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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  My 01 M5 - The LeMans Blue Beast. - 2001 BMW M5
  By DWSMITH - March 12 - 10:44 am

  By far, the best 4 seat, 400 hp car in the world. It is a beast in oxford clothes. Never a squeak inside. The clutch allows me to drive in very slow traffic with minimal effort and the torque allows me to just smoke the tires when I feel like it. As far as handling, Ive never had one moment where I felt like I was going to lose control. Amazing car.

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  What a car.... - 2003 BMW M5
  By Ard - February 2 - 3:50 pm

  Id looked at the M5 in 90, but passed it up in favor of the V8 in the 90 Q45. Well, 13 years later I snapped up the last of the E39 design. It is, in a word, the ultimate 4 door sedan. Styling is georgeous, power is phenomenal, handling is crisp and reassuring. Ive still not explored the upper limits of handling, probably cannot really do it on an open road. Perhaps track time this spring? Interior comfort, fit and finish are outstanding- rich but sporty, not plush and tufted. Radio is fantastic- better reception than my two other japanese radios. But who listens to radio? Just installed Sirius Sat Radio with BMW oem components (displays on the nav screen). Mine has the MAudio

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  M5 - 2000 BMW M5
  By The beast - January 4 - 8:13 pm

  This car will be looked back on someday as a "classic." It is an amazing car. 400 HP 4-door sedan...it is one of a kind. I cant explain how fun it is to drive.

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  BEAST - 2003 BMW M5
  By hornsch - December 28 - 12:09 pm

  The best sedan you will ever drive if you are an enthusiast. Automatics do not even come close. I have driven just about every sports sedan including the new Austin and nothing is close.

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  Drive and you shall Believe - 2001 BMW M5
  By E39_Lover - December 10 - 5:06 am

  Amazing power, yet very easy to handle. Ultimate luxury 4dr family car, very reliable, gas mileage is ok, what else do you expect? This really is a everyday drive to work/shop/trip car. Best of the e39 and my personal opinion, best bmw ever made. It does require oil adds between the 5k oil changes, since it is a very high compression engine. Dont care too much for the new shape or the interior, plus i enjoy changing gears myself. Best car i have ever owned in every manner. This is going to become a classic! If you can afford it, buy it! Dont compromise.

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  You all want this, lets be honest - 2001 BMW M5
  By Town Savage - November 14 - 5:58 pm

  One word describes the difference between this car and all the rest, CLASS, because it is in its own. Interior design, comfort, safety, reliability.

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  The ultimate beast - 2000 BMW M5
  By M5 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing.

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  M5 vs. M3 - 2003 BMW M5
  By 4ociousm5 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2002 M3 conv. for a 2003 M5 and Ive never been happier! Why did I do this - I dont like the new "5" styling and I wanted to own one of the last true great BMWs. What a car! Ive owned everything from Cobras, Shelby GT 500s, turbo Porsches, Corvettes including the ZR-1 and other fine, go- fast vehicles but quite honestly, this is the best car Ive ever owned!

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  Just What Youd Expect.... - 2003 BMW M5
  By CatchMe - April 4 - 3:00 am

  From a $75K 4 door luxury performance sedan with a 6 speed manual. Handles like a dream, quiet and solid, sleek and stealthy. The benchmark others strive for.

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  The Best I Have Ever Owned - 2002 BMW M5
  By Sptbike - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Of all of the high line vehicles that I have had the pleasure of owning or driving, the M5 is the very best of the best. It is a highly versitile automobile... The proverbial wolf in sheeps clothing. It nicely transports 5 adults in stunning luxury, and at the same time will play competitively with any other vehicle (including sportbikes) on the road. It is absolutely amazing on tight country roads.