2021 BMW M5: common problems and reliability

The 2021 BMW M5 has 3 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 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 2021 model year

3
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
2
electrical system
1
fuel/propulsion system
1
exterior lighting
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 M5

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 20V598000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerform…

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 21V096000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive5…

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

2020 M52018 M52013 M52007 M52000 M5
Full BMW M5 owner reportCompare against another car