2005 BMW 5 Series problems
The 2005 BMW 5 Series has 26 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (38%) concerns air bags. After that come electrical system (15%) and brakes (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 26 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 39% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 72,000 miles 20 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 6 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 20 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 72,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2005 ranks 5th most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the BMW 5 Series with enough data (8 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 4 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
I was driving my car and was in the middle of a turn through an intersection when my belt tensioner and broke. My car is equipped with bmw's "active steering" system that is driven by the serpentine belt. When the belt broke, I was not able to steer my car and it felt like the steering column was locked. I barely avoided an accident with another vehicle and ended crashing on to the median. My kids were in the car with me at the time.
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 reply back with steps to repair
While driving with my family over the weekend, I noticed the passenger air bag and seat belt light illuminate on the dash. The idrive stated there was a malfunction in the pass air bag. I took my car to the nearest dealer the next morning after finding that this is an ongoing/ common issue with the 5 series. But what I don't get is why is my vehicles VIN not included??
2005 BMW 525I. Passenger seat air bag malfunction light illuminated. Took vehicle to independent mechanic for diagnosis. Conclusion from mechanic was that passenger air bag seat mat was broken per NHTSA action number ea08001. Took vehicle to irvine BMW for repair under extended seat mat warranty. Irvine BMW said that passenger seat mat did not cause malfunction. Repairs would cost $1,075. Repairs were declined because independent mechanic would charge $400. Irvine BMW charged a $170 diagnosis fee.