BMW 5-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reliability Comparisons
You won't find BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have been recently.
See BMW 5-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class price comparisonSee what people are saying about BMW 5-Series reliability
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BMW 5-Series Reliability through December 31, 2012
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the BMW 5-Series
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about BMW 5-Series Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the BMW 5-Series: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Full service for first 4 years. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Tremendous warranty which includes annual oil change and inspection paid for by dealer. ANY problems are fixed at no charge to customer. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Very good reputation. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
No problems in 15,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tried and true inline 6 cylinder engine. |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Very little rust after 8+ years coupled with top notch materials lasting quite a long time. Replacement parts were very costly but performed for long periods. Current owners offer great advice on what and when to perform preventative maintenance. |
| Reliability and Durability of the BMW 5-Series: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
- accelerator response (hesitation) - engine issues (check engine light requiring three service visits in two months) - engine malfunction light (part of turbo came disconnected) - faulty fuel sensor (recall first three months of new model year) |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Unbelievable maintenance after 50K miles, cost and effort. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Terrible reputation for poor reliability and absurdly high repair costs as early as 50,000 miles. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 325-horsepower 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Over 80K many systems were beginning to break down |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Had several repairs the first month of ownership that were covered by CPO warranty...love that BMW CPO |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 4.4L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I picked the above "reason" because it's the worst feature of an otherwise perfect vehicle. The durability of the interior is quite frankly an embarassment. I've lost the buttons for max for the heater, up for the driver side temerature, and the top button for the airflow direction .... don't ask me where they went, they just disappeared! I've broken the drivers side cup holder (and come on ... how pathetic are those cup holders!), and once it breaks, it no longer clicks back into the closed position so now I have a half a cup holder sticking out. One other grievance relating to interior durability ... the plastic footrest (left foot) down below the hood lever also fell apart. The plastic just broke away in |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
This car is known to have a plethora of problems. I have yet to see if it will hold up well for me. |
| 2001 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
dealer ship as a mess |
What Our Members Are Saying about Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reliability and Durability
None of our members have yet commented on the reliability and durability of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
