DecodedCars2012 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 528i 4 Dr Sedan RWD, 535i 4 Dr Sedan RWD, 535i Xdrive 4 Dr Sedan AWD, 535i Xdrive Gran Turismo 5dr Sedan A
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 241–300 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 192.9–196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,792–4,707 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 300 hp, versus about 385 hp for similar 2012 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version 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 27 MPG combined (23 city / 34 highway), 13% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 25 to 27
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 5 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Dingolfing, Germany · Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2012 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 |
| 535i Xdrive Gran Turismo 5dr Sedan A | 196.9 in | 74.8 in | 61.4 in | 120.9 in | 63.4 / 65 in | 4,707 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +13% | $3,050 | 329 |
| 528i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +9% | $3,150 | 342 |
| ActiveHybrid 5 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $3,150 | 342 |
| 535i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 370 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 535i Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +16% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 535i xDrive Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 550i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -25% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i Gran Turismo | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 523 |
| 550i xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -29% | $4,850 | 523 |
| 550i xDrive Gran Turismo | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 BMW 5 Series.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW 5 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 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 →