Overview & Reviews

There are sport sedans, and then there's the BMW M5. No other car in recent memory has been able to represent the ideal for this segment as strongly as the Bimmer. For each of its five generations, the M5 has impressively blended sports car performance, sedan utility and luxury ambience.

The M5 is a product of BMW's performance-tuning M Division. It's based on the 5 Series sedan, and historical calling cards include a unique and more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes, special wheels and tires, and aerodynamically enhanced bodywork. Though the most recent BMW M5 is the fleetest of the group, any M5 still represents a fantastic choice for a luxury sport sedan. Even M5s from the 1980s and '90s were significant performers in their day, and the rare well-kept specimen still holds great appeal for enthusiasts.

Current BMW M5
The current M5 packs a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 good for 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. The optional Competition package bumps the power up to 575. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual are standard, while a six-speed conventional manual is available as a no-cost option. Unlike the rev-happy naturally aspirated engines that came before it, this turbocharged mill provides a mountain of low-end torque that seemingly never lets up. This is an astonishingly quick car.

How the M5 drives is largely determined by which of the myriad drive settings you choose. Steering weight, suspension firmness, throttle response, transmission shift programming and stability control parameters can all be adjusted to your exact preferences. On an ordinary BMW, the adjustable settings consist of three or four preset combinations, so this M5 represents a new level of customizable performance.

The overall result is a car that can function equally well as a docile commuter or a vicious, corner-attacking machine. There are several other cars that pull off a similar double-duty trick, but the M5 is the car that arguably inspired them all. Its engine may be a departure from past models, and its size may make it seem a bit unwieldy at times, but there's no denying that the latest M5 maintains its high-performance street cred.

Used BMW M5 Models
The current, fifth-generation M5 debuted for 2013 after a two-year hiatus for the nameplate. Like the 5 Series on which it's based, this M5 is larger than its predecessor, with an improved interior and more traditional BMW styling. In addition to swapping out the old V10 for a twin-turbo V8, it gains a superior dual-clutch automated manual transmission, a more capable torque-vectoring rear differential, upgraded brakes and enhanced adjustable drive settings. Unlike the regular 5 Series, the M5 sticks with more responsive and communicative hydraulic power steering rather than electric.

The current M5 received a handful of updates for 2014, including minor styling tweaks, a new steering wheel, a revised iDrive interface, a few additional options and the optional Competition package (comprising 15 extra hp, a sport exhaust, 20-inch wheels and sharper steering and suspension calibrations).

The previous, fourth-generation BMW M5 was produced for the 2006-'10 model years. It was powered by a screaming 5.0-liter V10 capable of 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission at first was a single-clutch automated manual called SMG that sent power to the rear wheels. Drivers could either leave the transmission in automatic mode or perform exceptionally quick gearshifts via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The downside was unrefined, herky-jerky upshifts, which were particularly unwelcome in ordinary driving. BMW offered an optional six-speed conventional manual starting in 2007.

The fourth-gen M5's suspension took more of a back-to-basics approach. Unlike the standard-issue 5 Series of that era, the M5 lacked active roll bars and run-flat tires. The major pieces were electronically controlled dampers, lightweight 19-inch wheels, performance tires and massive brakes. Our quibbles here mostly concerned the unnatural-feeling steering system with its variable ratio and effort. Otherwise, this M5 was a track-ready ninja with uncommonly precise handling.

Like previous M5s, the fourth generation didn't sacrifice much comfort to achieve its high-performance abilities -- just about every luxury feature came standard. Whether it's utilized for daily commuting, impressing clients or blasts on empty canyon roads, a used M5 from this generation will be up to the task. Be wary of maintenance costs, however, as BMW forums are rife with tales of eye-wateringly expensive repair bills.

Besides the addition of the six-speed manual, there were only subtle changes made throughout the fourth-generation M5's life. Most notably, model years prior to 2010 featured older versions of iDrive that made even the simplest stereo or climate control functions complicated to use. Extensive changes for 2010 made it far more user-friendly.

For some die-hard BMW enthusiasts, the third-generation M5 is still the best. Offered from 2000-'03, this M5 featured a 4.9-liter V8 good for 394 hp. At the time of the car's debut, the engine's output was considered quite outrageous for a midsize luxury sedan, as was its 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds. The sole transmission choice was a six-speed manual. Eighteen-inch wheels and the requisite suspension and braking upgrades were part of the package, though some say it never quite equaled the raw athleticism of the previous M5. Numerous new technology features found their way into this generation, including an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle with adjustable response and an early navigation system. It will no doubt be a future classic.

Prior to this there were two M5 generations, and both are rare sights on U.S. roads today. The second-generation M5 was available from 1991-'93. It had a straight-6 engine that displaced 3.6 liters and made 310 hp, a then-remarkable output that actually trailed the European-spec engine by 30 hp. This M5 was prominently featured in the 1998 Robert De Niro car chase classic Ronin. At the time, the only sedan capable of matching the M5 was the Mercedes-Benz 500E, which had a V8 engine.

The original BMW M5 was available for the 1988 model year only and was based on the second-generation 535i. For power, it had a version of the 3.5-liter straight six-cylinder found in the legendary M1 exotic sports car. In the United States, it made 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission was a five-speed manual, and the cars were offered with a black paint job only. Highly collectible now, it's said that only 500 were brought to the United States.

User Reviews:

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW M5
  By dshin - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This is what BMW is all about, and its the category that no others can compete. If they can only make one car without any business pressure, I think this would be it.

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  Great Pre-Owned Vehicle - 2001 BMW M5
  By Idwinc - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Great drivng experience. Power available when needed along with great handling. Almost becomes too easy to drive. Gas mileage a minus unless all highway driving. Always receive compliments from true driving/car enthusiants.

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  Just the best - 2002 BMW M5
  By indoctrin8ed - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Does everything well blisteringly fast, yet civilized and very comfortable. V8 toque with a poweband wide enough to let you start off in 6th gear if you want to. "Fun to drive" just doesnt get any better. Friendly to the traffic cops too.

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  I Couldnt Agree More... - 2002 BMW M5
  By Paul-MD - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Next best previously owned car was a 91- 300Z Turbo great car, but no comparison to the M5. The M5 Driving Experience in SC really helped to learn about controlling THE BEAST. Perfect choice for the family, 4-doors, luxury, safety, luggage (split-folddown seats) and daily drive. Better choice for me when I have a need for speed!!

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  this car is sick - 2003 BMW M5
  By forum325 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing, ive had it a few months now and i am absoltely in love with it. ive had many hig performance autos in my days but none mix performance/reliability/safety/style and comfort like my m5 does.

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  SMOKIN HOT!!! - 2001 BMW M5
  By Gary B - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is truely awesome! The power the ride the comfort the handling the sound system, all incredible.

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  M5 - 2003 BMW M5
  By Love my car - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first real fast car that I have ever had. Its been a 1 1/2 years now since I got my M5 and I still get as excited to get in it and drive it as I did the day I got it.If you own one of these cars and get the opportunity to have a professional show you what it can do on the track, DO IT. The cars limitations are well beyond what most people think. I then had the chance to have the instructor sit next to me and teach me how to drive the car. Just unbelievable what this car can do but yet I can throw my 2 kids and wife in it and go out. I love it.

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  M5 great! - 2002 BMW M5
  By none76 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned.

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  Fast, Comfortable, Safe - 2003 BMW M5
  By Goody4 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Its amazing how vault-like the M5 feels when you get inside and close the door. The interior feels great, the seats are the best Ive ever had. I find the dash--with its silver aluminum trim and black padding--a litte too Teutonic for my tastes. Its a (dark) look Im slowly getting used to, but not really warming up to. Surprisingly, the car is quiet under all conditions, even full throttle is a bit subdued. Its absolutely effortless to drive. It doesnt handle as well as my M3, but with 800 more pounds, I guess it isnt meant to. Still, its no slouch going into the twisties. It feels so composed under all conditions.

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 BMW M5
  By ProRacer - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The ultimate in both luxury and performance.