2021 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 2021 Bmw M5 problems
The 2021 BMW M5 Competition, while a powerful and luxurious sedan, has some common problems that have been reported by owners.
Firstly, the infotainment system and drive mode settings can be cumbersome to navigate. The iDrive system requires a significant amount of time to set up the vehicle's settings, including throttle, suspension, steering, xDrive, and sport exhaust, which can be frustrating for drivers.
Secondly, the cost of options and customization can be prohibitively expensive. While the base price of the M5 Competition starts at $113,095, adding options such as special paint, extended leather, and Driving Assistance Plus package can quickly increase the price to over $141,000.
Thirdly, the exterior design of the M5 Competition has been criticized for being too sinister. The Shadowline lighting and extended Shadowline trim, which includes gloss black to the grille, mirror caps, and other body jewelry, can make the car look too dark and uninviting.
Fourthly, the ride quality of the M5 Competition has been criticized for being too stiff, especially compared to the standard M5. The lower ride height, stiffer springs, and stronger anti-roll bars can make the ride uncomfortable on public roads, especially on rough or uneven surfaces.
Lastly, there have been reports of engine failure in some 2021 M5 Competition models, with warranty claims being denied due to aftermarket parts such as intake and exhaust.
In terms of safety recalls, the 2021 BMW M5 has been recalled for a small portion of the rearview image being slightly obscured, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Overall, while the 2021 BMW M5 Competition is a powerful and luxurious sedan, it has some common problems that have been reported by owners, including cumbersome infotainment and drive mode settings, expensive customization options, a sinister exterior design, stiff ride quality, engine failure, and safety recalls.
Is the M5 a reliable car?
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. This covers both the current (2017 onwards) model as well as earlier generations of 5 Series.
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 BMW M5 good daily driver?
M5 is an excellent daily driver. I drive mine roughly 70 miles a day, mostly highway. It's a fantastic daily. You'll love it!
Which car can beat BMW M5?
To challenge the new BMW M5 CS we have one of the greatest Ferraris ever built, the Ferrari 812 Superfast. The 812 Superfast is powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 788 horsepower (587 Kilowatts) and 529 lb-ft (717 Newton Meters) of torque.
How reliable is the BMW M5?
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. This covers both the current (2017 onwards) model as well as earlier generations of 5 Series.
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.
Is BMW M5 good daily driver?
M5 is an excellent daily driver. I drive mine roughly 70 miles a day, mostly highway. It's a fantastic daily. You'll love it!
2021 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:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Bmw M5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Bmw M5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Bmw M5.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBS83CH04MC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car catch on fire and explode it with 2 ocupantes inside
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-30
- VIN: WBS83CH07MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE REVERSE BACKUP LIGHTS AND CAMERA IMAGE IS SO DIM AND LIMITED AS BE UNUSABLE AND VERY UNSAFE WHEN BACKING UP AT NIGHT IN DARKNESS. DEALER SERVICE COULD NOT FIX AS DESIGNED IN! I BELIEVE SAME SYSTEM USED ON ALL 2021 SERIES 5 CARS. LEFT CAR AT DEALER WITH FOBS AS I AM REFUSING THE CAR CANCELLING SALE AS HIDDEN DEFECT UNSAFE AND NOT FIXABLE PER DEALER SERVICE MGR. ATTACHED PHOTOS ARE ACTUALLY BRIGHTER THAN WHAT DRIVER SEES. VIEW IS FROM MY GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY TO BACKUP. RED TINT IS BREAK LIGHTS STRONGER THAN WEAK BACKUP LIGHTS ALL VERY ABNORMALLY DIM WITH VERY RESTRICTED ILLUMINATED VIEW.
2021 Bmw M5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 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 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Positive 2021 Bmw M5 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Bmw M5 problems:
M5 F90 log of acknowledged/known issues - M5POST - BMW M5 ...
... common issues wich affects our cars? I mean basically those two categories: issues addressed by BMW under warranty (incl. Safety Recalls & Technical ...
Advices To Give a Possible M5 E60 Owner - Maintenance, Common ...
Jan 19, 2023 ... So no problem with taking care for the car. But when you say that your rod bearings are original and your car is at 157K miles, I'm confused.
Hows Reliability been for owners of more than a year? - M5POST ...
Drove the M5 Comp a couple weeks back and man oh man, I think it might be the one. I have been searching around here for any common problems people may be ...
2021 F90 M5 Competition engine failure, warranty claim denied due ...
Feb 3, 2024 ... I purchased my 2021 M5 Competition new in October 2020. 43 miles on the odometer. Up until a couple weeks ago, I have had zero issues with the ...
2018-2020 common issues to look for? - Page 2 - BMW M5 Forum
Page 2- 2018-2020 common issues to look for? F90 M5 General Forum.
Other years of Bmw M5
Are you having problems with your 2021 Bmw M5?
Adrien Hand 2024-11-24
The car is truly a Jekyll and Hyde. With small inputs to the accelerator, it is smooth, quiet as a library, and comfortable, while still being incredibly fast. If you press hard on the acceleration, it takes off like a scolded cat with a snarl. The acceleration is mind-blowing, but the handling is so pin-sharp and solid that it inspires you to push on even more. Although the suspension is undoubtedly firm, the interior is so opulent, and the seats infinitely adjustable, that it is still an extremely comfortable experience.
Edward Bernier 2024-11-21
It's great to hear that you've had your BMW for 2 years and 14K miles! This driving machine is fantastic with its linear power and excellent handling. I'm impressed that it did so well on the track during your 2-day experience at the BMW M driving school in SC. The 4WD propulsion is confidence-inspiring, and the paddle shifts are quick. I'm glad to hear that you love the carbon fiber roof on yours. The seats are extremely adjustable and comfortable, with heating and cooling to keep you comfortable in any weather. The HK sound system is also impressive, even better than the Burmesters we have in 2 Mercedes. And on top of all that, it's practical with a large trunk and functional rear seats. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
Gonzalo Hagenes 2024-11-09
I leased the 2020 M5 in December 2019, just before the arrival of Covid. Unfortunately, my experience may have been slightly better if it weren't for Covid. There are only two downsides to this car, but they are significant. The first issue is the brake dust, which requires cleaning the tires and rims every day. As you put 10 miles on the car, the rims become disgusting and require thorough cleaning. A friend of mine with an X5 removes the rims once a month for thorough cleaning, but I think that's a bit excessive. The second issue is that the car doesn't have a spare tire or run flats, which is a big concern for me. I had a blowout when I entered a driveway a little too fast, and the green slime and compressor that came with the car didn't help me at all. I had to tow the vehicle to the dealership, only to be told that they didn't have a replacement tire in stock, and neither did any of the other dealers in the state. However, I didn't complain much since I was given a 740 as a loaner for the week it took to get the tire in. While the lack of a spare tire is something I can live with, the brake dust is a deal breaker for me. I refuse to clean the rims daily.
Omer Conn 2024-10-26
Wow, it sounds like you've found an incredible car! It's great to hear that it's spacious enough for your family and can handle the tough weather conditions in NE Ohio. It's impressive that you're aiming to drive it for 200k miles, too. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation with us!
Baylee Gibson 2024-10-01
You're doing great!