Verdict
A
Performance Saloon · Germany · 1998-Present
BMW M5
BMW M5 — spec data and generation history.
Years
1998-Present
Generations
5
Segment
Performance Saloon
M-tier 5 Series. E39 (1998–2003 V8), E60 (2005–2010 V10), F10 (2011–2017 V8 twin-turbo), F90 (2018–2023 V8), G90 (2024-Present V8 PHEV).
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1998-2003
E39
→
M5 5.0 V8 — 394 bhp, 0-62 in 4.8s.
Verdict
A
BHP
394
0–60
4.8 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
17 mpg
Used
$23,000-$53,000
- + S62 V8 NA — undisputed classic
- + Saloon only — sleeper
- − Heavy thirst
- − VANOS rattle
2005-2010
E60
→
M5 5.0 V10 — 500 bhp, 0-62 in 4.5s.
Verdict
A
BHP
500
0–60
4.5 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
14 mpg
Used
$19,000-$44,000
- + S85 V10 NA — F1-derived
- + Saloon and Touring
- − Rod bearing wear
- − SMG III reliability
2011-2017
F10
→
M5 Competition Package — 567 bhp, 0-62 in 3.9s.
Verdict
A
BHP
567
0–60
3.9 s
Top
190 mph
MPG
19 mpg
Used
$23,000-$53,000
- + S63 4.4 V8 twin-turbo
- + M-DCT 7-speed
- − Heavy
- − Run-flat tyres
2018-2023
F90
→
M5 CS — 627 bhp, 0-62 in 3.0s.
Verdict
A
BHP
627
0–60
3.0 s
Top
189 mph
MPG
20 mpg
Used
$53,000-$133,000
- + First M5 with xDrive AWD
- + 8-speed ZF auto
- − Heavy
- − Run-flat tyres
2024-Present
G90
→
M5 PHEV — 717 bhp, 0-62 in 3.5s.
Verdict
A
BHP
717
0–60
3.5 s
Top
190 mph
MPG
118 mpg
Used
$133,000-$178,000
- + First M5 PHEV
- + Saloon and Touring
- − Heavy (~2435 kg) — heavier than ever
- − Premium pricing
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1998-2003 · E39
- VANOS rattle
- Heavy thirst
- Cooling system plastic
2005-2010 · E60
- S85 V10 rod bearing wear
- SMG III reliability
- Throttle actuator failures
2011-2017 · F10
- S63 V8 oil consumption
- M-DCT mechatronic
- Run-flat tyres
2018-2023 · F90
- S63B44T4 oil leaks
- iDrive 7 software
- Run-flat tyres
2024-Present · G90
- Software updates needed
- Heavier than predecessors
- Touring boot trim
Rivals
Audi RS6 · Mercedes-AMG E63 · BMW M3 · Porsche Panamera Turbo