Used car guide

2012 BMW 5 Series: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 83% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) Nothing stands out above the usual rate 574 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 73% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) Stands out: steering rack inner joints 1.9× 17,117 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2012 BMW 5 Series

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Timing chain wear

    All engines

    Wear in the timing chain guides and tensioner shows up as a grinding or rattling noise at start-up. Putting it right is a big job with a big bill.

    At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for grinding or rattling in the first few seconds.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

  • Wet passenger footwell

    All engines

    A leak at the heater blower housing can soak the front passenger carpet, often noticed as a musty smell.

    At the viewing: Feel the passenger-side carpet for damp and sniff for mustiness.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

  • Cranks but won’t start

    All engines

    A failing fuel pump control unit can stop the engine firing even though it turns over. It has to be replaced.

    At the viewing: Make sure it starts promptly every time you try.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

  • Noisy or odd-feeling steering

    All engines

    Air getting into the power steering, usually from a failing pump, makes the steering noisy.

    At the viewing: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for whining.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

  • Ticking from a front wheel

    All engines

    A brake disc that sits too close to the wheel bearing can tick on every turn. A small spacer fixes it.

    At the viewing: Drive slowly with the window down and listen for ticking.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

Looking at a BMW 5 Series?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW 5 Series compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023449Tyres 12%
20222,690Tyres 22%
20213,736Tyres 22%
202012,610Tyres 22%
201946,328Tyres 23%
201856,183Tyres 24%
201739,758Tyres 24%
2016120Tyres 18%
2015188Tyres 19%
2014591Tyres 24%
201317,632Tyres 30%
20113,218Tyres 31%
20101,982Tyres 30%
20092,128Suspension 33%
20082,430Suspension 37%
20072,675Suspension 43%
20062,292Suspension 43%
20051,153Suspension 46%
2004829Suspension 48%
2003630Suspension 39%
2002523Brakes 39%
2001360Suspension 43%
2000232Suspension 41%
1999174Brakes 44%
1998167Brakes 38%
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1975–Too few tests