2018 BMW 5 Series: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the airbags, electrical, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 212
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 15
- 14 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 BMW 5 Series: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which 5 Series is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 BMW 5 Series. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD, RWD | 27 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylGas | AWD, RWD | 23–24 mpg |
| 4.4L 8-cylGas | AWD | 19 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | AWD | 30 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD, RWD | 360–370 mi range |
- The 2018 BMW 5 Series was sold in five versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A 5 Series that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Oil filter housing coolant leak
50,000–70,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 BMW 5 Series, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Airbags341 crash
A "Passenger restraint system malfunction" warning makes up most of this category. Owners trace it to a failed passenger seat occupancy sensor or seat mat. The warning appears at random or every few minutes. The seat belt reminder can also go off when only a wallet or a bag of groceries is on the seat. Dealers say the fault can keep the passenger airbag from deploying. Repairs can cost over $2,500 and are often not covered by warranty. One failure came before 34k miles. One crash report with an injury describes airbags that did not deploy in a front-left impact.
Electrical191 crash
Wiring for the rear window defroster is behind both fire reports. Owners describe smoke, then flames from the back seat area, with damage to the headliner, rear deck and C-pillar. Some 530e plug-in hybrid owners report "Drivetrain malfunction" warnings, shrinking electric range and high-voltage battery replacements disputed under warranty. Other reports describe a total power loss, including steering, at 45 mph, a flickering digital gauge cluster, and emergency call faults after water gets into the roof antenna. Several reports here name 3-Series models.
Engine18No crashes
Coolant loss is the dominant failure. The plastic oil filter housing cracks around 50-60k miles and dumps coolant. Owners say the low-coolant warning comes on only when the tank is nearly empty, which risks overheating and oil mixing with coolant. Dealer quotes reach almost 3,500. Coolant pumps, radiators and plastic hoses also leak, sometimes several at once around 65k miles. Two reports describe engine fires, one after shutdown in a garage. Less common are rod bearing failure at 36,500 miles and a broken swirl flap linkage on the 540d that causes heavy black smoke.
Fuel system13No crashes
A recall for a diesel fuel system defect (21V586000) dominates this category. Several owners report waiting on recall repairs because dealers had no parts. Failures include a high-pressure pump that exploded and stalled the car at 50 mph, heavy shuddering at about 102,000 miles, and a no-start that a new fuel pump did not fix. A gasoline car had a fuel odor and a tank ventilation warning at about 47,000 miles. Every report here names a 3-Series model, mostly the 328d.
Engines stall while driving when the high-pressure fuel pump fails. In one case the pump failed at about 7400 miles and spread metal shavings through the system, so the injectors, lines, pump and tank all needed replacing. Other owners report a fuel tank leaking at the top flange with no warning light, a faulty fuel level sensor that left a car stranded, and a collapsed filler hose that made refueling impossible. Coolant leaking from the expansion tank and its hose causes overheating and, in one case, loss of power on the highway.
Seat belts111 crash
False passenger seat warnings are the main pattern. The "Passenger restraint system malfunction" message and seat belt reminders appear with the seat empty, sometimes on startup or on damp mornings. Dealers usually replace the passenger seat sensor mat, quoted at $2000 to $2800, and the fault can return after a warranty repair. Some owners say the system shuts off the passenger airbag. One crash report describes a passenger belt that kept locking and unlocking and injured the rider's chest. One report describes a rear belt that would not latch.
Transmission52 crashes
Both crash reports here involve loss of control. In one, the car surged from a stop while braking, with "Drive Train Malfunction" flashing, and the driver suffered a fractured back. The other cites a rattle above 30 mph. Stalling is the other pattern: one car shut off at 65 mph after a fuel pump and fuel rail failure sent metal shards into the tank and injectors, and a 320i cuts out at stops. One owner has spent $3400 chasing a coolant leak that causes jerking.
Acceleration and cruise control42 crashes
Sudden unintended acceleration is behind both crash reports, one of them a head-on collision with a parked car while pulling into a space. In a separate failure, the cruise control rocker switch stuck and the car sped up from 61 mph to past 80 mph. One complaint filed here is actually about a run-flat tire blowout that caused severe vibration and pulling.
Brakes21 crash
Unintended forward motion while stopped is behind the one crash report. The car surged at a light with the brake pedal pressed to the floor and was stopped only by the vehicle ahead. The other complaint describes rear brake pads worn to metal at 40000 miles, with no brake wear warning light. With only 2 complaints, no wider pattern shows.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints 5 Series owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Vehicle reports "Passenger restraint system malfunction" upon startup, even when passenger is not in seat. Passenger airbag light turns on. In this state the vehicle defaults to deploying the passenger airbag no matter what, even if passenger weighs less than 45 lbs. BMW of North Scottsdale inspected and recommends replacing the passenger seat sensor mat for $3600, not covered outside of factory warranty.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
The Passenger Restraint System Malfunction warning light comes on randomly. Also the passenger side seat belt light comes on even if I put my wallet or something very light on the seat. I previously replaced the driver side seat sensor because the restraint system error was coming on. It seems odd that this critical component would fail in both seats by year six.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
KLE MODULE FAILURE - Causing short on EV Hard Wires Wall Charger. Module Burned out on vehicle, which could cause fire and electrical problems. This failure also causes problems with emissions issues as this is a Hybrid Vehicle. BMW has has several issues with this and advising that it is not a covered part in the 2018 module, but has been covered and repaired in 2019 + Vehicles.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
Digital display cluster suddenly started flickering and had a shifting image moving incorrectly to the left. It made reading the electronic speedometer and other gauges impossible and highly unsafe while driving on highway. There was no way to safely determine speed or vehicle. The display did not recover after parking the car and restarting engine.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
The vehicle gave a warning that the engine coolant was low and to power down before it overheated. Upon taking it to the dealer, it was discovered that the oil housing unit was defective. After doing online research, this is a very common issue with this part. I had a previous vehicle with a similar issue that caused the vehicle to shut down in traffic from overheating.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
Engine suddenly lost most of power, causing risks of losing control. Diagnosis suggests a bug in Digital Motor Electronics (DME) unit. Per TSB SI B12 08 18, the correction is to update software. This should be a recall to make sure drivers don't experience sudden engine malfunction during driving.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
How the 2018 compares with other 5 Series years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 6 5 Series years we cover, about 9.0 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Airbags342
- Electrical193
- Engine181
- Fuel system130
- Seat belts110
- Transmission52
Where the 2018 fits in the 5 Series's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the second model year of the 5 Series's seventh generation (2017–2023).
BMW updated the 5 Series for 2020, so a 2018 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2020 (not on a 2018)
- Minor cosmetic updates
- Improved hybrid capabilities
Recalls to confirm (9)
Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V588000EngineAug 2024
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 540d xDrive vehicles that were previously repaired under recall number 22V-614. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk: An EGR valve with smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold increases the risk of an engine fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the EGR module and the intake manifold as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
22V614000EngineAug 2022
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d xDrive vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR module, and the intake manifold will be inspected and replaced, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
21V907000Fuel systemNov 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
21V586000Fuel systemJul 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V243000AirbagsApr 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
19V684000Backup cameraSep 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
18V755000EngineOct 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
18V652000EquipmentSep 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
18V465000EngineJul 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. 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. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Also looking at these instead of a 5 Series?
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2018 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2018 BMW 5 Series212
