The ultimate executive super-sedan. First turbocharged M5, combining a bellowing twin-turbo V8 with surprising everyday usability. The S63TU engine is significantly more reliable than the previous V10, but it's a high-performance machine that demands proper maintenance. Key concerns: rod bearing wear (less common than V10 but still present), fuel injector leaking causing oil dilution, turbocharger wastegate rattle, DCT transmission software issues, and oil leaks from valve covers. Carbon buildup on intake valves requires walnut blasting every 50,000-80,000 km. Not a car for those unable to handle €3,000-8,000 unexpected repairs. With proper care and frequent oil changes, can reach 200,000+ km.
Leaky injectors allow fuel to pass piston rings, diluting engine oil and causing rod bearing damage · more· less
This is the most significant cause of rod bearing failure in S63TU engines. When an injector leaks, fuel can accumulate and leak past the piston rings, diluting the oil. Analysis of 1,000 BMW M5 and M6 failures showed approximately 30% were directly attributable to leaky injectors. Especially common in low-mileage, garage-kept examples. Replacement costs €1,400-1,700 on average (parts €600-1,200, labor €200-300). Each injector has a 3-digit code that must be programmed into the DME. After replacement, car must sleep for 4 hours before restart.
Rod bearing wear€8,000 - €20,000
Tight bearing tolerances combined with extended oil change intervals cause premature wear · more· less
While less severe than the infamous S85 V10, the S63TU still suffers from rod bearing issues. According to a former M engineer, rod bearings should be considered maintenance items (not listed as such by BMW). With oil changed at double BMW's recommended frequency, bearings last 80,000-120,000 km. For city driving with many cold starts, change every 60,000 km. BMW's initial 0W-30 oil recommendation was insufficient. Preventative replacement costs €3,000-5,000; catastrophic failure requires full engine rebuild €15,000-20,000+. Listen for metallic knocking at cold start.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle and failure€3,500 - €7,000
Wastegate actuator sticks or rattles, eventually leading to turbo failure · more· less
Wastegate rattle is a metallic noise at idle or during light acceleration. While the sound itself doesn't always mean immediate failure, it's an early warning sign. Symptoms progress to reduced boost pressure, poor acceleration, and eventually complete turbo failure. Wastegate actuators cost approximately €350 each, but labor is extensive due to buried location. Full turbo replacement runs €5,000-7,000 for both turbos including cooling lines. Sometimes fixable by DME reprogramming or actuator adjustment, but many cases require full replacement.
DCT transmission jerky shifting and software issues€200 - €6,000
7-speed DCT suffers from jerky shifts, hesitation, and clutch adaptation issues · more· less
Many owners report jerkiness between gears during normal driving, sometimes followed by clunk noises. Often requires clutch adaptation reset or software updates via ISTA/D (€200-400 at specialist). BMW claims transmission fluid is lifetime, but it should be changed every 50,000 km to avoid major damage (€300-500). Tuned cars (Stage 1+) commonly destroy clutch packs without upgrades. OEM dual clutch pack costs €2,350+. Full clutch replacement with labor runs €4,000-6,000. Gradient detection system can malfunction causing abnormal shifting.
Valve cover gasket oil leaks€800 - €2,000
Rubber gaskets deteriorate from thermal cycling, typically after 80,000 km · more· less
BMW F10 valve cover gaskets typically fail after 80,000 km due to rubber deterioration from thermal cycling. Symptoms include visible oil residue around valve cover perimeter, burning oil smell when oil contacts exhaust manifold. The S63 V8 has two valve covers, making this more expensive than inline-6 BMWs. Parts cost €300-600, labor €500-1,400 depending on dealer vs independent. Even when gaskets are replaced, warped plastic valve covers may prevent proper sealing, leading to recurring leaks.
Water pump and thermostat failure€900 - €1,500
Electric water pump fails between 60,000-90,000 km without much warning · more· less
Electric water pumps are known for sudden failure. Warning signs include cooling fan running constantly at high speed, fluctuating engine temperatures, coolant leaks, and warning lights. Thermostat should be replaced at same time. Pierburg OEM parts cost €300, genuine BMW over €500. Thermostat adds €65-110. Labor €400-600. Independent shops charge €900-1,300 total, dealers can reach €1,800+. Water pumps typically last 60,000-90,000 km.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€800 - €1,500
Direct injection engines accumulate carbon on intake valves, requiring walnut blasting · more· less
All direct injection BMW engines suffer from carbon buildup because fuel doesn't wash over intake valves. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, reduced power. The S63 requires dropping the engine and removing inlet manifolds for walnut blasting - a massive job. Dealers charge €1,200-1,500, specialists €800-1,200. Recommended every 50,000 km for stock vehicles, 30,000-40,000 km for tuned cars. One owner had evident buildup at 55,000 km. DIY walnut blasting kits available but labor-intensive on V8.
Ignition coil and spark plug failure€600 - €1,200
High-performance turbocharged V8 places extreme stress on ignition system · more· less
Symptoms include hard starting, misfiring, loss of power, rough idle. Single coil failure often signals others will follow soon. Dealer coils cost €70 each, aftermarket (Delphi) €35. With 8 cylinders, replacing all coils and plugs is expensive. BMW plugs vs NGK saves €60. Spark plugs replacement alone costs €184+. Full coil and plug service runs €600-1,200 depending on parts choice. Recommended intervals: coils every 40,000-60,000 km, spark plugs every 15,000 km (specialist recommendation, BMW says longer). Oil leaks from valve covers can contaminate coils.
Suspension bushings and control arms€600 - €2,000
Performance suspension wears bushings faster, typically around 100,000 km · more· less
Symptoms include squeaking over bumps, knocking sounds, steering shimmy and wheel shake particularly under braking. Thrust arm bushings transmit braking force and absorb road impact. Control arm bushing replacement costs €600-760. Full control arm replacement runs €1,900-2,000. Dealer quoted €575 for both thrust arm bushings plus €255 for alignment. Independent shops significantly cheaper. Bushings may need replacement as vehicle approaches 100,000 km. Aggressive driving or rough roads decrease lifespan.
Performance comes at a cost
The F10 M5 is considerably more reliable than the E60 M5's V10, but it's still a high-maintenance performance car. Most issues are preventable with diligent maintenance: oil changes every 7,500 km (not BMW's 15,000), transmission and diff fluid every 50,000 km, and addressing problems early. Budget €3,000-5,000 annually for routine maintenance plus €1,500-3,000 buffer for unexpected repairs. Extended warranty strongly recommended.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW specialist or dealer records essential. Verify oil changes at 7,500-10,000 km intervals, not BMW's 15,000 km. Check for transmission fluid changes every 50,000 km and diff oil every 20,000 km.
Tires
Check for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or equivalent (265/35ZR20 front, 295/30ZR20 rear). Budget €1,400-2,000 for replacement set. Check date codes - replace if over 6 years old.
Cold start
CRITICAL: Engine must be completely cold. Listen carefully for metallic knocking or rattling in first 30 seconds (rod bearings) and wastegate rattle at idle.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, panel gaps, paint mismatch. M5s are sometimes tracked - look for chassis point wear.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. DCT needs to reach full operating temperature to reveal issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for rod bearing noise on cold start
Listen for metallic knocking during first 30 seconds of cold start. This is THE most important check. Walk away if present.
Scan for fuel injector faults and check oil analysis
Use BMW diagnostic tool to check for injector-related codes. Request oil analysis report if available - fuel in oil indicates leaking injectors.
Listen for turbo wastegate rattle
At idle and during light acceleration, listen for metallic rattling from engine bay. Not catastrophic immediately but indicates future turbo issues.
Test DCT transmission thoroughly
Drive for minimum 20 minutes to get transmission hot. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking. Test in both auto and manual modes. Try hill starts.
Check for oil leaks around valve covers
Look for wet oil around valve cover perimeters and burning oil smell. Check oil level - should not be low.
Verify cooling system operation
Watch temperature gauge during test drive. Listen for cooling fan - should not run constantly. Check coolant level and condition.
Check service records for carbon cleaning
Ask if intake valves have been walnut blasted. If over 50,000 km and never done, budget €800-1,500.
Inspect suspension bushings
On lift, check thrust arm and control arm bushings for cracks, tears. Listen for squeaking over bumps during test drive.
Check for modifications and tuning
Verify car is stock or professionally tuned. Stage 1+ tunes without clutch upgrades destroy DCT. Check exhaust, intake, DME for mods.
Verify extended warranty eligibility
If purchasing from dealer, confirm eligibility for BMW extended warranty. Cost €3,000-6,000 but often worth it.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
VANOS adjustment unit oil leakage (2011-2012 N52 engines)Not applicable to M5
N63 Customer Care Package (2010-2013)Not applicable - M5 uses S63
Various electrical and software TSBsCheck with dealer by VIN
Contact BMW dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls and relevant Technical Service Bulletins have been completed. The F10 M5 with S63 engine has fewer major recalls than the N63-equipped models, but software updates are common.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on all F10 M5s
BMW extended warranty (Platinum)€3,000-6,000 for 2 years
Third-party extended warrantyAvailable from various providers
Extended warranty highly recommended
All F10 M5s are now outside factory warranty. Given the potential for €5,000-20,000 repairs (rod bearings, turbos, engine), extended warranty provides peace of mind. BMW Platinum plan offers comprehensive coverage up to 7 years or 160,000 km from in-service date. Third-party warranties available but check exclusions carefully - many don't cover high-performance components.
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.