# BMW M5 (E60) buying guide

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Buying guide · 2006 to 2010 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

The E60 M5 is a 507-hp V10 sedan whose rod bearings, SMG gearbox and electronics decide how ownership goes, so service history counts for more than mileage.

**Median asking price: $30,323** (Across 38 live listings)

- Asking prices: $14,900 to $114,990, middle half $23k to $43k
- For sale: 38
- Lowest price: $14,900
- Model years: 2006 to 2010
- Versions for sale: 1

## The E60 M5 as a used buy

A used BMW E60 M5 is worth buying only with documented rod bearing work, because a spun bearing can destroy the S85 V10. Sources call the bearings the engine's most feared weak point, and one group of owners and garages says replacement is essential before 70,000 miles.

The engine is a 5.0-litre that makes 507 hp at 7,750 rpm and revs to 8,250 rpm. It is BMW's only V10 in a road car. This guide covers 2006 to 2010. A Touring wagon was built for Europe only, and the mechanically identical E63 M6 coupe and E64 M6 convertible share the powertrain. Most cars have the SMG III seven-speed automated manual, and North America also got a six-speed manual from the 2007 model year.

Browse [used E60 M5s for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5/e60) to see what is out there. It ranks among our [best used luxury sedans](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/best/used-luxury-sedans), and if you are weighing it against newer cars, our [F10 M5 guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-f10) and [F90 M5 guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-f90) cover those generations.

## E60 M5 years and versions

The core powertrain barely changed across the run, with 507 hp and 520 Newton meters of torque, according to [Classic Driver](https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/do-not-buy-a-bmw-e60-m5-without-reading-first). The engine has three modes, P400, P500 and P500 Sport, and the SMG III offers eleven shift programs. [Motor1](https://www.motor1.com/features/792675/bmw-m5-e60-redemption-arc/) 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](https://www.secretentourage.com/lifestyle/autos/bmw-e60-m5-buyers-guide/) 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](https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/bmw-e60-m5-e63-m6-buyers-guide) 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](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10) lists what is for sale.

## E60 M5 versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [E60 M5](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10) | 2006-2010 | 38 | $30,323 |

## Common E60 M5 problems

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.

## What to check on a used E60 M5

Pay for a specialist or BMW dealer inspection, and take these to the viewing as well.

- Ask for invoices showing rod bearing replacement, because documented preventative work is worth more to a buyer than any option on the car.
- Book a full inspection by a specialist or BMW dealer before you commit.
- Check the oil change history, and ask the owner how often the level was topped up between services.
- On a pre-2006 car, ask for warranty records and the software version to learn whether the updated SMG pump was fitted.
- Drive an SMG car through the shift programs and listen for slow, jerky shifts or gearbox warnings.
- Watch the dash on a cold start and a long drive for oil pressure, VANOS or limp mode warnings.
- Test the electronic damper modes, and look for leaks.
- Assume the car needs brakes and tires all around until a receipt or a measured check says otherwise.
- Open the boot and feel the floor and spare wheel well for damp.
- Run the iDrive through its menus to see whether it freezes.

## E60 M5 running costs

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](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/m5-2005-2010/reliability) 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](https://www.autotrader.ca/editorial/fun-stuff/depreciation-appreciation-2006-2010-bmw-m5-e60/) 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](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/bmw/m5), and [used M5 listings](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5) are there when you are ready.

## E60 M5 recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for 2006 to 2010 M5s. Campaign 12V126000 concerns the positive battery cable's bulkhead connector, which may have been attached incorrectly to the trunk floor panel and can loosen its bolt. Campaign 13V407000 covers 2008 to 2010 cars, where increased resistance at the taillight contacts may damage the connector's ground terminal and housing.

Owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA, 67 of them about air bags and 25 about the electrical system. These are reports, not proven faults. Six describe crashes, four fires and six injuries. Enter a car's VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the work was done.

## NHTSA recalls for the E60 M5

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2006 to 2010 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 13V407000 | Sep 11, 2013 | 2008 to 2010 | Exterior lighting | Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 12V126000 | Mar 26, 2012 | 2006 to 2010 | Electrical system | OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the E60 M5

Owners filed 137 complaints with NHTSA for the 2006 to 2010 model years (6 crashes and 4 fires reported). A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Air bags | 67 |
| Electrical system | 25 |
| Power train | 14 |
| Engine | 11 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 |
| Seat belts | 9 |
| Seats | 8 |
| Service brakes | 8 |

## Best E60 M5 deals right now

10 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $5,950. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2006 BMW M5, E60: asking $19,394 · $6k below market · 79,197 mi · Norfolk, VA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2006 BMW M5, E60: asking $22,353 · $6k below market · 64,337 mi · Joliet, IL · deal score 100 of 100
- 2008 BMW M5, E60: asking $19,900 · $6k below market · 103,259 mi · Oklahoma City, OK · deal score 100 of 100
- 2008 BMW M5, E60: asking $18,849 · $5k below market · 112,945 mi · Snellville, GA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2007 BMW M5, E60: asking $19,898 · $4k below market · 101,206 mi · Snellville, GA · deal score 99 of 100
- 2010 BMW M5, E60: asking $30,147 · $5k below market · 84,814 mi · Addison, TX · deal score 94 of 100

[Unlock all 10 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## E60 M5 prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- 2010: $38,480 (4 for sale · $30,147 to $41,299 · median 87,045 mi)
- 2009: $40,141 (1 for sale · median 68,736 mi)
- [2008](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5/2008): $32,425 (16 for sale · $14,999 to $114,990 · median 82,719 mi)
- [2007](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5/2007): $36,990 (5 for sale · $14,900 to $45,500 · median 92,021 mi)
- [2006](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5/2006): $25,188 (12 for sale · $19,094 to $55,150 · median 72,915 mi)

[M5 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/bmw/m5)

## E60 M5 fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| M5 | 2010 | $30,975 | 98,200 |
| M5 | 2008 | $28,801 | 83,800 |
| M5 | 2007 | $25,066 | 91,800 |
| M5 | 2006 | $25,589 | 77,200 |

## E60 M5 for sale now

- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $114,990 · 57,878 mi · Cincinnati, OH
- [2010 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $41,299 · 115,170 mi · Salt Lake City, UT
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $19,900 · 103,259 mi · Oklahoma City, OK
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $32,900 · 79,878 mi · Kent, WA
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $20,491 · 123,268 mi · Fredericksburg, VA
- [2007 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $14,900 · 91,617 mi · Connelly Springs, NC
- [2007 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $19,898 · 101,206 mi · Snellville, GA
- [2007 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $43,995 · 102,205 mi · Glenpool, OK
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $37,000 · 108,000 mi · Brooklyn, NY
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $48,489 · 54,178 mi · Acton, MA
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $27,949 · 70,175 mi · South St. Paul, MN
- [2006 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $30,498 · 97,000 mi · Murfreesboro, TN
- [2006 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $20,489 · 105,478 mi · Decatur, GA
- [2007 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $45,500 · 27,980 mi · Bellingham, MA
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $55,485 · 70,584 mi · Mechanicsburg, PA
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $49,900 · 62,079 mi · Miami, FL
- [2006 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $55,150 · 34,000 mi · Bellevue, WA
- [2006 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $25,195 · 96,317 mi · Renton, WA
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $18,849 · 112,945 mi · Snellville, GA
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $14,999 · 138,616 mi · Mahopac, NY
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $50,098 · 87,980 mi · Lawrenceville, GA
- [2006 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $19,094 · 68,384 mi · Longmont, CO
- [2008 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $79,995 · 94,835 mi · Tampa, FL
- [2010 BMW M5, E60](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m5-e60-v10): $30,147 · 84,814 mi · Addison, TX

[Every used M5](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5)

## Our verdict

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.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Do not buy a BMW E60 M5 without reading this first](https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/do-not-buy-a-bmw-e60-m5-without-reading-first) (Classic Driver)
- [Icon Buyer: 2004 BMW E60/E63M5 and M6 buyer's guide](https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/bmw-e60-m5-e63-m6-buyers-guide) (whichcar.com.au)
- [BMW M5 E60 Redemption Arc](https://www.motor1.com/features/792675/bmw-m5-e60-redemption-arc/) (Motor1)
- [BMW M5 2005-2010 Reliability & Common Problems](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/m5-2005-2010/reliability) (Autocar)
- [Depreciation Appreciation: 2006-2010 BMW M5 (E60)](https://www.autotrader.ca/editorial/fun-stuff/depreciation-appreciation-2006-2010-bmw-m5-e60/) (autotrader.ca)
- [Used BMW M5: Problems & Buying Guide](https://carguide.co.uk/used-cars/manufacturer/BMW/model/M5/) (carguide.co.uk)
- [The Once Very Expensive BMW M5 E60 Is Now Suspiciously Affordable](https://www.topspeed.com/bmw-e60-m5-suspiciously-affordable/) (topspeed.com)
- [BMW E60 M5 Buyers Guide](https://www.secretentourage.com/lifestyle/autos/bmw-e60-m5-buyers-guide/) (secretentourage.com)
- [BMW E60 5 Series and M5 buyer's guide (2004–2010): problems, years, checks](https://bimmerbench.com/buyers-guide/e60/) (bimmerbench.com)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the E60 M5](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the E60 M5

- [Used BMW M5 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5) (283)
- [Used BMW E60 M5 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m5/e60) (38)
- [BMW M5 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/bmw/m5)
- [Cheapest BMW M5 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/bmw/m5)
- [Used BMW for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw) (1,873)

## More BMW buying guides

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- [BMW M5 (F90) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-f90) (2018 to 2024)
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- [BMW M3 (E36) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e36) (1995 to 1999)
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- [BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e9x) (2008 to 2013)
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## Latest BMW M5 news

- [Used BMW market runs warm for the M3 and cool for the X6 M](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/bmw-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Of 1,873 BMWs for sale, 534 are rated great or good deals, with big discounts on older M3s and a 2025 M8 Competition.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## E60 M5: common questions

### What is the best E60 M5 to buy?

Find a 2006 or later car with documented rod bearing work, ideally a six-speed manual. The manual was sold in North America from 2007, and Secret Entourage rates it as less complicated, with less to go wrong. LCI cars add the better iDrive and engine upgrades.

### What goes wrong with the E60 M5?

Rod bearing wear is the most feared fault, as a spun bearing can destroy the engine. Throttle actuators, the VANOS pump and the SMG hydraulic pump also fail. Owners report alternator and iDrive problems too.

### Is the E60 M5 reliable?

Not cheaply. Sources point to rod bearings, the SMG pump and throttle actuators as expensive risks, and Autotrader.ca says the car suits nobody wanting inexpensive repair bills. Documented bearing work is the first thing to ask for.

### How much does it cost to run an E60 M5?

Expect high running costs. Motor1 puts a rod bearing service at $2,500 to $3,500, and one owner suggests budgeting $7,500 for reliability. Tires can top $2K a set, per WhichCar, and Autocar quotes around £1800 for brake discs.

### How much is a used E60 M5?

Asking prices for the 38 cars we track for sale right now run from $14,900 to $114,990, with a median of $30,323. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the E60 M5 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns filed for the 2006 to 2010 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for exterior lighting. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

---

Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "BMW M5 (E60) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-e60 (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.