 528i (Benziner, 245 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 535i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The BMW 550i (Benziner, 408–449 PS) comes with 3 different engines: N63B44 (2010–2012, Stay Away!) und N63B44TU (2013–2016, Be Careful) und N63B44TU (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 550i!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| F11 Touring air suspension failed F11 Touring has optional air suspension, considered a weak point. Failed air bellows or compressor causes the car to sag. MOT also flags drive shafts and springs. Symptoms: Rear sags, level control warning light, compressor runs continuously and overheats. from 120,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 61 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 5er F10 (2010–2017) — 53 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Steering, Other.
5er (N47D20, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 177–190 PS.
5er (N57D30, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 204–211 PS.
5er (N57D30, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258–265 PS.
5er (N57D30, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 313–320 PS.
5er (B57D30, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: EGR cooler failure, Timing chain elongation on early models, Turbocharger bearing damage at high mileage. Power: 299 PS.
5er (N57D30S1, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Triple turbocharger failure (chain reaction), EGR cooler fire risk (recall, build years 2012–2015). Power: 381 PS.
5er (N55B30, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.
5er (N63B44, 2010–2012) — Stay Away!: Valve stem seals porous — extreme oil consumption, Piezo injectors defective — hydraulic hammer and misfires, Timing chain stretches — guide rails break. Power: 408 PS.
5er (N20B20, 2011–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 184 PS.
5er (N20B20, 2011–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 245–252 PS.
5er (N63B44TU, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear at high mileage, Valve stem seals — oil consumption despite revision, Turbo bearing damage from Hot-V heat build-up. Power: 449 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW 5er? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 5er F10 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 5er F10? +
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Which BMW 5er F10 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 5er F10 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee