2009 BMW 5 Series Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2009 BMW 5 Series
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2007 BMW 5 Series earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: cooling system (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2009 BMW 5 Series?
The 2009 BMW 5 Series (E60) offers a compelling blend of luxury and driving dynamics, but don't be swayed by low purchase prices alone. While mechanically robust in many areas, this era of BMW requires diligent, proactive maintenance to avoid substantial repair bills, making it a purchase for the informed enthusiast, not the casual buyer.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional driving dynamics and handling
- Solid chassis and body structure
- High-quality interior materials (when well-maintained)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2009 BMW 5 Series. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
What breaks on the 2009 BMW 5 Series?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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BMW 5 Series by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the BMW 5 Series. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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