2005 BMW 5 Series

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2005 BMW 5 Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:51:27.637Z

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.

How is this computed?

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

8 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

CRASH FIRE

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, 20170428

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, 20060125

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

POWER TRAIN

2 of 21 total reports mention: power train.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA ODI report, 20170428

AIR BAGS

2 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20051130 — power train

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.

Campaign 05V504000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20070904 — PE (closed 20080104)

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

I 20080104 — EA (closed 20081231)

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

R 20081106 — air bags

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 PASSENG

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 T

Campaign 08V384000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20101124 — service brakes, hydraulic

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. OVER

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.

Campaign 10V446000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120430 — electrical system

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 POSITIVE

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 CUSTOMER

Campaign 12V126000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120822 — engine and engine cooling

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 2008-20

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 co

Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 05V504000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 08V384000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 10V446000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Verify recall 12V126000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.

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 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 5 Series have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.