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 Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 BMW M5
  By Jason - May 15 - 1:29 am

  BMW has for years been known as "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and the M5 is without doubt "The ULTIMATE Ultimate Driving Machine!" The E39 BMW M5 is an iconic vehicle, and deservedly so. A true wolf in sheeps clothing, with a tastefully understated exterior that only hints at the vehicles performance capabilities and BMW Motorsport bloodline. The interior is designed with equal taste and the vehicle has ample room for rear seat passengers if required. The manual six speed transmission is a joy to manipulate, and thankfully this vehicle is equipped no other way. In essence, where other vehicles are manufactured for practicality, this vehicle is made purely for enjoyment of the drive.

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  What I expected - 2008 BMW M5
  By elemis - March 30 - 1:49 pm

  Have had this vehicle 4 months now, so far very good experience. My second BMW, both purchased new, and thus far more reliable that previous (X5) really no problems that have required dealer visit (after a few items that were resolved at 1200 mile oil change). Great stealth car - looks much like "normal" 5 series to most, but really goes when challenged. Good daily driver, with room for luggage and 4 adults, and makes to / from work or airport almost fun. Sometimes tough to keep under speed limit - suggest a good radar detector, and set the speed limit warning because easy to go fast (set mine at 85). Given other alternatives available today, would buy another if this one disappeared.

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  Oh My... - 2008 BMW M5
  By FMINUS - October 5 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned an NSX, S2000, E46 M3, Porsche TT, and F360, however nothing compares to the new M5. Simply amazing. Power everwhere, handling like no other, and space for 5. Simply amazing.

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  Porsche in a Tuxedo - 2007 BMW M5
  By drr - October 2 - 12:07 pm

  This is a 4 door race car. Performance and handling are as good as the Porsche I used to own. The difference is that this is an everyday driver. I dont understand the complaints about the iDrive. With a little effort, I find it very intuitive. The SMG is the same - with some experience, it becomes second nature.

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  Fun but expensive to own - 2007 BMW M5
  By Walter - September 11 - 10:41 pm

  Owned this car for almost a year now. It is my fifth BMW and first M car. Other BMWs had no reliability problems and fairly good performance. This car is all performance and no reliability. First 2000 miles in the break-in period, it consumed a quart of engine oil every 100 miles. It seemed like it ran on engine oil and not gasoline. I had problems with transmission (SMG), tire allignment, and drivers window. But I dont know if any other car can match this cars performance, practicality and fun to drive. It is stealthy enough to not attract too much attention, and yet it is powerful enough to street race a Porsche non turbo. Love this car, will buy again when the new model comes out.

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  M5 rides again - 2006 BMW M5
  By MacinTosh - August 1 - 10:43 am

  I have owned a 2000 M5 and 2003 M5 and they were exceptional vehicles. I purchased my 06 M5 and was totally blown away. I even race at the Super Speedway and with 4 people I can hang with the Z06s and other modified models. It is a smooth and refined vehicle.

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  2007 BMW M5 - 2007 BMW M5
  By davexg - May 13 - 9:12 pm

  Probably the only car you can store your golf clubs (it comes with an illustration for 4 bags), bag cart or baby stroller at the same time. Great amenities such as window shades, adaptive headlights, etc. Five people fit nicely although the rear folks will be crowded. Nice exhaust note, lines. Gas mileage and transmission is another story.

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  Little disappointed - 2007 BMW M5
  By georgoi - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  This was one of the first 6 speed MT cars in the US and I have to admit I was pretty angry to find out the traction control could not be turned off no one told me this ahead of time. This is not in keeping with the M car concept. I dont know if this approach is an attempt to save the driveline or save drivers from themslves but either way, this should have been made clear BEFORE the car got to the US. I dont think I would have bought it if I had known. Otherwise the car is very well appointed and fun to drive. Handling even without EDC on is very good. Brakes are outstanding. Cant get over 12 mpg no matter how I drive, but what can you expect from a car like this?

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  Mighty M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By pgrantsr - March 23 - 1:43 pm

  Ive only had my M5 for a month but in that time I have come to appreciate the beauty of this car. Sport car performance in a four door sedan. Engine that sings a beautiful song and has performance to match. Handling almost as good as my S2000 but without the harshness. Interior amenities to match any other manufacturer. The only downside is the poor gas mileage, but that is not the reason I bought this car.

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  Best Luxury Sedan on the Planet - 2006 BMW M5
  By mdh - July 29 - 8:31 am

  Delivered October 2005 on the first shipment to the US, Im at over 25,000 miles. The iDrive and SMG take some time to get used to - really about 5,000 miles or so. Once you get the hang of the SMG, it is just a blast. I never tire of revving this engine, especially on downshifts. The power is just astounding, especially on the highway - there are only a few cars sold today that compare. Ive put on lightweight BBS 20" rims and Michelin PS2 tires, and installed H&R springs and spacers. With these mods, the car handles like a go-kart, but still rides well enough to take 5 people out to dinner. If youre looking for a Porsche that seats 5 people, this is your car. Amazing!