2010 BMW M5: common problems and reliability
· E61An average M5 year.
1 owner complaint, most about air bags. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 M5?The 2010 BMW M5 has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags. Owners most often flag rod bearing failure: owners describe it as a known s85 issue, recommend treating bearings as a maintenance item around 80k-100k miles, and report failures as low as 30k-50k miles.
Safety record for the 2010 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other M5 years only. How we score it
Is 2010 a good year for the M5?
Across the 19 M5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 124 (2006). With 1 complaints, the 2010 M5 sits about the same as the model's median of 4.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2010 M5
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 12V126000BMW 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.
exterior lighting:tail lights
Campaign 13V407000BMW 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).
What owners report on the E61 M5
Owners of the 2007-2010 E61 M5 describe it as a special, intoxicating machine built around the S85 V10, praising its sound, character, and the uniqueness of a V10 wagon, while simultaneously warning that it is one of the most expensive and maintenance-intensive BMWs of the modern era.
- Very frequentRod bearing failure
Owners describe it as a known S85 issue, recommend treating bearings as a maintenance item around 80k-100k miles, and report failures as low as 30k-50k miles.
- Very frequentSMG transmission problems and failure
Owners call the SMG a known time bomb, cite pump, clutch, and gearbox failures, and recommend the manual instead.
- Very frequentHigh fuel consumption
Owners report roughly 10-14 MPG in daily use, 6 MPG at the track, and 18-20 MPG on a highway trip.
- RecurrentVANOS high-pressure oil line and VANOS pump failure
Owners describe the oil line in the oil pan as a poor design and the pump as a guaranteed maintenance item costing thousands.
- RecurrentThrottle actuator failure
Owners report actuators failing and requiring replacement of both banks at significant cost.
Owner insights for the E61 M5. Read the full E61 owner report.
Other M5 model years
Compare every M5 year side by side to see how 2010 ranks against the rest.
Compare the M5 against its rivals
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