2011 BMW 5 Series Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 -22 City / 22 -32 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
240 -400
Seats
5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Todd P
German luxury has its advantages. Great car to take on road trips.
Has all the tech you would want in car. Seats are very comfortable. All wheel drive attributes to the safety of the car. Drawback: expensive to maintain.
accountCircle Diana T
It is a good car for anyone who’s on the go.
It is and amazing car it drive so smooth on the road gas is great on long distance drive but a bit more pricey driving in town it takes premium gas. It is a great car that’ lets you know whenever there’s a problem highly recommend on buying a BMW 5 series.
accountCircle Sarah A
This vehicle is great if you are looking for a reliable car!
I've had my vehicle for 4, going on 5 years now and I can say that it is extremely reliable and relatively inexpensive to take care of. I have about 3 occasions where my car throughout the last 4 years have given me a rough time. But other than that I would recommend anyone this car!
accountCircle Jean S
BMW 5-Series is an overall great luxury option
The BMW 528I has great features, feels very comfortable but I feel it lacks trunk space. I would grade the performance at 8 out of 10. Mpg could be a lot better. The car is reliable. I only had minor issues from mainly wear and tear. Overall a great purchase.
accountCircle Thomas F
528i experience my love for my vehicle.
It is a expensive vehicle but worth the trouble. Pay attention to the pvc valve because they decided to integrate it in the valve cover. But overall I satisfied. Love the interior the new car smell. Now I can say it handles like a boat compared to my other beamer but one is my sports car the other for my family. It has a lot more room for my family.
accountCircle Cristina B
2011 BMW 5281. Ultimate driving machine.
None. Excellent drive. Run flat tires are the only setback. Replacements are costly. Only issue I have had in 9 years is an air conditioning repair. The drive is the best in class. I understand why they call it the ultimate driving machine. Want to keep it at least 5 more years.
accountCircle Jonathan K
Smooth and comfortable drive
The 2011 535i is an amazing vehicle. Comfort and ride is great whether you're cruising in town or on a road trip. The only negatives is the steering and acceleration can seem a bit sluggish at times, but these are small things that I've gotten used to over time. 9/10 overall. Would purchase again.
accountCircle Norris T
BMW 5-series is a fantastic car.
Have not had any. I take it on long trips (4 plus hours) often because it is so comfortable. The controls are easy to use and the acceleration and handling is sportscar-like.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Colten
BEWARE
0/10 Would NOT recommend if you do not have money to fix this car. Many problems arise that usually cost over $1000 to fix every time.
accountCircle Lisa M
It's a piece of junk! It drives fast though.
This vehicle is problematic. Every other day there is something going on with it. The maintenance alone is high. I wouldn't recommend this particular vehicle to a low income or either a high income worker. It's just not worth it in my opinion. You might want to buy a car like this BRAND NEW.
accountCircle Kia S
The most important thing someone should know is the car is not good on gas.
I like the style of the car, it is a pretty green. I hate that the car is not good on gas because I use it everyday for work. The car is fast and I really love a fast car.
accountCircle Jessica J
Summer Fun BMW 550i Review
Gas mileage is pretty good but maintenance is a bit expensive, the drive is very good, very smooth. The interior is easy to clean and the features are nice. Great car when on the highway, you will definitely be there before you know it, the convertible top does have to be maintained as well
accountCircle William C
Fun car to drive, bad car to maintain once mileage is out on it.
It is fun to drive, maintenance is a con. There have been constant issues with maintenance and it is safe to say I will not buy another BMW. Other than the maintenance aspect, it is a fun, really aggressive car. Hearing the turbos spool is definitely a plus.
accountCircle Michael N
Good and bad in many ways not just what's listed.
Not reliable at all the vehicle needs a full engine replacement because of faulty factory installed seals. The company refuses to pay the repair fees. Besides that problem the car is an absolute dream and wouldn't ever get rid of it super responsive steering comfortable ride and great sounding sound system.
accountCircle Ku J
Sometimes luxury sometimes lame.
Rides smoothly when in premium condition. Needs constant maintenance. Spark plug issues, shocks issues, etc. I love this luxury vehicle, but it seems like something always needs repairing. Please have extra money for this car’s maintenance if you are considering purchasing. One disclaimer is that I purchased the car used. It only had one previous owner and I bought it with relatively low mileage. Nevertheless, it can be problematic.
accountCircle Dee D
Just like it and very happy with our purchase.
It performance is good. It is very comfortable and it has the basic features but meets all of my needs for the family. I am happy with it at this time. The family is happy with the new addition also. It was a used at the time but still in good condition.

BMW 5 Series Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
528i
240 HP 25 MPG 5 Seats
car
535i
300 HP 22-24 MPG 5 Seats
car
535i xDrive
300 HP 23 MPG 5 Seats
car
550i
400 HP 17-20 MPG 5 Seats
car
550i xDrive
400 HP 18 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2011 BMW 5 Series Owner Reviews

4.34
70 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 56%
4 stars 29%
3 stars 13%
2 stars 0%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Kristie C on May 11, 2021
BMW 5 series problems and maintenance issues.
I have had issues with the water pump going out twice. It also does this jerking as if the engine is going to stop.Overall, the cost of maintaining this vehicle is quite expensive. I love how it drives, but the problems outweigh the benefits. It is a high maintenance car.
accountCircle Heather A on May 7, 2021
It was a great experience with my car.
I have bought my car in 2011 with my choice and choice of my spouse also. I liked the car brand so much and the design also. The configuration of the car was very strong and high performance which gives us a lot of relaxation. I like my car very much.
View All Reviews (70) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Juliana N.

Twin Turbo Engine, runs great with no issues. Heated seats in winter; air conditioned seats in the summer. Luxurious driving with a classic look. Great Sound System. Car is large enough to provide a roomy fit for everyone seated. Large trunk for groceries.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Juliana N.

Initially the car is expensive to purchase. The 535i is a larger vehicle. The new purchase price is $53,000. The insurance cost on this vehicle may be cost prohibitive to a lot of people. The current price for an oil change is in the neighborhood of $300.

Ranks #12 Luxury Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2011 BMW 5 Series has an average owner rating of 4.50 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 19 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
car
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
5
2
Tie
car
2011 Jaguar XF
4.83
12
car
2011 BMW 5 Series
4.34

Ranks #3 Luxury Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2011 BMW 5 Series has a combined MPG of 32 which ranks it #3 of 19 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
car
2011 Lincoln MKZ
41 MPG
2
car
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
33 MPG
3
car
2011 BMW 5 Series
32 MPG

Is The 2011 BMW 5 Series A Good Car?

I feel it is a great vehicle with tons of features. It handles with great precision and very stylish. The mpg may not be the greatest but it makes up for it in default features.
Jean S.
Yes, a very good car. It has everything I want in a car. I plan to keep this car as long as absolutely possible. Then, I plan to replace it with the same model in a more current model.
L E.

How Reliable Is The 2011 BMW 5 Series?

I have had minor problems with it. There has only been one major issues in the near 5 years I have had the vehicle. So it is pretty reliable.
Jean S.
No problems. It is probably the most reliable car I have ever owned. Of course I have it serviced at the BMW dealership whenever it is suggested by the manufacturer.
Christina M.

Is The 2011 BMW 5 Series A Good Value?

It was on the expensive side when I purchased it, but it is expected on a luxury car. Some might it is not worth it, I think it was worth every penny.
Jean S.
Around $60,000. I don't know if it is a good value but to me it is because operational costs are low.
Ariel D.

Related Articles for 2011 BMW 5 Series

From the Vehicle History blog

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BMW 535i Recalls: Worth Worrying About?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2011 BMW 535i spare tire location?

Answer: The 2011 BMW 535i does come equipped with a spare tire, as a standard part of the sale package. It is easy to find, as well. The first thing You will need to do is go to the rear of Your vehicle. Crouch down,...

What's the 2011 BMW 535i engine oil type?

Answer: The 2011 BMW 535i uses the 5W-30 full synthetic motor oil, as recommended by the manufacturer. It is important to follow the manufacturer's suggestion, as this keeps Your car's engine in top running condition....

What's the 2011 bmw 535i wheel bolt pattern?

Answer: The 2011 BMW 535i's wheel bolt pattern iS5 X120. It's got a center bore of 72.6mm, and uses standard lug bolts that are M14 X1.25 and tolerate 120 Nm of torque. You'll find a range of tire sizes on the 535i,...

What's the 2011 bmw 528i oil type?

Answer: Want to know what type of oil to use on the 2011 BMW 528i3.0L The recommended oil types on this vehicle are 5W-30 and 0W-30 for all temperatures. If You also want to know what the oil capacity is on this luxury...

What are some of the 2011 bmw 535i twin turbo problems?

Answer: The most common issues with the 2011 BMW 535i have nothing to do with the vehicle's twin turbo apparatus, so that's the good news. Turbo repairs and replacements can be some of the most expensive on the...
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Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety