2020 BMW M5 Problems & Complaints

Few complaints14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the M5 at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2020 BMW M5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (2 complaints). 3 recalls cover this model year.

2complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2020 BMW M5 problems

  • Engine & cooling
    2100%
  • Electrical system
    150%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    150%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

BMW M5 complaints by model year

20002001200220062007200820092010201320162018201920202025446396611016821
Owner complaints per model year, BMW M5. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best M5 years: 2010, 2016. Years to avoid: 2006. Compare all years →

2020 BMW M5 recalls (3)

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 20V-598 · Sep 30, 2020 · 312 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 19V-883 · Dec 11, 2019 · 3,012 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 19V-684 · Sep 27, 2019 · 257,473 vehicles

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.

2020 BMW M5 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.4L 8-cyl turbo8-speed automaticAWD15 / 21 / 17

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 BMW M5 a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 M5 rates few complaints: 14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the M5 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 BMW M5?

The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).

How many recalls does the 2020 BMW M5 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2020 BMW M5, the most recent from September 30, 2020 (camera). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the BMW M5?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006. See the full BMW M5 years comparison.

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.