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2011 BMW 5 Series

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

BMW 5 Series
Pictured: 2015 BMW 528i (5 Series, F10) M Sport 4-door sedan (19119409664). Photo: Manoj Prasad from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine230–300 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine400 hp4.4L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

5-SeriesGTxDrive

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
528i 4 Dr Sedan RWD192.9 in73.2 in57.5 in116.9 in63 / 64.2 in3,792 lb51/49
535i 4 Dr Sedan RWD192.9 in73.2 in57.5 in116.9 in63 / 64.2 in4,068 lb51/49
535i Xdrive 4 Dr Sedan AWD192.9 in73.2 in57.5 in116.9 in63 / 64.2 in4,233 lb51/49
535xdrive Gran Turismo 4dr Sedan AWD196.9 in74.8 in61.4 in120.9 in63.4 / 65 in5,060 lb49/51
550i 4 Dr Sedan RWD192.9 in73.2 in57.5 in116.9 in63 / 64.2 in4,365 lb51/49
550i Xdrive 4 Dr Sedan AWD192.9 in73.2 in57.5 in116.9 in63 / 64.2 in4,520 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
528i3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 31 / 25+8%$3,300355
535i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 24+3%$3,400370
535i Gran Turismo3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 24+28%$3,400370
535i xDrive3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-1%$3,550386
535i3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-5%$3,750404
535i xDrive Gran Turismo3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+12%$3,900423
550i4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-14%$4,100444
550i xDrive4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 18-22%$4,550494
550i Gran Turismo4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-4%$4,550494
550i xDrive Gran Turismo4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-4%$4,550494
550i4.4L 8-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-27%$4,850523
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 BMW 5 Series (this car)25 MPGNot rated5
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class20 MPGNot rated0
2011 Audi A624 MPGNot rated3
2011 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated0
2011 Jaguar XJ19 MPGNot rated3
2011 Lexus GS23 MPGNot rated3
2011 Porsche Panamera21 MPGNot rated6

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

15Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
60,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine4
Electrical System3
Steering3
Unknown Or Other2
Wheels2
Power Train2
Seats1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/02: 115/05: 115/07: 216/05: 116/12: 117/05: 117/11: 118/04: 218/07: 118/12: 119/03: 119/06: 123/03: 115/0215/0716/1217/1118/0719/0323/03max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 5 Series31–Not rated00
2026 5 Series31199.2 inNot rated00
2025 5 Series31199.2 inNot rated00
2024 5 Series30195.3 inNot rated00
2023 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated10
2022 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated00
2021 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated00
2020 5 Series28194.5 inNot rated00
2019 5 Series29194.5 inNot rated00
2018 5 Series30194.5 inNot rated00
2017 5 Series27194.5 inNot rated00
2016 5 Series30192.9 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →