The Lemon Index2019 BMW 5 Series.
The 2019 BMW 5 Series is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 39, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 24 to 29 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 47 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2019 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 10K to 35K miles on the car (17 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- 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.
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 260 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- DME FAULT MEMORY ENTRY FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision…
- REAR VIEW CAMERA FAILS TO DISPLAY IMAGE: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5)…
- FAULT 930C1E IS FOUND IN THE ACSM: Vehicle comes into the workshop with the following…
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 AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 5 Series 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 530e 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 530e 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2750–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I was at a red light. When it turned green the cars began to move but the car in front of me stopped again. I applied the break immediately but he car did not stop so I hit the car in front of me.
2019 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 11301505
More owner reports
Serious crash from sudden unintended acceleration occurred yesterday where throttle seemed to be stuck in all gears and brakes didnât work
NHTSA complaint 11430762
car went into transmission malfunction and speed was reduced when I was going at high speed. could have caused an accident but luckily I am a good driver so accident was avoided.
NHTSA complaint 11482858
Quick answers
Is the 2019 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 39; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2019 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (31%), transmission & drivetrain (31%) and electrical (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 BMW 5 Series have?
2 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 BMW 5 Series get?
24 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2019 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 31% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2750 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2019?
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