2011 BMW 5 Series Review
Price Range: $9,399 - $18,590





+203
For sale nearby
42 listings
- $5,000great price$1,423 below market
- 170,199 miles
- No accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use
- 6cyl Automatic
- Pro Auto Expo (38 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
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Located in Stafford, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (19 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBAFU7C5XBC876832
Stock: 876832
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $6,500great price$3,387 below market
- 108,647 miles
- 1 Accident, 1 Owner, Personal use only
- 6cyl Automatic
- Woodbridge Public Auto Auction (28 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
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Located in Woodbridge, VA
KEY FEATURES AND OPTIONS Comes equipped with: Air Conditioning, Sunroof, MP3. This BMW 5 Series also includes Power Driver's Seat, Climate Control, Po...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBAFR7C51BC604266
Stock: 142283
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-06-2025 - $9,399good price$1,153 below market
- 89,082 miles
- No accidents, 6 Owners, Personal use
- 6cyl Automatic
- 19 Auto Group (19 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
Visit 19 Auto Group LLC online at www.19autogroup.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 703-340-1041 today to schedule your test dri...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (19 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBAFU7C54BC782137
Stock: 2137T
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong turbocharged engines
- capable handling
- clean interior design with high-quality materials
- plenty of high-tech features
- respectable fuel economy.
Cons
- Smaller trunk than rivals
- feels a bit bulky on tight roads.
What’s new
The 2011 BMW 5 Series has been completely redesigned. Highlights include less adventurous styling than in years past, more powerful engines and new technology features. The wagon model has been discontinued. All-wheel drive is not available currently but will return later in the model year.
Edmunds says
Possessing an enviable combination of performance, comfort and technology, the 2011 BMW 5 Series is a top choice in the midsize luxury sport sedan segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.87 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$183/mo for 5 Series 528i
5 Series 528i
vs
$195/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Few models have sustained such a high level of excellence as the BMW 5 Series. Over the course of five generations, the 5 has consistently been one of the best automobiles you could buy, period. Now it's time for generation six to take its place in the automotive world in the form of the 2011 BMW 5 Series.
This new 5 certainly has a tough act to follow, however, particularly in regards to styling. The last generation represented a radical change to the 5 Series' previous evolutionary look, sporting curves and flourishes that attracted some buyers but repulsed others. For better or worse, the 2011 5 Series returns to a more conservative appearance, one that shows a stronger family resemblance to other BMW sedans. Though it may lack its predecessor's visual extravagance, the new 5 remains a very attractive sedan (the wagon has been discontinued for the United States).
It's also been given a full shot of adrenaline. The base 528i's 3.0-liter straight-6 is up by 10 horsepower to 240 hp. The 535i's turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-6 is unchanged in terms of output, but a switch to a new turbocharger design has improved low-end torque and fuel economy. The prize for the biggest punch goes to the 550i; this year it gets the same 400-hp 4.4-liter turbo V8 as the 7 Series. BMW has also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission that boosts fuel economy and acceleration compared to last year's six-speed auto. Notably, a manual transmission is still available on all models.
As the 2011 550i is about 300 pounds heavier than last year's model, the extra power will certainly be put to use. Part of that weight gain is due to the car's increased size, as it's now both longer and wider. Mechanically, it has a lot in common with the 7 Series and features the 7's new multilink front suspension and a new electric-assist steering rack. New feature highlights include the latest (and greatly improved) iDrive system, an automated parallel parking system, a head-up display, top-view and sideview cameras and a blind-spot monitoring system.
Taken as a whole, a lot of good things have happened for the latest 5 Series. If there's a downside, it's likely that the larger size has moved the 5 off of its previous Goldilocks slot of being the "just right" choice between the smaller 3 Series and bigger 7. On tight roads especially, the car's larger size and 2-ton curb weight can seem a bit too much for a midsize sedan. This aside, however, the latest 5 is utterly brilliant. Sportier than the 2011 Mercedes E-Class, cleaner-looking inside than a 2011 Audi A6 and roomier than a 2011 Jaguar XF, the 2011 BMW 5 Series continues to be one of the best vehicles you can drive, period.
Performance & mpg
The entry-level 528i comes with a 3.0-liter straight-6 engine that's rated at 240 hp and 230 pound feet of torque. Going with the 535i gets you a turbocharged variant of that engine that cranks out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 550i has a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive being optional on the 535i and 550i.
Power is directed through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic with manual-shift control. The 528i, 535i xDrive and 550i xDrive only come with the automatic. A sport version of the automatic (it can make quicker shifts and comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel) is also optional.
In Edmunds testing, a 535i with the automatic accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds; that's slower than last year's 535i but still respectable for the segment. EPA-estimated fuel economy is above average for the class. The 528i earns 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. The automatic-equipped 535i checks in at 20/30/24 mpg, and the automatic 550i is still respectable at 17/25/20 mpg. All-wheel-drive versions of the 535i and 550i drop by about 1 mpg across the board.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW 5 Series includes stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and the BMW Assist emergency communications system. The stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry in wet conditions and automatically snugging the brake pads to the rotors when the driver abruptly lifts off the throttle.
When equipped with active cruise control, the 5 Series also comes with a pre-collision system that can warn the driver of the possibility of rear-ending a vehicle ahead. If a collision is imminent, it can also automatically apply the brakes.
The available lane-departure warning system alerts the driver via vibrations in the steering wheel if the car starts to veer out of its lane; the same sensation is felt for the available blind-spot monitor, which also utilizes side-mirror indicators when other vehicles move into the BMW's blind spots. A night-vision system is capable of displaying possible hazards that are otherwise out of regular headlight range.
In the government's new and more stringent 2011 crash tests, the 2011 BMW 5 Series earned a top five-star rating for overall performance, with four out of five stars being given for front-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 5 Series earned a top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Driving
It wasn't too long ago that the high-performance M5 was throwing down 400 hp. Now you get that (plus a lot more torque) out of the latest 550i, which accelerates as quickly as a V8 sport coupe but without the pretentious bombast. Choosing the 300-hp 535i or even the less potent 528i is hardly like sitting in the cheap seats; most people will be more than satisfied with their power and fuel economy. With any engine choice, the new eight-speed automatic works exceptionally well, even when multi-gear downshifts are performed. We're happy that BMW continues to offer a manual transmission, though this choice is obviously meant for driving enthusiasts only.
If equipped with the optional adaptive suspension and active steering, the 2011 BMW 5 Series does an excellent job of providing both a comfortable ride and capable handling. The steering feel isn't as lively as what you'll get out of, say, a 3 Series, but the new electric-assist rack is still precise. On a curving road, the 5 is confidence-inspiring and unflappable. However, when the road tightens up, the car's larger size and 2-ton curb weight can make it seem a bit bulky, especially if you're driving a 5 without the adaptive suspension and steering.
Interior
Both drivers and passengers will be quite pleased with the 5 Series' cabin. There's nothing particularly fancy going on, but the overall look of the dash is clean thanks to the standard iDrive interface that eliminates the need for a gaggle of buttons. The layout is quite similar to that of the 7 Series, with a center display screen and a configurable display in the gauge cluster. The iDrive controller, thanks to the new physical buttons and menu structure, is pretty easy to figure out and provides a large amount of customization of the car's features. Opting for the navigation system is recommended, as its screen is larger and much better looking than the standard center display.
The front seats are quite comfortable, with the optional multicontour seats in particular providing an impressive amount of adjustability. In back, there's enough room for a pair of 6-foot adults to be comfortable, and the backseat is nicely contoured and padded. The trunk, at 14 cubic feet of luggage capacity, is smaller than average for this segment.
2011 BMW 5 Series models
The 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan is offered with three available engines that correspond to three trim levels: 528i, 535i and 550i. The 535i and 550i are also offered as "xDrive" all-wheel-drive variants.
The 528i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof and power and heated side mirrors. On the inside you'll find leatherette upholstery, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the iDrive control interface, Bluetooth, BMW Assist emergency telematics and a 12-speaker CD audio system with HD radio.
The 535i is equipped in a similar fashion but includes 18-inch wheels and adaptive xenon headlights. The 550i adds leather upholstery, upgraded front seats, parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, interior ambience lighting and a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. These features are optional on the 528i and 535i.
Opting for the Dynamic Handling package equips the 5 Series with an adaptive suspension. Required for this package is the Sport package, which includes 19-inch wheels, performance tires, special exterior trim and the 14-way multicontour front seats.
Other major options, which may or may not be grouped into other packages, include keyless ignition/entry, a night-vision camera, automatic high-beam headlights, active cruise control, active four-wheel steering (535i and 550i), an automatic parallel-parking system, sideview and top-view cameras, a rearview camera, a premium audio system, an iPod/USB adapter, satellite radio, a rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, rear climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and smartphone integration.

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Compare 2011 BMW 5 Series trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#14 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW 5 Series from 2008-2022.$761/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.48x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15.8%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
BMW 5 Series Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(54%)
4(15%)
3(15%)
2(6%)
1(10%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Piece of Crap
1 out of 5 starsNick Neysari, 08/12/2018
2011 BMW 5 Series 550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I fell in love with this car. I had the best of the both word, A luxury car wrapped into sports package. Sadly enough, Later on I learned of multiple issues with N63 engines. It is an engineering nightmare. N63 engine is a V8 4.4 liter engine. Trying to save space, The design team decided to place the Turbos in the V section of a already hot running engine. With combination of heat from … engine and twin turbos They had to install a fan to cool things down. They came to the realization of Fan working over time and the hot engine is very thirsty for oil. So most owners have to add a quart of oil anywhere from 700 to 1000 miles. BMW came back with recommendation of changing the oil every 10000 mile instead of 15000. And to add insult to the injury they also recommend replacing the battery with every oil change. Although the pressure was high on BMW they still refuse to do a recall to resolve the issue. There is a class action lawsuit which sadly is ready to be settled. As always the attorneys get the multi million dollar settlement and consumer gets the shaft. According to what I have read so far, BMW will reimburse owners for the cost of additional oil consumption and a battery replacement. You will also get a $1000 to $1500 voucher towards the purchase of a new BMW. So you can be the proud owner of a newer piece of CRAP. Also the short block n63 engine replacement price is now $3000.00 which is a rebuild engine and according to BMW insiders It is just as awful as the original N63 engine. So if you are considering purchasing a 5 series BMW, Make sure you do your homework. I am sitting on a $35000.00 piece of lemon parked in the garage. I am scared of driving it and no one is offering me over $12K for trade in. So stay away from this engine or any other BMW with Turbo engine.
buyer beware!
3.63 out of 5 starscitroen3, 06/29/2011
2011 BMW 5 Series 550i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I bought a 2011 550i Xdrive in late 2010, within the last six weeks I have had;
4 runflat tires (on 19inch wheels) go bust over fairly minor pot holes. they were 4 unrelated incidents. Cost to replace, just shy of $2000.
Last week my car with about 10,500 miles on the clock, broke down on the highway, message 'transmission malfunction'. One tow and 5 days, later I got it back with the … rear differential replaced.
One day after I got it back from the local BMW dealer, new warning '4 by 4 chassis stabilisation malfunction contact your BMW dealer , do not brake hard'
Given that this fully loaded, nearly $70,000 car is completely unreliabe, I am seriouly thinking of getting rid of it.
No BMW USA Service Support
2.38 out of 5 starsblunt1, 09/14/2011
2011 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6M)
While my salesman was one of the most knowledgeable salesman I have ever encountered, I was reassured that this very expensive investment would receive any service and support it needed.
I drove the car off of the lot with a warning message regarding the electrical system.
Two trips back to the dealer I finally get a new battery.
Second trip back I explained that the road noise and … pulling to the right was excessive.
Their response was, "well its just the sports suspension", and nothing we can do.
Third trip was concern about a quart of oil added every 7,000 miles.
Nothing they can do.
Now I need $2200 in tires, and the car leaks.
No support for this lemon of a car.
n63 Engine is nothing but trouble.
2 out of 5 starsTelp Snowbeard, 07/16/2017
2011 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6M)
This is a bad engine. Google it. Constant engine light issues of "Crankcase Failure". These messages are related to bad engine parts like fuel injectors and sensors. I had to replace head cover gaskets, turbo pan gaskets and other gaskets. Car is a repair nightmare. Only 41K miles and way too many problems. Unreliable.
2011 5 Series Highlights
528i
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $45,050 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $183/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 5 Series include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestMarginal
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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