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Which Years Of Used BMW M5s Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
Green BMW M5

Source: Flickr

The BMW M5 is a sleek luxury option introduced by BMW over several decades. It’s had several redesigns, from the more recent plug-in hybrid model to the gas-powered classic from the 1980s. 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.

The more you know about your vehicle purchase before making a final decision, the better. Dependability is a critical aspect of any investment, especially with a luxury machine like the BMW M5. The more reliable the year you purchase, the more value you’ll get. Read on to learn more about which years are the worst, the best, and other helpful information.

Quick Answer: Avoid BMW M5 Year Models 1980s, 1990-1995, 2006-2010

When looking for the most reliable BMW M5 year, we recommend staying away from the iterations from the 1980s, 1990-1995, and 2006-2010. They have ample issues and are very problematic for drivers. They turn out to be the largest waste of time and money with expensive repairs and constant breaks. Take care with these selections. 


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Which Year Models of BMW M5 are Most Reliable? 

Some versions of the BMW M5 have not proven themselves worthy of an investment. However, that isn’t the case with every year of the BMW M5. Several years are decently dependable and will serve you well as a vehicle owner.

The most dependable years available for the BMW M5 include the following:

  • 2000-2003
  • 2012-2016 (Except 2013)
  • 2018-Present

These are the most reliable on the market for the BMW M5.

These vehicles have the best track record for the BMW M5, coming in with the fewest issues and fewer surprises for the person behind the wheel. The newer you can go with the BMW M5, the better - they seem to have well-updated their current models and they are by far the best performers on the road in the area of dependability.

Which Year Models of BMW M5 Are Least Reliable?

If you’re going to invest your time and money into a vehicle like the BMW M5, you want to make the most out of every dollar spent and your time on the road. Picking the best car for your money will ensure you don’t waste anything. Unfortunately, there are some less-than-ideal years.

The least reliable years for the BMW M5 include the following:

  • 1980s BMW M5
  • 1990-1995 BMW M5
  • 2006-2010 BMW M5
  • 2013 BMW M5

These have an unfortunate track record. 

Out of these, the worst year to consider in the BMW M5 is the 2014 iteration with extensive suspension troubles. It struggles with a rear suspension drop and a poor report from the NHTSA in this category. We recommend taking care of any of these years.

Common BMW M5 Problems

When checking out the most reliable BMW M5 year, it’s always beneficial to examine some of the most common issues you’ll encounter as an owner of this vehicle. Knowing these will help you act on any troubles far sooner.

According to repairpal.com, here are some problem areas with the BMW M5:

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

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

The longer you let these items go, the more expensive they will become to deal with. Of course, they are most likely to appear in the least dependable years of the BMW X5, but we recommend keeping your eyes peeled no matter which iteration of the luxury vehicle you have in your driveway.


THE BMW M5 YEARS TO AVOID

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.


Is the BMW M5 Expensive to Maintain?

As a luxury vehicle, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the car is more expensive to maintain than other selections on the market. According to caredge.com, it will cost $14,667 for repairs and maintenance on the BMW M5 over the first decade of ownership. Of course, it is vital to note that this number is more than the industry average by more than $2,000.

During the first ten years of ownership, there is a 40.39% chance the BMW M5 will need a severe repair, which is around 1% worse than the industry average. It’s slightly more expensive than most vehicles to maintain the BMW M5.

Is It Worth It to Buy a Used BMW M5?

We’ve considered the most reliable BMW M5 year selections and the worst. That leaves a big question - is it worth it to purchase a used BMW M5?

If you want something affordable and with minimal complaints, the BMW M5 is not the vehicle for you. However, if you’re attached to its luxurious appearance and stick with the best years, it will be a decent choice. 

How Much Does a BMW M5 Typically Cost?

The BMW M5 is a luxury car and carries that price point. The starting price for some more recent iterations is $109,900.

Not everyone wants a brand-new version of their vehicle. In that case, used ones can go for as low as $70,000.

How Long Does a BMW M5 Engine Last?

The engine is the core of your vehicle. Without engine longevity, you have nothing.

The engine in the M5 reportedly lasts around 150,000-250,000 miles. Maintenance put into it will make a difference. 


DO BMWs HOLD THEIR VALUE?

If you’re interested in a BMW, it’s critical to ask one question - do BMWs hold their value?


FAQs: Most Reliable BMW M5 Years

There are several solid years of the BMW M5. We recommend the 2000-2003, 2012-2016, and 2018-present varieties. These have the best history and will cost the least to maintain. 

Q: What common issues should I be aware of in the less reliable BMW M5 years?

Common issues in the least reliable years occur in the interior accessory and suspension areas. They can be frustrating and frequent. 

Q: Can I trust the BMW M5 models from the early 2000s?

Only the 2000-2003 models for the BMW M5 are the most trustworthy. We recommend avoiding the others. 

Q: Is the 2020 BMW M5 model reliable?

The BMW M5 is a reliable model. It’s safe to purchase the 2020 version for your driving needs.



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