The Lemon Index2009 BMW 5 Series.
The 2009 BMW 5 Series has too few complaints to score: 18 in its first 3 years. Owners complain most about fuel system, gasoline, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 18 to 21 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 107 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 35K to 115K miles on the car (81 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 62K–117K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 64K–124K miles
- fuel system, gasoline complaints mostly came at 11K–72K miles
Recalls 2
- engine 2017
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- lights 2013
Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or mo…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 73 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Complaint of a delayed engagement and a harsh jolt when accelerating from a stop
- ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information
- External Engine Oil Leaks and Repairs
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★☆☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–4400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle had loss of power, shaky at start up. Vehicle had a loss power to only go about 5mph. Vehicle was towed to dealer.
2009 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10415418
More owner reports
Sudden loss of engine power, engine light came on. Bmw reprogrammed the computer but so far it has happened 3 times (at 8,000miles, 13,000 miles and 18,000 miles).
NHTSA complaint 10396103
Engine malfunction light and reduced power warning for BMW 535i.
NHTSA complaint 10352639
Quick answers
Is the 2009 BMW 5 Series reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 18 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2009 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel system, gasoline (56%), engine (28%) and equipment adaptive / mobility (6%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 5 Series have?
2 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW 5 Series get?
18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 5 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,100 and 115,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 81 complaints.
Does the 2009 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $4400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 BMW 5 Series have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2009?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2015 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works