BMW
M4
BMW
M5
BMW M4 vs BMW M5: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW M5 comes out ahead of the BMW M4 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
M4
Overall
Extremely positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with performance, daily drivability, and emotional fulfillment. The M4 is consistently described as a "dream car" that delivers a thrilling, occasion-like driving experience. Owners of the current G82 generation (2021+) praise its all-around capability as a perfect daily driver that is "quick enough to do everything, but also super comfortable," with a smooth ride and impressive technology.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Strong appreciation is expressed for both the F82 (2015-2020) and G82 (2021+) generations.
Known issues
- ⚠High Cost of Ownership: Very frequent warnings about expensive routine maintenance (tires, brakes) and major repairs (turbos) on used, high-mileage examples. Budgeting thousands annually is emphasized. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Carbon Bucket Seat Drawbacks: Recurrent mentions of being a "pain to live with," including difficulty entering/exiting, wear on bolsters, and compromised comfort for some passengers on long trips. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Risk of Purchasing Modified Used Vehicles: Recurrent strong advice against buying modified M4s due to unknown build quality, potential hidden damage from aggressive tuning, and the likelihood that the car was driven hard.
M5
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by ownership costs. The E60 generation (V10 S85 engine) is universally described as an unreliable "money pit" and "heap of junk" with catastrophic engine failure risks, particularly concerning rod bearings, leading to extremely high maintenance costs. The F90 generation (V8 S63 engine) receives a more positive reception for its brutal performance, all-wheel drive capability, and modern luxury, but is still acknowledged as a very expensive vehicle to maintain properly.
Best version to buy
F90 Competition (pre-hybrid V8): This generation is frequently cited as the "last good M5," praised for its reliability relative to the V10, monstrous performance from its twin-turbo V8, and attractive design. It is seen as a peak of the traditional M5 formula before the added weight and complexity of the hybrid G90.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic engine failure (E60 V10 S85): Rod bearing failures leading to seized engines; described as one of the least reliable BMW engines ever made. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance/repair costs: Described as an "absolute fortune" to maintain, with reports of $20,000+ spent over 10 years for low-mileage cars; major service bills anticipated as mileage approaches 100,000 km.
- ⚠Hybrid system and weight drawbacks (G90): Numb brake feel due to regen, excessive mass, and electromechanical systems that detract from driver engagement; noted quality control issues like missing door assemblies and non-functional heaters…
The verdict
The BMW M5 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the BMW M4, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the BMW M4 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW M4 or the BMW M5?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW M4 and the BMW M5. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the BMW M4 or the BMW M5?
The BMW M5 seats more passengers than the BMW M4 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the BMW M4 is classed as a Coupe, the BMW M5 as a Station wagon.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW M4 or the BMW M5?
The BMW M5 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 2.0 L/100km combined versus 10.2 L/100km for the BMW M4, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW M4 or the BMW M5?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW M4 than the BMW M5. See the known issues comparison above.