What is the BMW M5?
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series executive sedan, developed and produced by BMW’s Motorsport division (BMW M GmbH). First introduced in 1984, the M5 has earned the title of “the world’s best sports sedan” across multiple decades and generations.
Unlike standard performance cars that sacrifice practicality for speed, the BMW M5 delivers supercar-level performance in a four-door luxury sedan body. With family-friendly seating for five, a large boot, and all the creature comforts of any 5 Series, the M5 is the definition of a super saloon.
Definition: What Makes an M5 an “M5”?
The “M” stands for Motorsport. An M5 is not simply a tuned 5 Series — it features a bespoke, hand-built high-revving engine, upgraded brakes, stiffened sport suspension, wider body panels, M-specific interior trim, and software tuned specifically for performance driving. Every BMW M5 is assembled by hand at BMW’s Dingolfing plant by specialist technicians.
Types of BMW M5
Over the decades, several variants of the BMW M5 have been produced:
- Standard M5 — The base high-performance variant
- BMW M5 Competition — Track-focused, stiffer suspension, higher power output
- BMW M5 Touring — Estate/wagon body style (E34, F90)
- BMW M5 CS — Lightweight track edition (F90 generation)
- BMW M5 30 Jahre — 30th anniversary edition
- BMW M5 Competition Package — Optional upgrade package (F10)
All BMW M5 Generations Explained
Here is a complete overview of every BMW M5 generation, from the original 1984 hand-built supercar to today’s hybrid powerhouse.
BMW M5 Generations — At a Glance
E28 M5 (1984–88)
Rare, hand-built legend. Collector status today. Parts are extremely difficult to find.
E34 M5 (1991–95)
Pure analog feel. Manual gearbox only. Available as Touring wagon. Growing in collector value.
E39 M5 (1998–03)
The gold standard. Exceptional balance, naturally aspirated V8 music, superb reliability.
E60 M5 (2004–10)
Screaming V10 is a masterpiece — when it’s running. Very high maintenance costs. Buy with budget.
F10 M5 (2011–16)
Brilliant real-world sports sedan. Competition Package (2014+) is the sweet spot buy.
F90 M5 (2017–pres)
AWD grip, immense power, yet switchable to RWD mode. The most usable M5 ever.
Best BMW M5 Years to Buy
Not all M5s are created equal. Here are the best BMW M5 years based on reliability, performance, value, and driver satisfaction.
🥇 1. BMW M5 E39 (1999–2003) — The Greatest M5 of All Time
The E39 M5 is universally acclaimed as the best BMW M5 ever produced. Its S62 naturally-aspirated 4.9-litre V8 produces a glorious 394 hp with a smooth power delivery, excellent reliability, and a soundtrack unlike anything turbocharged.
The chassis is perfectly balanced — 50/50 weight distribution, communicative steering, and a six-speed manual gearbox that puts the driver in complete control. It is both a daily driver and a performance car with zero compromises. Buy a well-maintained E39 M5 and you own a future classic.
🥈 2. BMW M5 F10 Competition (2014–2016)
The F10 M5 Competition represents the modern M5 at its best. With 575 hp, a stiffer suspension setup, and the twin-turbocharged S63 V8, it is a devastatingly fast yet refined grand tourer. The Competition Package (available from 2014) added sharper steering, lower ride height, and chassis improvements that transformed the F10 from a fast luxury car into a genuine sports saloon.
🥉 3. BMW M5 F90 (2018–2021)
The F90 M5 introduced all-wheel drive for the first time, paired with 600 hp and a switch to pure rear-wheel-drive mode for track work. The result is the most capable production M5 ever made. For buyers wanting modern technology, safety features, and eye-watering performance, the 2018–2021 F90 M5 is the pick.
4. BMW M5 E34 (1992–1995)
For driving purists on a budget, the E34 M5 offers a magnificent manual experience. The 3.8S engine update (from 1992) brought the power to 340 hp. The E34 Touring M5 is one of the rarest and most collectible BMWs ever produced, with only 891 built.
Worst BMW M5 Years to Avoid
While every BMW M5 is exceptional when new, several generations have known issues that make specific model years risky used purchases. Here are the worst BMW M5 years to avoid.
⛔ 1. BMW M5 E60 V10 (2005–2007) — Worst for Reliability
The E60 M5 is the most problematic M5 in terms of long-term reliability. Its race-derived S85 V10 engine suffers from well-documented rod bearing failure at high mileages, especially with owners who never redlined the engine to clear carbon buildup. The SMG III single-clutch automated gearbox is slow, jerky, and expensive to repair when it fails.
⛔ 2. BMW M5 F10 Early Build (2011–2012)
The first two years of the F10 M5 had teething problems with the DCT gearbox software and some early S63 engine examples. By 2013, most issues were resolved. Avoid very early build dates (pre-March 2012) unless thoroughly inspected.
⛔ 3. BMW M5 E28 (1984–1986)
The E28 M5 is a dream car but a nightmare to own practically. Parts are scarce globally, specialist knowledge is rare, and any mechanical work is expensive. Unless you are purchasing it as a garage queen or collector investment, it is not a practical daily driver.
Why Are Some BMW M5 Years Worse Than Others?
The main factors that separate good BMW M5 years from bad are: engine design maturity, gearbox reliability, manufacturer recall history, availability of parts, and ownership community support. The E60’s V10 was simply not built for high-mileage street use — it was an F1-inspired unit that needed constant rev-range exercise.
BMW M5 Reliability Ratings by Year & Generation
The following table provides a comprehensive BMW M5 reliability overview, covering engine dependability, gearbox durability, electrical issues, and overall ownership cost.
| Generation | Years | Engine | Reliability | Maint. Cost | Parts Avail. | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E28 | 1984–88 | 3.5L I6 | High | Poor | Collector Only | |
| E34 | 1988–95 | 3.8L I6 | Medium | OK | Recommended | |
| E39 | 1998–03 | 4.9L V8 | Medium | Good | Best Buy | |
| E60 | 2004–10 | 5.0L V10 | Very High | OK | Avoid (budget) | |
| F10 | 2011–16 | 4.4L TT V8 | Medium | Good | Recommended | |
| F90 | 2017–pres | 4.4L TT V8 | Medium-High | Excellent | Best Modern |
Pros and Cons of Each BMW M5 Generation
Here is a balanced BMW M5 pros and cons breakdown for each generation to help you make an informed buying decision.
E39 M5 — Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Best driver’s car in M5 history
- Naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack
- Exceptional build quality and longevity
- Manual gearbox — pure engagement
- Timeless, elegant styling
- Rising collector value
❌ Cons
- No AWD or modern safety aids
- Ageing infotainment system
- VANOS seals wear over time
- Good examples are increasingly expensive
- No rear-seat space by modern standards
E60 M5 — Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Screaming 8,250 rpm V10 engine
- 507 hp naturally aspirated — unique feel
- Dramatic, aggressive styling
- Exotic motorsport pedigree
- Low purchase prices today
❌ Cons
- Rod bearing failure risk
- SMG gearbox is slow and unreliable
- Throttle actuator failures
- VANOS and rod bearing service is expensive
- Very high maintenance costs overall
- Carbon buildup without regular revving
F10 M5 — Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 552–575 hp twin-turbo V8
- Fast DCT gearbox
- Excellent real-world daily usability
- Better interior than E60
- Good parts availability
- Competition Package is a true performance bargain
❌ Cons
- Turbo slightly mutes the exhaust character
- No AWD option
- Early build quality issues (2011–12)
- Heavier than E39 or E60
- Fuel economy is poor
F90 M5 — Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 600–627 hp — most powerful M5 ever
- M xDrive AWD with RWD mode
- 3.1 sec 0–62 mph launch
- Excellent technology and safety features
- M5 CS is a true supercar slayer
- Best interior quality ever in an M5
❌ Cons
- Heavy — 1,855 kg (4,090 lbs)
- AWD slightly reduces rear-wheel-drive feel
- Expensive new and used
- Complex electronics can be costly to repair
- Fuel economy: ~18–22 mpg mixed
Common BMW M5 Problems & Issues
Knowing the BMW M5 common problems before buying can save you thousands. Here is a generation-by-generation breakdown of known issues.
E39 M5 Common Problems
- VANOS Seals — The variable valve timing system uses rubber seals that degrade with age. Symptoms: rough idle, power loss. Fix: VANOS rebuild kit (~£200–400).
- Rear Subframe — Can crack on high-mileage cars without reinforcement. Inspect before buying.
- Window Regulators — Common failure on E39 models.
- CCV (Crankcase Vent Valve) — Clogs over time causing oil leaks and smoke.
E60 M5 Common Problems
- Rod Bearing Failure — The biggest issue with the S85 V10. Bearings wear prematurely especially on cars that never reach high revs. Replacement cost: £3,000–8,000. Always ask for replacement history.
- SMG Gearbox Issues — The single-clutch SMG III has a poor clutch life and slow response. Clutch replacement: £2,000+.
- Throttle Actuator Failure — 10 individual throttle bodies, each one a potential failure point. Full replacement: £2,000–5,000.
- VANOS System — More complex than the E39 and more expensive to repair.
- Carbon Buildup — Naturally aspirated engines need regular high-rev use to prevent carbon deposits.
F10 M5 Common Problems
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) — Some S63 engines experienced fuel pump failures under early software. Updated by BMW warranty.
- Oil Leaks — Valve cover gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets can weep on higher-mileage cars.
- Charge Pipe Failures — The plastic boost pipes can split under pressure. Upgrade to silicone recommended.
- DCT Clutch Wear — High-performance launches cause premature clutch wear.
F90 M5 Common Problems
- Oil Consumption — S63TU engine can consume oil, especially on track use. Check levels regularly.
- Software/Electronics — Complex iDrive system occasionally needs software updates.
- Brake Wear — M-compound brakes wear fast with spirited driving. Budget for replacement pads and discs.
How to Buy a Used BMW M5 — Complete Guide
Buying a used BMW M5 can be one of the most rewarding used car purchases — or one of the most expensive mistakes. Follow these steps to buy safely.
Step 1: Choose Your Generation Wisely
Decide whether you want a driver’s car (E39, E34), a performance bargain (F10 Competition), or the most modern capability (F90). Each generation has a different personality and price range.
Step 2: Set a Total Ownership Budget
Never confuse purchase price with total cost. An E60 M5 for £8,000 can cost £20,000+ in repairs in the first two years. Budget 20–30% of the car’s purchase price as an annual maintenance reserve for any M5.
Step 3: Demand Full Service History
The BMW M5 requires specialist servicing. Demand BMW dealer stamps or recognised BMW specialist records. A car with patchy history is a car with hidden costs.
Step 4: Commission a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Pay £100–200 for a specialist PPI. This is the single most cost-effective thing you can do. For E60 M5, specifically request rod bearing inspection, compression test, and oil sample analysis.
Step 5: Check Mileage vs Age Ratio
The E39 is very tolerant of mileage if maintained. The E60 V10 needs to be exercised — very low mileage can mean carbon buildup, not a pristine engine. Ideal E39: under 100,000 miles. Ideal F10: under 60,000 miles.
Step 6: Run an HPI / CARFAX Check
Verify the car has no outstanding finance, no accident history, no mileage clocking, and a clean title. In the UK, use HPI Check or a DVLA check. In the US, use CARFAX or AutoCheck.
Step 7: Test Drive Thoroughly
On the test drive: accelerate hard from low revs, listen for bearing rumble (E60), test all drive modes, check gearbox for smooth operation, listen for any unusual noises, and check all electrics.
Is the BMW M5 Safe to Drive?
A common question — and a fair one given the power on offer. Is the BMW M5 safe? The answer is yes, with context.
Safety Ratings
The BMW M5 (as a 5 Series derivative) has historically scored well in crash tests. The F10 5 Series received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The F90 M5 includes: automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, front collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Active Safety Features by Generation
- E39, E34, E28: No modern electronic aids. ABS and traction control only.
- E60: DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS, M-specific traction control.
- F10: DSC, ABS, M Drive Logic, launch control, full electronic differential.
- F90: Full suite including AEB, lane keep, blind spot, M xDrive AWD stability, M Traction Control.
Is the BMW M5 Safe for Daily Use?
Yes. The BMW M5 is specifically engineered to be a comfortable, safe daily driver. In Comfort mode, the F90 M5 rides like a luxury sedan and activates all safety nannies. The power is only dangerous if the driver is irresponsible. With DSC engaged, even the 600 hp F90 is easy to drive in traffic.
Generation vs. Generation Comparison
How do the generations stack up side by side? Here is the ultimate BMW M5 comparison across all key metrics.
| Metric | E39 | E60 | F10 | F90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power (hp) | 394 | 507 | 552–575 | 600–627 |
| 0–62 mph (sec) | 5.0 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Manual Option | Yes | No (SMG) | No (DCT) | No (TCT) |
| AWD Option | No | No | No | Yes |
| Reliability | Excellent | Poor | Good | Good |
| Daily Usability | Excellent | OK | Excellent | Excellent |
| Driver Feedback | Outstanding | Outstanding | Good | Good |
| Maintenance Cost | Medium | Very High | Medium | Medium-High |
| Best For | Enthusiasts | Collectors | Daily Sports | All-Rounder |
Frequently Asked Questions — BMW M5 Best & Worst Years
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