2010 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i 4dr Sedan RWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,505 lb | 51/49 |
| 528i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,770 lb | 51/49 |
| 535i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,902 lb | 51/49 |
| 550i 4dr Sedan RWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,946 lb | 51/49 |
| 550i Gran Turismo 4dr Sedan RWD | 196.9 in | 74.8 in | 61.4 in | 120.9 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,707 lb | |
| Touring 535i Xdrive 4dr Wagon AWD | 191.7 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 113.8 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
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 535i Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +19% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 528i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 528i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 528i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 535i Sport Wagon xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 550i | 4.8L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -19% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -19% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 535i Sport Wagon xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -14% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550 GT | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i xDrive GT | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Audi A6 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Porsche Panamera | 19 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
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.
Not every 2010 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 5 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 5 Series | 30 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 5 Series | 28 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 5 Series | 29 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 5 Series | 30 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 5 Series | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →