2011 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 528i 4 Dr Sedan RWD, 535i 4 Dr Sedan RWD, 535i Xdrive 4 Dr Sedan AWD, 535xdrive Gran Turismo 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 230–400 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 192.9–196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,792–5,060 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 400 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2011 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,792 lb (528i 4 Dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 8% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
- New body dimensions: 2.0 in longer, wheelbase +2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 4.8L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 25
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 5 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Dingolfing, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 5 Series configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i 4 Dr Sedan RWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 3,792 lb | 51/49 |
| 535i 4 Dr Sedan RWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,068 lb | 51/49 |
| 535i Xdrive 4 Dr Sedan AWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,233 lb | 51/49 |
| 535xdrive Gran Turismo 4dr Sedan AWD | 196.9 in | 74.8 in | 61.4 in | 120.9 in | 63.4 / 65 in | 5,060 lb | 49/51 |
| 550i 4 Dr Sedan RWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,365 lb | 51/49 |
| 550i Xdrive 4 Dr Sedan AWD | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.5 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 64.2 in | 4,520 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +8% | $3,300 | 355 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 370 |
| 535i Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | +28% | $3,400 | 370 |
| 535i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -1% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -5% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 535i xDrive Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 550i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -14% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 550i xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 18 | -22% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i Gran Turismo | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i xDrive Gran Turismo | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -27% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 BMW 5 Series.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Porsche Panamera | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (5)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · 157,796 vehicles
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 17, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V746000 · 136,188 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
- Risk
- The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger · Apr 10, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V161000 · 2,846 vehicles
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger · Oct 20, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V521000 · 32,084 vehicles
- 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.
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System · Jul 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V331000 · 6,080 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2011 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 BMW 5 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 5 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 5 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 5 Series | 30 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 5 Series | 28 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 5 Series | 29 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 5 Series | 30 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 5 Series | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →