The BMW F10 is a sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series. The F10 is the sedan version, while the F11 is the Wagon version. The BMW F10 is sleek, luxurious, and spacious. But what are the BMW F10 problems?
Common problems with the BMW F10 are transmission system problems, timing chain failure, heated seats not working, and water seepage problem. Additionally, owners have reported having loss of braking power, EGR cooler leaks, malfunctioning PCV valve heaters, and engine overheating issues.
What are the common problems with the BMW F10?
Transmission system issues
Several owners of the BMW F10 have complained about different transmission problems. Some of the transmission problems that they complained about are car jerking while downshifting, rough riding experience, gears slipping, and loud clunking noise when shifting gears.
If your BMW F10 is having a transmission issue, it is vital to have it diagnosed. Transmission issues are usually caused by failing parts, low transmission fluid, or malfunction software in the car’s computer. Have the issue fixed by a professional mechanic.
Timing chain failure
Timing chain issues are also common with the BMW 5-Series. With that said, the BMW F10 is no exception. Nonetheless, the most affected model years are those made between 2012 and 2015. Most of these cars started having timing chain problems when they hit 50,000 to 80,000 miles.
Some of the signs of a failing timing chain are rough idling, loud & noticeable whining from the engine, engine misfiring, and too much slack in the timing chain. The cause of this issue was excessive wear on the engine oil pump chain drive sprockets due to a design flaw.
The good news is that the problem is easy to fix, and the manufacturer recalled the affected models.
Water seepage issue
Another common problem with the BMW F10 is the water leakage problem. Many users have complained that water leaks in older BMW F10 models. This problem manifests itself when it’s raining or when the car is being washed.
The main cause for this issue is the design of the firewall. But in the US, it is due to the steering column cover on the car that is designed to cover the opening on the right since the steering is based on the left. This cover gets damaged, and it must be replaced to fix the issue.
Heated seats not working
Having a heated seat in cold weather is crucial. However. The heated seats on the BMW F10 become faulty after some time of use. Users have reported the heated seats turning on/off erratically. In some cases, the seats become non-functional. The main culprit of this issue is blown fuses.
Get a professional mechanic to check the fuses and replace them if they are blown.
Loss of braking power
This is one of the problems that caused BMW to recall some BMW F10 models. Owners complained that they had a sudden loss of braking power. The affected models had an issue with the lubrication of the brake vacuum pump. Lack of proper lubrication of this section led to the failure of the vacuum pump.
BMW recalled the affected models, which included several 2012 and 2014 BMW F10 model years.
Malfunctioning PCV valve heaters
The work of the PCV valve is to regulate the intake of gases. Therefore, if the PCV valve malfunctions, the flow of gases can’t be properly regulated. This issue is common in the 2011 BMW F10 model. It happens because the electrical contacts of the blow-by-heater are coated with plastic material.
To fix this issue, you will have to replace the blow-by heater. Some of the signs of a malfunctioning PCV valve heater are oil leaks, black smoke coming from the engine, high fuel usage, and car misfiring.
Engine overheating problems
Even though not very common, this is another issue that BMW F10 owners have complained about. Some of the things that cause the engine to overheat are a faulty water pump, clogged cooling system, coolant leak, wrong coolant, and faulty water pump.
If the engine is overheating, it is crucial to have your car diagnosed by a professional mechanic so that they can fix the underlying problem.
FAQ
Is the BMW F10 a reliable car?
Yes, the BMW F10 is a reliable car. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain this car so that it can run smoothly. Even though this car is reliable, maintaining it is quite costly. This is because the cost of spare parts and service is quite high compared to its rivals.
How many miles does the BMW F10 last?
The BMW F10 is one of the most reliable BMW cars in the market. Like most 5-Series models, the BMW F10 should last for at least 200,000 miles. Nonetheless, some BMW 5-Series owners have reported clocking more than 300,000 miles, which is exceptional.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW F10?
Yes, maintaining the BMW F10 is quite costly compared to other luxury sedans. It will cost you around $13,530 for maintenance and repair during the first 10 years of service. This is greater than the industry average for luxury sedan models by $1,569. And if your car is out of warranty, you should expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $400 for maintenance for every 10,000 miles.
What is the best year for the BMW F10?
While the BMW F10 is a reliable car, not all model years are the same as some are more problematic than others. The best BMW F10 model years are those made after 2014. Try as much as possible to avoid BMW F10 models made from 2010 to 2012 as they usually register more problems than later years.
Is it okay to buy a used BMW F10?
Yes, it is okay to buy a used BMW F10. However, it is important to verify that you’re buying a car that is well-maintained and driven. If not, you may face a lot of challenges and undergo costly repairs. Furthermore, it is important to check mileage as more miles mean more serious problems coming your way.
Conclusion
The major problems that BMW F10 owners should look out for are timing chain failure, heated seats not working, transmission system problems, EGR cooler leaks, water seepage problem, and engine overheating issues.
Overall, the BMW F10 is an elegant, luxurious, spacious, and well-performing luxury sedan. With proper care and maintenance, this car should last for a long while.