BMW 5 Series: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 59,768 BMW 5 Series cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1973 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 37.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (8.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 24.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific BMW 5 Series
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 8.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 7.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 7.8% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 6.3% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 3.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 2.8% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 2.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 1.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 1.5% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 1.3% |
Share of 396 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 11.9% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 2.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 59,768 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 24.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.5% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.4% |
| First registered | 1973 to 2026 |
All BMW 5 Series passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-23 | electrical system | serious | 3,874 |
| 2026-07-23 | electrical system | serious | 2,969 |
| 2026-07-13 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2026-02-24 | electrical system | – | 4,233 |
| 2025-11-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 7,444 |
| 2025-10-01 | electrical system | serious | 13,734 |
| 2025-04-10 | electrical system | – | 1 |
| 2024-12-19 | transmission and drivetrain | – | 1 |
| 2024-10-18 | electrical system | – | 234 |
| 2024-10-15 | brakes | – | 4,122 |
| 2024-10-15 | brakes | – | 35 |
| 2024-10-14 | brakes | – | 672 |
| 2024-08-27 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 38 |
| 2024-08-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 15,702 |
| 2024-07-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 87,520 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the BMW 5 Series fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 37.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW 5 Series?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (8.1%), tyre tread depth insufficient (7.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (7.8%).
Does the BMW 5 Series have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 24.6% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · 4 Series · iX3 · i4 · i3 · X2 · i5 · Z4 · 7 Series
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.