The Lemon Index2012 BMW 5 Series.
The 2012 BMW 5 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 37 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 60, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about tires, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 17 to 27 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 226 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2012 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 36K to 96K miles on the car (164 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 60K–104K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 54K–93K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 60K–104K miles
Recalls 4
- engine 2024
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimpe.
- brakes 2014
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 4 recalls
- brakes 2013
Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
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 393 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ?audio volume not restored after msa stop, entry head unit
- "n20 pressure switch - leak diagnosis module (nvld): limited warranty extension to 10…
- SUBJECT Wheel Speed Sensor Faults Cannot Be Cleared
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedLoss of power assist braking2013
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 528 I 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| BMW 528 XI 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2950–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
There is a bubble that has formed on my tires very often and has forced me to replace 4 tires in 10 months.
2012 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10485817
Quick answers
Is the 2012 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 60; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2012 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are tires (32%), electrical (16%) and wheels (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 5 Series have?
4 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 2012 BMW 5 Series get?
17 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 BMW 5 Series safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 5 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 36,400 and 96,000 miles. The middle report was at 67,800 miles, from 164 complaints.
Does the 2012 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2012?
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