Used 2021 BMW M5 for Sale nearChicago, IL

Is the 2021 BMW M5 a good car?

The 2021 BMW M5 is a compelling choice if you want a high-performance luxury sedan that still works as an everyday car. The overview describes it as blending serious speed with everyday usability, and it adds a refreshed look plus a new iDrive system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also brings a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and xDrive all-wheel drive, while still allowing a rear-wheel-drive feel when stability control is turned off. That makes it especially appealing if you want fast all-weather capability without giving up a modern cabin.

There are tradeoffs, including electric steering that may not suit every enthusiast and the need for careful ownership given its performance focus. Still, the model is described as relatively new with no major reported problem areas or concerns, and 27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW M5 reliable?

The 2021 BMW M5 is described as relatively new with no major reported problem areas or concerns. That makes it a stronger fit if you want a high-performance sedan without obvious red flags in the overview.

It still rewards careful ownership because of its performance hardware and the demands that come with a car like this. For used buyers, the long-term risk is less about a known defect pattern and more about finding an example that has been maintained properly and not driven hard without care.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW M5?

At 73.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether the car has had any collision damage, repairs, or title issues. Then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, with extra attention to condition, maintenance records, and signs of hard use. Because this is a high-performance sedan, you want the cleanest, best-documented example you can find.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW M5?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market if you are willing to compare listings carefully and focus on condition.

• Deal availability: 27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 84 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 73.8% of listings are accident-free.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW M5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Consider the 2022 if:

• The M5 CS adds carbon-fiber, track-ready performance and a sharper driving character.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of modern tech, all-weather performance, and everyday usability, the 2021 BMW M5 is the primary year to target. If you are shopping mainly on price, the 2021 also gives you a practical path to a high-performance sedan while still leaving room to compare against the 2022 if you want the more extreme performance-focused update.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.