2007 BMW 530Xi

Routine

Owners filed 67 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
83,000 milesMedian miles at failure

46 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2007 BMW 530Xi problems

15 of the 67 complaints (22%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System13
040
Air Bags · airbags10
100
Engine8
020
Structure › Body · body and frame6
011
Steering6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine6
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000
Service Brakes · brakes2
000
Power Train · transmission2
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights2
010

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 11, 2026172,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the front driver’s side air bag deployed without an impact. The contact had not sustained any injuries during the failure. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

EngineFire
Filed Dec 28, 2023WI

Coolant hose has broken 4 times in the last 3 years it breaks at the attachment causing all my coolant to leak the area and part is plastic causing it to melt during summer months each summer I have owned it

Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 2023WI

In the trunk in the spare tire well. Water could be there, flooding some electronics. The wiring got wet causing my car to just turn off in the expressway due to the comments getting wet that are harnessed in this area. I tried to get it repaired when the class action lawsuit took place but the dealership I had my car at for 3 months never performed the repair. Then the next dealership refused to perform the repairs due to time constraints. Now every time it rains I am worried my car will short or just shut off. I have had to replace the part 2 times and now I just leave it unattached . the BMW agrees to settle vehicle water damage suit for up to $478 million. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - German automaker BMW AG has agreed to pay up to $477.7 million to settle a class-action lawsuit covering about 318,000 U.S. luxury car owners who may have suffered water damage harming electrical components in vehicle trunks.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 31, 2023NJ

The front Xenon Headlight Wiring protective plastic coating has degraded and prematurely failed on both headlight assemblies. This caused headlight bulb shorting and poses a potential fire hazard in the front engine compartment of the vehicle. The wiring used in the headlight assemblies was not up to proper standards and failed. The wiring used in other areas of the engine bay seems to be okay. The internal headlight wiring appears to be supplied by the OEM Headlight Manufacturer (HELLA) and does not seem to be up to proper standards to prevent the plastic protective coating from failing over time. This should not be considered a "wear item" as electrical wiring is used throughout millions of much older vehicles without incident.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2023FL

BMW Headlight wiring on the 530 series is defective. Wire Insulation throughout the headlight assembly crumbles. The design and wire specification were not fit for use. Heat may be an issue but has nothing to do with climate. The vehicle has spent most of its life in Michigan where the problem was first noted when the age of the vehicle was approximately 8 years. High heat within the headlight assembly also caused deterioration of the covering on fiber optic cable. This problem is well known to BMW owners. The bare wires within the headlight housing pose a risk of electrical shorts and potentially fires.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 26, 2023MI

Headlight wiring has disintegrated and making headlight short

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 22, 2022MT

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 20, 2022100,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle felt extremely hot after driving and the vehicle took a long time to cool down. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 28, 2022178,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the vehicle overheated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder. The engine overheated, and slow-down messages were displayed. The engine overheated and shut down immediately. warning indicator lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat and water pump needed to be replaced but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 26, 2022160,519 milesIN

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated with a message to pull over displayed. The contact was able to pull over safely and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the thermostat and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated confirmed that the failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage was 160,519. The contact stated the dealer refuses to fix the recall.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 11, 2022150,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2019WV

A PROBLEM WITH THE POST IT I'VE CRANKCASE VENTALATINON SHORT CIRCUITING

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 17, 2019130,000 milesMI

WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT CAR WAS IMPACTED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AT THE REAR AXLE WHEEL AREA. AUTO STRUCK VEHICLE AT SPEEDS NEAR 80-100 MPH. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH WHEN THE CAR STUCK IT CONTINUED FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR EVEN PARTIALLY RIPPING THE FRONT BUMPER OUT OF PLACE.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 5, 2018PA

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING 25-30 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND HIT A POTHOLE. IMMEDIATELY DRIVER HEARD A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND CAR BEGAN SHAKING AND VIBRATING WHILE AT LOW SPEED/IDLE. SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT ALL 4 BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE MOUNT HAD SHEARED AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT AND THE ENGINE WAS NOW HANGING FREE AND RESTING ON THE FRAME OF THE CAR. DRIVESHAFT WAS KNOCKED OUT OF ALIGNMENT AS WELL.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 9, 2018135,000 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN WITH MY NEWBORN BABY IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN THE AC/HEAT SYSTEM CAUGHT ON FIRE AND SMOKE CAME BILLOWING INTO THE CABIN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. IT IMMEDIATELY SMELLED LIKE BURNING PLASTIC/ELECTRICAL FIRE. I PULLED THE CAR OVER BECAUSE I WAS WORRIED ABOUT A FIRE AND GOT MY CHILD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW AND THAT THEY HAVE AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS PRECISE ISSUE, BUT IT DOES NOT COVER MY SPECIFIC MODEL. THE RECALL CURRENTLY OUT FOR THIS ISSUE IS # 17V-676, WHICH COVERS A NUMBER OF 3-SERIES MODELS, BUT NOT MY 530XI. I JUST GOT WORD FROM MY MECHANIC THAT IT WILL COST $1800 TO REPLACE THE FRIED SYSTEM, AND HE ALSO WARNED ME THAT IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT THE ENTIRE CAR ON FIRE. I HAD HIM PUT THIS IN WRITING FOR ME SO I CAN HAVE RECORD OF IT. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS! BMW NEEDS TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THIS RECALL TO COVER OTHER AFFECTED VEHICLES! THANK YOU

Electrical System
Filed Jun 18, 2018PA

RECENTLY THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT (WWW.E6061INGRESSSETTLEMENT.COM). THE SETTLEMENT STATES THAT THE CAR SHOULD HAVE LESS THAN 120K MILES. MY CAR HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND I HAVE A SERVICE RECORD FROM 2015 WHEN THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 100K MILES. BY THE TIME THE LAWSUIT WAS SETTLED AND THE DEALERS WERE ACCEPTING CARS, I CROSSED 120K MILES AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING I'M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 4, 2018158,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON EITHER THE STREET OR HIGHWAY. MY VEHICLE BEGINS TO RELEASE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SOME SORT OF FUMES COME INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO BREATHE AND SEE.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Filed May 30, 2018NC

THE AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL SAYING FAULT IN AIRBAG ON CAR SYSTEM

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2018NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF SPRINGFIELD AT (973) 379-7744 (391 U.S. 22, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ 07081) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 27, 2018NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PAUL MILLER BMW (1515 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470, (973) 696-6060) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 24, 2018121,000 milesIL

I PURCHASED THIS BMW FROM LOMBARD TOYOTA . AS PER THEM THEY HAVE ENSURED NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR . I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES THE CAR TRIES TO JUMP FORWARD. MY CAR IS A ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND IT CAUSED A SKID . THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE THE CAR GO OUT OF CONTROL WHEN IT WAS SNOWING . WHEN I INVESTIGATED THIS , IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW AND BMW USA DOESNT WANT TO DO ANYTHING . THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND BMW DOESNT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AS PER LOMBARD TOYOTA .

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Jan 16, 2018110,000 milesNY

FRONT GLASS PANEL ON THE PANORAMIC GLASS ROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED ON FLAT STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH. ALL WINDOWS WERE CLOSED, NO RADIO PLAYING, NO FORWARD TRAFFIC OR WIND TO PRODUCE AIRBORNE ROAD DEBRIS. THE ORIGINAL FACTORY ROOF WAS NOT MADE WITH LAMINATED GLASS PRODUCING A DEAFENING EXPLOSIVE SHOWER OF GLASS PIECES. PANORAMIC SUNROOF NOT COVERED UNDER REGULAR GLASS INSURANCE, REQUIRED AN EXPENSIVE AUTO CLAIM TO REPLACE.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2018NJ

2007 BMW 530 XI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONTAL SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL. *JS

EngineFire
Filed Jan 4, 2018PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. WITHIN MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND ENTERED THE VEHICLE MORE THAN TWICE. THE COOLANT WAS LOW AND REPLACED, AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2017MA

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW - NO. 13V-564 I HAVE GONE TO TWO DEALERSHIPS, INCLUDING THE ONE WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW AND THEY WILL NOT COMPLETE THE REPAIRS DUE TO A REPLACEMENT PART ON HOLD NOTICE FROM BMW. THEY ALSO WILL NOT TELL ME WHEN THEY CAN COMPLETE THE REPAIR. I CALLED BMW AND RECEIVED NO HELP AT ALL, JUST TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 13, 2017110 milesIN

WHILE ON HIGHWAY FOUR MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS SUDDENLY BROKE, CAUSING THE MOTOR VIBRATIONS, TO BREAK THE WATER PUMP, AXLE AND MORE, IF CONTINUED TO DRIVE MOTOR COULD FALL ON THE ROAD.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 21, 2017140,000 milesMO

ON DAYS WARMER THAN 85 DEGREES, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES STIFF AND GREAT FORCE MUST BE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IF THE CAR IS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE IS REVVED, THE BRAKE PEDAL RETURNS TO NORMAL, BUT RETURNS TO THE SAME PROBLEM SHORTLY. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE THAT BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR ON E60 VEHICLES WITH V8 ENGINES.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 20171,320,000 milesMA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND THE SEATBELT LIGHT CAME ON, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SO I DON'T KNOW IF THE CAR OF THAT YEAR HAD A RECALL OR NOT ..IT WAS CITY STREET

Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2017116,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEGE WAS 116,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 10, 2017TX

MY CAR DO NOT GO PASS 50 MILES PER HOUR.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 201672,500 milesMO

PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR CODE. THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY! I AM AFRAID TO ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT! THE EXACT SAME ISSUE BROUGHT A RECALL FOR ALL 5 SERIES FROM 2004 - 2006 AND APPARENTLY SOME 2007 MODELS. THEY ARE TELLING ME MINE ISN'T COVERED! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE??

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2016114,000 milesMD

I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD SAYING STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION. BUT THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING, I GOT SCARED IN CASE SOME THING HAPPENED I NEED YOUR ADVICE.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Apr 8, 201690,000 milesWI

AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 5 MINUTES FROM HOME, I PARKED THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF MY OFFICE. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, BYSTANDERS NOTICED A FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES IN A SHORT TIME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, PUT OUT THE FIRE.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 16, 201550,544 milesCT

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, DASHBOARD LIT UP AND WARNED THAT COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WAS IMMINENT. THEN VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. HAD TO ATTEMPT EMERGENCY EXIT OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY POWER ASSIST OF BRAKES OR STEERING. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT RAINWATER FAILED TO DRAIN THRU THE SUNROOF DRAIN AND WAS ROUTED INTO THE TRUNK OF THE CAR WHERE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF ELECTRONIC VEHICLE CONTROL MODULES WERE MOUNTED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SPARE TIRE! THIS IS AN ENGINEERING FAILURE THAT WAS WELL KNOWN TO THE MANUFACTURER AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS ANY FAULT ON THEIR PART. NEWER BMWS NOW HAVE A YELLOW DECAL IN THE TRUNK WARNING THAT NO LIQUIDS ARE TO BE CARRIED IN THE TRUNK DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE TRUNK EVEN INCLUDES A RACK DESIGNED FOR TRANSPORT OF GROCERIES!! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR ALL CARS DESIGNED IN THIS FASHION. .

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Apr 27, 2015139,901 milesMI

MY HEADLIGHT WAS EMITTING SMOKE, UPON CLOSER INVESTIGATION I CAN SEE THE WIRES WERE RED HOT AND THE PLASTIC COATING WAS ON FIRE, NO APPARENT REASON IS KNOW FOR THE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 17, 2015137,000 milesNY

CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF OUR HOME AND SHUT OFF. ABOUT 25 MINUTES LATER THE CAR EXPLODED INTO FIRE AND BURNED DOWN TO THE GROUND LEAVING THE SEATS AND TRUNK WITH ALL INTERIOR METAL PARTS ON OUR DRIVEWAY. OUR HOME WAS ALSO DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THIS CAR GOING ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND NO ONE CAN ADVISE US AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 2, 201555,062 milesFL

I AM CONTACTING YOU IN AN ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE / REMEDY IN THE REPAIR OF A BURNED OUTER TAIL LAMP SOCKET IN MY 2007 530XIT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. ON 12/31/2014 I RECEIVED A RIGHT TAIL LAMP MALFUNCTION WARNING VIA I-DRIVE AND WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I INSPECTED THE RIGHT TAIL LAMP ASSY AND FOUND THE OUTER TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET CONTACTS TO BE MELTED AND NO LONGER MAKING CONTACT WITH THE BULB HOLDER. THE STOCK AND ORIGINAL BULB TESTED FAULTY. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE DAMAGED AND MELTED CONTACT ON THE SOCKET ASSY, THE BMW REPLACEMENT BULB WILL NOT FUNCTION EITHER. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE SOCKET ASSY SHOULD IT BE NEEDED FOR INVESTIGATION. AS IS THE CASE WITH THE 2008-2010 E60 & E61 MODELS, THERE HAVE BEEN SUBSTANTIAL FAILURES IN THE REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM RESULTING IN A RECALL. I FEEL THAT THIS FAILURE REDUCES THE VEHICLES ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR A POTENTIAL RECALL ON PRE LCI E61 MODELS. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 2014112,000 milesVA

MY 7 YEAR OLD BMW WILL NOT START DUE TO TIMING AND VALVE ISSUES - IT'S A PART THAT'S BEEN RECALLED IN 2010 CARS, AND IS ALSO OCCURRING IN 2007 CARS (BUT THAT YEAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL). IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THE TIMING WENT OUT, THEN I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT - WITH THE CAR STOPPING SUDDENLY. NOW I AM DEALING WITH MY CAR NEVER STARTING AGAIN. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 201469,000 milesCO

WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN DENVER. WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND THIS TIME WE GOT TWO RED LIGHTS INDICATING A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION AND THE SEATBELT MALFUNCTION. IN ADDITION THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO GO DOWN INTO THE DRIVING POSITION. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO CHECK, HE TOLD ME THERE IS A RECALL ON THAT ISSUE THOUGH MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THEY WANTED $1300.00 TO FIX IT. I CALLED BMW USA AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED A MONTH AFTER THE RECALLED CARS, PRESENTLY I AM DRIVING WITH DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY. I THINK BMW SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AS THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE LIFE THREATENING MALFUNCTION AND HAVE ISSUED RECALLS ON A FEW CARS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 26, 201488,000 milesKY

HEADLIGHTS WENT CRAZY 4X4 LIGHTS CAME ON TOOK INTO A TECH AND FOUND CODE 93B3 STEERING ANGLE FAILURE.. FOUND CAMPAIGN SI B 34 05 06 FROM BMW REC A PROBLEM WITH STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. MY CAR FALLS IN THE DATE RANGE BUT NOT VIN NUMBER .. THE BULLETIN STATES THAT THE VIN SHOULD NOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR ON REPAIRS.... *TR

Steering
Filed May 29, 201482,000 milesPA

HAVE RESEARCHED NUMEROUS FORUMS REGARDING CAR ISSUES. "PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION" ALARM APPEARS ON IDRIVE WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH BOARD. READS THAT PARTS OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAVE FAILED OR ARE FAULTY. FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY, ALONG WITH OTHER PASSIVE RESTRAINT DEVICES. HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATIONS FROM BMW REGARDING RECALL ISSUE, BUT DISCOVERED RECENTLY THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY CAR MODEL/YEAR. AM AWAITING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT EVALUATED, WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED IF DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. "STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION" ON IDRIVE. LIGHT ILLUMINATED RECENTLY AND CONTINUES TO STAY ON. CAN CURRENTLY START AND RUN MY CAR, ALONG WITH TURN STEERING WHEEL AND HEAR THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCK WHEN KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION. ALSO RESEARCHED ON BMW FORUMS, KNOWN TO MANY 3/5/6 SERIES IN MY YEAR OF PRODUCTION HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES IN EUROPE AND USA. NO RECALL FROM BMW ON THIS ALSO? WILL ALSO NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AS IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART FOR THE MODEL YEAR BY BMW. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 24, 201489,000 milesNJ

DSC AND AWD LIGHTS COME UP INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPORTED FAILURE IN STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. CHECKED IN FORUMS TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR ALL E60 BMW CARS. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 9, 201375,000 milesWA

I DISCOVERED FAILURES OF MULTIPLE WIRES IN THE TAILGATE/REAR WINDOW WIRING HARNESSES. THROUGH RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE OVER SEVERAL MODEL YEARS - SEARCH FOR BMW E61 TAILGATE WIRING PROBLEMS. THE FAILURES ARE CAUSED BY A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE WIRES ENTERING THE HINGE GUIDES (4) FOR THE GLASS AND TAILGATE ARE REPEATEDLY FLEXED AT A SHARP ANGLE UNTIL THE INSULATION, THEN THE COPPER WIRE BREAKS. SAFETY ISSUES - POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT LEADING TO FIRES (HIGHEST LOAD IS FOR REAR DEFROSTER); LIGHTING FAILURES (REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LAMPS AND OTHERS); REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO LOSS OF WIPER/WASHER/DEFROSTER; REAR GLASS LATCH OPENING WHILE UNDERWAY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CARGO OR INGRESS OF EXHAUST FUMES. THIS IS NOT AN EASILY REPAIRED PROBLEM. IT WOULD BE BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES OF ALL BUT A SKILLED MECHANIC WITH PROPER TOOLS. I DISCOVERED IT WHEN THE REMOTE LOCK/UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOBS FAILED. AS I INVESTIGATED I FOUND THE BROKEN WIRE, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHERS WITH BROKEN INSULATION, SOME WITH BROKEN COPPER STRANDS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 22, 2013CT

I WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE THAT THERE IS A RECALL REGARDING THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS ON 2008+ 5 SERIES VEHICLES. I RECENTLY EXPEREINCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALL NOTICE ON MY REAR TAIL LIGHTS; HOWEVER MY CAR IS A 2007 MODEL. THE I-DRIVE WOULD INTERMITTENLY ALERT THAT A BULB IS OUT. I HAVE REPLACED IT BUT IT WOULD GO OUT AGAIN. I INSPECTED THE BULB CARRIER AND BULB SOCKET AND NOTICED SEVERLY BURNED CONTACT AREA'S WHERE ONE OF THE BULB SOCKETS PLUG IN. THE RECALL CLEARLY IS FOR SEDANS 2008+ BUT I SEEM TO HAVE THE EXACT ISSUE AND THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES (SEE 5SERIES.NET FORUM WEBSITE). *TR

Engine
Filed May 31, 201370,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE WATER PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 16, 201242,000 milesNJ

STEERING ANGLE SENSOR PROBLEM. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 16, 201277,000 milesNJ

VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN 2007 BMW 530 XI IS TRANSMISSION GASKET LEAK AND I CAME TO KNOW FROM WEB THIS IS HAPPENED TO MANY VEHICLES. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 19, 201286,000 milesCA

THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED. I HAD TO WAIT A LIL WHILE BEFORE STATED BACK UP THEN HE OVERHEATED AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THAT COULD OFF CAUSE A FIRE. BUT AFTER REVIEW OF THE KEY DATA HE REALIZED THAT NO SERVICE WAS OVERDUE AND ASK ME TO LET THE CAR FOR THE WEEK END . I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND DON'T KNOW IF THIS MALFUNCTION IS COVER BY A RECALL. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 25, 20129,065 milesNY

AWD AND DSC MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE .AWD AND DSC HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. LIMITED DRIVING STABILITY. DRIVE MODERATELY. STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 201249,890 milesMI

THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING STARTED ON JUNE 18, 2012, WHEN I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVERS? SIDE EVERY TIME I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CLICKING SOUND ONLY OCCURRED WHEN I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AND WAS ONLY HEARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. ON JUNE 19, 2012, I DECIDED TO VISIT THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY COULD GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS CLICKING MY 530XI HAD. AT THIS TIME, NO ERROR MESSAGES WERE PRESENT ON THE IDRIVE SYSTEM. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT DAY, SO I DECIDED I WOULD RETURN THE FOLLOWING DAY TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED ON IT. ON MY WAY HOME (1.5 MILE DRIVE), I HAD THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE ON MY IDRIVE SYSTEM ?AWD, DSC, ABS, AND EMERG EBV? THIS HAD ME VERY WORRIED, AND I STARTED RESEARCHING IF OTHER BMW OWNERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS I DID. AFTER TALKING TO SEVERAL BMW OWNERS, THEY POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THEY ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST, AND THAT THE PROBLEM THAT THEY HAD INVOLVED A DEFECTIVE TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR MOTOR (BMW PART 27-10-7-546-671). ON JUNE 20, 2012, I AGAIN VISITED THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND HAD THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RUN ON MY VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM CAME BACK AS A DEFECTIVE TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR MOTOR. *TT

Complaints 1-50 of 67, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2007 — this page67180Routine
200691360Routine

Compare every 530Xi year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 12, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.