M5 G90 / G99
2025 to 2027 · reliability 72- Hybrid drive faults and false warning lightsMediumVaries
- Carbon buildup on the intake valves (S68)Low$1,000
Problems by generation
BMW M5 problems by generation
The known problems on all 7 M5 generations in our guide (E28, E34, E39, E60, F10, F90 and G90 / G99): what a fix costs, how each one scores on reliability, and which model years to skip.
Every M5 generation at a glance
| Generation | Reliability | Costliest known repair | Best year |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5 G90 / G992025 to 2027 | 72Good | Carbon buildup on the intake valves$1,000 | 2026Score 71 |
| M5 F902018 to 2023 | 63 to 66Moderate | Rod bearing wear$5,000 | 2023Score 73 |
| M5 F102013 to 2016 | 60 to 62Moderate | Rod bearing wear$5,000 | 2016Score 68 |
| M5 E602006 to 2010 | 51 to 52Mixed | Rod bearing wear$5,000 | 2010Score 62 |
| M5 E392000 to 2003 | 68Moderate | Timing chain guides and tensioners$4,500 | 2003Score 79 |
| M5 E341991 to 1993 | 61Moderate | Gearbox wear$3,000 | 1993Score 69 |
| M5 E281988 | 61Moderate | Self-leveling rear suspension$1,300 | 1988Score 74 |
Reliability is out of 100, for the range of a generation's model years: its engine, its own known problems and their bills, parts and service costs, and age. Repair figures are the guides' estimates for an independent shop, not quotes. How the scores work
The worst known problems on each M5
M5 F90
2018 to 2023 · reliability 63 to 66- Rod bearing wear (S63)Medium$5,000
- Cooling system / heat managementMedium$2,000
- Fuel injectors damaged by coolant (S63)Medium$2,000
M5 F10
2013 to 2016 · reliability 60 to 62- Rod bearing wear (S63)High$5,000
- Fuel injectors and high-pressure fuel pumps (S63)Medium$2,500
- Coolant and heat managementMedium$2,000
M5 E60
2006 to 2010 · reliability 51 to 52- Rod bearing wear (S85)High$5,000
- VANOS pump and solenoidsMedium$4,000
- SMG hydraulic pump (SMG cars)Medium$2,500
M5 E39
2000 to 2003 · reliability 68- Timing chain guides and tensioners (S62)High$4,500
- Rod bearing wear (S62)Medium$3,500
- Throttle actuator failureMedium$2,500
M5 E34
1991 to 1993 · reliability 61- Rust in the sills, doors and windshield frameHighVaries
- Gearbox wear (Getrag 280)Medium$3,000
- Self-leveling rear suspensionMedium$1,300
M5 E28
1988 · reliability 61- Rust at the trunk, rear fenders and sillsHighVaries
- Self-leveling rear suspensionMedium$1,300
- Cooling system agingMedium$1,000
Worst first: severity, then the repair estimate. Recalls are left out, since a BMW dealer fixes them free.
Which M5 years to skip
| Generation | Best year | Weaker years, and why |
|---|---|---|
| M5 G90 / G992025 to 2027 | 2026 (71) | None: no year is held back by a specific problem. |
| M5 F902018 to 2023 | 2023 (73) | None: no year is held back by a specific problem. |
| M5 F102013 to 2016 | 2016 (68) | None: no year is held back by a specific problem. |
| M5 E602006 to 2010 | 2010 (62) | None: no year is held back by a specific problem. |
| M5 E392000 to 2003 | 2003 (79) | None: no year is held back by a specific problem. |
| M5 E341991 to 1993 | 1993 (69) | None: no year is held back by a specific problem. |
| M5 E281988 | 1988 (74) | One model year only. |
Most of the gap between years is age. A year is listed when the score charges it for something specific: a different engine, a problem that hit only some years, or a gearbox that came later. The same list for every car is on the best and worst years.
Before you choose
Tip
A well-kept car from a weaker generation can be a better buy than a neglected one from the best. Each guide has the full problem list with how to check for each, and Score a listing rates one car for sale.
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