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CarsLore / Makes / BMW / M5

BMW M5

Model years 1989–2026 in the US safety record. No model year stands out in owner complaints. Fewest complaints: 2010, 2016, 2022.

106owner complaints
23recall campaigns
2,339service bulletins
35model years on record

Complaints by model year

Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.

’90’93’96’99’02’05’08’12’15’19’22’26’90’93’96’99’02’05’08’12’15’19’22’26

NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026

New York safety inspections

Share of first inspections failed on safety, by model year. Older cars fail more as miles build up, so compare each year with the average car of the same year. Best against its own year: 2026.

0.0%0.4%0.9%’88’00’02’06’08’13’15’18’20’22’25’26’270.0%0.0%0.4%0.9%’88’01’06’10’15’19’22’26’270.0%

NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count

Year by year

Model yearComplaintsRecallsBulletinsCrashes · fires
2026 M50100 · 0
2025 M51200 · 0
2023 M500120 · 0
2022 M510510 · 0
2021 M5311140 · 1
2020 M5231540 · 0
2019 M5831530 · 0
2018 M5632030 · 0
2016 M5122120 · 0
2015 M5312730 · 0
2014 M5213500 · 0
2013 M51023830 · 1
2012 M500180 · 0
201012550 · 0
200902550 · 0
2008 M562561 · 2
2007 M561610 · 0
2006 M5391601 · 0
2005 M500220 · 0
20040080 · 0
2003 M531120 · 0
2002 M562160 · 0
2001 M543100 · 0
2000 M542101 · 1
19990020 · 0
199800100 · 0
199700100 · 0
199600100 · 0
19950120 · 0
19940130 · 0
1993 M50130 · 0
1992 M50230 · 0
1991 M50330 · 0
19900130 · 0
19890120 · 0

A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections

Most common problems

  • Air bags44
  • Engine24
  • Power train13
  • Electrical system11
  • Seat belts10
  • Seats7
  • Unknown or other6
  • Fuel/propulsion system6

NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years

Fatal crashes in the US

From 2020 to 2023, 31 M5 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 24 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.

Model yearVehicles in fatal crashesDeaths in the vehicleRolled over
2023100
2021100
2020200
2019872
2018120
2016311
2015110
2014111
2013211
2008261
2007210
2006332
2001100
2000311

NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count

Crash-test ratings by year

NHTSA 5-star results for 9 model-year variants; not yet fully rated. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

YearVariantOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
20222022 BMW M5 4 DR AWD————0.0 %
20212021 BMW M5 4 DR AWD————0.0 %
20202020 BMW M5 4 DR AWD————0.0 %
20192019 BMW M5 4 DR AWD————0.0 %
20162016 BMW M5 4 DR RWD————0.0 %
20152015 BMW M5 4 DR RWD————0.0 %
20142014 BMW M5 4 DR RWD————0.0 %
20132013 BMW M5 4 DR RWD————0.0 %
20122012 BMW M5 4 DR RWD————0.0 %

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain

Fuel consumption by year

Official Canadian test results for 19 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 12.8–17.0 L/100 km.

YearVariantEngineTransmissionCityHighwayCombinedCO₂ g/km
2023M5 Competition Sedan · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.AS816.111.113.8324
2022M5 CS · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.AS816.111.013.8322
2021M5 Competition · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.AS816.011.013.8323
2020M5 Competition · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.AS816.011.013.8322
2019M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.AS816.011.213.9324
2016M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.M616.110.913.7321
2015M5 Sedan · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.M616.110.813.7315
2014M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.M616.210.913.8317
2013M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline4.4 L, 8 cyl.AM714.910.212.8294
2010M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline5.0 L, 10 cyl.AM719.812.916.7384
2009M5 Sedan · Mid-size · Premium gasoline5.0 L, 10 cyl.AM720.012.916.8386
2008M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline5.0 L, 10 cyl.AM720.312.917.0391
2007M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline5.0 L, 10 cyl.AM720.312.917.0391
2006M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline5.0 L, 10 cyl.AM720.012.916.8386
2003M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline4.9 L, 8 cyl.M619.512.516.3375
2002M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline4.9 L, 8 cyl.M619.512.516.3375
2001M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline4.9 L, 8 cyl.M619.412.316.2373
2000M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline4.9 L, 8 cyl.M619.612.216.3375
1999M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline4.9 L, 8 cyl.M619.612.216.3375

Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada

In New Zealand

441 M5 cars are on the New Zealand register; 52% arrived as used imports.

Model yearRegisteredSold new in NZUsed imports
2023101
2021101
2020101
2019808
2018202
201711101
201622166
20151697
2014231012
2013392018
2012613229
2011623
2010101
2009312
20081156
200730722
2006441030
2005642236
2003522
2002871
20011275
20001081
199917105
1993303
1992422
1991514
1990916
1988101
1987843
1986752

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0

In the Netherlands

2,326 M5 cars are on Dutch roads; 44% arrived later as imports, and 241 still have a recall open. Open a year for APK defects, odometer checks and colours.

First registeredOn the roadImportedMedian list price
20264868%€165,499
202568040%€159,201
20248373%€165,989
20222552%€203,500
20214850%€199,828
20206467%€188,694
20199456%€193,732
201811358%€182,187
20143982%€157,514
20135437%€144,394
201210064%€145,203
20082488%€155,938
20075786%€151,241
20068461%€139,174
200511454%€134,613
20022374%€118,396
20014248%€112,463
20005254%—
19999660%€113,711
19902588%—
19892396%—

RDW Open Data: registered vehicles (CC0) · list price is the manufacturer's catalogue price when new

In Finland

243 M5 cars were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026: 100% petrol, 0% diesel; 31% of all are hybrids. Mileage is the odometer reading at the last inspection.

First registeredIn useAverage mileage
202611—
20255812,000 km
20246—
2019795,000 km
20181798,000 km
20138160,000 km
201219166,000 km
20115175,000 km
200711151,000 km
200610158,000 km
200529196,000 km
20026173,000 km
200111227,000 km
200011220,000 km
199929250,000 km
19925276,000 km

Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use, 30 Jun 2026 · CC BY 4.0

Road collisions in Great Britain

From 2021 to 2025, 140 M5 cars were involved in road collisions in Great Britain that injured someone and were reported to the police. 7 of those collisions were fatal and 33 caused serious injuries. As with any count, models with more cars on British roads appear more often.

YearCars in injury collisionsFatalSerious
20252808
20241616
20233516
20223019
20213144

Department for Transport, STATS19 road safety data 2021–2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · how we count

In the United Kingdom

6,139 M5 cars were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, by year of manufacture.

BuiltLicensedOff the road (SORN)
202431
20232886
202246823
202156034
202037031
20191,02081
201844351
2017224
201634355
201530751
2014370100
2013398138
2012240134
20115523
201087
20091312
20086655
2007164174
2006169234
2005175243
20041—
20032026
2002103123
2001154222
2000147258
19996791
199822
199701
199602
1995748

Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124) · Open Government Licence v3.0

MOT test results in Great Britain

3,506 M5 cars took their annual MOT test in 2023; 86% passed first time, against 66% for all cars of the same ages. Older cars fail more often, so compare a year with the same year of other cars.

First registeredTestsPassed first timeAll cars that yearAverage mileage
201639092%79%48,100 mi
201538489%75%55,200 mi
201444588%72%58,400 mi
201352684%68%64,800 mi
201231587%66%69,600 mi
200724489%57%85,100 mi
200626685%56%84,700 mi
200525684%56%92,400 mi
200217180%58%113,600 mi
200127086%59%120,200 mi
200023980%61%125,500 mi

Why they fail

Share of all first tests that ended in a fail because of each part of the car (one test can fail on several).

AreaM5All cars, same ages
Tyres3.6%6.6%
Suspension3.2%11.6%
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment3.2%14.3%
Visibility2.9%5.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks2.5%4.2%
Brakes2.1%8.9%
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems1.0%1.6%
Body, chassis, structure0.5%5.2%

DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests of cars only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail

New registrations in Europe

15,353 new BMW M5 cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2010 and 2022, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2022 the largest markets were Germany (511), Poland (104), Hungary (36).

YearNew carsLargest marketsMass kgCO₂ g/kmPower kW
2022859Germany, Poland, Hungary1,975255 (WLTP)458
20211,000Germany, Poland, Netherlands1,956256 (WLTP)458
20201,461Germany, United Kingdom, Poland1,956254 (WLTP)456
20193,138United Kingdom, Germany, Poland1,942264 (WLTP)453
20182,673Germany, United Kingdom, Poland1,933268 (WLTP)445
2017204Germany, United Kingdom, Italy1,941234 (NEDC)432
2016751United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands1,940—423
2015745United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands1,945—419
20141,044United Kingdom, Germany, France1,945—420
20131,295United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands1,945—413
20121,798Germany, United Kingdom, France1,940—409
2011344United Kingdom, Germany, Italy1,944—412
201041United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands1,904——

Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement

Real-world fuel consumption

1,199 BMW M5 cars registered in Europe between 2021 and 2024 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol versions average 14.2 l/100 km on the road, against 11.3 l/100 km in the official WLTP test — 26% more. Plug-in hybrids use 11.9 l/100 km against 1.7 l/100 km on paper, with 30% of their distance covered with the engine off.

FuelCarsOn the roadWLTPDifferenceAverage distance so far
Petrol79714.211.3+26%38,000 km
Plug-in hybrid40211.91.7+610%5,000 km

Litres per 100 km: total fuel used divided by total distance driven, from the car's own fuel consumption meter (OBFCM), collected in 2024 by the manufacturers, mostly remotely, and by national authorities. WLTP figures are the type-approval CO₂ values converted to litres. Hybrids, including mild hybrids, do not plug in; plug-in hybrid figures include the distance driven on electricity. European Environment Agency, Real-world CO₂ emissions from cars and vans · CC BY 4.0

What it costs in fuel

On real-world figures the BMW M5 uses 14.2 litres per 100 km, so 15,000 km a year takes about 2,120 litres: €4,625 at this week's average price in Germany, its largest market in Europe.

CountryPetrolPetrol per litreDiesel per litre
Germany€4,625€2.18€2.27
United Kingdom£3,705£1.75£1.99
Poland€3,311€1.56€1.79
Netherlands€5,074€2.39€2.46
France€4,731€2.23€2.35
United States$2,402$1.13$1.66

Fuel for 15,000 km (9,300 miles) a year at real-world consumption. Pump prices with taxes, week of 19 October 2026: European Commission Weekly Oil Bulletin, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, US Energy Information Administration. Non-euro EU prices are in euros as the Bulletin publishes them.

Work it out for your driving

Compare running costs of other models

EU safety alerts

Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the M5 in 10 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.

SR/00898/26 · Fire27 Mar 2026 · 5 series, 7 series, i5, i7, M5

The cockpit cable harness may be damaged when the microfilter is replaced. This can lead to a short circuit, with smoke build-up resulting in fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and th…

A12/03529/24 · Injuries13 Dec 2024 · 5series, i5, i7, 7series, M5

Due to manufacturing problem, the rotation bushing of the steering column's double universal joint can break when the steering wheel is turned hard at the extreme position and when steering without steering assistance with the engine switched off. This can lea…

A12/01981/24 · Injuries2 Aug 2024 · 3 series, 4 series, 5 series, 6 series, X3, X4, X5, X5M, M4, M5

A seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation …

A12/00996/24 · Injuries26 Apr 2024 · i5, 5, i7, 7, 2, iX1, X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, X5M, X6M, 1, iX2, X2, M5

The integrated braking system could be compromised, which could lead to an unexpected failure of the hydraulic braking assistance, thereby requiring greater pressure on the brake pedal. This can result in a longer braking distance, as well as failure of the An…

A12/00184/24 · Injuries1 Feb 2024 · 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, M3, M5, M8, X3, X4, X5, X6, X3M, X4M, X5M, X6M, Z4

Due to a manufacturing error, the weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit (ITCU) may not have been correctly executed. As a result, transmission oil could leak into the ITCU, causing it to fail. This may lead to transmission seizure, increasing t…

A12/01717/22 · Injuries2 Dec 2022 · 5 Series Limousine, 5 Series Touring, M5

Due to improper installation of the seat belts, the restraint function may be impaired, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and the…

A12/01785/21 · Injuries17 Dec 2021 · X1, X2, 1, 2, M4, M5, 4, 5, I3

The screws which were used to assemble seatbelts and also on the rear seats of the vehicles concerned may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications. In some cases, the screws in question cannot withstand extreme loads, which could increase t…

A12/1282/19 · Fire30 Aug 2019 · M5, X5, X7, 7, 8

Due to inadequate screwing the high-pressure pump could become detached and fuel may leak out. This could lead to engine failure and to increased risk of the vehicle catching fire.

A12/1067/19 · Fire19 Jul 2019 · M5, M6, 5, 6

The battery positive (B+) transfer point in the boot may corrode. This can result in increased contact resistance, potentially leading to malfunction of the power supply and increased risk of fire.

A12/0036/17 · Injuries20 Jan 2017 · Series 2, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, M4, M5, M6, X1, BMW i3, BMW i8, MINI

The side, head and knee protection airbags of the front passenger seat may not work. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of an accident.

Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0

Recalls

23 campaigns cover the M5; the latest 12 are below.

26V096000 · Electrical system19 Feb 2026 · 2025, 2026

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 M5 Sportswagon, 2025-2026 M5, 2024-2025 750e xDrive, 2025-2026 550e xDrive, 2023-2025 I7, 2023-2025 7 Series, 2024-2026 i5, and 5 Series vehicles. The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.

24V104000 · Service brakes, hydraulic12 Feb 2024 · 2025

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

20V598000 · Back over prevention30 Sept 2020 · 2020, 2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

19V883000 · Electrical system11 Dec 2019 · 2019, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.

19V684000 · Back over prevention27 Sept 2019 · 2018, 2019, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

19V513000 · Engine3 Jul 2019 · 2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.

18V473000 · Fuel system, gasoline17 Jul 2018 · 2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is actually available.

18V323000 · Fuel system, gasoline16 May 2018 · 2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.

17V047000 · Air bags20 Jan 2017 · 2001, 2002

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

16V914000 · Air bags20 Dec 2016 · 2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.

16V540000 · Power train19 Jul 2016 · 2015

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft that may have been inadequately welded during manufacturing.

15V718000 · Child seat30 Oct 2015 · 2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

NHTSA recalls