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Used 2010 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
1

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4.13 out of 5 stars

oh the problems i've seen

bfedwards, 07/19/2014
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
68 of 74 people found this review helpful

The direct fuel injectors have introduced a new and not insignificant problem to the engine. Coke formation is extensive. Those engine lights that start to light up anytime after say 50K miles are likely due to carbon buildup in the cylinders with the sensors going crazy as a result. Big engine lights , little engine lights, single and multiple cylinders dropping out at highway speeds, LTFT abnormalities, O2 sensor malfunction codes, cylinder misfiring codes, and on, and on. You can spend many an hour chatting with your local mechanic getting to know all about his kids and their little league activities before you get to the necessary therapy: walnut shell cylinder coke blasting! ($800!)

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2010 550i M Sport - It growls

Martin, 02/23/2010
2010 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

I also own a 2000 540i. So my expectations of the 2010 550i were pretty high. It had to be the same or better. My expectations have been met. It's carbon black with cream interior includes all the M sport trims you can get. It's an excellent vehicle and fun to drive. If my wife asks me to get milk and eggs, I'll do it 2 trips. The vehicle with it's 19" wheels rides on rails, a notable growl can be expected from the mufflers after 4000rpm. Surprisingly smooth suspension. Has many hidden features not all described in the brochure. As with my older one, it's 10 years ahead of its time.

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3 out of 5 stars

UPDATE since my last review (3/16/13)

oakleyg, 10/13/2014
updated 04/13/2016
2010 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful

I had reached 105,000 miles. Started having issues with performance, then the engine ran extremely rough. Engine would start, but would stall. The issue was traced to the VANOS system - the hydraulic controller for valve timing. There are two VANOS solenoids - they were replaced, car ran fine for about 1,500 miles. The Problem returned, the dealer said it was the VANOS pumps, needed to be replaced. This is a very common problem with this generation of the BMW 6CYL. A costly repair. BMW has been forced to extend the warranty on this generation of 6 CYL engines due to the high VANOS failure rate over 100K miles. I was able to get most of my money reimbursed by BMW, filled out the VANOS repair recovery form - was initially rejected, but after several calls to BMW customer service I was able to the the reimbursement. It's worth the phone calls, it's your money and this is clearly a poor design. For those who would like more information on VANOS, rebuilt VANOS pumps or repair guides - http://www.drvanos.com Purchased used with 37,000 miles. Now have 97,400 miles. Up to this point no issues. Have been averaging 28.5 MPG. Had first issue last week, very high pitched noise and rough idle at stop. Was traced to crankcase vent. Was covered under my extended warranty for $50 deductible. Tires and brakes were new at 37,000. Still OK, will probably replace tires before snow - live in USA Northeast.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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2.63 out of 5 stars

UNRELIABLE!!

dmoore5, 11/28/2014
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
57 of 65 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2010 535i xdrive used at 55,000 currently have 113,000 miles on it. I would expect some things to break at this mileage but this is ridiculous. I had to replaced the water pump in March and the starter in September. Then I got a message saying fuel pump on the screen and car would shut down. BMW replaced the electonic fuel pump on the way home I got the exact same message and car shut down. BMW then replaced the mechanical fuel pump and AGAIN car shut off with same warning. BMW then replaced the EKPS Module, now I get an Engine Malfunction-Reduce Power message and I feel like I'm in a semitruck. Can't wait to see what BMW says on Monday.

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5 out of 5 stars

BMW 535i is a wonder machine

Steve, 03/12/2010
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I was bit concerned with cost of this vehicle as it is more pricy than competitors. After driving it for 2 months and doing test drive for other competitors (Lexus, Audi, Infiniti) it is worth it! Solid handling and performance. The car challenges sharp turns and does not lean. 535i is a rocket on wheels,Turbo engine is a piece of art, excellent fuel consumption despite the engine size and power. Too early for reliability feedback but no issues so far

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4 out of 5 stars

@6 months

Irvin, Lapell, 01/07/2016
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful

2010 BMW purchased in 8/15 with 80k....love it, love it.....I traded in a 2006 azera bought new, but caught a little deer damage and never quite felt the same....went in to buy a Audi, left with the bimmer.....for a 5 year old car, it was a better driver than my Hyundai was new.....the ride is incredible the handling is fantastic....it original sticker was 57k and I got it for 17k.....I don't know if I lucked up and made a good find, but for 17k I'm very satisfied.....oh and the power is bone chilling for a sedan....

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Unreliable, even new

Skip, 06/14/2010
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

With less that 4000 miles the "engine malfunction-reduce power" message came on and the car would no longer start. I was only 1 mile from the dealership but it took BMW assist over two hours to organize a tow (1 pm Monday)! I was told by the dealership " we are seeing this a lot," but so far they apparently do not know how to fix it. I rated the car low on performance, build quality, and reliability for this issue. This is not the BMW "experience I was hoping for!

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5 out of 5 stars

New 535i x-drive

Edward, 06/22/2009
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
20 of 23 people found this review helpful

Picked up new 535i last week, so far, more than my expectations. Replaces my 2007 550i. Power of 535i more than I expected, and twin turbo is fabulous. Off line, maybe quicker. Handles like, well, like a BMW, and I love the feel of the ride. I-drive and interior controls are both much improved with pre-programmed controls and preset radio buttons much easier to use. New gear shift took 3 or 4 times of driving to get used to but certainly easy. Retractable side mirrors means the car is safe when my wife pulls into my garage.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

2010 BMW 550i M Sport SAT

champaign777, 12/15/2013
2010 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful

I am a BMW fun and currently have 2 E39 Bought this 2010 BMW 550i M Sport SAT a nd sold after 6 months Car had 33k miles and almost all options available. Sold it after 6 month only due to jerky SAP transmission ,- dealer helped a lot with all small "normal" BMW issues AKA steering leaks , software bugs , suspension noises , engine noises , remote key issues , yata, yata , ,same story all time BMW Well this all not a new for me but the last one with SAT which JERKS ALL TIME ON LOW SPEED was a killer Dealer said need to wait 2-3 months for a new patch from ZF and this is on the latest E60 model how nice a ?? Will never buy "auto" transmission BMW , only manual

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4.38 out of 5 stars

BMW Fan Disappointed

Chris, 01/25/2010
2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

This is my third BMW. The car handles as expected and offers the joy and experience BMW owners have come to expect. However, the reliability on this vehicle is unacceptable. First, I had a fuel pump failure. I noticed several slow starts, took it in and they found a fault with the fuel pump. Next, I was accelerating hard when the engine lost power and the message "Engine Malfunction: Reduced Power" displayed. So far, the dealer things it's a software issue. I love these cars, but reliability is sub-par. If BMW doesn't resolve their reliability issues, I purchased my last one.

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