Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
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.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 M5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 M5 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 M5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 M5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 M5 | 3 | 1 |
| 2020 M5 | 2 | 3 |
| 2019 M5 | 8 | 3 |
| 2018 M5 | 6 | 3 |
| 2016 M5 | 1 | 2 |
| 2015 M5 | 3 | 1 |
| 2014 M5 | 2 | 1 |
| 2013 M5 | 10 | 2 |
| 2012 M5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 | 2 |
| 2009 | 0 | 2 |
| 2008 M5 | 6 | 2 |
| 2007 M5 | 6 | 1 |
| 2006 M5 | 39 | 1 |
| 2005 M5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 M5 | 3 | 1 |
| 2002 M5 | 6 | 2 |
| 2001 M5 | 4 | 3 |
| 2000 M5 | 4 | 2 |
| 1999 | 0 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 | 1 |
| 1994 | 0 | 1 |
| 1993 M5 | 0 | 1 |
| 1992 M5 | 0 | 2 |
| 1991 M5 | 0 | 3 |
| 1990 | 0 | 1 |
| 1989 | 0 | 1 |
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 year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 8 | 7 |
| 2018 | 1 | 2 |
| 2016 | 3 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 | 1 |
| 2008 | 2 | 6 |
| 2007 | 2 | 1 |
| 2006 | 3 | 3 |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 | 3 | 1 |
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.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2022 BMW M5 4 DR AWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2021 | 2021 BMW M5 4 DR AWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2020 | 2020 BMW M5 4 DR AWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2019 | 2019 BMW M5 4 DR AWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2016 | 2016 BMW M5 4 DR RWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2015 | 2015 BMW M5 4 DR RWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2014 | 2014 BMW M5 4 DR RWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2013 | 2013 BMW M5 4 DR RWD | — | 0.0 % |
| 2012 | 2012 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.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | M5 Competition Sedan · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.1 | 11.1 | 13.8 |
| 2022 | M5 CS · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.1 | 11.0 | 13.8 |
| 2021 | M5 Competition · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.0 | 11.0 | 13.8 |
| 2020 | M5 Competition · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.0 | 11.0 | 13.8 |
| 2019 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.0 | 11.2 | 13.9 |
| 2016 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.1 | 10.9 | 13.7 |
| 2015 | M5 Sedan · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.1 | 10.8 | 13.7 |
| 2014 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 16.2 | 10.9 | 13.8 |
| 2013 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 14.9 | 10.2 | 12.8 |
| 2010 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 19.8 | 12.9 | 16.7 |
| 2009 | M5 Sedan · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 20.0 | 12.9 | 16.8 |
| 2008 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 20.3 | 12.9 | 17.0 |
| 2007 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 20.3 | 12.9 | 17.0 |
| 2006 | M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 20.0 | 12.9 | 16.8 |
| 2003 | M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline | 19.5 | 12.5 | 16.3 |
| 2002 | M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline | 19.5 | 12.5 | 16.3 |
| 2001 | M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline | 19.4 | 12.3 | 16.2 |
| 2000 | M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline | 19.6 | 12.2 | 16.3 |
| 1999 | M5 · Compact · Premium gasoline | 19.6 | 12.2 | 16.3 |
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 year | Registered | Sold new in NZ | Used imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 | 11 | 10 | 1 |
| 2016 | 22 | 16 | 6 |
| 2015 | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| 2014 | 23 | 10 | 12 |
| 2013 | 39 | 20 | 18 |
| 2012 | 61 | 32 | 29 |
| 2011 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 2008 | 11 | 5 | 6 |
| 2007 | 30 | 7 | 22 |
| 2006 | 44 | 10 | 30 |
| 2005 | 64 | 22 | 36 |
| 2003 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| 2002 | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| 2001 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| 2000 | 10 | 8 | 1 |
| 1999 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| 1993 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 1992 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 1991 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| 1990 | 9 | 1 | 6 |
| 1988 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1987 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| 1986 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
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 registered | On the road | Median list price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 486 | €165,499 |
| 2025 | 680 | €159,201 |
| 2024 | 83 | €165,989 |
| 2022 | 25 | €203,500 |
| 2021 | 48 | €199,828 |
| 2020 | 64 | €188,694 |
| 2019 | 94 | €193,732 |
| 2018 | 113 | €182,187 |
| 2014 | 39 | €157,514 |
| 2013 | 54 | €144,394 |
| 2012 | 100 | €145,203 |
| 2008 | 24 | €155,938 |
| 2007 | 57 | €151,241 |
| 2006 | 84 | €139,174 |
| 2005 | 114 | €134,613 |
| 2002 | 23 | €118,396 |
| 2001 | 42 | €112,463 |
| 2000 | 52 | — |
| 1999 | 96 | €113,711 |
| 1990 | 25 | — |
| 1989 | 23 | — |
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 registered | In use | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | — |
| 2025 | 58 | 12,000 km |
| 2024 | 6 | — |
| 2019 | 7 | 95,000 km |
| 2018 | 17 | 98,000 km |
| 2013 | 8 | 160,000 km |
| 2012 | 19 | 166,000 km |
| 2011 | 5 | 175,000 km |
| 2007 | 11 | 151,000 km |
| 2006 | 10 | 158,000 km |
| 2005 | 29 | 196,000 km |
| 2002 | 6 | 173,000 km |
| 2001 | 11 | 227,000 km |
| 2000 | 11 | 220,000 km |
| 1999 | 29 | 250,000 km |
| 1992 | 5 | 276,000 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.
| Year | Cars in injury collisions | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 | 16 | 1 | 6 |
| 2023 | 35 | 1 | 6 |
| 2022 | 30 | 1 | 9 |
| 2021 | 31 | 4 | 4 |
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.
| Built | Licensed | Off the road (SORN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 1 |
| 2023 | 288 | 6 |
| 2022 | 468 | 23 |
| 2021 | 560 | 34 |
| 2020 | 370 | 31 |
| 2019 | 1,020 | 81 |
| 2018 | 443 | 51 |
| 2017 | 22 | 4 |
| 2016 | 343 | 55 |
| 2015 | 307 | 51 |
| 2014 | 370 | 100 |
| 2013 | 398 | 138 |
| 2012 | 240 | 134 |
| 2011 | 55 | 23 |
| 2010 | 8 | 7 |
| 2009 | 13 | 12 |
| 2008 | 66 | 55 |
| 2007 | 164 | 174 |
| 2006 | 169 | 234 |
| 2005 | 175 | 243 |
| 2004 | 1 | — |
| 2003 | 20 | 26 |
| 2002 | 103 | 123 |
| 2001 | 154 | 222 |
| 2000 | 147 | 258 |
| 1999 | 67 | 91 |
| 1998 | 2 | 2 |
| 1997 | 0 | 1 |
| 1996 | 0 | 2 |
| 1995 | 7 | 48 |
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 registered | Tests | Passed first time |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 390 | 92% |
| 2015 | 384 | 89% |
| 2014 | 445 | 88% |
| 2013 | 526 | 84% |
| 2012 | 315 | 87% |
| 2007 | 244 | 89% |
| 2006 | 266 | 85% |
| 2005 | 256 | 84% |
| 2002 | 171 | 80% |
| 2001 | 270 | 86% |
| 2000 | 239 | 80% |
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).
| Area | M5 | All cars, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 3.6% | 6.6% |
| Suspension | 3.2% | 11.6% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.2% | 14.3% |
| Visibility | 2.9% | 5.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.5% | 4.2% |
| Brakes | 2.1% | 8.9% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.0% | 1.6% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 0.5% | 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).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 859 | 255 (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 1,000 | 256 (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 1,461 | 254 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 3,138 | 264 (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 2,673 | 268 (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 204 | 234 (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 751 | — |
| 2015 | 745 | — |
| 2014 | 1,044 | — |
| 2013 | 1,295 | — |
| 2012 | 1,798 | — |
| 2011 | 344 | — |
| 2010 | 41 | — |
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.
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 797 | 14.2 | 11.3 | +26% |
| Plug-in hybrid | 402 | 11.9 | 1.7 | +610% |
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.
| Country | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Germany | €4,625 |
| United Kingdom | £3,705 |
| Poland | €3,311 |
| Netherlands | €5,074 |
| France | €4,731 |
| United States | $2,402 |
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
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.
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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