Is it worth buying a used Bmw M5 years 2007-2009?

Asked by Oneinamillion Oct 24, 2012 at 02:12 AM about the 2007 BMW M5 RWD

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

I heard the 06 models had alot of problems and Im hoping the newer models are much more reliable. I
do not want to spend money on a car and then end up having to spend more money on fixing it.
Feedback please!

53 Answers

205

the newer ones where known to have less problems no car has none. if i can help you with your search email me Adrian@carfindersmd.com thanks

7 people found this helpful.
9,655

You are correct that the 06 M5 did have some more issues then the 07 on up. Of course with any car maker the first year of production normally shows the most problems. My suggestion is to get a 2007 and up. The s85 motor in 06 did have an issue with the high pressure oil pump failing they fixed this issue in 07. If you do get a SMG then you will probably have to deal with the SMG pump at some point which isn't a cheap repair. Other then that they really dont have to many issues with this car but do remember you are buying an M car and the M does stand for money. Nothing on these cars are cheap. Best of luck to you finding one.

26 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
5,895

The E60 M5 vs. F10 is night and day. The V-10 is a beast, and is also equally expensive to maintain. If you are remotely worried about maintenance, then steer clear. If you turn your own wrenches and enjoy occasionally tearing down your engine, then this is a treat. Otherwise, the kid's college fund just went the way of the dodo.

31 people found this helpful.
2,125

You are looking at the wrong car if you don't expect to pay a lot in maintenance and repairs period. You have to pay to play. It is more about how the car was maintained versus the year manufactured as the issues with any 2006 models have likely already been addressed/repaired. Perhaps you should look at a domestic car if buying used for cheaper costs or lease a new BMW so the maintenance is covered? Really, you should buy an E39 M5 versus an E60 M5.

17 people found this helpful.
100

I do not know the answer to your question, however, I do know what you are asking...and for the most part, none of these answers is even modestly useful. What you should do i ask around...the mechanics who work on these and other BMWs and get a sense of what are the commonest failure items and at what mileage these failures tend to occur. The comment about the SMG pump however was a useful one. I certainly would steer clear of the SMG M3 and M5 (and M6, too).

10 people found this helpful.
880

The M5 is a car that by most 'street legal' standards wouldn't be legal to sell in the USA similar to some of the other (high performance) modified series vehicles. The "M" In M5 doesn't actually stand for 'Money", but, it doesn't stand for "modified". I have own 8 M5's and still own 2. The 2 I own now are great cars. They are 2007 and 2008. It's important to remember that BMW M's are all built by engineers that do not really think too highly of skimping when it comes to quality and for good reason. This is what you should know...: The M5 is a Formula 1 race car with 4 doors, leather seats and navigation. The car's engine is so extremely choked down to make it legal to sell it's insane. The car drinks it's synthetic motor oil because the performance requires extreme lubrication to avoid a meltdown or damage. The Transmission is highly custom and not cheap. Call you dealer and ask them for replacement costs with the engine and transmission. The engine will cost $25k and I replaced just the hydrolic clutch on my M5 last year and it cost $11,000. They do not change brake pads on that car but the entire breaking system when you have brakes done. About $2500 to $4000 for brakes alone. My cars are modified more now and both produce about 750 HP and could easily go higher. This car is NOT for a regular driving car unless you have money to burn. I know it's many peoples dream car but seriously, unless you have cash, don't buy it. Best car in the world if you are looking for a race car you can drive to the track. Nothing else applies.

88 people found this helpful.
2,125

M starts for Motorsport not modified BadM5. They drink oil usually due to improper break-in meaning soft break-in versus hard break-in not seating the piston rings properly. Add high compression and high revs and you get oil blow by. You can source well priced used S85 engines versus buying new lol. You can change just the brake pads if the rotor thickness are within spec and the calipers are not binding or sticking. Anyway, the point you are making is that they are expensive to maintain and I totally agree with you.

36 people found this helpful.
30

My 2007 M5 has been great. Very dependable. I did have to replace the SMG at 56k, but, it was under warranty. Other than that, it's been a gem!

3 people found this helpful.
240

I was thinking of getting a 2006 M5 With about 44K miles. Maintenance cost have me worried now

8 people found this helpful.
290

Just sold my 2006 M5 for scrap since the engine destroyed itself (vanos oil pump blew up and sent metal throughout the engine). Don't buy an M5 without a warranty. Period. Absolutely fantastic car, but not worth the risk, IMHO!

8 people found this helpful.
240

CodyT how many miles did your 2006 M5 have when it died? I don't think warranties are offered on a 2006 or are they?

2 people found this helpful.
290

About 101,000. I was told by the dealer when I bought it, "oh, these cars are bullet-proof. They last 400,000-500,000 miles!" ...No warranty, of course. The dealer did offer to put a new engine in for $28,000. I declined. (They also said it was possible it was just the Vanos system. A repair to that would be about $7000. But the last time they had this issue, the lady put $7000 into the Vanos and the engine was still dead. ...So I declined that as well)

10 people found this helpful.
290

That's BMW's version of a variable valve timing system. The high pressure oil pump in that system is what goes, apparently. I guess they fixed it and maybe you're safe with the 2007 and up models, but I'm not sure. Everything is very expensive to maintain in those cars. I replaced my clutch at 80,000 miles and it was over $5K. I should have sold the car then, but it's such an awesome car, I couldn't do it! ...Don't test drive one or you'll be hooked! (And then out $20-30K in a few years, like me!)

7 people found this helpful.
240

I noticed that the engine on the vehicle I'm test drove was very loud. Kind of sounded like a Diesel engine. Is that normal? It drove great

5 people found this helpful.
80

CodyT you're so right man. I test drove the M5 and despite reading and hearing all the terrible shit I'm still looking for good information, it's been months. I even test drove the c63 AMG which was incredible but I don't know what the hell it is about the M5

5 people found this helpful.
80

Mustang2015 they do sound like that on start up. I asked the same question as I test drove 3 of them. I want it to be sold so its not an option, lol bitter sweet

3 people found this helpful.
240

Cool. FYI I bought the '06 M5. It has 44,500 miles and in mint condition. Super clean. Guy had it sitting in the garage and rarely drove it. Price was too good to pass up.

3 people found this helpful.
50

I just picked up and an 06 m6 29k mi an this hole convo has me shaking in my boots lol so far I've had to replace the alternator which I put in myself and still ended up costing close to 1,000 buck lol but still no bothers what other 500+hp rear wheel car can you let your girlfriend drive lol. With the traction control on and out of M mode it's a completely different car. I will in the other hand be doing some more research on this vanos situation hahahaha

5 people found this helpful.
290

Wow, I'm impressed that you guys can find 06 M5's and M6's with such low miles on them! Just beware that a $5K clutch is coming between 50,000 and 80,000 miles, depending on how it was and is driven, and you'll be fine. After you do the clutch, drive it for a short while, then sell it quickly! (And buy a newer one!) ...The 2013 Golf R that I scrambled to buy when my M5 suddenly croaked is fun, but is not nearly in the same league as the BMW! Even the audio system on that car was phenomenal (and I'm an audiophile!). Oh well, live and learn...

2 people found this helpful.
50

Thanks I've been earned about the clutch by the guys at the meets which makes sense every clutch has to go at some point , it's a wearing part but this oil vanos thing is bothersome lol can it be switched or fixed to prevent the hole motor blowing in the case this secondary oil pump or whatever breaks ?

60

So I''ve found multiple 2006 M5's with roughly 40-60k miles and about 25-28k$ price tag. After driving my ladies on and off the car is too much fun. However hers is fried and at 125k miles and it's the 2007. I haven't researched the difference yet. But I know her brakes are done, computer doesn't work in dash etc. she just uses it to race around in now and then. But should I stay completely away from the 2006? And got with a 2007- 08??? What's exactly is the big price tag maintenance issues and motor differences?

4 people found this helpful.
50

I bought a 2008 M5 with 49K and the engine blew two weeks later, #6 cylinder. Engine replaced under warranty, then a brake booster motor went bad, replaced under warranty, just these two were 33K to warranty. It's a great car. Don't buy one if you're broke. I made sure I got a full warranty, don't buy one without one, you will regret it. Bit, its is by far the best car I have ever owned. It's an engineering marvel if you are into that kind of stuff like me. My car has ever option available (I don't think high beams assist was offered in the U.S.) I have owned it for 1 1/2 years and still finding out things about it. And of course it is a blast to drive when you can drive it which in the U.S. is not that often. The SMG is not for everybody especially around the town driving, but the car is not about that, it's about hauling ass and it does better than most cars. What I really enjoy is that people who know "M' know and people who don't don't. Not a fucking soccer mom car! Take your spoiled ass kids to practice in your minivan and quite posing! It's a drivers car! Just saying.

5 people found this helpful.
60

Yes it is in fact a fascinating piece of machinery. I never would've known until I drove hers. I'm more of a classic muscle car guy but now I'm very eager to learn about this car and want one of my own. Hoping to buy one this week driving cross country from California to Massachusetts and have found a few that have caught my eye. Just how much is this warranty? And is it always available or has to be purchased under certain mileage?

2 people found this helpful.
60

Yes the M is no joke. We were just about 170mph with 4k rpm to go.felt like we were floating. Very impressive.

265

ChrisB57, Germany recently went through their own version of the "muscle car era". It was fleeting, lasting around ten or so years; but in it you saw BMW, Mercedes and Audi (just to name a few) creating vehicles with massive engines that sounded like freight trains and had the soul of a fighter jet. In the realm of these german muscle cars, this M5 is thunder-wielding behemoth. Truly, the E60 M5 (years 2005- 2010) is one of the last of the titans.

3 people found this helpful.
265

As for getting one with a semi decent warranty (and this is something that many others may have different experiences with) take a look at Carmax. They DO offer a "fairly" extensive warranty, which may or may not be a hassle to have them actually cover certain things. The power train should be covered, though.We actually bought our 2009 M5 at Carmax, WITH the extended warranty. The car had less than 42000 miles on it and we paid 39k for the car. (This was two years ago).

2 people found this helpful.
240

Have you had any idiocies with the car or the warranty Mychael

1 people found this helpful.
265

I have personally put 40000 miles (yes, that is forty thousand) miles on it in under three years. The car has had 1 (and only one) issue, with the clutch. The clutch itself didn't go out, but a rivet on the pressure plate DID, which caused damage to the clutch, flywheel and a bunch of other things.. Mind you, our car was listed as an "automatic". I argued that it should have been covered, they argued back. It is actually in the process of dispute right now (we just paid the dealership ourselves in the meantime). it was under 4 grand. Which is still a pretty penny. I drive this thing DAILY. The thing about the maintenance that is SUPER important: 10w60 for your motor oil. This particular motor has an oil that was made SPECIFICALLY for it, Castrol's EDGE 10w60 and is now available at any O'Reilly auto parts. The dealer only supplies the newer shell 10w60, and we just take the Castrol in ourselves when we get the oil changed. The oil changes are few and far between, though. And the car naturally may consume about a quart or so over the course of several months. Other months, it doesn't consume any.

7 people found this helpful.
265

In surmise, I would agree that the car can definitely set you back if it wasn't well maintained. But if you want a car like this, you have to bite the bullet and roll with the punches. Know that you can ALWAYS sell it without taking a humongous hit. That first hit on depreciation was issued to the first person who bought it. These were at a MINIMUM 90k brand new, depending upon options (ours, for instance was 116k new) and when you can scoop it up for less than half that, it's worth it.

4 people found this helpful.
240

That's good to know. Mine had 44K miles and is pretty well maintained. The manual said to change oil every 1200 miles. That didn't sound right to me. How often do you change the oil?

2 people found this helpful.
60

Hi I've had my m5 e60 for 4 months now it's done 54k and is an 06 .The clutch was replaced before I purchased .The idrive and the telematics phone unit needed replacing at around 1500 pounds.By far the biggest cost is the fuel which will shock any normal person!.Now the good parts - I love it , the way the engine sounds and thrust the car at full throttle us insane very similar to the f430 .Buy one get a warranty and enjoy .

3 people found this helpful.
265

As for the oil, I change it as often as it tells me-usually around 10-12,000 miles or so.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have an 05 e60 m5 and have owned it for 1 1/2 years it has 118 k on the clock and has been super reliable in that time well apart from 1 coil pack failure ,ive also just replaced 4 tyres which you would expect to and also the discs and pads all around setting me back £1600 all in not bad considering the mileage and age I do get some electrical gremlins every now and then and recently ive had red gearbox cog on dash could be clutch sensor so ive just done a reset and it hasn't come back ,ive never done a launch control start or any major hard starts as I try to preserve the clutch but I do hard gear changes but overall the car is amazing and turns heads ,Ive also done exhaust delete which makes the car sound like it should have from the factory .

1 people found this helpful.
60

I have an 06 m5 - it's an awesome car , just get a good warrantee and enjoy - The car in m mode is truly sublime and extremely fast. However the fuel consumption is awful!.

3 people found this helpful.
55

I just bought an 06 with 99k and I'm third owner. I'm military and know I'm buying a potential money pit but this was one of my dream cars and I finally made it happen. I'm the third owner and vehicle was said to have been well taken care of but if anything what should I have checked out at BMW before really enjoying the car. I did get an extended warranty also.

5 people found this helpful.
265

Congrats on the car! Firstly-regardless of whether it's SMG or manual-the clutch has (hopefully) been replaced once already or you have that to look forward to. Otherwise the one thing to make sure you do is to ONLY use the oil that was made for the car-Castrol 10w60 ONLY! Note-all of the dealers have switched to the shell oil 10w60 which is designed with the newer turbo motors in mind. You can buy the Castrol at any o'reilly auto parts. We've had ours three years and no major issues. We are at around the same mileage as you and replaced the clutch at around 78000.

4 people found this helpful.
30

Hi everyone, I'm looking at cars in the 18-22k range to pick up as a Weekend driver. I want something under 50k miles and that is a Fast car (something i can justify as being weekend driver). currently looking at m5, 335, audi s4, s5. I saw a 2008 m5 on Craigslist with 50k miles for $23k. rebut title. any other suggestions as cars to look at?

3 people found this helpful.
20

hey im lookin at 2006 m5 but it has 147000 KMS on it , would you consider buying since all problems that were suppose to happened have probably been delt with

2 people found this helpful.
265

I'd feel better about it if I knew 2 things: it's maintenance history (most BMW dealers can pull up history for any BMW dealer I believe) and second: transmission type. If it's a manual, sure. If it's an SMG I, I would be a little more hesitant. Ultimately, of the car feels solid when driving, and the price is good; you probably can't go wrong.

4 people found this helpful.
10

Looking on buying a 2007 m5 with 40$ on after maket parts on motor alone. Its supercharged.640hp on motor. With 70 000miles. He wants $30.000.

1 people found this helpful.
10

You can view it on craig list. New jersey. Please help? Love the color, and wheels! Skeptical abaut all this modifications! He as $80 000 total on modification. I spoke to hem, and he said the car is like new! Going on saturday to test drive it!

290

Wow - that would be an amazing car! The stock 507 hp is sometimes more than you can handle, frankly. 640 hp - is insane! ...I'd say take the risk if you can afford it. As listed in this post, I lost an engine in my 2006 M5 and it cost me $20,000 (couldn't be repaired - had to just salvage the car). So, that's the downside and the risk. The upside is that it's probably the most amazing car you'll ever drive! You only live once!

2 people found this helpful.
100

I purchased my M5 2008 new in San Diego..... $110K Loaded It is now 10 years old and I made it to 225,000 miles on the original engine. YES I was religious about proper maintenance. Main isses: 1.) replaced clutch at 100k (covered by extended warr) 2.) replaced clutch again at 200K -- needed flywheel as well ... $7K 3.) replaced SMG system at 200K -- $7K 4.) replaced engine at 225,000 mi -- had Troy Jeup (Grand Rapids, MI) install at stroker version of the V10 -- 5.5L , 620HP 550ft lb Torque (half the price of Dinan) Also added Eisenmann exhaust system and removed primary cats The car is now a full thoroughbred F1 car. UFB .... however.... be wary wary careful.... you will become completely addicted to being in this car.... you will start planning the next big upgrade.... like the 6L V10 stroked and bored, ported and polished heads, long tube headers, methyl alcohol injection, 2.91 rear end, ported throttle bodies..... my buddy Josie just did the full Monti.... OMG..... best car ever made .... PERIOD Bill H

10 people found this helpful.
45

M5 is a real beast with a subtle touch. For those of you that are worried about high maintenance...My advice is to get a MANUAL 6-speed. I've had mine with no issues whatsoever. Both transmission ($250), rear diff ($200), and clutch services are very reasonable that won't cost you arm and a leg. I changed oil every 5k miles at the dealer that I prepaid for $80 each...(the oil alone costs more than that). And finally, the M5 Manual 6-speed will become extinct in 10yrs. Why? BMW only produced 500 units in 6-speed for NA market only. The rests are all SMG = Problems.

1 people found this helpful.
30

Question to Joseph - thanks for the feedback! May I know how long you owned the car please and how many miles were on your M5 please? I assume you didn't do any clutch replacement or had any trouble with the engine. Also, I am a bit stunned at the maintenance prices that you quoted. If you don't mind, can you let me the area where the Bimmer dealers charge just $80 for a M oil change pls? That is insanely low and I am glad you are making full use of it. I live in NJ and routinely used to take advantage of our local BMW dealers "specials" on oil changes that are typically $80 for the non-M cars. M cars start @ $140 I think. Hence my curiosity, and also reading about the transmission and rear diff change that costs <$250. Thanks in advance!

1 people found this helpful.
45

I have 88k mi on it now. You need to shop around your local reputable Indy shop since their hourly rate is much better than dealers (esp BMW, Porsche, Audi, etc). In our area here, the dealer often does price match as long as you provide a written estimate. I did that with both Transmission and Rear diff service...less than $600. Wrt oil and filter...there's a workaround in the entire process but you have to PM me since it depends on your dealership.

3 people found this helpful.
30

Thanks Joseph! Now, how the heck do I PM you? :D I thought it was as simple as clicking your name and seeing the option, but clicking your name takes me to your profile page and I don't see any option to PM you. Weird...

2 people found this helpful.
30

M5William, how do you like your 5.6 stroker. Did you Dyno it? Is it drivable in 1,2,3 gear or you loose traction pretty bad

3 people found this helpful.

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