12 Shocking Problems of a BMW F10-5 Series You Must Know!

BMW F10, undoubtedly, an amazing and luxurious automobile that won hearts. BMW marketed and introduced, from the 2011 model year to the 2017 model year. Now the actual query is if it has any issues. If it does, then what sort of common and uncommon shocking issues it can have? Thus, this article will cover everything about some shocking problems of BMW F10-5 Series, that you might not be having an idea about.

Before we move into the details, let’s first get into a brief introduction of the BMW F10.

BMW F10, undoubtedly, an amazing and luxurious automobile that won hearts, that BMW marketed and introduced, from the 2011 model year to the 2017 model year. It was launched in 2010, as a 6th generation to the BMW-5 series, as a sedan-version, and still has been known as one of the most amazing sport-turned-luxurious sedans. 

However, Issues have been evolving and being resolved over time as well. But don’t you worry! We have covered up all for you here!

Let’s jot down a brief overview for you before we begin with problems of BMW F10-5 Series in detail;

BMW F10-5 series has the most important issues such as; with the leakage of water, jerking of the transmission system, dysfunctional heated-seats, and suspension. Moreover, it also has issues with the oil pump-drive chain and timing chain leading to a lawsuit (class action). Considering the models (2012 to 2013), loss of the power of the brakes has been observed due to the deterioration of the vacuum-pumps. In models 2014 to 2016, leakage of the EGR-coolers from the diesel has been observed. 

12 Shocking Problems of a BMW F10 (5-Series)

All the material here regarding the most shocking problems of BMW F10-5 Series is well researched and collected by using authentic resources such as forums and reviews of people around the world. So that you can get maximum from your vehicle, and know about its shocking problems, before deciding to purchase it.

Possible Cause for Problems in BMW F10

Some problems in BMW F10-5 Series are due to the functioning of this vehicle for many years, the rest of them are due to some technical issues, and the users not taking care of it or not considering the manufacturer’s advice regarding the issues. When dealt with before time, these issues cannot be affecting the reliability of the car. Wearing and tearing have also been a major cause of the majority of the issues in the BMW F10. The only key to keeping it protected is the preventive-maintenance.

Following are the 12 shocking and most common issues of a BMW F10;

1. Seepage of Water

Many owners of the BMW F10 have observed water-leakage issues. These issues have been observed in other models as well such as; 520, 523, 528, 535, 550, and M5. But the good part is this concern is only detected in the preceding BMW F10 models. What happens is that when the car is being washed or it is raining, the seal of the cover of the steering column is lost. This causes the water-seepage into the cabin. This results in a soaked-up passenger region, and a musty-like odor, including the carpet, especially the floor of the cabin. As a result, leading to a flood sometimes. In that case, firewall’s design is the one to be blamed for this problem.

The only solution to resolve this issue is the replacement of the cover of the column of the steering, and for more protection, is it advised to cover it with water-proof adhesive. Covering the column with a Sealant is also a solution but is not a suggested one. Drilling holes into the firewall is also a suggested solution.

2. Dysfunctional Heated-Seats

Dysfunctional heated-seats is known to be one of the most common issues faced by a BMW F10, consequently, leading to the turned-off lights of the seats being heated, and no heat being produced. However, in some cases, lights with turn off and on unpredictably. Thus, checking the fuses is a must if something like this happens. And if you found a fuse that is blown out, replace it to resolve this problem. And if a blown fuse is not an issue, then taking your car to the right service station is the best option. An issue with the module or a dysfunctional program could also be a reason.

3. Problems Regarding System of Transmission

Jerking and shuddering of the transmission system are one of the most common issues faced by the BMW F10. This mostly happens when a can is shifted into a reverse-gear or when the car starts up. A low level of the fluids of the transmission could be a possible cause for this; hence one should continue to check the levels of the fluid. If it still goes on, then flushing up the transmission fluid or replacing it completely can be a solution. A loud clunking-like noise is also produced when the gears are shifted. Moreover, an unexpected descent in speed and a rough driving experience also resulted. Malfunctioned software can also be a reason that it needed to be reinstalled or reset by a qualified technician.  

4. Dysfunctional PCV Valve-Heaters

This valve heater is the reason for the heating up of the oil of the engine, which sometimes fails to do so or short-circuits, it leads to an over-heated engine. This is because the electric contacts of your blower (by the heater) have been coated with plastic. The manufacturing process having some disturbances lets the moisture take place near the blow (by the heater), resulting in a short circuit.  

5. Failure of the Timing-Chain and Oil-Pump Drive Chain

The main issue with the timing chain in BMW F10 is that it occurs to break to stretch with time, causing many problems. If it is broken down during the running of an engine, it can lead to serious deterioration of the engine. Along with the timing-chain failure, the failure of the oil pump drive chain is also very common in the N-20 engines manufactured between the year 2012-2015. This failure usually occurs in the BMW F10, after 80k to 50k miles. The most prominent indicator of the failure is the loud-whining noise.

6. Dysfunctional EGR Cooler

A dysfunctional EGR Cooler is also one of the problems in the BMW F10, leading to excessive heating of the engine, sudden loss of power, and production of smoke from the hood’s under, Check your EGR cooler if leaking or not, and replace it if required.

7. Dysfunctional High Pressured Fuel-Pump

2014 to 2016 models, i.e. 535-d and 535-dx drive have this problem the most. This high-pressure pump of the fuel was seen to be failing in these models of BMW F10. This results in difficulty in the engine’s starting, engine-stalling, and an unexpected loss of power.

8. Over-Heated Engine

An excessively heated engine is another problem regarding the BMW F10. But this one is an uncommon issue, which rarely happens. But once it occurs, it is crucial to resolve it immediately by the restore of the health of the cooling system and the components related to it, to save money and time.

It can be due to a cooling system being clogged up, faults in the water pump, leakage of the coolant, and the selection of an incorrect coolant that is improperly viscous.

9. Dysfunctional Belt-Tensioner

In BMW F10, a drive belt tensioner; or a serpentine (belt tensioner) delivers tension to the belts of the drive, to make sure that it remains attached to the crankshaft pulley and the pulley. On failure, a dysfunctional tensioner of the belt causes rattling, chirping, and grinding-like noises, from the anterior portion of the engine.

This is due to an unsmooth tensioner bared by a pulley and the grinding of the metals at greater speeds on rotation. If it failed or fell off, then the driven accessory would operate incorrectly. It should be replaced timely to keep protected from dangerous accidents.

10. Power of Brakes in Loss

BMW 2012 to 2013 models have faced this issue of braking-power loss due to a lack of lubrication in the vacuum pump of the brake, leading to a failure of the pump. This results in the loss of assistance in braking, making braking to be very hard or almost impossible.

11. Suspension Problems

Many owners of the BMW-F10 have faced suspension issues. The majority of the complaints that have been registered are regarding the instability of the cars when at higher speeds. They feel like floating. Moreover, worn-out struts and shocks could be a reason for this. Thus, a possible solution to this is the replacement of the suspension or a constant check on them.

12. Steering and Ticking Issues

BMW- 5 series F-10, usually has work like a clock, but a sudden ticking-like-noise can be irritating. Issues in the brakes, as well as, when clearance amid the disc brake’s back and the flange (wheel bearing) is insufficient, these could be a result of this problem in BMW F10.

Steering issues are also very uncommon in a BMW F10 but can be irritating at some point when a constant strange noise a steering system produces. When air enters the power steering system, it causes this issue. Faults in the power-steering pump can also be a reason for this problem. Its replacement can be a solution to this issue.

Conclusion:

To conclude, problems of BMW F10-5 Series include; leakage of water, jerking of the transmission system, dysfunctional seats (heated), and suspension. Moreover, it also has issues with the oil pump-drive chain and timing chain leading to a lawsuit (class action). Considering the models (2012 to 2013), most frequent issues include; loss of power of the brakes, due to the deterioration of the vacuum pumps. Additionally, in models 2014 to 2016, leakage of the EGR-coolers from the diesel has been observed.