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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  Unequaled Luxury Rocket - 2000 BMW M5
  By Bob - March 21 - 11:38 pm

  I sold my E36 M3 after I bought this car. I loved the M3, but hauling a teenage daughter and her friends around, I needed a 4-door. This car not only is much faster than the M3 was, but actually handles better as well, in spite of the extra weight! Incredibly neutral and smooth. Just aim and turn, no fuss, no drama. The acceleration is not to be believed! Fantastic! The car is already a classic and Ive been followed to my destination and complimented/quizzed several times by those in the know. I was lucky to find a one-owner with just under 31K on the clock. But then, Id been looking for 6 months. Youd think it was right off the showroom floor by its condition. Absolutely love it!

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  What can you say - 2000 BMW M5
  By David Edwards - February 23 - 8:40 am

  Awesome acceleration and braking. Matchless handling and space for a saloon/sedan. Its reputation goes before it and people still ask to see the engine, after all this time.

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  No More 2nd Thoughts - 2008 BMW M5
  By Marc - January 30 - 6:42 am

  Ist new car, 1st BMW, and I was worried about the price. I just got it and all of the buyers remorse/doubts are now gone. Its incredible & I love it! Did I say that its incredible! Great performance & I am still in the break in period (<1200mls=<1/2 pedal,<5500 rpm). The only drawback is the gas mileage - I knew it was 11/17 mpg (more like 7 in stop and go-18 hwy @80mph & 11.5 combined-and I am babying the car right now!). But experiencing it first hand is something else! Interlagos Blue M5=Headturner!!

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  A perfect 4 door sports car - 2000 BMW M5
  By les hodges - January 3 - 6:33 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 19,000 miles and drove it for 30,000 enjoyable miles! Its fast, comfortable, gets around 19 mpg around town, and handles like a true 4 door sports car. This series of M5 is now the bargain of the new century.

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  BMW E39 M5 2001 - 2001 BMW M5
  By MPower - October 18 - 8:54 am

  I have owned the car for nearly 2 years now and can only praise the car as it is a joy to drive and puts a smile on my face all the time. The brakes on the M5 are the only bad point I can make about the car and I have upgraded mine to a set of AP 6 Pots which has done the job and I will feel very happy with taking the car to the ring. The M5 is a good buy with prices for big motorway mile cars as low as 11k up to £25k for mint low mileage 03 plates. Remember these cars back in 99 were £60k with no spec so a lot of them are speced up to £70k so look what you get for your money. BMW E39 M5 Register

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  The Real 4 Door Sports Car - 2002 BMW M5
  By silver02m5 - September 23 - 8:43 pm

  I bought it because there really is nothing else in its class. If you want a very fast and very comfortable big sedan with a 6 speed, this is your only choice. I owned an M3 before, and the M5 is much more comfortable/luxurious. The M5 does give up quite a bit of agility to the M3, but it makes up for that with the quiet and comfortable ride. Have a very thorough pre-purchase inspection done as there are some very expensive parts on this car. Look for a well-maintained car that was owned by an enthusiast. Reliability is very good for a car in this class, but you will be in for a surprise if you are not used to BMW maintenance/repair costs. They need all cooling parts replaced @ 5 years.

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  Performance Only - 2007 BMW M5
  By WIlliam Rodney - September 17 - 11:14 pm

  The cars performance is better than those exotics like Ferrari and Lambo and Porsches. What I mean by performance is not just acceleration handling and braking, it includes family hauling, grocery shopping and everyday driving. Try hauling a baby seat with a Ferrari or Lambo. Try grocery shopping with a Porsche. In that means plus great handling, face numbing acceleration and you have the M5. It is my 2nd M5 and I love it. Although not as much as my previous M5 for fun-to-drive, or my neighbors Honda CR-V for grocery shopping, but I love it, I love it, I love it

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  Ultimate driver - 2000 BMW M5
  By Mike Adamson - August 10 - 3:02 pm

  The only limitation with this car is the local inadequate road system and poor drivers who get in the way.

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  M5 MMM - 2007 BMW M5
  By EMM - July 20 - 11:23 am

  This is a great performance sedan, huge power and handling and braking capabilities when wanted, and easy docile cruiser otherwise. Wonderful exhaust note. Eye catching style/color, rare, and fine. 6 speed manual is state of the art, smooth, accurate, and fun. Gas mileage can be either OK or terrible, your results will depend on how often you dip into the high rpm full throttle antics. 20 hwy is doable with some restraint. Some minor nit picks but overall a great car, and great value even at the lofty price. A bit heavy, but solid.

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  My Baby - 2008 BMW M5
  By Amanda - June 15 - 12:40 pm

  What can I say, Im in love with my car. I also have a 3 Series, but this, my friend, is top of the line. I wouldnt trade in this car for anything. I call her my baby! Yes, shes a girl. Shes the best.