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The BMW M5 Years To Avoid

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Red BMW M5

Source: Flickr

The BMW M5 is a high-performance vehicle from the iconic BMW name, offering a sports sedan design in a luxurious body. These cars aren’t cheap, so it’s vital to get the best your money can purchase. In that case, you might consider some of the most significant BMW M5 years to avoid.

The best versions of the BMW M5 provide a ride that is just as powerful and enjoyable as it is luxurious. However, no two years are created equal. Keep reading to learn more about the worst years of the BMW X5, the models that are safe to purchase used, and other helpful information. 

Quick Answer: Avoid BMW M5 Years 2006-2010, 1980s, 1990-1995, 2013.

When considering the BMW M5 years to avoid, we recommend staying away from the 2006-2010, 1980s, and 1990-1995 selections. These have the highest number of complaints and issues, so it’s best to keep away from them if you can during your selection process. 


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Which Year Models of BMW M5 are Safe to Buy Used? 

Although some years of the BMW M5 struggle, other years have minimal issues and thus will provide the least number of issues to a typical owner. Unfortunately, these are likely more expensive than most of the least dependable selections on the market. 

Here are a few of the best years available for the BMW M5:

  • 2012-2016 BMW M5
  • 2018-Present BMW M5
  • 2000-2003 BMW M5

These are the best available choices for the BMW M5.

Out of all of these, the BMW M5 from the most recent years seems to fare the best out of all the iterations. Prominent issues in the BMW M5, like suspension, don’t seem to impact it as much. Of course, they are slightly more expensive. 

Which Year Models of BMW M5 to Avoid

Unfortunately, there are many problematic years of the BMW M5, as mentioned above. They have varying complaints, from items as serious as the suspension system to less serious selections like paint troubles.

We recommend staying away from these years of the BMW M5 if possible:

  • 1980s BMW M5
  • 1990 BMW M5
  • 1991 BMW M5
  • 1992 BMW M5
  • 1993 BMW M5
  • 1994 BMW M5
  • 1995 BMW M5
  • 2006 BMW M5
  • 2007 BMW M5
  • 2008 BMW M5
  • 2009 BMW M5
  • 2010 BMW M5
  • 2013 BMW M5

These stacked up the most problems.

The worst year for the BMW M5 was the 2013 BMW M5, which struggled with extensive suspension troubles. The core issues are with the dropping of the suspension and other NHTSA complaints.

Common BMW M5 Problems

Many reputable sites report issues for vehicles. Since the BMW M5 is less common to own, there isn’t too much information about troubles across all years.

According to repairpal.com, here are some of the worst troubles in the BMW M5:

  • Failure of front thrust rod bushings
  • Rubbing noise from the rear differential
  • Multiple power steering hoses failing

These are some of the worst areas of the BMW M5.

Unfortunately, these issues can be pricey to handle and could require expensive repairs at the mechanic. If you notice them, bring your BMW M5 in as soon as possible for the best shot at longevity.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE BMW M5

If you’re interested in this car, it might feel impossible to land in the right year. It’s vital to consider the most reliable BMW M5 year.


BMW M5 Problem Counts by Year

There are many reputable sites that report issues for vehicles. Since the BMW M5 is less common to own, there isn’t too much information about troubles across all years.

However, here is the current data from carcomplaints.com:

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Are BMW M5s typically reliable?

Unfortunately, the BMW M5 doesn’t perform well when considering dependability. According to thecarexpert.co.uk, this vehicle doesn’t perform well on the road. It currently has a 47% reliability rating, which is far less reliable than is ideal.

If you want a dependable luxury car, the BMW M5 isn’t the way to go. They struggle with dependability. 

How much does a used BMW M5 typically cost?

When checking out the BMW M5 years to avoid, it’s helpful to know the cost of what you’re getting into. For those investing in a new BMW M5, you can expect to pay a starting price of $109,900.

If that price point doesn’t fit your needs, there are also cheaper items. Some used versions of the BMW M5 can go for as low as $70,000.

Is the BMW M5 a good car to purchase?

We’ve discussed the BMW M5 years to avoid, but there’s another question to answer - is the BMW M5 worth it to purchase? It doesn’t make sense to focus on the best and worst years if it isn’t an excellent idea to buy a BMW M5.

If you want a sleek, luxurious vehicle with ample standard features, the BMW M5 is an excellent purchase. However, if you want something more affordable and with fewer issues in dependability, we recommend something else.


DO BMWS HOLD THEIR VALUE?

Longevity in value matters, but it’s something many people forget to consider in their investment. If you’re interested in a BMW, it’s critical to ask one question - do BMWs hold their value?


FAQs: BMW M5 Years to Avoid

Q: Which BMW M5 years should I avoid?

Stay away from the 2006-2010, 2014, 1980s, and 1990-1995 vehicles. Unfortunately, they are filled with ample issues and will provide more trouble to drive than they are worth. 

Q: Did any of the BMW M5 years to avoid have other significant issues?

The most significant obstacle in the BMW M5 is issues with the suspension system, especially in the 2014 version. Unfortunately, these can be expensive to handle if left unchecked.

Q: Are newer BMW M5 models more reliable?

In the case of the BMW M5, the newer versions of the BMW M5 are more dependable than several of the older selections. If you can afford it, we recommend purchasing some of the newest BMW M5 selections on the market. 

Q: Is the BMW M5 a good car to purchase?

For the right audience, the BMW M5 is an excellent choice for its class and ability. For others, it’s far too expensive and unreliable.



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