2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

The 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is a luxury sedan that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combined output is 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. What owners like most about the car is its smooth and comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and luxurious interior. What they dislike is the small trunk space due to the hybrid battery pack, the added complexity of the hybrid system that can lead to potentially expensive repairs, and the feeling that the regenerative braking is not smooth.

Electric Motor

• Electric Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electric motor fails to provide assistance to the gasoline engine, resulting in reduced power and fuel efficiency. The driver may experience a “Drivetrain Malfunction” warning on the dashboard. The vehicle may also struggle to accelerate or maintain speed, especially uphill.
  • Solution: Replacing the electric motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
• Hybrid Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced electric driving range, frequent engine starts, and “Check Hybrid System” warning lights. The battery may fail to hold a charge or discharge rapidly.
  • Solution: Replacing the hybrid battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting between gears, especially at lower speeds. Jerky or rough shifts can also be noticeable. This can be caused by degraded transmission fluid or issues with the valve body.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush or replacement of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (fluid flush), $1,500 - $3,000+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the adaptive dampers, leading to a harsh or uneven ride. Error messages on the dashboard may indicate a problem with the suspension system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty adaptive dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per damper

Electrical

• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensor malfunctions leading to inaccurate readings or failure of related systems. This can include oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, or wheel speed sensors.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system freezing, crashing, or becoming unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive control unit (if needed).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (iDrive control unit)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters failing to function or becoming excessively hot.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof becoming stuck, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
  • Solution: Lubrication, track adjustment, or replacement of sunroof components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, while offering a blend of luxury and fuel efficiency, can present owners with potentially costly issues, particularly related to the hybrid system and the adaptive suspension. The most severe issues revolve around electric motor and hybrid battery failures, with repair costs reaching upwards of $10,000. Electrical sensor malfunctions and iDrive system problems can also add to the ownership costs. The transmission and other general maintenance items, while still present, tend to be less expensive but can become problematic if neglected.