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2010 BMW 5 Series

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

BMW 5 Series
Pictured: 2015 BMW 528i (5 Series, F10) M Sport 4-door sedan (19119409664). Photo: Manoj Prasad from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
528i 4dr Sedan RWD, 528i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 535i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 550i 4dr Sedan RWD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Horsepower
300 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
Length
190.9–196.9 in
Curb weight
3,505–4,707 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 300 hp, versus about 236 hp for similar 2010 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,505 lb (528i 4dr Sedan RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 1% worse than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2010

  • Engine added: 4.4L 8-cyl turbo

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 5 Series →

Trims, performance & features

Engine300 hp3.0L 6-cyl

Trims

5-Series

Built in: Dingolfing, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2010 5 Series configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
528i 4dr Sedan RWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,505 lb51/49
528i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,770 lb51/49
535i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,902 lb51/49
550i 4dr Sedan RWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,946 lb51/49
550i Gran Turismo 4dr Sedan RWD196.9 in74.8 in61.4 in120.9 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,707 lb
Touring 535i Xdrive 4dr Wagon AWD191.7 in72.8 in53.9 in113.8 in–4,101 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
528i3.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 22-1%$3,750404
535i Gran Turismo3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+19%$3,750404
528i3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-5%$3,900423
528i xDrive3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-10%$4,100444
528i xDrive3.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-10%$4,100444
535i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-10%$4,100444
535i3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-10%$4,100444
535i xDrive3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-10%$4,100444
535i xDrive3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-14%$4,350468
535i Sport Wagon xDrive3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-10%$4,350468
550i4.8L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-19%$4,550494
550i4.8L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-19%$4,550494
535i Sport Wagon xDrive3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-14%$4,550494
550 GT4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-3%$4,550494
550i xDrive GT4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-3%$4,550494
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2010 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 BMW 5 Series under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 BMW 5 Series (this car)22 MPGNot rated7
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class21 MPGNot rated0
2010 Audi A622 MPGNot rated3
2010 Lexus LS21 MPGNot rated2
2010 Lexus GS23 MPGNot rated3
2010 Audi A526 MPGNot rated2
2010 Porsche Panamera19 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (7)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · 157,796 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Risk
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 17, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V746000 · 136,188 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Mar 26, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · 367,682 vehicles

Problem
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
Risk
OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger · Oct 20, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V521000 · 32,084 vehicles

Problem
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · 198,352 vehicles

Problem
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Risk
POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System · Jul 22, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V331000 · 6,080 vehicles

Problem
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CAN BECOME WEDGED AGAINST THE TANK.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD DISPLAY A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. AS A RESULT, IF THE TANK BECAME EMPTY, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

2Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
130,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/12: 119/06: 117/1219/06max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  5. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 BMW 5 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 5 Series years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 5 Series31–Not rated00
2026 5 Series31199.2 inNot rated00
2025 5 Series31199.2 inNot rated00
2024 5 Series30195.3 inNot rated00
2023 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated10
2022 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated00
2021 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated00
2020 5 Series28194.5 inNot rated00
2019 5 Series29194.5 inNot rated00
2018 5 Series30194.5 inNot rated00
2017 5 Series27194.5 inNot rated00
2016 5 Series30192.9 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →