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:

• 

  One to stay in the garage forever - 2006 BMW M5
  By SCORPIO - July 10 - 2:27 pm

  Absolutely top quality ride - there is no substitute. 50/50 weight distribution and the understeer issue that existed with the e39 M5 has been drastically improved. Exterior still maintains the stealth look, but upon closer inspection has a more muscular stance than other 5-series and of course, the tell tale oval side mirror housings and the quad- tail pipes. Great color options (but still no BMW individuals colors for the US). Interior has improved over the previous model with more comfortable seats - you can sleep in these babies and full leather package with alcantara headliner is gorgeous. SMG is great, but takes a bit of finesse to get smooth shifting in paddle mode.

• 

  A wolf in sheeps skin. - 2006 BMW M5
  By b. smith - June 3 - 11:50 am

  A wonderful driving machine. A pleasure on long trips, but a blast though out the canyons.

• 

  Amazing performance - 2006 BMW M5
  By Joshm18 - May 23 - 4:19 pm

  Deciding between this and the 911 4S was a tough decision, but they are comparing apples and oranges. The fact that you can get this type of performance in a four door "sedan" is unbelievable. Anyone who has been around BMWs before knows of their intense performance, but lack of "luxury" - this car really has it all. The available optins are fantastic (the comfort access is a must!). Bottom line, this car is truly a spectacular machine. Not only does it outperform just about everything on the road, its style is set apart enough from the standard 5 series that you catch a lot of looks in it.

• 

  One Bad Bimmer - 2006 BMW M5
  By Bimma Boy - April 17 - 5:25 pm

  This is the ultimate driving machine!! It can be the family sedan to carry around your friends an family around town or it can be a race car. I traded in my 600hp Subaru STi for this an have no regets. It gets looks from everyone and sounds great! Interior design is very nice but the iDrive can be confusing. Set aside about 20 minutes to try out an experiment with the iDrive and youll get the hang of it. Dont think this car can get any better? Press the M button and everything becomes a lot better. Throttle and steering response are instantaneous. The sound of the exhaust in so beautiful, smooth yet sporty sound that you cannot replicate. Its a car with 4 doors that can you take the track.

• 

  Best BMW Ever - 2006 BMW M5
  By M5Racer - April 13 - 3:42 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 M5 after retiring an Infiniti G35 and 2001 525i. In a nutshell, this car rocks! It has all the features and benefits of a luxury car, yet when asked immediately this performs like a Formula 1 racecar. Two thumbs up for BMW!! If you can afford one, get one. I promise you wont regret it.

• 

  Best Hidden Beast Around - 2001 BMW M5
  By Kgraves - April 9 - 8:53 pm

  The car is a soft spoken beast. You can cruise in 5th/6th gear at 40mph and have no problem or you can take it to 100mph in 4th gear with ease. It is like driving a Viper with 4 drs, lots of room & a real trunk. You seldom see M5s on the road although you see lots of 5 series cars. It gets looks & comments yet looks so normal and functions like a normal sedan. Great pricing on them now too. Get a used M5 for what a G35 costs new and you dont see yourself all up & down the road. When new it was the fastest 4 door car on the planet & will be the 2nd or 3rd fastest for a long time to come. The stock sound system is just awesome.

• 

  Holding Strong, Great Deal - 2000 BMW M5
  By Driven - April 1 - 9:43 pm

  Now that the new M5 has appeared in the US Market, the previous generation has become quite a bargain. Still turns heads, still drives like a rocket, but you can buy one for less than $30,000. Tremendous deal. Always have it examined by a dealership before you buy. Anticipate (and budget) higher than average maintenance expenses, but not more than 200% of the average used car of this year. If you use a car an appliance to get from point A to point B, you will be happier with a Honda. If you love to drive, this is the car for you. The staggered tire sizes means no rotating tires. No spare tire, no run flat tires. Better know how to drive a stick. Higher maintenance costs than a Toyota.

• 

  Best I have ever owned - 2006 BMW M5
  By Brad - March 3 - 9:08 am

  Having owned over 10 BMWs including the MZ3, 7&6 series and other 5 series, there is nothing like this sweet driving machine. Typical of BMW, you know you are driving - it lets you feel the road. The interior comfort is incredible. The seats literally hug you when you get in and maneuver around curves. Spend 30 minutes learning the iDrive and you will love its ease of use! And if you need to accelerate, no fear, you will be gone before you can blink. I traded in my 645i for this baby and have NO regrets. The only disappointment was the tires. BMW really needs to deliver this vehicle with a better tire, I changed mine right off the bat. Gawk factor is at an all time high on this one!

• 

  Truly the Ultimate Drving Machine - 2006 BMW M5
  By archangel - January 5 - 11:43 pm

  This vehicle is a pure drivers machine, it is what other cars aspire to be. The design, the handling, suspension and cornering are unmatched, as is the fluid acceleration through all gears... the moment you hear the engine turn over, you know you are in for a great ride... the bosy turns heads, and the engine pulls your neck straight back.. I wouldnt own anything else after driving this car.

• 

  2nd M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By mb2ndM5 - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  This is my second M5 and have been waiting for 3 years for this one. It was worth the wait! Awesome car, tremendous ability to adjust performance. Great handling, great feel, a wolf in sheeps clothing. Looks and feels great during the ride to church with the family and performs equally well side by side with the viper or 911 on the interstate on the way back home. SMG takes some getting used to, but once you decide how you want to use it its relatively smooth and functional.