Generation-specific owner insights from 123+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2005–2010 M5?137
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2005–2010
6
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners describe the E60 M5 as an intoxicating but demanding car: a V10 super sedan with a soundtrack and character that nothing else in its price range matches, wrapped in a package that is expensive and sometimes fragile to keep on the road.
15 problems reported (4 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Owners consistently favor the manual-transmission cars over SMG, and several specifically recommend 2008 and later examples. The manual is described as reducing problems and being more desirable, with one owner noting the 6-speed is "super cool" and another citing a 2008 manual as the version to hold. Some owners note that early manual cars built until around September 2007 lacked defeatable traction control, with a factory update available for earlier cars. Beyond the transmission preference, no single model year is declared the definitive best.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W211), Audi S6, Audi RS6 and Audi R8.
Is a 2005–2010 M5 right for you?
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Owners describe the E60 M5 as an intoxicating but demanding car: a V10 super sedan with a soundtrack and character that nothing else in its price range matches, wrapped in a package that is expensive and sometimes fragile to keep on the road. The dominant framing in owner discussions is "the best car you never want to own": praised for its engine, looks, and uniqueness, criticized for maintenance costs, rod bearings, SMG transmission problems, and electrical gremlins. Many owners say the car is only viable if you can do your own work or budget heavily for repairs, and several describe ownership as a hobby rather than transportation. Owners repeatedly note that condition and service history matter far more than mileage, and that cheap examples are cheap for a reason. There is no strong early-versus-late model-year split in the discussions, though some owners specifically recommend 2008 and later cars, and the availability of a manual transmission is treated as a major dividing line.
Owners who cross-shopped the CLS63 AMG describe the E60 M5 as needing to be revved hard to feel fast, while the AMG's torque made it feel quicker at any road speed; one owner chose the AMG and considered it the better daily. Against the E39 M5, owners treat the E60 as a different proposition: more spectacular engine, more trouble. The E90 M3 is repeatedly called a better all-around car, though owners concede it lacks the V10's aura. Against the Audi R8, owners consider the R8 more reliable and cheaper to maintain. Several owners note the E60 M5 is not a rational purchase against any of these and should be bought for the engine and experience rather than value.
Owners recommend a manual-transmission car over SMG, a well-documented service history, and a pre-purchase inspection. Several advise paying more up front for a sorted car rather than a cheap one, with figures like $20k-$30k for a well-sorted manual mentioned. Owners recommend budgeting for rod bearings as preventative maintenance, ideally on a car where the work is already documented, and avoiding cars with unknown maintenance, many previous owners, or "reduced power mode" warnings. One owner advises a 2008 or later car with meticulous repair history.
Owners say this car is for enthusiasts with money, mechanical ability, or both: not for bargain hunters, first-car buyers, or anyone who cannot absorb large repair bills. Multiple owners warn that a cheap E60 M5 is not an arbitrage opportunity and that purchase price is only the entry fee. Inspection advice centers on a pre-purchase inspection, oil analysis for copper to check rod bearings, verifying service records, checking for SMG and VANOS work, and confirming the rod bearings have been replaced. Owners repeatedly stress proper warm-up before revving, frequent oil changes (several cite every 5,000 miles), and keeping oil on hand for top-offs. Several owners recommend an independent shop over a dealer to control costs.
Owners frequently describe the E60 M5 as a car that must be revved to deliver its performance, with the V10's sound and redline character cited as the main reason to own one. Several owners note that the car was a roughly $100k vehicle when new and that maintenance costs reflect that, not its current used price. The wagon version is mentioned fondly, with owners noting it was not sold in the US. Some owners report trouble-free ownership past 100k miles with diligent maintenance, while others report major failures, and owners attribute the difference largely to prior care and warm-up habits. A recurring theme is that the car attracts abuse from budget buyers, which depresses values and creates problem cars. Analysis based on approximately 123 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 2 | air bags |
| 2008 | 6 | 2 | engine |
| 2007 | 6 | 1 | air bags |
| 2006 | 124 | 1 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2010 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 12V126000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
2010 · exterior lighting:tail lightscampaign 13V407000
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
2008 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 12V126000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
2008 · exterior lighting:tail lightscampaign 13V407000
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
2007 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 12V126000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
2006 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 12V126000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.