mkaresh

Actually, this isn't accurate for the main reliability survey. Where the powertrain isn't yet in the database, it collects number of cylinders, aspiration, fuel type, and such. You can't participate in the main survey immediately after signing up. Instead, a monthly email goes out for it.

The other surveys, such as the Fuel Economy Survey, do require specific powertrain information, and the powertrain database includes mostly U.S. powertrains so far. But I plan to add the others--it's just a matter of finding the time to do so, and a good source of information.

If many non-U.S. 5-Series owners are interested in participating in these surveys, I'll try to make this happen sooner rather than later. I've entered the full range of powertrains for the 3-Series, so most of the 5's engines are already in the database, they're just not linked to the 5er.

mkaresh

We'll have an updated result for the 2008 in November. So far it looks like there will be no surprises.

We've recently started including a few earlier years in the survey, so hopefully they'll be in the next set of results, in February. It all depends on how many owners sign up and participate.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

Next week's results will again include the 2008. But we're collecting data on a few other years now, and some should be in the February set. It will come down to how many owners participate--a few more per year would certainly help.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

The November results include another low repair rate for the 2008, specifically 28 repair trips per 100 cars per year. This is about half the average.

Most recent model years are now included in the survey, and others are close. But we're close to the minimum sample size in all cases, so additional participants would be very helpful.

Total number of 5ers for all model years is now over 300. Thanks for such a great response, guys.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

All years of the E60 are now included in the survey. But the sample sizes remain uncomfortably close to the minimum--so additional participants would be very helpful.

To help get your model year into the results:

Car reliability research

mkaresh

Only the 2008 will be in the February results. But it looks like at least three more model years will be in the next set, in May.

It's going to be close, though. A few more participants per year would really help.

BMW reliability research

mkaresh

We have updated results, and with 33 repair trips per 100 cars per year the 2008 BMW 5-Series remains better than average.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. Additional participants needed, especially for earlier model years and the 2009.

We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the 5er:

BMW 5-Series reliability comparisons

SmithsonGA

joined 2007 550i

mkaresh

Thanks, I appreciate it.

In about a month we'll start previewing the next set of results to participants. More remain needed.

Car reliability research

mkaresh

Those results soon. Someone just PM'd me, asking for reliability info on 2005s.

Unfortunately, it looks like only the 2008 will make it into this update. Enough people are signed up for earlier years, but not enough have actually been responding to the surveys. So, if you've signed up but haven't responded yet, please do. A few earlier years could just barely make it.

If you haven't signed up yet, it's never too late to get started.

Car reliability research