BMW 5 Series F10 common faults.

2010–2017. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

Diesel high pressure pump: power loss and engine shutdown while driving

critical

The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving.

Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.

Electric water pump: silent failure, immediate overheating

critical

In these engines the water pump is not belt driven but has its own electric motor.

Applies to the engine N53B30, N55B30.

N20 2.0 petrol: breaking timing chain guide

critical

The chain guide of the early N20 engines is brittle: if it breaks, the chain goes slack, and from then on the timing is imprecise.

Applies to the engine N20B20.

N47 / N57 diesel: timing chain on the rear of the engine

critical

In these diesels BMW put the timing chain at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side.

Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30.

Diesel EGR cooler: cracking, coolant in the intake, fire risk

critical

The internal fins of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler crack over time, and glycol coolant leaks into the intake, where it mixes with soot.

Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.

B47 diesel: the timing chain stretches on the early model years

critical

On the early model years the timing chain of the B47 stretches faster than intended.

Applies to the engine B47D20.

Repair: 1,200–4,500 EUR

N52 / N55: aluminium bolts of the VANOS housing can loosen

critical

Four aluminium bolts hold the housing of the variable valve timing (VANOS).

Applies to the engine N55B30.

B47 / B57 diesel: particulate filter and turbo on short trips

critical

The B47 replaced the N47, and the maker fixed the timing chain problem.

Applies to the engine B47D20.

13 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall14 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

Most recent: 31 August 2026

SR/02525/26Safety recallFire31 August 2026 · EU Safety Gate

Water may enter the starter motor and cause damage. As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding components and lead to a vehicle fire, including when the ignition is switched off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 31/08/2026

The authority's notice

A12/00868/23Safety recallInjuries30 March 2023 · EU Safety Gate

The airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/03/2023

The authority's notice

A12/01930/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021

The authority's notice

A12/1233/17Safety recallInjuries30 August 2017 · EU Safety Gate

The front safety belts may have a faulty locking mechanism.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/08/2017

The authority's notice

A12/0882/17Safety recallInjuries12 June 2017 · EU Safety Gate

Owing to a defect in the ball head of the brake pedal, the brake lights may be permanently activated, even during driving, without any error warning being shown. This might have an impact on road users following the vehicle.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 12/06/2017

The authority's notice

A12/0036/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The side, head and knee protection airbags of the front passenger seat may not work. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of an accident.