2005 BMW 525I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 BMW 525I, 11% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles.
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.
“I purchased this Bmw 525I used from a person that obtained it from a wholesale dealer, it had some minor frontend damage from a fender bender (broken grill, ding to hood) showing 107900 miles. Everything else checked out. I few months later I noticed a slight change in transmission sound, but it might have been due to the cold temperatures here in wisconsin. A couple of days later while just finishing going up a slight straight incline at around 45mph the transmission dropped down into limp down mode and a temporary notice came up on the computer screen indicating a transmission problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11174764, filed 2019-02, 112,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw 525I. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated independently while being operated at low speeds. The air bag warning indicator and service transmission warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Updated 02/16/17”
NHTSA complaint #10917934, filed 2016-10, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw 525I. The contact stated that there was a pan sleeve gasket leak coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection when they found the transmission leak. The dealer stated that a gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls addressing the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10455881, filed 2012-04, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw 545i. The contact stated that while braking, the transmission shifted and the vehicle abnormally accelerated barely missing a collision with a pedestrian. The contact stated the failure would occur intermittently when driving at speeds of 20-40 MPH. The dealer advised there was a programming error that could be repaired, but the repair was not covered under the contact's warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10336605, filed 2010-06, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 9% |
| 1995 | 2 | 8% |
| 1994 | 1 | 14% |
| 1993 | 1 | 20% |
| 1992 | 1 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW 525I
22 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW 525I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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