Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports sedans ever built. The naturally aspirated 4.9-litre S62 V8 produces 400 hp through a 6-speed manual gearbox only, and the chassis balance remains a benchmark. All examples are now over 20 years old, so condition and maintenance history matter far more than mileage. The S62 is robust when properly maintained, but VANOS wear, cooling system aging, and the high cost of M-specific parts mean ownership requires commitment and a realistic budget.· more· less
Robust S62 V8 engine designManual-only, no gearbox concerns
VANOS rebuild virtually inevitableAll parts are M-specific and costly
Buy if: You want a raw, naturally aspirated V8 sports sedan and can budget for age-related maintenance on a 20+ year old performance car.
Avoid if: You need predictable low running costs or cannot absorb a surprise €3,000-5,000 repair bill.
Dual VANOS seals, solenoids, and oil pump degrade with age, causing cold-start rattle and power loss · more· less
The S62 uses a dual VANOS system (intake and exhaust) that is virtually guaranteed to need attention on any car of this age. Pre-October 1999 cars lack set screws in the solenoid covers, making vibration damage more likely. There are two types of VANOS noise: a cold-start rattle that stops within a minute (caused by the oil pressure accumulator bleeding off overnight, fixable with an updated accumulator), and a rattle that worsens as the engine warms (requires internal rebuild). BMW acknowledged the issue and offered free accumulator replacement until December 2003. A full VANOS rebuild with new seals, cleaned oil passages, rebuilt oil pump, and tested solenoids costs €800-1,200 at a specialist using rebuild kits from Beisan Systems or Dr. Vanos. Dealer replacement of both complete units can reach €3,000 or more. While a noisy VANOS is primarily annoying rather than damaging in the short term, it does reduce low-RPM torque and should be addressed.
Rod bearing wear
up to €3,5002 of 8
Factory bearing clearances are tighter than ideal, leading to premature wear if oil is neglected · more· less
The S62, like other BMW M engines (S54, S65, S85), was built with bearing oil clearances tighter than the performance engine industry recommends. Combined with manufacturing tolerance stacking, some engines end up with borderline clearances. This makes the S62 sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. Catastrophic failure is uncommon on the S62 compared to the S65/S85 engines, but it does happen, particularly on cars with extended oil change intervals or heavy track use. Symptoms include a faint ticking at idle and metal particles in oil analysis. Preventive rod bearing replacement is recommended between 120,000-180,000 km (80,000-120,000 miles). Many engines run well past 300,000 km on original bearings with diligent oil changes. Parts cost approximately €400-500 for all 16 bearings, but labor is extensive (engine-in-car service requires 15-20 hours). Total cost at a specialist runs €2,000-3,500. Regular oil analysis through services like Blackstone Labs is an effective early warning system.
Throttle actuator failure
up to €2,5003 of 8
Internal plastic gears wear out, causing limp mode with DSC and EML warning lights · more· less
The S62 throttle actuator uses plastic internal gears that become brittle and wear over time. When they fail, the engine enters limp mode with DSC and EML lights illuminated. Genuine new actuators are priced above €2,000 and becoming increasingly difficult to source as BMW discontinues older M parts. Rebuild services from specialists like EBM Engineering offer a more practical alternative at €500-800, replacing the worn gears with upgraded motorsport-grade materials. The rebuild is done on the customer's original unit and includes full inspection. Labor for removal and reinstallation is approximately 3 hours. This issue can occur at any mileage but becomes more common beyond 150,000 km.
Cooling system degradation
up to €1,5004 of 8
Plastic expansion tank, aging hoses, and original water pump become failure points after 20+ years · more· less
Every E39 M5 cooling system is now over 20 years old, and plastic components degrade with age regardless of mileage. The expansion tank is the most common failure point, with the plastic becoming brittle and cracking at connection points. The original water pump used a plastic impeller that could disintegrate (updated to composite material in revised parts). Thermostats stick, hoses become brittle, and radiator end tanks can crack. A complete cooling system overhaul (radiator, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, all hoses, coolant) costs €500-800 in parts. With labor, expect €800-1,500 at a specialist. Many owners upgrade to an aluminum radiator and Stewart EMP water pump for roughly €1,200-1,500 in parts for a more robust system. Any car that has not had its cooling system refreshed should be treated as an imminent failure risk. An overheating event on the S62 can cause head warping and catastrophic damage.
Rear subframe and differential bushings
up to €2,0005 of 8
Rubber bushings deteriorate with age, causing clunking under acceleration and deceleration · more· less
The rear subframe bushings on the E39 M5 are fluid-filled rubber units that deteriorate over time. Once the fluid drains, the bushings offer no damping, resulting in a noticeable clunk from the rear when transitioning between acceleration and deceleration. The front differential mount bushing is often the first to fail (typically 120,000-150,000+ km). A failed differential bushing allows the diff to move excessively, which can tear CV joint boots and cause further damage if ignored. Repair requires dropping the rear subframe and differential. The original failed bushing design used a hard resin center that banged against the sleeve once the rubber failed. Updated replacement bushings eliminate this resin center. Parts are relatively inexpensive (€200-400 for a full set), but labor is 8-12 hours due to subframe removal. Some owners add reinforcement plates during the job. Total cost at a specialist: €600-2,000 depending on scope and whether additional items (control arms, trailing arm bushings) are addressed simultaneously.
Secondary air system carbon buildup
up to €3,0006 of 8
Narrow passages in cylinder heads clog with carbon, triggering fault codes and potential pump damage · more· less
The S62 cylinder heads have narrow secondary air injection passages that clog with carbon deposits over time. The secondary air pump check valve is the most common failure point: when it sticks open, exhaust gas enters the pump during off periods and eventually destroys it. Fault codes P1421 and P1423 (Secondary Air System Flow Too Low) are the typical symptoms. Replacing the pump and check valve is straightforward at €500-800. However, if the carbon buildup in the cylinder head passages is severe, repair requires disassembling the top end of the engine, pulling the cylinder heads, and mechanically cleaning or drilling out the carbon. This comprehensive repair can reach €2,000-3,000 and take several weeks.
Instrument cluster pixel failure
up to €4007 of 8
LCD display ribbon cable degrades, causing dead pixels in the dashboard information display · more· less
This is a well-known E39 platform issue affecting the M5 and all other E39 models. The ribbon cable connecting the LCD display to the circuit board degrades over time, causing progressive pixel loss in the odometer, temperature, and on-board computer displays. Nearly all E39s of this age will show some degree of pixel loss. Specialist repair services replace the ribbon cable and restore full display functionality for €150-250. DIY repair kits cost approximately €30 but require careful soldering. Complete cluster restoration including all LCD segments and optional gauge ring upgrades runs €250-400. This is a cosmetic issue that does not affect drivability.
Mass airflow sensor degradation
up to €6008 of 8
MAF sensors lose accuracy over time, causing sluggish throttle response and possible limp mode · more· less
The S62 uses two mass airflow sensors (one per bank). They degrade gradually from contamination by dirt, oil vapors, or residue from aftermarket air filters. Symptoms range from subtle power loss and reduced fuel economy to severe sluggishness and limp mode. A simple diagnostic test: unplug one MAF connector before starting. If idle improves compared to previous poor running, that sensor needs replacement. The overwhelming consensus on M5 forums is to use only OEM Bosch sensors, as aftermarket alternatives cause calibration issues on the S62. Replacement cost per sensor is approximately €150-300, and both should be replaced as a pair. Labor is minimal (under 1 hour).
Reliable M engine, but age demands proactive maintenance
The S62 V8 is widely considered one of BMW's most robust M engines, with many examples exceeding 300,000 km. Unlike the S85 V10 that followed it, the S62 has no timing chain design flaw and rod bearing failures are far less frequent. However, every E39 M5 is now over 20 years old, and age-related degradation of cooling systems, rubber components, VANOS internals, and electronics is inevitable. A well-maintained car with documented history and refreshed cooling system is a very different proposition from a neglected example. Budget realistically for ongoing maintenance and keep a reserve fund for larger items.
Service history
Complete specialist or BMW dealer records essential. Look for regular oil changes (every 8,000-10,000 km or annually). On a 20+ year old car, gaps in records are a serious red flag.
Oil analysis records
Ask if the owner has oil analysis reports. These reveal bearing wear, coolant intrusion, and fuel dilution long before symptoms appear.
Cold start
Engine must be started completely cold. Listen carefully for the first 60 seconds. Any rattling, ticking, or unusual sounds indicate VANOS wear, timing chain, or rod bearing issues.
Extended test drive
Minimum 45 minutes including highway speeds and varied driving. Monitor all gauges, test full throttle response, and listen for noises at operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for VANOS rattle at cold start
A rattle in the first 30-60 seconds that fades is the oil accumulator (cheaper fix). A rattle that persists or worsens when warm indicates internal VANOS wear (more expensive). Both are repairable but must be factored into price.
Inspect cooling system thoroughly
Check expansion tank for cracks or discoloration, squeeze all hoses for brittleness, verify coolant color (should be blue BMW coolant, not orange or brown). Ask when the cooling system was last refreshed. If unknown, budget €800-1,500 for immediate overhaul.
Check for rear subframe clunking
Drive the car aggressively: accelerate, lift off, then re-apply throttle in 3rd gear. Any clunk or thud from the rear indicates worn differential or subframe bushings.
+ 5 more checksShow less
Check oil level and condition
Pull the dipstick when cold. Oil should be dark but not gritty. Check under the oil cap for milky residue (head gasket or cooling issue). Some oil consumption is normal for the S62 (up to 1 litre per 2,000 km when driven hard).
Test all electronics and instrument cluster
Check the instrument cluster LCD for dead pixels. Test all windows, mirrors, locks, climate control, and seat adjustments. Window regulators and climate control components commonly fail at this age.
Inspect underside for oil leaks
Look for active leaks around valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing. Some seepage is normal on a 20+ year old engine, but active drips indicate gaskets need replacement.
Verify Takata airbag recall completion
All E39 M5s are covered by the Takata airbag recall. This is a critical safety issue. Contact BMW with the VIN to verify the recall has been completed before driving the car.
Check for rust on structural areas
Inspect wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, and particularly the underside. Remove undertray covers if possible. Any structural rust is a serious concern on a car of this age and value.
Fuel tank ventilation valve (certain 2000-2001 production cars)Verify completed
The Takata airbag recall is critical and affects all E39 M5 production years. BMW has issued a 'Do Not Drive' advisory for unrepaired vehicles. Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Replacement parts are available free of charge.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all E39 M5s (last produced 2003)
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Expired on all examples
Extended warranty availabilityNot available through BMW for cars of this age
All E39 M5s are well outside any factory or extended warranty coverage. No manufacturer warranty programs are available for vehicles of this age. Third-party warranty providers may offer limited coverage, but exclusions on pre-existing conditions and age-related wear are typical. Budget accordingly.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
