The vehicle dossier US · 2011
2011 BMW
5 SERIESProblems & recalls
81 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 41 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 81 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 11 years with reports.
2,000 miles is the median among 73 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 200–7,320 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
4 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINECampaign 23V707000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 23V707000 at NHTSAENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGERCampaign 12V161000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 12V161000 at NHTSAENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGERCampaign 11V521000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 11V521000 at NHTSAFUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEMCampaign 10V331000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 10V331000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
68 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
B110614This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides …NHTSA ID 11016414
This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fueleconomy without compromising on its “class leading” power and performance. To ensure these engines keep delivering the ultimate performance, we have designed this Care Package thatincludes a 6 point check, and if necessary, the replacement of one or more of the following powertraincomponents: Hot-Film Air Mass Sensors PIEZO High Pressure Fuel Injectors Engine Vacuum Pump Fuel System Low Pressure Sensor/Feed Line Fresh Air Intake Turbo Seals Crankcase Ventilation Lines (Hoses)
Campaign / software reference: 0013470200
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11016414 at NHTSAB650425Vehicle has the air bag warning lamp on after a body shop has made repairs. There is a fault code stored in the air bag control module ACSM3: 930A5B airbag sensor, door, front left: open circuit 30A65 airbag sensor, door, front…NHTSA ID 11014517
Vehicle has the air bag warning lamp on after a body shop has made repairs. There is a fault code stored in the air bag control module ACSM3: 930A5B airbag sensor, door, front left: open circuit 30A65 airbag sensor, door, front right: open circuit
Components: AIR BAGS · STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11014517 at NHTSAB131110Only fuel nozzles with the recommended “specified” diameter for diesel engine passenger vehicles can beinserted into the filler neck. Most fuel stations have their diesel fuel pumps fitted with this recommendeddiameter fuel noz…NHTSA ID 11008105
Only fuel nozzles with the recommended “specified” diameter for diesel engine passenger vehicles can beinserted into the filler neck. Most fuel stations have their diesel fuel pumps fitted with this recommendeddiameter fuel nozzle. However, if the vehicle’s filler-neck misfuelling protection system has been disabled, or the incorrectdiameter fuel nozzle has been installed on the diesel fuel pump, the vehicle’s diesel fuel system can becontaminated by filling the diesel engine vehicle with gasoline. If the diesel fuel system has been contaminated with gasoline, follow the repair guidelines below:
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11008105 at NHTSAB510819The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.NHTSA ID 10249437
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10249437 at NHTSAB611305The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the…NHTSA ID 10249027
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10249027 at NHTSAB160623Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fue…NHTSA ID 10247567
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10247567 at NHTSAB653423Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking con…NHTSA ID 10245422
Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10245422 at NHTSAB660523Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.NHTSA ID 10244242
Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE · LANE DEPARTURE · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10244242 at NHTSASIM010717The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecificationNHTSA ID 10215024
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10215024 at NHTSA34 04 15BMW - BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM MIGHT REDUCE IF TEMPERATURE GETS BELOW 14 DEGREES *MANHTSA ID 10059089
BMW - BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM MIGHT REDUCE IF TEMPERATURE GETS BELOW 14 DEGREES *MA
Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10059089 at NHTSA11 11 15FAULTY CODES IN THE DME FOR THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT ACTIVATES THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT. *MANHTSA ID 10058976
FAULTY CODES IN THE DME FOR THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT ACTIVATES THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT. *MA
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10058976 at NHTSA13 02 15ENGINE FAILURE WARNING AND REDUCED ENGINE OUTPUT WILL OCCUR DUE TO HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP FAILURE. *MANHTSA ID 10059005
ENGINE FAILURE WARNING AND REDUCED ENGINE OUTPUT WILL OCCUR DUE TO HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP FAILURE. *MA
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10059005 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Your next step
Take good questions
to the inspection.
Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.