2011 BMW 5 Series Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 12%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 BMW 5 Series, 12% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“After purchasing a new 2011 Bmw 528i (vehicle) I noticed an acceleration lag starting out from a dead stop. It has become a safety concern, especially when trying to turn onto a street from a stop sign. It crawls into the roadway when moderate pressure is applied to the gas pedal. If oncoming traffic is close this results in having to stomp on the gas pedal causing the car to jerk ahead at an unexpected rate of speed. I have had a few close calls because of this issue. Took car to dealer. They stated they reset the learning program that is supposed to adapt to the way one drives. …”
NHTSA complaint #10418347, filed 2011-08, 1,200 miles“While make turns while driving the vehicle axel makes popping noise and steering wheel jerks violently. Took to shop they said nothing found wrong with car. Cv axel replaced on both sides problem still persists.also not even 10k miles the car went thru 2 belt tensioner causing the drive belt to snap/tear.”
NHTSA complaint #11155399, filed 2018-12, 89,000 miles“Bmw 528i throttle lag/tip in/delayed acceleration from a standing stop;constant problem;have been told by Bmw dealer that this is normal.it is very annoying and am fearful it could lead to safety issue.this is a brand new 2011 model with less than 500 miles on odometer.”
NHTSA complaint #10419477, filed 2011-08, 65 miles“There are 3 major issues. 1. Vehicle tends to veer to the right. Feeling is quite like a vehicle that hasn't been aligned for a while. 2. The most dangerous. Upon acceleration and/or at low speed, the vehicle randomly jerks forward without any notice- making it too late for the driver to slam the brakes. If your vehicle is standing three feet behind another vehicle in stop and go traffic, you can easily crash and rear end into the car in front of you. And of course, you will be sued for not keeping your distance. This can easily cause some serious injuries. 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #10418816, filed 2011-08, 40 miles“Car does not respond to tip-in of accelerator from standstill. As you press harder to get intended acceleration, car lurches forward dramatically and unsafely. Vehicle is extremely difficult to drive smoothly, especially in close, stop-and-go traffic. Contacted local dealership (the Bmw store in cincinnati, oh) on 9/5/11 and they are aware of the problem, but Bmw is currently only providing a software patch for the 535 model. I was advised to keep driving the vehicle until Bmw issues a software patch for the 528, but the dealer was not aware of any upcoming fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10424031, filed 2011-09, 4 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10051439Dec 1, 2012Bmw: intermittently goes into park during a msa engine start. The transmission can intermittently go into the park position (p) when msa engine start is occurring. A drive gear…
- 10040045Apr 1, 2011Bmw: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10040172Mar 1, 2011Bmw: a software problem is causing the transmission to enter safety mode with the transmission light on. There is a stored trouble code.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 5 Series
30 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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