2011 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
Review Summary
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I'm now in my second 5 series in the last four years and my 2012 535i is a great "drivers" sedan. It's quick and nimble for a car it's size and weight, and is very comfortable for even long distance driving. The MAJOR drawback of this or ANY BMW today are those darn run-flat tires! My first 5 series got only 18K miles on the OEM set and this car got only 15K miles out of the first set. The tires themselves are very expensive, ride uncomfortably, and wear horribly. Some of the OEM brands are also non-replaceable in case of a puncture. I've spoken to both my service adviser and dealership manager and they say the tires are a constant source of complaints about the brand. Why then does BMW continue not to offer an alternative? I'm ready for another car in about three months and those tires might keep me from buying another BMW. A shame that such a "driving machine" has an Achilles heel.
VS
Critical Review
For what this car cost it is not in my top ten. It rattles, has been in the shop 3 times and BMW still has not fixed the problem. I don't think they will ever fix the problem. My advice stay away and get something else.
2011 5 Series Reviews
Showing 8 of 195 reviews.
Great highway car
Poor resale value
Purchased new. 98,000 miles as of Aug 2026. Run flats replaced at 39,500. Purchased normal tires (General Exclaims) that now have nearly 60k miles on them. Keep a battery powered air pump in your trunk. Most flats are slow leaks and occur when the car sits overnight or all day. Should be able to pump up a flat tire and drive to a repair shop. I do the routine maintenance like oil changes, air filter, etc. Front brake pads replaced at 93,000 miles. I just replaced the spark plugs and coils myself. Brake job is simple - no need to go to a dealer. Most reliable car I've had. Firm ride on bumpy road but on interstate or highway the ride is incredible. The faster you go the better it feels.
This car was totaled in 2023. I am no longer the owner. Please stop sending me notifications. I no longer own the car
Horsepower, Stylish
None
I bought this car literally 2 weeks ago and I’m in love with it. From the interior to exterior to horsepower to the premium sound 🥰😍😍😘 this is chef’s kiss.
s a BMW enthusiast for 30 years and having owned many BMW models from 1988 to 2016, I can say that this is by far the worst one yet. It has numerous oil leaks at just 65,000 miles. If you're considering purchasing this model, make sure to include the best warranty possible. The labor costs are extremely high—replacing an oil pan gasket is a 12-hour job that can cost around $3,000 in labor alone, not to mention for a $30 for the gasket. Yes all services were done ahead of time oil changes at 5k. NO EXCUSESS.
I have one of these and have fixed oil leaks 4 times. Now it's leaking again. Company said it's a known problem.
This BMW is one of the best drivers car if you prioritize luxury and a little bit of performance, powered by a Twin Turbo i4 engine and offering AWD the feeling is so good when taking corners. The engine has a decent rev note and a decent acceleration for a car like a boat. The car I drove was in Deep Sea Blue and it interior was beige which offered an incredible luxurious feel. The car has 240 HP which was felt through XDRIVE and the overall reliability is incredible..
Ride is comfortable and luxurious
No repairs needed so far but they can be expensive
Earlier this year (2024) I bought a low mileage, garaged and meticulously maintained 2016 528i from the local BMW dealer. The depreciation on new BMWs is brutal so I am enjoying a previously expensive 528i on the cheap. The car feels expensive and has a relaxed luxury. With the M-sport package it handles comfortably and nicely. I feel very safe in it and am having a ton of fun. It feels big compared to my prior 328i and can easily seat five when we go out as a group. I’ve had it about nine months with zero issues so far. Fingers crossed!
Understated elegance while blowing doors off Charger's and Camaro's without even burning rubber. Best sleeper on the road with twin turbo V8 and adaptive suspension.
