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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  Thank you - 2001 BMW M5
  By Mark J - May 21 - 9:20 am

  This is my 2nd M5 - I had owned the e34 chassis and I can see as well as feel certain shared characteristics. The e39 works perfect as I have a family that can all fit, and the trunk is larger than most. This car has exceeded my expectations in every way...quality, performance, did I say performance. Car is well suited for my 21 mile rt work commuteÂ…or 500 rt trips up north to the white mts where you see this car shine. The engine is very powerful, yet flexible and practical..3 or 4th gear pulls from 30 mph is no problem with that massive torque behind you. I am very lucky to have this car. And 23mpg (hwy) is not too shabby for 400bhp 4000lb vehicle.

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  Mmmagnificent 5 - 2000 BMW M5
  By BKA M5 DRIVER - April 23 - 4:54 pm

  This vehicle outshines virtually every other automakers efforts! Put another way, this is as good as it gets. Bought my M5 in 2004 with 28k miles and have enjoyed the performance, handling and build quality. This is my 3rd BMW and will only buy the M series from now on.No flash, just pure substance. The car is rock solid and the engine is bulletproof. There arent enough superlatives to say how wonderfully delicious this iteration of the 5series is. THE BEST BMW YOU COULD OWN.

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  Not up to BMW M standards - 2007 BMW M5
  By Bruschak - March 16 - 3:14 pm

  Too heavy, not a precise and agile M car as its forebears were. Most of the performance is completely unusable in daily driving. Prepare to be beat at every stoplight unless you are really on it. I think J. Clarkson said it best: completely annoying until you hit the M button. Too bad you cant use that button for 95% of your driving meaning you will have a really annoying car for 95% of the time you are driving. Sold mine a bought Porsche: a massive improvement in just about every way.

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  Owner m5 2008 - 2008 BMW M5
  By leif - March 3 - 8:46 pm

  Since the purchase of this vehicle we have not had any problems with the car. I had to add 1 qt of oil after 5000 miles but it was free from BMW and the first 1200 mile service was free also. Have had to add some air in both front tires once. Other than that easy to drive and navigate through the entire system. Blue tooth works great and I have not had any problems with the car. I have owned many vehicles through the years and I have to say this is probably the ultimate vehicle that I have ever owned. Past cars owned has ranged from Porsche to Toyota Paseo.

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  Truly a Brute in a Suit - 1991 BMW M5
  By M5-Mike - February 1 - 9:46 pm

  It may not be the first M5 but it is the "real one." The first 4-door sedan to make a Ferrari humble and rip to consecutive series race track triumphs in Trans Am. "What do mean it only has a tiny 6 cylinder motor?" Ha. Stand on the gas and the symphonic 6 comes to life. Sure BMW has made more powerful M5s but none have this panache. The faster it goes, the smaller it feels. Truly amazing car.

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  Why purchase anything else! - 2000 BMW M5
  By Fritz - November 20 - 1:00 pm

  This car has the best fuel economy of any 5 passenger family sedan I have ever driven. The documented mileage of 12/19 is bogus, mine runs 18/25 regularly over the last 2 years. The stiffness of the suspension is not liked by all, but the enjoyment of handling is superior to even the greatest retro muscle cars Detroit is pumping out today. Why waste 40K or more on poorly designed gas guzzling US auto manufacturers where it is obvious they are still 10 years behind BMW. This ride is a pure joy, especially on open highways, in unpopulated areas, with no foliage, like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Just a nice 4-door family sedan for grocery shopping!

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  The One - 2001 BMW M5
  By Neo - October 14 - 10:02 pm

  Its a solid, bullet proof, fun, comfortable, stable, hungry, explosive. The E39 is the best M5 ever made - and thats from seasoned BMW owners. This car holds its value because it is a value. I test drove an 00 M5 w/120,000 miles on i and totally ragged. It was still selling for 18k. This is an awesome car that still bring smiles to my grill. Its destined to be a classic on par with the e28 M5. I still drool when driven properly (100+ mph)

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  One of the Best Cars Ever Made - 2003 BMW M5
  By JD - July 1 - 10:59 am

  The E39 M5 gets an automatic entry in the debate for best sedan ever made - if not best vehicle period. The design is timeless. The build-quality is superb. The performance speaks for itself. This is a car that does EVERYTHING right. Press the "Sport" button to invoke mind-bending acceleration and seemingly inexhaustible grip. The braking is par excellence. The frame has a rigidity akin to the Hoover Dam. Response, whether throttle or steering, is instantaneous. Every moment in an M5 can make you aware that this is, truly, a very special machine.

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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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  No More 2nd Thoughts Part 2 - 2008 BMW M5
  By No mo 2nd thoughts 2 - May 9 - 2:34 pm

  I have now owned the M5 for 4 months and it is pretty much broken in. I love it! I told myself min miles ~6-8k a year, but I have to drive it everyday! I just get a big smile on my face every time I get into it! Gas mileage update - I have a 25 mile drive to work everyday on a 45mph road w/ about 30 stop lights (that I constantly get caught at). I mostly drive in 400 hp (D1), but I let the 500hp monster go quite frequently (S4)- say 5 times a day (Im gonna need new tires soon $$). With that, my avg gas mileage is better than when I first got it (see my first review) - 17mpg or ~330-350 miles before I fill it up.