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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  Ive been spoiled - 2000 BMW M5
  By JLEE - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven many cars, but this has got to be the most balanced car there is on the market. I commute in this beauty, but it is still a joy to drive at mortal speeds...moving into the fast lane, well, its fast acting prozac on wheels. I bought a used 2000 with 11,000 miles on it, but it ran like a new one (after looking at the history of the former owner 60 year old male--I snatched it for 63,000 out the door one 6 months ago.) If you dont have quite the amount needed for a new one, shop until you drop--you wont be sorry.

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  Amazing - 2003 BMW M5
  By dre - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Any real car expert will tell you, this is one of the greatest cars ever built on the planet if not the greatest!

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  Long live the King - 2000 BMW M5
  By jared - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The M5 is definitely the pinnicle of the sports sedan market. The E 55 doesnt come with a manual transmission, the S6 is too soft and loads up in the corners, and the XJR is just too heavy. BMW has given these cars telepathic handling, perfectly weighted steering, and one of the best transmissions I have ever used. The perfect, seamless blend of raw power, race inspired handling, BMW luxury. All hail the king!

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  Best Gosh Dang Car on the Planet - 2003 BMW M5
  By Alma84 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Well, Almost. No where else are you going to get 400 Horse Power, and will seat 5 comfortably. The BMW M5 is the Apex of the Super Sport Sedan section. No other Sport sedan can do what this machine can do. But, ive heard the M6 will come out soon, same as the M5, but with 2 doors, a V10 and 500 horses!!!!!! Only bimmer can do that.

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  Cant drive slow - 2001 BMW M5
  By Duke - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a car that is more fun to drive. When driving it makes you want to take advantage of its performance capabilities. The only drawback is having to drive slow or in traffic. The features, looks and quality of fit and finish are impeccable. Its not a luxury vehicle it is "the ultimate driving machine".

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  great car - 2002 BMW M5
  By bmw321 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  smooth as glass powerfull superb handeling a true driving machine

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  Sex or driving the M5 mmmm? - 2000 BMW M5
  By Phat M5 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Why do car magazines tell you to sell your soul to own a certain car? Because cars like the M5 exist! This is the finest car made in the world. Making this car your daily driver will ensure you smile everyday. The acceleration, handling, comfort and brakes strike a balance no one else has. Dont waste your time on the E55 or the XJR. This is it.

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  FUN!!!! - 2002 BMW M5
  By chasmcg - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is nicknamed the "Beast" for a reason. The car is simply amazing! It will leave your heart in the back seat as the beast comes to 60 mph under 5 seconds. All the gears pull strong. The M5 Driving Experience put on by BMW for every owner explores the real capabilities of the beast. Then and only then do you appreciate the enginneering and performance. The M5 stops quicker than a 911 (that says something.)

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  review - 2002 BMW M5
  By joe linkon - August 8 - 2:00 am

  i love it. its the best car ever

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  Best Sports Sedan -- Period - 2001 BMW M5
  By JFB - July 30 - 2:00 am

  A "Beast" in sheeps clothing. Looks like your basic family sedan, but keeps pace with a Corvette. The fastest production sedan on the planet. Plenty of power in all 6 gears. Top speed 155 MPH (182 MPH if delimited). All the fun of a sports car. All the amenities of an executive luxury sedan. Leather everywhere. Accolades from every major automotive magazine.