2005 BMW 5 Series
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
10 of 21 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Electrical system
4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
There are 3 recalls reported for my year make and model of a car I just purchased that at giving me problems and I'm receiving warning messages on my navigation but my VIN is not registering with dealership for being eligible for resolution please...
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-28
Also filed under Service brakes and power train
On September 14, 2005 I purchased a new 2005 BMW 330I. While driving to work on December 1, 2005 I turned the heater on for the first time. The heater had only been on for a few minutes when I started to smell a burning type of odor.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-25
Service brakes
3 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
2 of 21 total reports mention: power train.
Visibility
1 of 21 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving down i-25 in March of 2006, when the panoramic sunroof of my 2005 BMW X5 4.8IS (Purchased new on December 2, 2005, which only have 5000 miles on it) exploded suddenly and unexpectedly for no reason what so ever.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-23
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2005-11-30Power train05V504000 Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.
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I
2007-09-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-01-04 BMW airbag light illumination
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I
2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination
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R
2008-11-06Air bags08V384000 BMW is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 Series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 Series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front…
Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on November 6, 2008. BMW will also extend…
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R
2010-11-24Service brakes, hydraulic10V446000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-Series, 6-Series, and model year 2002-2008 7-Series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil.…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
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R
2012-04-30Electrical system12V126000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-Series, model year 2004-2010 6-Series, model year 2006-2010 M5, and model year 2007-2010 M6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW…
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R
2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year…
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may…
Buy-smart checklist
2005 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V504000 · Power train
- Recall 08V384000 · Air bags
- Recall 10V446000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 12V126000 · Electrical system
- Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 2005 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW 5 Series?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 5 Series have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.