The Lemon Index2018 BMW 5 Series.
The 2018 BMW 5 Series is better than average by owner complaints: 27 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 61, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about seat belts, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 23 to 30 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 118 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2018 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 4K to 29K miles on the car (25 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- airbags 2020
Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
- back over prevention 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- equipment 2018
Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Show all 4 recalls
- engine 2018
The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
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 426 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- DME FAULT MEMORY ENTRY FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision…
- FAULT 930C1E IS FOUND IN THE ACSM: Vehicle comes into the workshop with the following…
- Ccm displayed "increased battery drain" caused by controller
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
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 5 Series 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 PHEV Series 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series PHEV 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2750–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Passenger seat belt warning light activates even though there is no one or anything in the passenger seat.
2018 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 11427961
More owner reports
Passenger restraint malfunction error. This shows up on startup. I had this problem earlier and some how that got got corrected.
NHTSA complaint 11124360
While driving message will pop up regarding passanger's seat belt and even driver was fasten the seat belt message will pop up in the screen to fasten the seat belt. It will start after 20 minutes of driving.
NHTSA complaint 11133641
Quick answers
Is the 2018 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 61; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2018 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are seat belts (33%), airbags (26%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW 5 Series have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW 5 Series get?
23 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2018 BMW 5 Series problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,500 and 29,000 miles. The middle report was at 9,800 miles, from 25 complaints.
Does the 2018 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2750 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2018?
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