CoolingHigh
Electric water pump / thermostat failure.
Head gasket / cooling system repair£900–£2,600
Inspect · Check for overheating history and coolant warnings.
2011–2016 BMW 5 Series · common fault repair costs
What the known faults on this BMW 5 Series typically cost to put right at a UK independent garage · use the figures to price risk before you bid, and to justify a reduction when something shows up on inspection.
Cost at a glance
- Most expensive fault
- £900–£2,600
- Top three risks, from
- £1,950
- Worst case, everything
- £6,600
The single priciest documented job on the 2011–2016 BMW 5 Series is head gasket / cooling system repair at £900–£2,600. Few cars need every repair listed here · treat £2,100–£6,600 as the full exposure if one arrived with all of them.
Cost per fault
EngineHigh
N20 timing chain wear on 4-cylinder cars.
Timing chain, tensioner & guides£900–£2,400
Inspect · Listen for a rattle on cold start; ask about any chain work.
EngineMedium
Valve-cover and oil-filter-housing gasket leaks.
Water-ingress trace & seal£150–£800
Inspect · Look for oil residue on the block and around the filter housing.
ElectricalMedium
iDrive / electronics and battery-drain gremlins.
Water-ingress trace & seal£150–£800
Inspect · Test iDrive and check for battery drain.
Ranges are indicative parts-and-labour costs at a UK independent garage, inclusive of VAT. Franchised dealers typically sit 40–80% higher, and prestige or electrified variants sit at the top of each band. Always get a written quote before committing.
Inspecting a BMW 5 Series this week?
Build a tickable checklist for the exact car in front of you, record faults with photos, and hand the buyer a report.