EngineMedium
Valve-cover and oil-filter-housing gasket leaks.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Look for oil residue on the block and around the filter housing.
2016 BMW 5 Series problems
A 2016 BMW 5 Series is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. The final model year of the generation · generally the most sorted build, so mileage, servicing and condition matter more than build-year faults. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2016 BMW 5 Series is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 3 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2016 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
CoolingHigh
Electric water pump / thermostat failure.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for overheating history and coolant warnings.
EngineHigh
N20 timing chain wear on 4-cylinder cars.
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a rattle on cold start; ask about any chain work.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
ElectricalMedium
iDrive / electronics and battery-drain gremlins.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test iDrive and check for battery drain.
Inspecting a 2016 BMW 5 Series?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carBMW 5 Series · frequently asked questions
Is the F10 5 Series reliable?
Comfortable and capable, but budget for oil leaks and cooling repairs.
Does the N20 have a timing-chain issue?
Yes — early N20 chains can wear; check for rattle and service history.
Which engine is best?
The N55 straight-six (535i) is smooth and robust; diesels are efficient but pricier to fix.