Generation-specific owner insights from 74+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2018–2023 M5?46
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2018–2023
14
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the F90 M5 overwhelmingly describe it as an excellent daily driver and one of the best all-around performance sedans, with many calling it the greatest sedan they have owned.
10 problems reported (1 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Owners across multiple threads report leaks, coolant consumption requiring top-offs, and a recall/TSB replacement; some note the replacement part can still fail.
Multiple owners mention the engine naturally burns some oil and requires occasional topping off.
One owner reported cylinder 5 losing compression and requiring a cylinder head replacement with a large out-of-pocket cost.
Reported by one owner on an LCI car, replaced under warranty.
One owner reported a sensor failure covered under warranty.
One owner reported replacement under warranty.
One owner reported corroded coils requiring replacement.
One owner reported this self-correcting issue.
One owner attributed these problems to tuning and reported they resolved after removing the tune.
One owner cited this as a common and expensive repair affecting the platform.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus, though partial signal favors later LCI examples (2021-2023) as the most refined and best-sorted, with the 2023 model specifically cited as the final and most perfected year. Competition trim is widely referenced and praised by owners.
Owners compare it most often with the Audi RS5, Audi RS7, Audi S5, BMW M340i and BMW M550i.
Is a 2018–2023 M5 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners of the F90 M5 overwhelmingly describe it as an excellent daily driver and one of the best all-around performance sedans, with many calling it the greatest sedan they have owned. The dominant theme is that the car is reliable when maintained properly, with several owners reporting flawless multi-year ownership experiences and no issues beyond standard maintenance. Criticism centers on running costs rather than dependability: tires, fuel, insurance, and potential out-of-warranty repairs are expensive, and owners repeatedly stress that the car demands a healthy budget. Later model years (2021-2023) are generally regarded as more sorted, with the coolant expansion tank issue addressed via recall and refinement over the production run, while early cars (2018-2019) still draw positive reliability comments but are more often flagged for coolant leaks and pre-LCI infotainment limitations.
Owners consistently place the F90 M5 in a higher class than the RS5 and S5, noting the M5 competes more directly with the RS6/RS7 and that the RS5 is an M4 rival rather than an M5 rival. The M5 is described as significantly more expensive to buy and run than an RS5, roughly 50 percent more. Against the M340i, owners acknowledge the M340i is cheaper, newer, and comes with warranty and included service, but the M5 is positioned as a far more special and capable machine. The M550i is frequently raised as a lower-cost alternative with a related but less potent engine, and some owners suggest it may be the smarter buy for drivers who cannot exploit the M5's full capabilities. Against the M3/M4, owners note the M5 offers more interior and rear-seat space and is the better daily, while the smaller M cars are lighter and more involving.
Owners recommend seeking a post-LCI example where possible, citing mechanical upgrades and improved infotainment over the pre-LCI 2018 cars, though some owners prefer the pre-LCI for its exhaust character and burbles. Competition models are frequently mentioned positively. Several owners advise prioritizing a car with complete service history, the 1,200-mile break-in service completed, regular oil changes at or below 10k miles, and no evidence of tuning or aggressive modifications. A pre-purchase inspection and an extended warranty are strongly and repeatedly recommended.
This generation suits buyers who can comfortably absorb high operating costs, including tires, fuel, insurance, and potential repairs, and who will stay on top of preventative maintenance. Owners warn that those who cannot afford roughly 5-10k per year in upkeep, or who would be pained by a large out-of-warranty repair, should avoid it. Later model years are preferred for refinement and the addressed coolant tank, while early cars should be inspected closely for coolant leaks. Buyers are advised to get a PPI, verify the full service history and break-in service, confirm the coolant expansion tank recall was performed, and purchase an extended warranty given the cost of major engine repairs.
Owners repeatedly emphasize that the F90 is more reliable than the previous F10 generation and that the S63 engine in this application is regarded as more dependable than earlier BMW V8s. Tire costs draw frequent comment, with rear tires reportedly lasting around 10k miles and a pair of rears costing over 1,100 dollars. Extended warranty pricing is discussed in detail, with owners citing figures ranging from roughly 5k to 7k and noting premiums rising. Several owners describe the car as too fast for normal streets and note that much of its capability goes unused in city driving. The mild-hybrid and infotainment differences between pre-LCI and LCI cars are mentioned as buying considerations. Analysis based on approximately 74 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | structure |
| 2022 | 3 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 3 | 3 | power train |
| 2020 | 4 | 4 | power train |
| 2019 | 8 | 3 | engine |
| 2018 | 27 | 3 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2022 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 26V525000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 20V598000
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."
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 26V525000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 20V598000
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."
2020 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 19V883000
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.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V684000
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."
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2019 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 19V883000
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.
2019 · fuel system, other:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 19V513000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V684000
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."
2018 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 18V323000
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.
1 more recall not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
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.