BMW M5 (E60) buying guide

The core powertrain barely changed across the run, with 507 hp and 520 Newton meters of torque, according to Classic Driver. The engine has three modes, P400, P500 and P500 Sport, and the SMG III offers eleven shift programs. Motor1 quotes 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited 190 mph with the M Driver's Package.

Year matters mostly for the gearbox. Classic Driver gives a clear recommendation to 2006 and later cars because of an upgraded SMG hydraulic pump, and says older cars may have had the new pump fitted under warranty, so check service history and software version. Secret Entourage says early 2006 cars have the worst reputation and were SMG only.

Secret Entourage argues the manual cars are the ones to buy as the M5s age, since they are less complicated and have less to go wrong. They were sold in North America only, from 2007, and they are rare. Motor1 gives 1,366 built and another source gives 1,364. WhichCar counts 19,523 E60 M5s in all, with 8800 going to North America.

The LCI facelift brought revised lights, redesigned doorcards and a much improved hard-drive CIC iDrive. One owner quoted by Motor1 wanted an LCI car for the restyled interior, the upgraded VANOS pump, oil squirters and a dual-drain oil pan, which early cars lack. Classic Driver says the Touring draws buyers for its practicality and rarity. WhichCar puts Touring production at 1,025 cars, 223 of them right-hand drive for the UK. Our E60 M5 market page lists what is for sale.

The serious faults cluster around the engine's bearings and oiling, the throttles and the gearbox.

Rod bearing wear

Classic Driver says rod bearing clearance is about half the industry standard, which with thick 10W-60 oil leaves a thin oil film. A spun bearing can destroy the engine. Owners and garages cited by Autocar call replacement essential before 70,000 miles.

Oil consumption

The V10 burns oil between changes, and letting the level drop is a leading way to damage the bearings. A car that has been run low is a worse bet than its mileage suggests.

SMG hydraulic pump

The pump can fail, giving sluggish shifts and warnings. Autocar reports UK quotes of upwards of £5000 to fix it. The pump was upgraded on later cars.

Throttle actuator gears

Plastic gears in the throttle actuators wear and can damage the circuit board, which sends the car into limp mode. Classic Driver puts replacement at around 700 euros per unit.

VANOS faults

Solenoid faults cause power loss, while leaking lines or a worn VANOS pump give erratic cam timing. An oil pressure or VANOS warning light is the sign, and Autocar calls the pump a common failure point.

Electrics and iDrive

Alternator failures from voltage spikes and freezing iDrive screens are reported by owners cited in Autocar. The facelift's CIC iDrive is a much improved unit.

Boot water ingress

Blocked rain channels can let water into the boot.

Motor1 puts a rod bearing service at $2,500 to $3,500 with parts and labor, or $1,200 to $1,600 in parts if you do it yourself. One owner there advises budgeting $7,500 to make the car reliable on day one.

Autocar says to budget £1500 to £2000 for a new VANOS unit or pump, and that the large brake discs wear out after 30,000 to 40,000 miles, with a set costing around £1800. WhichCar says the OEM tires, 275/35/19 front and 285/35/19 rear, can cost in excess of $2K to replace.

Autotrader.ca calls the M5 a poor fit for anyone wanting good fuel economy or inexpensive repair bills. Set your repair budget before you look at the M5 price guide, and used M5 listings are there when you are ready.

Find a manual M5 with paperwork for the rod bearings. The manual is the car Secret Entourage rates as less complicated, and the bearing work covers the engine risk every source raises. If you want the SMG, choose a 2006 or later car with the updated pump documented. An LCI car adds the better iDrive plus the oil pan and VANOS upgrades.

Skip any car without proof of bearing work, or whose owner cannot show oil changes. Budget for brakes, tires and a specialist inspection. Autotrader.ca says the M5 has few rivals as a four-door performance car, and that holds only once the V10's bearings have been dealt with.