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).

Is 2013 a good year for the M5?

Across the 6 M5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2021) to 26 (2018). With 10 complaints, the 2013 M5 sits abovethe model's median of 6.

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

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,…

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the M5. See the full M5 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

Other M5 model years

Compare every M5 year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the M5 against its rivals