Pantum BM5100FDW: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Pantum BM5100FDW right for you?

The BM5100FDW adds fax to the BM5100ADW and is the top mono all-in-one Pantum offers outside China. Its duplex ADF, 40 ppm engine and PostScript make it suitable for busy reception desks and back offices that still rely on faxed forms. Expect the same low page cost as the rest of the TL-5120 family, and note that the optional second tray is worth adding for heavy users.

Best for: Busy offices wanting fax, duplex scanning and 40 ppm mono printing

Setting up the Pantum BM5100FDW

Follow the colour LCD wizard to join the network and set the fax header and receive mode. Install the BM5100 driver bundle on each PC to get print, scan and PC-Fax; scan-to-email and FTP are configured from the printer's web page. For a fax on a VoIP line, set the modem speed to 9600 bps in the fax menu to reduce failed transmissions.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use Pantum's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The Pantum BM5100FDW uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Pantum TL-5120 / TL-5120H / TL-5120X toner
• DL-5120 drum unit

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications