Skip to content
KickTyres
BMW2011–2023 Critical issues documented

BMW M5: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used BMW M5 (2011–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning cooling, transmission, engine, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact BMW M5

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

6

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$500–$3,500

Typical repair

15

Service milestones

Which BMW M5 are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

4.4 twin-turbo V8 petrol (S63TU)· 4.4 litre petrol, turbocharged

Start your free check on this BMW M5

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

BMW M5

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

BMW M5

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a BMW M5 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Go through the service history looking for injector replacements — count how many and when.

    See why

    S63TU Fuel Injector Failure and Misfire (pre-2014 injectors)

    The F10 M5's 4.4 twin-turbo V8 suffered a bad run of fuel injectors on early cars; BMW revised the injector for 2014 but dealers commonly replaced them one at a time as each failed rather than as a set. A failing injector misfires, washes the bore with fuel and can take an ignition coil or catalytic converter with it if ignored. Cars still on a mixed set of early injectors keep failing one by one.

    What you would notice

    • Misfire or rough running, especially at idle when warm
    • Engine management light with injector or misfire codes
    • Fuel smell after start-up
    • Uneven, lumpy idle after short trips

    Typically $800–$5,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Start the car stone cold and listen through the first minute — hesitation, stumble or an uneven cold idle points at VANOS.

    See why

    S63TU VANOS Solenoid Sticking and Cam Timing Faults

    The S63TU runs four VANOS solenoids and they gum up or fail electrically with age, throwing cam-timing correlation codes, hurting cold-start smoothness and putting the car into reduced power. Standard practice past 100,000 km is to replace all four together — piecemeal replacement tends to be followed by the next one failing. Not catastrophic if attended to, but ignored VANOS faults mask other timing problems.

    What you would notice

    • Rough or hesitant cold start
    • Engine management light with VANOS or cam-correlation codes
    • Flat spots or hesitation at low RPM
    • Reduced power mode after hard driving

    Typically $500–$1,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Look under the car after it has been parked for signs of fresh fluid.

    See why

    M-DCT Overheating, Fluid Leaks and Harsh Shifting

    The F10 M5's 7-speed M-DCT generates serious heat under hard use and is sensitive to its fluid: leaks from the pan gasket or cooler lines degrade shift quality quickly, and overheating brings harsh shifts, drivetrain warnings and in the worst cases limp mode or clutch damage. A DCT that has never had a fluid service on a high-mileage car is the risk case — the fluid is a service item even though some schedules called it lifetime.

    What you would notice

    • Harsh or clunky low-speed shifts, worse when hot
    • Drivetrain or transmission warning after spirited driving
    • Fluid spots under the car after parking
    • Shudder pulling away

    Typically $800–$7,000 to put right.

BMW M5 service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the BMW M5. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

G90 M5 · 2024–2026 · 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Plug-in Hybrid (S68) - Modern electrified performance

Hybrid/Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 15,000 km

    Initial run-in service, essential for oil filtration once the engine's broken in.

  2. 30,000 km

    First comprehensive hybrid health inspect and brake fluid flush.

  3. 60,000 km

    Spark plug inspection as well as advanced transmission fluid service.

F90 M5 · 2017–2023 · 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo (S63) - Introduction of M xDrive AWD system

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    Differential and transmission fluids are recommended to be refreshed to ensure the M xDrive system continues to operate with precision.

  2. 80,000 km

    Evaluate the condition of suspension bushings and control arms, as the high torque of the F90 can accelerate wear on these components.

  3. 100,000 km

    More comprehensive engine work, such as spark plug replacement and secondary ignition components, is often required to maintain optimal performance.

F10 M5 · 2011–2016 · 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo (S63) - First turbocharged M5

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    Initial spark plug and ignition coil service is recommended to maintain peak twin-turbo efficiency.

  2. 80,000 km

    Cooling system components, such as plastic coolant hoses and expansion tanks, may begin to show signs of brittle aging due to the high under-bonnet heat.

  3. 100,000 km

    Considering a professional intake carbon cleaning service to remove deposit buildup from the direct injection ports.

E60 M5 · 2005–2010 · 5.0L V10 (S85) - Iconic high-revving naturally aspirated V10

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    Replacing the rod bearings as a preventative measure to ensure engine longevity.

  2. 100,000 km

    Inspect the cooling system, including the water pump and thermostat.

  3. 120,000 km

    Evaluate the SMG clutch and hydraulic pump health.

E39 M5 · 1998–2003 · 4.9L V8 (S62) - High-performance naturally aspirated sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 100,000 km

    Cooling system overhaul is often considered at this point, including the water pump as well as thermostat.

  2. 150,000 km

    Suspension refresh, focusing on shocks, springs as well as control arm bushings to maintain the signature M-handling.

  3. 200,000 km

    Engine-out maintenance might be relevant, including checking rod bearings as well as peripheral seals if not already documented.

See all 6 documented issuesEverything researched for the BMW M5, including 1 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this BMW M5 has — 6Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling5

01S63TU4 Coolant Expansion Tank Cracking in the Hot-V — Injector and Coil Damage

The F90 M5's plastic coolant expansion tank sits in the hot valley of the 4.4 twin-turbo V8 and is known to crack along its seam.petrol2018–2023CoolingRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02M-DCT Overheating, Fluid Leaks and Harsh Shifting

Look under the car after it has been parked for signs of fresh fluid.petrol2011–2016Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $800–$7,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The F10 M5's 7-speed M-DCT generates serious heat under hard use and is sensitive to its fluid: leaks from the pan gasket or cooler lines degrade shift quality quickly, and overheating brings harsh shifts, drivetrain warnings and in the worst cases limp mode or clutch damage. A DCT that has never had a fluid service on a high-mileage car is the risk case — the fluid is a service item even though some schedules called it lifetime.

Symptoms to notice

  • Harsh or clunky low-speed shifts, worse when hot
  • Drivetrain or transmission warning after spirited driving
  • Fluid spots under the car after parking
  • Shudder pulling away

What to check

Look under the car after it has been parked for signs of fresh fluid. On the test drive, get the drivetrain properly warm and make repeated low-speed shifts and a few full-throttle upshifts — harshness that worsens with temperature is the pattern. Ask for DCT fluid service records with dates and mileage. If a workshop inspection is possible: check the DCT pan and cooler lines for weeping and read clutch-temperature and adaptation data.

Where to look: Transmission — 7-speed M-DCT behind the engine; pan gasket and cooler lines underneath

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the DCT fluid ever been changed, and is there an invoice?”
  • “Any transmission warnings or limp mode, especially on track or hard road use?”
  • “Has the car been tracked?”

03S63TU Fuel Injector Failure and Misfire (pre-2014 injectors)

Go through the service history looking for injector replacements — count how many and when.petrol2011–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04Fuel Pump Faults — 2018-2019 HPFP Recall and Low-Pressure Pump Failures

petrol2018–2023Engine
OccasionalEngine $0–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Early F90s were recalled to fix a high-pressure fuel pump that was not always properly attached to the engine, which could crack and leak, and separately for ECU software that could stop the fuel pump; the transmission wiring harness had its own 2018 recall. Beyond the recalls, low-pressure fuel pumps have failed in service — the classic pattern is an engine that dies or refuses to restart hot after a long consistent run, or fuel pressure dropping under sustained load.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine dies or cranks without starting when hot
  • Loss of power under sustained high-speed running
  • Fuel pressure or drivetrain warning
  • Long cranking after a short stop

What to check

Ask any BMW dealer to run the VIN for open recalls before you buy — the HPFP, fuel-pump software and wiring-harness recalls are all VIN-checkable in minutes, and completion should be in the service history. On the drive, include a sustained motorway stint followed by a stop and hot restart. If a workshop inspection is possible: log low- and high-side fuel pressure under load.

Where to look: High-pressure pumps on the engine; low-pressure pump in the fuel tank

Parts involved: High-pressure fuel pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Have all recalls been completed on this VIN?”
  • “Has it ever cut out or struggled to restart when hot?”
  • “Any fuel-system parts replaced outside recall work?”

05S63TU VANOS Solenoid Sticking and Cam Timing Faults

Start the car stone cold and listen through the first minute — hesitation, stumble or an uneven cold idle points at VANOS.petrol2011–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Fluid leaks1

01S63TU4 Oil Leaks from the Oil Cooler and Valve Cover Gaskets

F90s are showing oil seepage as they age, most often from the oil cooler connections and valve cover gaskets.petrol2018–2023Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $600–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

F90s are showing oil seepage as they age, most often from the oil cooler connections and valve cover gaskets. Caught early it is gaskets and labour; left long enough it fouls belts, coats the underside and makes every later diagnosis harder. On a car this dense in the engine bay the labour is the real cost, so a seller's 'minor weep' quote deserves scrutiny.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil spots where it parks
  • Oil smell or light smoke off the engine after a run
  • Visible wet edges along the valve covers or around the oil cooler

What to check

With a phone torch, sight along both valve cover edges and around the oil cooler and its lines for wet, dark staining — dusty dry film is history, glossy wet is active. Check where the car usually parks for spots. Ask when any gaskets were last done. If a workshop inspection is possible: inspect from underneath on a hoist and clean-and-recheck to locate the true source.

Where to look: Valve covers on both banks; oil cooler and lines at the front of the engine

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover.

Ask the seller

  • “Any oil leaks repaired, and which gaskets?”
  • “Does it lose oil between services?”
  • “When was it last inspected underneath?”

BMW M5 faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

S63TU Fuel Injector Failure and Misfire (pre-2014 injectors)Major · EngineS63TU VANOS Solenoid Sticking and Cam Timing FaultsMajor · EngineS63TU4 Coolant Expansion Tank Cracking in the Hot-V — Injector and Coil DamageCritical · Cooling

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the BMW M5’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other BMW models

BMW 3 Series88 documented faultsBMW 5 Series58 documented faultsBMW 1 Series50 documented faultsBMW X342 documented faultsBMW X541 documented faultsBMW 2 Series27 documented faults

BMW M5 buyer questions

Is the BMW M5 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 documented faults for the BMW M5, the recurring problem areas are cooling, transmission, and engine. A BMW M5 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used BMW M5?

We've catalogued 6 known faults for the BMW M5, covering cooling, transmission, and engine. All 6 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a BMW M5?

Most single repairs on the BMW M5 fall between $500–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a BMW M5?

Yes. A BMW M5 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.