Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1.5× | 2 | Collision Avoidance | Few |
| 2020 | 2 | −14% | 3 | Engine | Few |
| 2019 | 8 | 2.5× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 6 | 2.0× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2016 | 1 | −25% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2013 | 10 | 3.0× | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2010 | 1 | −25% | 2 | Airbag | Few |
| 2009 | 0 | −50% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2008 | 6 | typical | 2 | Electrical | Few |
| 2007 | 6 | 2.0× | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 39 | 8.5× | 1 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2002 | 6 | 1.3× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Few |
| 2001 | 4 | typical | 3 | Airbag | Few |
| 2000 | 4 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median M5 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW M5 problems
Latest BMW M5 recalls
Electrical system › Wiring
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the air conditioning system's electrical wiring harness and add a retaining strap/bracket to the harness, as necessary, free of charge.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Electric › Control module
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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › Wiring
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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge.
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW M5 should you avoid?
2006 — this year has the most complaints relative to other M5 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2006.
What is the best year for the BMW M5?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other M5 years at the same age, followed by 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW M5 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (41), engine & cooling (24) and transmission & drivetrain (11). Airbag complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW M5 had?
19 recalls across 2000–2025. The model year with the most is 2001. See all BMW M5 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.