2018 BMW M5: common problems and reliability

The 2018 BMW M5 has 26 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and seat belts. 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 2018 model year

26
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
11
seat belts
7
electrical system
4
engine
3
seats
3

Recalls affecting the 2018 M5

electrical system:software

Campaign 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.

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 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, …

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly

Campaign 18V473000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibl…

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 M52013 M52007 M52000 M5
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