Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2009–2017 BMW 5-Series F10. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.
Metallic rattle or scraping from the rear of the engine, often on cold start or around 1,500-2,000rpm when warm.
Start it from cold, let it idle, then hold a light 1,500-2,000rpm once warm with the window down and radio off.
£2,200
The gear lever can push back toward neutral when moving away, or first gear feels reluctant to stay selected.
Move away several times on level ground using first gear with normal clutch release.
£1,800
Cold starts can be lumpy, the glow-plug warning may appear, and fault codes are common even when the car still drives normally.
Read the fault memory.
£500
It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2009–2017 BMW 5-Series F10, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.
The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.
Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.
The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.
Or enter the vehicle manually