The four-door supercar that started a genre
The definitive super-saloon and BMW's flagship M car since 1984, blending four-door practicality with genuine supercar performance. It appeals to enthusiasts who need to carry families and luggage at outrageous speed, competing with the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS6. Each generation has defined its era, from the E39's analogue purity to the F90's 600bhp all-wheel-drive brutality.
We track 5 known issues across the BMW M5 range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a BMW M5? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
E39 (1998–2003) — Engine options included the S62 V8. Our database flags 2 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Vehicle structure corrosion affecting rigidity (£2,000–£5,000 to address).
E60 (2004–2010) — Engine options included the S85 V10. We track 2 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Excessive oil leakage from engine seals and gaskets (£400–£800 to address).
F10 (2011–2017) — Engine options included the S63 V8 Twin-Turbo. We track 3 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Excessive oil leakage from engine seals and gaskets (£400–£800 to address).
E39 M5 models show 4.5 times the fleet average for structural corrosion that seriously reduces assembly rigidity. This affects subframe mounting points and sill structures where the additional weight and power of the S62 V8 creates higher structural loads than standard E39 models. The corrosion compromises the vehicle's structural integrity and can affect crash protection.
Structural corrosion that affects rigidity is a dangerous MOT failure and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The car cannot be driven until structural repairs are completed. Repair costs often exceed the vehicle's value due to the extensive welding work required on stressed structural components.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The high-performance engines develop significant oil seepage from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals due to higher operating pressures and temperatures. This becomes environmentally hazardous at MOT test levels and indicates accelerated seal degradation compared to standard BMW engines.
Large oil leaks can cause MOT failure and environmental hazard notices. Oil loss can lead to engine damage if levels drop critically. Leaking oil onto hot exhaust components creates fire risk. Multiple gasket replacement on high-performance engines typically requires significant engine dismantling.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
The F10 M5 shows 2.9 times the fleet average for brake effort fluctuation, with a worsening trend. The high-performance braking system with large ventilated discs is prone to thermal distortion under the extreme heat generated by the 560bhp twin-turbo V8. This manifests as pulsing through the brake pedal and steering wheel under braking, particularly noticeable at relatively low mileages.
Warped brake discs reduce braking efficiency and can cause loss of vehicle control under emergency braking. The pulsing effect can cause driver fatigue on longer journeys. Replacement requires matching pairs to maintain braking balance and prevent further warping.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
NHTSA data shows multiple complaints about fuel injector failures on F10 M5 models, causing rough running and potential engine stalling. The high-pressure direct injection system on the twin-turbo V8 is sensitive to fuel quality and carbon deposits. Failed injectors can cause cylinder misfires, reduced power output, and potential catalyst damage from unburned fuel.
Failed injectors cause poor running, reduced fuel economy, and potential catalyst damage from misfiring. Complete injector failure can cause engine stalling in traffic. Direct injection systems require specialist diagnosis and expensive OEM replacement parts to maintain proper fuel delivery.
Check for fuel smells around the engine bay and underneath the car. Look for staining or wetness around fuel lines and connections. Injector issues may cause rough running or misfires that are most noticeable at idle.
The E60 M5 shows 5.6 times the fleet average failure rate for deteriorated suspension joint dust covers, with a worsening trend. The covers protect ball joints and bushings from dirt ingress but the rubber compounds degrade faster on this generation, likely due to the increased weight and suspension loads from the V10 engine. Failed covers lead to accelerated joint wear and eventual suspension component failure.
Failed dust covers allow dirt and water to contaminate lubricated joints, causing accelerated wear and eventual joint failure. Contaminated ball joints can separate catastrophically. Early detection allows protective replacement before expensive joint renewal becomes necessary.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the BMW M5 common problems page.
Based on 26k real DVSA MOT tests, the BMW M5 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is emissions failure at 13x the fleet average, followed by light unit fault (9x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full BMW M5 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £150–£250 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include spark plugs (£200–£350).
See the full BMW M5 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The BMW M5 has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. The E39 (2000-2003) is the undisputed classic — naturally aspirated V8, analogue feel, and strong reliability. For modern buyers, the F90 (2018-2023) is the strongest all-rounder with 600bhp and proven durability. Avoid the E60 V10 (2005-2010) unless you have deep pockets and documented rod bearing service.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific BMW M5, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known BMW M5 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.