2005 BMW 5 Series Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 19%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 BMW 5 Series, 19% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There are 3 recalls reported for my year make and model of a car I just purchased that at giving me problems and I'm receiving warning messages on my navigation but my VIN is not registering with dealership for being eligible for resolution please reply back with steps to repair”
NHTSA complaint #10981311, filed 2017-04, 80,000 miles“On september 14, 2005 I purchased a new 2005 Bmw 330i. While driving to work on december 1, 2005 I turned the heater on for the first time. The heater had only been on for a few minutes when I started to smell a burning type of odor. I was not sure if the odor was coming in from the outside or if it was inside my car. The odor became stronger and resembled that of an electrical burn. I then observed white smoke coming out from the hood of my car. Within minutes the smoke became gray. At this point I was in heavy early morning traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10148509, filed 2006-01, 2,309 miles“Bmw I-drive cuts out while driving, and blinks or reboots. While driving home it cut out, and would not stop blinking. This distraction and malfunction is dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10819539, filed 2016-01, 177,777 miles“Same issue as every other 2005 530i owner has had. My battery was low and needed replaced and after a new battery was purchased and installed the fault light came on the I-drive system for the airbag. Bmw dealer refuses to do anything about it as my vehicle is not included in the recall.. I don't understand why when there are numerous complaints on a faulty system why this should not be repaired, obviously they know that the issue is there but do not want to spend the money to fix their issue. So much for the german engineered ultimate driving machine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10525709, filed 2013-07Related recalls
- 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The…Covers: BMW 5 Series 2004–2010, 6 Series 2004–2010, M5 2006–2010 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
- 10052012Mar 1, 2013Bmw: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This is causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519Dec 1, 2012Bmw: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10027786Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: various electrical problems caused by water ingress. Water ingress in luggage compartment may cause various electrical problems or faults associated with mpm (micro…
- 10029426Aug 1, 2011Bmw: one or a combination of the following situations may exist: intermittent harsh 4-3, 3-2 or 2-1 downshift (jolt) when coming to a stop with light brake application; jolts…
- 10028370Nov 1, 2010Bmw: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. Models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. *pe updated 5/24/11.
- 10032650Oct 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 2 | 25% |
| 2008 | 16 | 15% |
| 2007 | 3 | 23% |
| 2006 | 19 | 22% |
| 2005 | 4 | 19% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 4 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW 5 Series
10 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW 5 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology