BMW · 2010–2017
Common BMW 5 Series problems, and how to check them
These are the 3 faults owners and garages report most often on the BMW 5 Series, from the most common down. For each one: what goes wrong, how to check it yourself, and the usual fix, so you know what you’re dealing with before you buy parts.
Fact-checked by a licensed car technician · last reviewed 28 September 2026
Problem 1
BMW 5 Series: Sticking or broken swirl flaps in the intake manifold
What goes wrong
Plastic swirl flaps in the intake manifold wear and clog with soot; they can stick, and a broken flap or its shaft can be sucked into the engine.
How to check it yourself
Read the engine control unit for swirl-flap or intake faults (BMW codes around 2C32) and look for rough idle and power loss. A garage can remove the manifold to inspect the flaps.
The usual fix
Clean or replace the intake manifold with new flaps before one breaks.
Signs: Rough idle, Loss of power, Check engine light
Problem 2
BMW 5 Series: Timing chain rattle on the N47 diesel
What goes wrong
As in other N47 BMWs, the timing chain at the back of the engine stretches and its guides wear; a snapped chain wrecks the engine.
How to check it yourself
Listen at the gearbox end of the engine for a rattle or whine, especially from cold. Get any rattle inspected before driving on.
The usual fix
Replace the chain, guides, and tensioner with the revised kit (usually an engine-out job) and keep oil changes short.
Signs: Rattle on cold start, Check engine light
Problem 3
BMW 5 Series: EGR cooler leak recall on BMW diesels
What goes wrong
The EGR cooler can crack and leak coolant into the intake; the glycol deposits can in rare cases catch fire. BMW recalled many diesel 5 Series to replace the cooler and clean the intake.
How to check it yourself
Ask a BMW dealer (with the VIN) whether the EGR cooler recall is open. Watch for coolant loss without a visible leak and white smoke.
The usual fix
The recall inspects the EGR cooler and replaces it (and the intake manifold if needed) free of charge.
Signs: Coolant loss, White smoke, Check engine light
Recalls for the 5 Series
The most recent recalls registered with the RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority, across all generations of the 5 Series. Not every recall covers every car: a dealer can check yours with the VIN (chassis number), and recall repairs are free.
Driver's airbag gas generator may burst
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may burst.
Possible consequence: If the airbag is activated in an accident, the gas generator may burst. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. BMW strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may crack
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may crack.
Possible consequence: When an airbag is deployed in an accident, the gas generator may crack. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. The manufacturer strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Starter motor water ingress issue
Water may enter the starter motor and cause corrosion, which can lead to a short circuit or the starter motor may remain permanently engaged.
Possible consequence: This can cause the starter motor to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the vehicle, both while driving and when parked with the ignition off. BMW AG requests parking the vehicle outside and not directly next to a building until the repair is completed.
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer. They will replace the starter motor.
Starter motor relay wear
The magnetic switch of the starter motor may wear out quickly, leading to a short circuit.
Possible consequence: A short circuit in the starter motor can cause a fire. BMW AG advises not to leave the vehicle unattended after starting the engine.
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer. They will replace the starter motor.
Missing brake system software
The brake system lacks software to detect faults, resulting in no warning on the information display in case of a malfunction.
Possible consequence: If the driver is not warned in time, the brake system may fail, causing the brake pedal to feel hard and the ABS and DSC to stop working.
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer, who will install the correct software.
Air conditioning microfilter cable damage
Cables may be damaged when replacing the air conditioning microfilter.
Possible consequence: Damaged cables can lead to a short circuit. A short circuit may result in fire.
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact a dealer, who will check the cockpit wiring for damage and secure it again.
Source: RDW open data, translated automatically from Dutch.
General guidance, not a professional inspection. Confirm faults with measurements before buying parts, and use a qualified mechanic for brakes, steering, fuel leaks, airbags, and other safety-critical work. Terms and disclaimer