2013 BMW M5: common problems and reliability

The 2013 BMW M5 has 10 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and steering. Owners most often flag 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.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

10
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
6
steering
3
electrical system
1
fuel/propulsion system
1
suspension
1

Recalls affecting the 2013 M5

exterior lighting

Campaign 15V188000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such,…

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 12V475000

BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil …

What owners say across generations

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 concernin

  • 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • 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 in hybrid mode. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — Older V8 models (S63, N63) noted to consume oil. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission resonance — Specific note of a weird grinding/resonance between 32-34 mph in the G90 hybrid. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the M5.

Typical used price

Used M5 listings typically run $55,270–$134,060 across 2006 to 2027 model years.

Other M5 model years

2021 M52020 M52018 M52007 M52000 M5
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