2000 Bmw M5 problems
The BMW M5 is a high-performance variant of the BMW 5 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand. It is considered an iconic vehicle in the sports sedan category. The M5 has always been produced in the sedan (saloon) body style, but in some countries the M5 has also been available as a wagon (estate) from 1992 to 1995, from 2006 to 2010, and since 2024.
The first M5 model was hand-built in 1985 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production sedan at the time. M5 models have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1985.
E28 M5 (1984–1988)
The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, was manufactured from October 1984 to June 1988. It made its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1985. It was based on the 535i chassis with various mechanical changes, most notably the M88/3 engine (shared with the E24 M635CSi grand tourer coupé) which was an updated version of the engine used in the M1 sports car. At its launch, the E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.
The official markets for the E28 M5 were Europe, Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. The European and South African cars used the M88/3 engine which has a power output of 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp).
Cars sold in the United States and Canada used a detuned version of the M88/3 called the S38B35, which was equipped with a catalytic converter and has a power output of 191 kW (256 hp). Due to an extended production run that exceeded BMW's original forecast of production volumes, a class action lawsuit was launched by owners in the United States. The results of this class action was that owners were given a voucher for US$4,000 in 1993. Production of North American specification M5 commenced in November 1986 and ended in November 1987.
Aside from 96 cars which were assembled in kit form at BMW's Plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, all cars were assembled by hand in Germany. Assembly took place at BMW Motorsport's plant in Preussenstrasse in Munich prior to the 1986 factory summer vacation. Thereafter, the M5 production was moved to Daimlerstrasse in Garching where the remainder were built. Production of the M5 continued until November 1988, almost a year after BMW had ceased production of regular E28 models. With a total production of 2,241 units, the E28 M5 remains among the rarest regular production BMW Motorsport cars – after the M1 (456 units), M5 (E34) Touring (891 units) and the 850CSi (1,510 units).
Social links
Common 2000 Bmw M5 problems
The BMW M5 E39, produced from 1999 to 2003, is a highly regarded performance sedan known for its powerful V8 engine and exceptional handling. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems and issues that owners have reported over the years
- Suspension Issues: One of the most common problems reported by BMW M5 E39 owners is wear and tear on the thicker rear anti-roll bar bushings, control arms, and ball joints. These components are subject to high stress and can degrade over time, leading to poor handling and ride quality. A pre-purchase inspection can help identify any potential suspension issues and give buyers an idea of what to expect in terms of repair costs.
- Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) Unit Failure: The BMW M5 E39's V8 engine features a variable valve timing system called VANOS, which uses oil pressure to change intake and exhaust cam timing. If the seals inside the VANOS units fail, it can lead to a loss of power and increased fuel consumption. BMW's solution is to replace the entire unit at a cost of over $4500. However, some owners have found it to be more cost-effective to replace the seals instead, though this is not a BMW-approved procedure and requires the use of an independent shop.
- Carbon Buildup: Another common issue reported by BMW M5 E39 owners is carbon buildup in the combustion chambers, exhaust ports, and secondary air ports. This buildup can lead to reduced performance, increased emissions, and potentially even engine damage. Fixing the secondary-air-system blockage can be the most expensive repair of all, with costs even higher than VANOS replacements.
- Clutch Replacement: The BMW M5 E39's clutch is another component that can fail prematurely, especially if the vehicle is subjected to aggressive driving or track use. Replacing the clutch can be a costly repair, with parts and labor costs ranging from $1300 to $2000.
- Tires, Brakes, and Oil Consumption: The BMW M5 E39 is known for its high performance and can be demanding on consumables such as tires, brakes, and oil. Adding a quart of oil every 600 to 700 miles is not uncommon, and the vehicle's high-performance tires and brakes can also be costly to replace.
- Cooling System Recall: There was also an engine-cooling-fan recall that may have affected inaugural-year E39s, which could potentially lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed.
In summary, the BMW M5 E39 is a high-performance sedan known for its powerful V8 engine and exceptional handling. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems and issues that owners have reported over the years. These include suspension issues, VANOS unit failure, carbon buildup, clutch replacement, high consumable costs, and a cooling system recall. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their decision-making process when considering purchasing a BMW M5 E39.
Is a BMW M5 reliable?
The BMW 5 Series range (including the M5) has a poor reliability score of 47% as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
What are the most common faults with BMW M5?
Top BMW M5 Problems
- Rubbing Noise From Rear Differential When Turning. ...
- Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up. ...
- Front Thrust Rod Bushings May Fail. ...
- Multiple Power Steering Hoses May Simultaneously Fail. ...
- Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail. ...
- Rear sway bar brackets cracking.
How reliable are E39 M5s?
Over the past 4 years, me and my term have serviced hundreds of E39 M5s. The E39 M5's S62 V8 can last 300,000 miles on original components. The S62 can also fail at 40,000 miles. Thankfully, there seem to be many more instances of higher miles than lower.
How long does a BMW M5 engine last?
I have 75,000 miles on my M5 and plan on keeping it well past 100,000 miles. Just keep up on regular maintenance service intervals and keep an eye on your oil consumption (if you have any) and you should be good. There are other members on here who have over 100,000 miles on their M5 and they're still going strong.
Are BMW M5 reliable?
Reliability rating
The BMW 5 Series range (including the M5) has a poor reliability score of 47% as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
Are BMW M5 E39 reliable?
The E39 M5's S62 V8 can last 300,000 miles on original components. The S62 can also fail at 40,000 miles. Thankfully, there seem to be many more instances of higher miles than lower.
What is the best year for a BMW M5?
E39 M5 (1998-2003)
M-division aficionados might find it impossible to agree on one particular version as being the outright best, but we'd wager almost all of them would say that the E39 was one of the greatest.
Why are old M5 so expensive?
The value of this example reflects its scarcity. Keller pointed out that most original E39 M5 buyers didn't treat these cars as future collectibles, and many have higher mileage as a result. BMW also only exported 9992 E39 M5s to North America, and as is the case with most cars, the first model year is the most common.
2000 Bmw M5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electronic stability control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Bmw M5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2000 Bmw M5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Bmw M5.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-28
- VIN: WBSDE9345YB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The original airbag in my vehicle was replaced with a Takata airbag at some point (prior to my ownership) that is subject to recall, but the dealer will not replace because my VIN was not part of the recall. I have removed the airbag to verify that the part number matches the recall. It is silly to recall a part 15+ years after production and use a VIN as a means to identify affected drivers. Perhaps as a starting point, but it will never encompass all affected drivers, as parts are frequently replaced as vehicles age. The parts were sold by the vehicle manufacturer and are installed in a working vehicle. Those should be the only requirements to get a replacement, especially as it relates to a potentially lethal defect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- VIN: WBSDE9344YB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2000 BMW M5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer denied the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags) due to the steering wheel not being the original steering wheel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-11
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBSDE9347YB
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POSSIBLE BRAKE AND / OR "DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL" FAILURE RESULTED IN IMPACT WITH UTILITY POLE WITH RUPTURE OF FUEL TANK AND RESULTANT FIRE AND FATALITY. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBSDE9344YB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OR COLLISION, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
2000 Bmw M5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2000 Bmw M5.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: TIRES:SIDEWALL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Consequence: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
Positive 2000 Bmw M5 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2000 Bmw M5 problems:
Is a 2000 M5 a good car and reliable?
Mar 12, 2005 ... My 2000 M5 problems ... Some other common problems -VANOS failure ... BMW means its normal for the e39 M5 to use that much oil, no dodging the issue ...
M5 common problems and running costs | BMW M5 Forum and M6 ...
Jul 21, 2005 ... M5 common problems and running costs · 1. Wide range of oil consumption across e39 model years, perhaps due in part to the hand-built nature of ...
BMW E39 M5 Buyer's Guide - E39 M5 Common Issues, Problems
May 26, 2020 ... Other things to be mindful of under the hood include failing valve cover gaskets and carbon buildup inside the combustion chambers. bmw m5. BMW.
2000 M5 Common Issues
Aug 18, 2010 ... 2000 M5 Common Issues. I'm currently looking into a e39 M5. Have been wanting to make the switch to the o so faithful bmw world now that ...
E39 M5 Engine Reliability
The E39 M5's S62 V8 can last 300,000 miles on original components. The S62 can also fail at 40,000 miles. Thankfully, there seem to be many more instances of ...
Other years of Bmw M5
Are you having problems with your 2000 Bmw M5?
Herminio Cronin 2025-01-01
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the M5 - I got mine back in 2009 on a dealer trade with 160k and it's been a great ride ever since! I just wanted to give you a heads up on a few things to look out for if you're considering this car. Almost all E39 M5s have vanos knock, which can sound like rattles in a can on start up. If you hear this, don't worry - it's a common issue that can be fixed by changing the VANOS units. Carbon build up is another thing to keep an eye on, especially if the previous owners didn't take care of the car. This can lead to carbon deposits in the engine and a secondary airflow low code. Additionally, I noticed that the transmission would sometimes have trouble shifting into gears when it was colder outside, and my rear LSD was leaking. One thing to keep in mind is that the transmission fluid and LSD fluid are not lifetime fluids like BMW claims, so make sure to change them out. Lastly, my car began to smoke, so that's something to be aware of. I hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions!
Graham O'Connell 2024-11-04
I sold my E36 M3 after I bought this car. I loved the M3, but I needed a 4-door to haul my teenage daughter and her friends around. This car not only is much faster than the M3 was, but actually handles better as well, in spite of the extra weight! It's incredibly neutral and smooth. Just aim and turn, no fuss, no drama. The acceleration is not to be believed! The car is already a classic and I've been followed to my destination and complimented/quizzed several times by those in the know. I was lucky to find a one-owner with just under 31K on the clock. But then, I'd been looking for 6 months. You'd think it was right off the showroom floor by its condition. I absolutely love it!
Marcel Kohler 2024-11-03
Everything about this car is amazing. It's a joy to drive every day. Once you get over the sticker shock, you'll find that this car is pure joy. The M5 is definitely worth every penny.
Geovany Friesen 2024-09-16
I really like everything about the M5. The car is stable, comfortable, and very fast. It always puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it.
Nasir Nolan 2024-09-01
Do you enjoy the thrill of accelerating quickly? How about outpacing Porsches and Ferraris? Then you should definitely consider driving this car! The power is incredible and the handling is superb. This car boasts style, elegance, and comfort, and currently holds the title for the most powerful sedan in the world. No other car can compare to the overall experience you get from driving this exceptional machine. Once again, BMW has proven to be ahead of the competition, such as the E55.