2018 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).
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Common 2018 Bmw M5 problems
The 2018 BMW M5 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is related to the S63/N63 engine, which is prone to leaks. The engine's hot vee architecture causes overheated cooling lines and gaskets, leading to leaks. This problem can be costly to repair and may require frequent maintenance.
Another issue reported by owners is related to the car's drivetrain. Some drivers have experienced a clunky sound coming from the front axle, which may be due to arms, bushings, or steering components. This problem can affect the car's handling and ride quality, making it uncomfortable to drive.
The car's brakes have also been reported to need replacement more frequently than expected
. This issue can be particularly problematic for drivers who use their M5 for high-performance driving or track days.
In addition to these mechanical issues, some owners have reported problems with the car's HVAC system. The system may act weird, causing discomfort for drivers and passengers
. This problem can be particularly frustrating in extreme weather conditions.
Finally, some owners have reported that the engine may turn off immediately after turning on, accompanied by a rough idle and a check engine light
. This problem can be caused by various issues, including faulty sensors or electrical components.
Overall, the 2018 BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan that offers impressive speed and handling. However, like any complex machine, it can experience mechanical and electrical issues that may require frequent maintenance and repair. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their decision-making process.
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.
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.
Is the M5 a good daily?
M5 is an excellent daily driver. I drive mine roughly 70 miles a day, mostly highway.
What is so special about the BMW M5?
But the BMW M5 isn't just about raw power. It's also a stunner in the looks department. With its aggressive front grille, sculpted sides, and those signature M-series quad exhaust pipes, it's a head-turner on any road.
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.
Is the M5 a good daily?
M5 is an excellent daily driver. I drive mine roughly 70 miles a day, mostly highway.
How long do M5s last?
I've been an M5 owner for over 12 years and 85,000 miles now. 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.
Why BMW M5 is the best?
As it's based on the fantastic 5 Series, it's no surprise the M5 has few peers as executive transport. Dial in the phenomenal power and torque, and the stupendous grip generated by the new 4x4 drivetrain, and the breadth of the M5's ability is simply breathtaking.
2018 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
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Bmw M5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Bmw M5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Bmw M5.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- VIN: WBSJF0C55JB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: BMW issued a stop sale on 2017-2023 bmw F90 M5 chassis regarding the expansion tank failure. All vehicles should be affected by the recall. My current vehicle is experiencing the issues stated on the recall notice. Expansion tank is failing and causing coolant to seep into engine bay
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-22
- VIN: WBSJF0C52JB
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The coolant tank on my 2018 M5 failed causing a coolant leak. This is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. The bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. My coils and spark plugs needed replacement along with the tank. This is unacceptable and BMW needs to address this issue.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-12
- VIN: WBSJF0C52JB
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: This is for the front passenger seat only.The idrive system will give an error for the passenger restraint system and will mention there is a seat belt issue and turn off the airbag. This is intermittent and will happen with or without a passenger. I contacted BMW about it but because it is not presently acting out, they won't do anything about it unless I want to just start paying for new parts and do "exploratory" surgery on it trying to resolve this. Unacceptable as this has been happening for a couple of years and is a danger because of it happens during an accident it could prove fatal.
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-25
- VIN: WBSJFOC5XJB
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I ALMOST HAD A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN MY 2 WEEK OLD 2018 M5 ON THE 1-95 HIGHWAY ON THE NIGHT OF MAY 25, 2018 AT ABOUT 9:45PM. WITHOUT WARNING, AT ABOUT 65MPH, THE CAR JERKED FOR ABOUT 3SECONDS , KICKED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL AND STARTED DECELERATING. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE SURROUNDED BY SPEEDING VEHICLES. I MANAGED TO GUIDE IT TO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION FOR 2MINUTES, AFTER WHICH I RE-STARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE DRIVE. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP TODAY, ONLY TO BE INFORMED, THIS WAS AS A RESULT OF COMPUTER GLITCH CONTROLLING THE FUEL PUMP CAUSING IT TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS TOLD THERE HAS BEEN A SOFTWARE PATCH TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. IF IT IS TRUE, I BELIEVE THE CORRECTION SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BEFORE THE CAR WAS PICKED UP OR PROMPTLY NOTIFIED TO RETURN THE CAR FOR FIXING. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY LAST NIGHT IF NOT FOR MY PROMPT SITUATION AWARENESS AND EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING THIS POWERFUL CAR WHICH IS MY FOURTH M5 SINCE 2006. OWNERS NEED TO BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY FOR FIXES LIKE THIS THAT CAN LEAD TO FATAL INCIDENTS. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYTHING SIMILAR HAS BEEN REPORTED ABOUT THIS MODEL
2018 Bmw M5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Bmw M5.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
- Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is actually available.
- Consequence: An incorrect fuel reading may lead to the vehicle stalling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will secure the in-tank fuel line to keep the fuel line from contacting the fuel level sensor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.
- Consequence: If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Positive 2018 Bmw M5 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Bmw M5 problems:
2018-2020 common issues to look for? - Page 2 - BMW M5 Forum
Centre speaker behind the idrive screen still rattles a little on really bad roads. Squeaky brakes are normal if you don't work them hard enough. TPMS issue ...
BMW M5 (2018) Reliability : r/BMW
Nov 1, 2021 ... BMW M5 (2018) Reliability · You will never get to use either as they are intended in the city. · WAY different price brackets. An M5 is ...
M5 F90 log of acknowledged/known issues - M5POST - BMW M5 ...
M5 F90 log of acknowledged/known issues F90 M5 General Forum. ... issues addressed by BMW under warranty (incl. ... 2018 or if i should stick with a low mileage ...
2018 BMW M5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 BMW M5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
I think everyone on here should read this! - M5POST - BMW M5 Forum
Everything you need to know about the F90 M5 S63B44T4 vs the F10 M5 S63B44T0. Here's another great source of information. https://bimmerlife.com/2018/08/23/n6..
Other years of Bmw M5
Are you having problems with your 2018 Bmw M5?
Dayton Trantow 2024-04-19
It's great to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your vehicle! It sounds like it's been a reliable and comfortable ride for you. It's impressive that you've owned it for so long and only needed to purchase one set of tires in 45 years.