2013 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 2013 Bmw M5 problems
The BMW M5 2013, a high-performance luxury sedan, has been praised for its power, handling, and interior comfort. However, like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems that have been reported by owners.
One of the most frequently reported issues is a loose noise from the rear of the vehicle on bumpy roads. This problem is due to a defective spring coil, which can cause discomfort and annoyance for the driver and passengers. BMW acknowledged this issue and started providing remedies for affected units in December 2012, allowing owners to have their spring coils replaced free of charge.
Another common problem is the brake pedal becoming too soft after a few minutes of stress driving. This issue is caused by the factory brakes, which can lead to increased brake distance and potential safety concerns. Owners who drove their vehicles on tracks had no option but to get ceramic brakes, which are more expensive but offer better performance and durability.
Many BMW M5 F10 owners have also reported hearing fan rattle sounds when their car is under throttle. This noise is caused by a loose pipe clip on the induction system, which can be fixed by inspecting and tightening the clip.
There are also reports of the oil pressure sensor not working correctly, which can lead to excessive oil consumption and potential engine damage. Although reports aren't many, these are alarming issues that should be double-checked when looking for a used BMW M5 F10 on the market.
Lastly, several owners have complained about an alert popping up on the dashboard saying, "Drivetrain error. Maximum power not available." This issue mainly pertains to the 2011 model and is caused by a faulty fuel pressure sensor, which can be fixed by replacing the sensor.
In summary, the BMW M5 2013 is a powerful and luxurious vehicle that has been praised for its performance and interior comfort. However, like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems that have been reported by owners, including loose noises from the rear, soft brake pedals, fan rattle sounds, oil pressure sensor issues, and drivetrain errors. It is essential to be aware of these issues and double-check them when looking for a used BMW M5 F10 on the market.
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.
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.
What are the recalls on the 2013 BMW M5?
BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2013 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:
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Bmw M5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Bmw M5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Bmw M5.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-01
- VIN: WBSFV9C52DD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. DON JACOBS BMW LOCATED AT 2689 NICHOLASVILLE RD #1, LEXINGTON, KY 40503, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V475000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,817. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED A ROD WAS SEIZED TO THE CRANKSHAFT CAUSING THE BEARING TO BE DESTROYED AND SENDING METAL SHRAPNEL INTO THE ENGINE. *JS *BF DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER FAILURE DUE TO CYLINDERS LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE RESULTING IN FRICTION ON THE BEARING.*JB
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-01
- VIN: WBSFV9C52DD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY IN MY CITY WHEN I STARTED TO HEAR A SQUEAKY SOUND SORT OF LIKE A HAMSTER WHEEL. SHORTLY AFTER I STARTED TO HEAR LOUD METAL TO METAL CLANKING SOUND AND THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO SAFE LOCATION ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH BEING HARMED BUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A MAJOR WRECK WAS POSSIBLE DUE TRAFFIC VOLUME AND SPEED. I HAVE ATTACHED THE MECHANICS QUOTES FOR REPAIR OF ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER AND QUICK OIL PRESSURE FAILURE. A ROD WAS SEIZED TO THE CRANKSHAFT AND THEN THE BEARING WAS DESTROYED AND METAL WAS SENT THROUGH THE ENGINE. ONE QUOTE IS FOR A REBUILD OF THE ENGINE IF IT IS POSSIBLE ONCE BREAKING THE ENGINE DOWN TO CONFIRM CONDITION AND THE OTHER IS FOR A MOTOR REPLACEMENT WITH A 40K MOTOR. BMW QUOTE FOR A NEW ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR THE ENGINE ALONE IS $51,000 PLUS LABOR. THE MECHANIC AND I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLES ENGINE AND OIL PUMP COULD HAVE BEEN BUILT DURING THE TIME OF THE RECOGNIZED BMW RECALL BEING THAT THE VEHICLES MANUFACTURING DATE WAS IN OCTOBER OF 2012 AND THE RECALL WAS FOR A 3 MONTH PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 11, 2012. I AM AN ENGINEER WORKING FOR TOYOTA MANUFACTURING OF NORTH AMERICA AND I AM AWARE OF HOW MOST RECALLS CAN COME TO BE. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT VEHICLES CAN BE KICKED OUT OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR OFFLINE REPAIRS AT ANY GIVEN TIME DURING THE BUILD PROCESS THUS MAKING THE WHOLE CARS MANUFACTURING DATE LATER THAN MANY COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE ENGINE AND OIL PUMP. I WOULD LIKE FOR BMW TO RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE AND THE IMMEDIATE DANGER IT PUT ONE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS YOU HAVE RELATED TO THIS UNSAFE FAILURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-06
- VIN: WBSFV9C58DC
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL FILLER TUBE GASKETS ARE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL CAUSING THE STEERING ELECTRONICS TO BE FLOODED AND SHORT OUT CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM THAT DEALERSHIPS ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX WITHOUT CHARGING $1,000.00.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-26
- VIN: WBSFV9C59DC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR JERK STARTED SMOKING I PULLED OVER AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-16
- VIN: WBSFV9C52DC
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: CREAKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL WHEN PARKED AND AT LOW SPEEDS. DIAGNOSIS FROM SHOP INDICATED THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE. BOTH SIDES REPLACED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-01
- VIN: WBSFV9C53DC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: LIGHT COMES ON FOR PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-29
- VIN: WBSFV9C59DC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CAR READS LOW ON OIL WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR ONLY NEEDED ONE QUART OF OIL. DEALER HAS NEVER LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TOLERANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE SHAFT AND THE PUMP'S ROTOR. DEALERSHIP ONLY SHOWED MY HUSBAND HOW TO REPLENISH OIL WHEN LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAS PROBLEM BEGAN WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 29,000 MILES. THE LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN CAR IS STATIONERY AND IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY. CURRENTLY MUST DRIVE AROUND WITH A QUART OF OIL IN CAR AT ALL TIMES FOR SAFETY REASONS. CAR NOW HAS 40,000 MILES.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBSFV9C58DC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE VEHICLE MENTIONED ABOVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A SNOWY EVENING. THE TRIP TO MY HOUSE IS AROUND 7 MILES AND AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES, I PARKED ALONG THE STREET AS I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE BEING DISPLAYED. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I SAW A FIRE UNDER THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. RESEARCHING ABOUT FIRES IN BMWS I FOUND QUIET A BIG NUMBER OUT THERE. NOW WE ARE WORRIED TO EVEN DRIVE THE TWO OTHER BMWS THAT I STILL OWN. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-31
- VIN: WBSFV9C58DC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: FOR THE SECOND WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE IT SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY DIED LEAVING THE CAR IN GEAR WITH NO WAY OF MOVING THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK IS IF IT IS RUNNING. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING, BRAKING, AND ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR PASSED WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC WITH NO WAY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED AND STATED THE BATTERY WAS OPERATING AT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL DISCHARGE RATE. HAD I BEEN ON A MAJOR ROAD I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LACK OF STEERING AND BRAKING WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME MY VEHICLE VEERED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE IN THE OTHER LANE I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT HEAD-ON. *TR
STEERING,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-06
- VIN: WBSFV9C58DC
- Components: STEERING,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A SLOW RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED A FEW MOMENT LATER. HOWEVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY MULTIPLE SYSTEM FAILURE WARNINGS THAT WERE DISPLAYED, SUCH AS: REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LOCKED, POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, SEAT BELT TENSIONER SYSTEM FAILED AND TO STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT A SERVICE CENTER IMMEDIATELY. I DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS 100 YARDS AWAY AND SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN AND CALLED ORANGE COUNTY BMW IN HARRIMAN, NY. I WAS TOLD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR TEN MINUTES AND THE SYSTEM SHOULD RESET ITSELF, WHICH I DID. I WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 5 SERIES AND IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME FROM THE SALES MANAGER, [XXX], TO WHOM I SPOKE TO ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE ERRORS CLEARED BUT I WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE FAILURE MAKING THE SAME TURN WITH THE SAME FAILURES OCCURRING AS LISTED ABOVE. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED THIS WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED I ENDED UP DRIVING INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO FORCEFULLY STEER THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2013 Bmw M5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2013 Bmw M5.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification. As a result, the pump's driveshaft could separate from the rotor.
- Consequence: Separation of the pump's driveshaft from the rotor could lead to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Positive 2013 Bmw M5 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Bmw M5 problems:
Known F10 M5 issues, problems and solutions - M5POST - BMW M5 ...
Aug 5, 2012 ... Problem: Clunking / loose noise from rear on bad roads · Problem: Wind rattle/fan rattle sound when car is under throttle · Problem: Brakes pedal ...
Please Read: 2013 M5 Issues Needing Resolution | BMW M5 Forum ...
Sep 27, 2012 ... Please Read: 2013 M5 Issues Needing Resolution · 1. Bad oil pump: This whole defective oil pump situation is due to a bad batch of pumps that ...
Any common failures or things to look for on used F10? - M5POST ...
BMW M5 (F10) General Forum Any common failures or ... But f10 m5 engine/trans seems pretty robust. I've ... i had zero problems. Royce Martin's Avatar. Royce ...
2013-2016 BMW M5s Are Dangerously Cheap Right Now | The Drive
Jun 15, 2022 ... These are all fairly mild problems in the grand scheme of European performance cars. Still, there are some annoyances, recalls, and minor things ...
Whats with all the 2013 M5's | BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums
Jan 3, 2019 ... ... common problems during the 2011-2013 M5 years that I should avoid? Were they lemons? For example, the E60 M5 I was told had V10 Timing problems ...
Merritt Sawayn 2025-01-06
I bought this car about a month ago with 28K miles on it and all records in tact. It's been a great companion for weekend drives around the city and especially on the freeway. It's also perfect for weekend trips out of town in 'comfort' mode. Despite its size, it handles really well and has incredible power. I've owned other sports cars before, but this one puts the biggest smile on my face when I merge onto the freeway. The car feels super solid and the audio is amazing. I love that this car has a tasteful design inside and out - it's not overdone and edgy (gaudy, if you will) like many other new cars these days (yep, Lexus (front grill) and Cadillac (all of it) hurts my eyes).
Jeremy Ritchie 2024-10-07
I'm glad to hear that you have no complaints about your car at this time. It's great to know that it's performing just as well as your previous two M3's and 750iL.
Rod Nader 2024-08-20
Great large car
Dagmar Becker 2024-07-20
There's nothing quite like owning an M5! I purchased a 2013 BMW M5 a year ago and added a 3-year warranty. Although there were some costs involved in getting it in top shape, it has definitely been worth it. The 570 horsepower V8 twin turbo can easily get you out of any traffic jam. The stereo is also fantastic and makes you feel like you're at a concert. If you're looking to save some money, consider buying an older model from 2013-2015 instead of spending a fortune on a brand new one.