The last naturally aspirated M5 with an F1-derived V10 that revs to 8,250 RPM. Legendary performance but notoriously expensive to maintain. The rod bearing issue is real and can destroy the engine - preventive replacement at €4-6k is essential. The SMG gearbox is problematic; manual cars command a premium for good reason. Throttle actuators fail on every car eventually. Only buy with full service history, evidence of rod bearing service, and budget €2,500-5,000/year minimum. This is an enthusiast car that punishes neglect severely.
Factory bearings have insufficient clearance, causing premature wear · more· less
The most infamous S85 issue. BMW's original rod bearings had 0.001" clearance when 0.0025" is industry standard - too tight for proper lubrication in a high-revving V10. Symptoms: knocking on cold start, metal shavings in oil. Failure rates of 60%+ reported at high mileage. Catastrophic failure destroys the engine completely - no rebuild possible, only replacement (~€7,000+ for used engine). Preventive bearing replacement: €4,000-6,000 (11-13 hour job). This is essential maintenance, not optional. Must use BMW 10W60 synthetic oil - wrong oil weight accelerates failure. Replace by 70,000 km or immediately on purchase if unknown history.
Throttle actuator failure€500 - €1,500
100% failure rate - plastic gears wear out on every car · more· less
The S85 has 10 individual throttle bodies controlled by two electronic actuators with internal plastic gears. These gears wear from heat cycling and vibration - every OEM unit fails eventually, typically around 100,000 km. Symptoms: limp mode, DSC/EML lights, fault codes 2B15/2B16. OEM replacement: €1,200-1,500 per actuator. Upgraded units with metal gears: €800-1,000 per actuator. DIY gear replacement kit: €250 per set. Budget for this - it's not "if" but "when."
The VANOS high-pressure oil pump in the oil pan is a common failure point. Symptoms: "marbles in a tin can" rattling from front of engine, rough idle, power loss, poor fuel economy. VANOS solenoids fail every 80,000-120,000 km. Pump replacement: €1,800-4,000 (rebuilt to new). If failure damages crankshaft drive gear, repair exceeds €13,000 (60+ hours labor). The system requires BMW 10W60 oil specifically - using other weights causes damage.
SMG transmission problems€1,000 - €5,000
Hydraulic pump, clutch wear, and harsh shifting plague the SMG III · more· less
Most E60 M5s have the SMG III automated manual, known for jerky shifts, harsh engagement, and pump failures. The hydraulic pump motor costs ~€800 alone. Common failures: pump (~€1,000+), clutch actuator leaks, temperature sensor, gear position sensor cables. Clutch replacement: €2,000-4,000. Full SMG overhaul: €3,000-5,000. Complete transmission + clutch + pump: €10,000+. Manual transmission cars are rare but much more reliable - worth the premium.
Cooling system failure€500 - €1,500
Electric water pump and thermostat are wear items · more· less
The S85 uses an electric water pump that typically fails around 100,000 km. Symptoms: overheating at idle, temperature dropping when accelerating. Pump replacement: €500-600 parts, €400-600 labor. Replace thermostat and hoses at same time. Total job: €1,000-1,500. Recommended preventive replacement every 100,000 km. Overheating a V10 engine is catastrophic - don't ignore warning signs.
SMG clutch wear€2,000 - €4,000
Single-clutch automated manual wears clutch faster than manual · more· less
SMG clutches wear faster than traditional manual clutches due to the automated engagement. Typical lifespan: 60,000-80,000 km depending on driving style. City driving and aggressive launches accelerate wear. Clutch + flywheel replacement: €2,000-4,000 depending on shop. Some owners report needing clutch every 40,000 km with aggressive use.
Fuel injector failure€800 - €2,500
10 injectors means 10 potential failure points · more· less
With 10 cylinders, injector issues are expensive. Single injector: €150-250. If one fails, others may follow. Symptoms: rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy. Full set replacement: €1,500-2,500. Not extremely common but worth budgeting for on high-mileage cars.
10 of everything - routine maintenance adds up · more· less
Spark plugs: 10 required, ~€15-25 each = €150-250 for parts. Ignition coils: ~€50-80 each. If multiple coils fail, budget €500-800. Plugs should be changed every 50,000-60,000 km. Not a reliability issue per se, but the V10's routine maintenance costs are inherently higher.
High-risk, high-reward ownership
The E60 M5 V10 is one of the most expensive cars to maintain in its class. The rod bearing issue alone can result in total engine loss. Only buy if: (1) rod bearings have been replaced with proof, (2) you have €5,000+ annual maintenance budget, (3) you have access to a specialist who knows these cars. Manual transmission examples are significantly more reliable than SMG. This is not a car for budget-conscious owners.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Full service history Absolutely essential. Verify BMW 10W60 oil was used at every service. Missing records = walk away.
Oil analysis Send oil sample to Blackstone Labs or similar. Check for bearing material (copper, lead, aluminum).
Cold start test Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any knocking or rattling in first 30 seconds.
Extended test drive Drive hard - this car needs to be exercised. Check for limp mode, warning lights, shifting issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Rod bearing service proof The most critical check. Ask for invoices proving rod bearings were replaced. No proof = assume they haven't been done = budget €5,000 immediately.
Cold start knock test Start engine dead cold. Any knocking in first 10-30 seconds indicates rod bearing wear. This is a deal-breaker or major price negotiation point.
VANOS rattle test Listen for "marbles in a can" sound from front of engine at idle. Indicates VANOS pump wear.
SMG operation test Test all gears, check for harsh shifts, delayed engagement, warning lights. Try launch control if possible. Check SMG pump whine.
Throttle response test Full throttle acceleration - any hesitation or limp mode indicates actuator issues. Check for DSC/EML lights.
Cooling system check Verify water pump age. Look for coolant leaks. Watch temperature gauge during test drive.
Check for modifications Tuned/remapped cars stress components more. Verify if stock or modified.
Manual vs SMG If SMG, expect higher maintenance costs. Manual cars worth 10-20% premium.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Battery cable overheating (12V126000)Verify with VIN
SMG fault code 5101 software updateAsk dealer
Idle actuator faults (SI B 12 19 08)Pre-3/08 cars
Takata airbag recall (varies)Verify with VIN
Check BMW recall status with VIN at bmwusa.com or your local BMW dealer. The battery cable recall is safety-critical - verify it was completed. SMG software updates improve shift quality but don't solve fundamental issues.
Warranty Status
Factory warrantyExpired on all E60 M5
Extended warranty optionsVery limited / expensive
Third-party warranties rarely cover the expensive S85 issues (rod bearings, VANOS, SMG). Most exclude "known problem" components. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by an M5 specialist (€200-400) is essential. Consider setting aside €5,000-10,000 as a "repair fund" instead of buying warranty coverage.
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.