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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  This car is awesome - 2007 BMW M5
  By don hurley - December 22 - 7:31 pm

  The M5 is a legal race car. So many things to love about this car. It is also an eye catcher, mine is Indi-red exterior and red interior, very sharp! The SMG does take a little to get use to, but does give the car a racing feel. Oh, and the exhaust note is heaven.

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  Cuts the road like a hot knife in butter - 2000 BMW M5
  By Dr Dirt - October 30 - 5:17 pm

  Makes one very aware of where you are... and if you want to go anywhere you simply look and go! Excellent brakes and performance.

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  Best car I have owned!! - 2008 BMW M5
  By Christopher Wood - September 19 - 12:23 pm

  Love this car!!!

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  M5 Perfection - 2000 BMW M5
  By Lucky M5 Owner - September 17 - 8:59 am

  Ive had the car for nearly 7 years, and since Ive never owned ANY car for more that 3-4 years, Ive tried to look for something more exciting to replace it with for the last 3 years. There truly has been nothing out there that packs as much perfect styling, acceleration, comfort and overall fun factor as this "family" sedan. I finally found another 4 door car that just got released (CLS63 AMG) that has taken what M5 created, and stepped up the technology and power, while keeping the concept of having the most fun on the road while hauling a family of 4 and blowing the doors of anything in your path. The M5 experience has been precious!

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  Love this car... - 2002 BMW M5
  By will - September 14 - 6:42 pm

  This is the most fun in four doors available. Service is expensive after factory maintenance ends. AC fan cost me $850, Clutch around $1200 but car is truly awesome. Seats are a bit tight for bigger guys.

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  Ultimate revving machine - 2006 BMW M5
  By jas - September 3 - 2:35 pm

  This car absolutly owns. You will not find anyone that can put up much a race with you on the streets very often. Yet if you are talking about the comfort levels of this car, you can have 4 people soundly sleeping next to you while reaching 140 mph without feeling anything. However, still will take awhile before I get used to the smg and can fully manipulate this monster to its finest capacity.

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  A relative review - 2001 BMW M5
  By Ludwigmies - September 1 - 2:35 pm

  To review a vehicle such as an M5, things must be placed into perspective. Its not just performance, fuel economy, fun etc., but what are these things from the perspective of what this car is. The car is a high performance sedan designed and implemented to the highest standard. This vehicle must be rated high in all categories. I get 17+ mpg in town unless Im in one of those moods and when I am in one of those moods the sheer thrill overrides all. I dont care about cup holders. If you like to drive high performance teutonic understatement this is it.

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  My Dream Car! - 2006 BMW M5
  By russjo - August 28 - 10:12 pm

  I have been wanting this car since I first saw it in Monte Carlo in Sep 2005 while I was on a cruise. This vehicle is unbelievably awesome. The sounds, the looks, the power - it is next to impossible to put it into words. Everything about it is as close to perfect as possible. If you can afford it then definitely go for it! This car swallows gas... but I cant complain because the performance more than makes up for the stops at the fuel stations!

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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!

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  M5 Satisfaction - 2003 BMW M5
  By kd - July 28 - 6:08 pm

  The E39 version of the M5 handles and performs superbly. Though it is no longer the "king of sedans" when it comes to horsepower (its successor has that title), it is one of the best car designs of all times. Many BMW enthusiast prefer its design (manual 6 speed and exterior styling) to the newer (more potent) M5.