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. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$3,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known BMW M5 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01S63TU4 Coolant Expansion Tank Cracking in the Hot-V — Injector and Coil Damage
CriticalCommonCooling $400–$6,000 to fix
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. Because it leaks directly onto the fuel injectors and ignition coils below it, what starts as a coolant leak can short coils, kill injectors and in bad cases damage the ECU. BMW revised the tank part in late 2020, so pre-revision cars that still carry the original tank are the ones to check hardest.
Symptoms to notice
Coolant level warning or repeated top-ups
Coolant smell from the engine bay after a run
Misfire together with a coolant loss
White crusty residue around the centre of the engine
What to check
With the engine cold, look into the valley between the cylinder banks with a phone torch for crusty pink/white coolant residue around the tank and on the components below it — residue there is the fault in progress. Check the coolant level and ask how often it needs topping up. Ask whether the tank has been replaced with the revised part and for the invoice. If a workshop inspection is possible: pressure-test the cooling system and inspect the tank seam directly.
Where to look: Centre of the engine bay — expansion tank in the V between the cylinder banks
Ask the seller
“Has the expansion tank been replaced with the revised part?”
“Does it ever ask for coolant between services?”
“Any misfires alongside coolant loss?”
02S63TU4 Oil Leaks from the Oil Cooler and Valve Cover Gaskets
MinorOccasionalFluid Leaks $600–$2,500 to fix
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
Ask the seller
“Any oil leaks repaired, and which gaskets?”
“Does it lose oil between services?”
“When was it last inspected underneath?”
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
4 more documented faults on the BMW M5
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
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?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the BMW M5, covering cooling, transmission, and engine. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a BMW M5?
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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?
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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 $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.