The Lemon Index2020 BMW 5 Series.
The 2020 BMW 5 Series is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 5 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 18, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel system, gasoline, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best BMW 5 Series year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 19 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW 5 Series year. 2020 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.
Recalls 6
- electrical 2025
The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- engine 2021
During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist.
- back over prevention 2021
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Show all 6 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
- back over prevention 2020
A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.
- back over prevention 2019
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
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 265 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin…
- TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel
- Incorrect condition based service data for brake fluid service
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
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 530e 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW 530e 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2850–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
There is a light sensor in the digital instrument cluster that dims the brightness during the day that it makes the instrument cluster un-readable.
2020 BMW 5 Series owner · NHTSA complaint 11448632
Quick answers
Is the 2020 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 18; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW 5 Series year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2020 BMW 5 Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel system, gasoline (20%), lights (20%) and brakes (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 BMW 5 Series have?
6 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW 5 Series get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2020 BMW 5 Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 BMW 5 Series cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 BMW 5 Series have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW 5 Series year is better than the 2020?
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