BMW 5-Series Lemon Odds and Nada Odds
Other sources of BMW 5-Series reliability information provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of BMW 5-Seriess with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of BMW 5-Seriess that are lemons (required three or more repair trips in the past year). These figures might surprise you.
These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to closely track BMW 5-Series lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the BMW 5-Series has been recently.
See what our members say about BMW 5-Series lemon odds and brand reputation.
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BMW 5-Series
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BMW 5-Series Lemon Odds and Nada Odds through March 31, 2013
General NotesNote the sample sizes in the right column. For a precise Nada Odds, it'd be best to have 50+ cars. For Lemon Odds, 100+. In most cases the sample sizes are between 25 and 35, and differences of less than six points are probably not meaningful. This is especially a factor with the "Lemon Odds," where nearly all scores are low.That said, the Lemon Odds figures are probably much lower than many people suspected, so we've posted them. Similarly, the Nada Odds are probably higher than many people suspected. Even with the least reliable cars in this results set your odds of no repairs would be better than one in three. Surprised? MethodologyThe samples include cars for which we have at least nine months of data in the past year. The "Nada-odds" are adjusted based on the average number of months of data per car. These stats are very close to what they'd be if we included only cars with a full year of data.
Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Recalls and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Nada Odds per 100 Cars | Lemon Odds per 100 Cars |
| 31 vehicles, 11.2 months per vehicle, 24600 miles driven2011 | BMW 5-Series | Join or sign in to view | |
| 25 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 63900 miles driven2008 | BMW 528 / 550 / M5 | Join or sign in to view | |
| 28 vehicles, 11.0 months per vehicle, 101000 miles driven2002 | BMW 5-Series | Join or sign in to view | |
Competing Car Model Lemon Odds and Nada Odds Results through March 31, 2013
What Our Members Are Saying about Brand Reputation and the BMW 5-Series
| Brand Reputation of the BMW 5-Series: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Strong repuatation for prestige and quality. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
worth the extra price, very high resale, very reliable |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
BMW has a long standing reputation for handling and performance, and the experience did match the reputation |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The Ultimate Driving Machine - it says it all... |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD |
Projects success |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
BMW has an implied image to most people. Saying you own a 5 series made those in the know nod their head. The frame was welded aluminum and even after 8+ years showed almost no rust. Buyers of the car were amazed and bought it after a short drive. |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
BMW is supposed to be a great car. |
| Brand Reputation of the BMW 5-Series: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed manual RWD |
BMW drivers are universally despised. Just Google "BMW drivers" to see what I mean. They are thought to have almost malicious disregard for anyone but themselves, as well as for any traffic laws. |
