M5 buying guide

[johnni.english]

Hello to everyone, new member here. First let me tell you about the cars I had. E46 320i, e36 328i, e39 540i, e60 525d, e39 525d and current f10 530d. I'm looking to make a comeback in the petrol powered bmw and thinking about an f10 m5. I searched for a topic with common problems but I couldn't find any. If someone can help me with a link it'd be much appreciated. So far I was able to find out from other sources that there are problems with oil consumption and injectors. Any other common issues? Thank you.

[M5Rick]

The oil consumption is not really a problem on mine there would be though if it didn't use any or if it in fact uses a lot! such is the nature of M engines. Some claim theirs doesn't use any when in fact they diligently change the oil every few thousand miles when there's no need to and oil consumption can't be accurately measured.With Bm LL oil rating you have visco protection for up to 2 years,the oil grade varies from 0-30 to 5-40. It's advisable to give it 3-4 minute warm up before driving off.
Really there is nothing that much to worry about I find, the 4 turbo coolant flex lines should be checked,easy to replace yourself if leaking,rear diff mounts for cracks, and of course if you use launch you can't expect the clutches on the DCT to last that long.Rod bearings have been an issue on a few cars.Apart from that normal servicing when coming up on i drive shows you status of service items and when due for replacement.

[johnni.english]

Thanks for the reply. What would you says is the average lifespan of the clutches? Also how much would it be high oil consumption?

[M5Rick]

Clutches can last the lifetime of the car if not abused,I personally have used launch just a couple of times but find it's a gimmick actually as the take off is still fast enough for me without using it.
Oil consumption depends on how you drive it and apparently on what oil you use.You tend to use a little less with the thicker oils,I use 0-30 Edge LL04 with titanium fst which I top up every 1500mi or so (with a litre when it shows on the screen) but know the thinner one I use gets in all the tight spaces quicker than a thicker oil especially the rod and main bearings which have microscopic gaps and it's also less strain on the battery on start up in freezing weather.

[OneExtra]

I also moved from an F10 30D to an F10 M5

They are more different than you could imagine, the M5 is not just a range extension of a regular 5 Series is a totally different purpose built car.

What budget do you have?

Happy to chat about things if you are serious.

[christianb5s4]

I've been doing some extensive research as I'm looking for an LCI 2014 or 15 M5 this year, and have assembled what I think is a fairly detailed list although please note that some of these issues are rare. Don't These are just my rough notes of every issue I've found regardless of how uncommon it might be. Here's what I've come up with:

More Commonly Posted Issues:
- Make sure engine and transmission software is updated
- Bad coilpacks/sparkplugs (misfire)
- Fuel injector issues (mixture control, fuel mixture codes) – Check for these being replaced in service history
- Listen for rattling from the drivetrain
- Turbo coolant lines leaking – replace w/ repair kit, can see if these are leaking on top the engine (need to remove plastic engine cover) https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/11538092360/
- If DCT slips, do a clutch/DCT adaptation
- Driveshaft recall for cars produced Sept 2014-December 2014
- Steering vibrations on some earlier M5s

Less Common Issues:
- Check for oil leaks
- AC condenser failure (seems to only affect 2012s and 13s)
- Steering failure
- Fuel pump or HPFP failure
- Check for rear differential leaks
- Clunks in the rear suspension (not common on later cars)
- Rod bearing failure: very uncommon, more typical with 2012-13 https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showth...1289209&page=4

Best Practice Maintenance Items: Things I would do as soon as I buy the car
- Oil changes 4-5K miles
- Flush and replace DCT fluid (SSP Performance)
- Rear differential fluid
- Get extended warranty: Fidelity Platinum or Gold Plus (http://www.fidelitywarrantyservices....cle-protection)
- Replace clamps on charge piping going to the inlets to better clamps
- Replace turbo coolant hoses if not done already

[94jedi]

Originally Posted by christianb5s4

I've been doing some extensive research as I'm looking for an LCI 2014 or 15 M5 this year, and have assembled what I think is a fairly detailed list although please note that some of these issues are rare. Don't These are just my rough notes of every issue I've found regardless of how uncommon it might be. Here's what I've come up with:

More Commonly Posted Issues:
- Make sure engine and transmission software is updated
- Bad coilpacks/sparkplugs (misfire)
- Fuel injector issues (mixture control, fuel mixture codes) – Check for these being replaced in service history
- Listen for rattling from the drivetrain
- Turbo coolant lines leaking – replace w/ repair kit, can see if these are leaking on top the engine (need to remove plastic engine cover) https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/11538092360/
- If DCT slips, do a clutch/DCT adaptation
- Driveshaft recall for cars produced Sept 2014-December 2014
- Steering vibrations on some earlier M5s

Less Common Issues:
- Check for oil leaks
- AC condenser failure (seems to only affect 2012s and 13s)
- Steering failure
- Fuel pump or HPFP failure
- Check for rear differential leaks
- Clunks in the rear suspension (not common on later cars)
- Rod bearing failure: very uncommon, more typical with 2012-13 https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showth...1289209&page=4

Best Practice Maintenance Items: Things I would do as soon as I buy the car
- Oil changes 4-5K miles
- Flush and replace DCT fluid (SSP Performance)
- Rear differential fluid
- Get extended warranty: Fidelity Platinum or Gold Plus (http://www.fidelitywarrantyservices....cle-protection)
- Replace clamps on charge piping going to the inlets to better clamps
- Replace turbo coolant hoses if not done already

I'm searching for an F10 M5 as well; a 13/14 and this pretty much sums things up nicely. Great post.

[schrickm5]

I too am looking at the F10 M5, and found this an interesting and useful read. My current car is an S85 M6, great car but as everyone knows, if they don’t have issues now.... they will come up and bite you.
The F10 in question has a hand computer controlling an Original tune and one that’s apparently set at 680hp. It’s only been tuned since Oct last year. It’s got a great service history and has aftermarket catless DP’s, and open air filters. Like the M6, the M5 will be driven in the Spring and Summer.
My question is, should I revert to the original map but keep the DP’s? Will the car adapt to these DP’s?
Or should I post this question in the tuning section?
Either way, I’ve read around about these cars and there seems to be a common thread here ....they are immensely quick and fun, and hide a lot of the weight.

[LeftFootLove]

Good thread. Looking right now as well. Aside from the wild swing of values on the market, I haven't found anything major to sway me from an F10 M5 purchase. Your list is way more comprehensive than I found on my own, so bravo for that.

I'm looking to get one still under warranty and likely purchase an extended warranty as well. I usually never do this, but I feel with these M cars, it can pay off big time if something even relatively troubling happens.

[94jedi]

Originally Posted by schrickm5

I too am looking at the F10 M5, and found this an interesting and useful read. My current car is an S85 M6, great car but as everyone knows, if they don’t have issues now.... they will come up and bite you.
The F10 in question has a hand computer controlling an Original tune and one that’s apparently set at 680hp. It’s only been tuned since Oct last year. It’s got a great service history and has aftermarket catless DP’s, and open air filters. Like the M6, the M5 will be driven in the Spring and Summer.
My question is, should I revert to the original map but keep the DP’s? Will the car adapt to these DP’s?
Or should I post this question in the tuning section?
Either way, I’ve read around about these cars and there seems to be a common thread here ....they are immensely quick and fun, and hide a lot of the weight.

Was the tune specific for the catless DP's? If so, just keep the tune. If you revert back to the stock map w/ Catless DP's, you may run into problems.

[94jedi]

Originally Posted by FRB

Good thread. Looking right now as well. Aside from the wild swing of values on the market, I haven't found anything major to sway me from an F10 M5 purchase. Your list is way more comprehensive than I found on my own, so bravo for that.

I'm looking to get one still under warranty and likely purchase an extended warranty as well. I usually never do this, but I feel with these M cars, it can pay off big time if something even relatively troubling happens.

That's a solid plan, same as mine. I didn't have an ext. warranty on my e90 M3 but it had perfect service history and it was a garage queen. This car (when I find "the one") will be my daily so I think it makes sense to find a good etx. warranty.

[schrickm5]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Was the tune specific for the catless DP's? If so, just keep the tune. If you revert back to the stock map w/ Catless DP's, you may run into problems.

Problem is it might not go through the MOT here. I spoke to the Tuners and he reckons it should go through but wouldnt guaranty it.

[DjNiki4F10M5]

schrickm5 i am in the process now of buying a 13' with 23k miles on it. good service record passed PPI and i got $2700 for 55k miles or 4 years bumper to bumper warranty . . . but car currently has intakes and catless dp's so in order for me to get the warranty i have to flip it back to stock or even to get inspection done here in NJ might have to remove the dp's. . . so after i am not sure if should keep it stock or put em back on hmmmm

[schrickm5]

Originally Posted by DjNiki4F10M5

schrickm5 i am in the process now of buying a 13' with 23k miles on it. good service record passed PPI and i got $2700 for 55k miles or 4 years bumper to bumper warranty . . . but car currently has intakes and catless dp's so in order for me to get the warranty i have to flip it back to stock or even to get inspection done here in NJ might have to remove the dp's. . . so after i am not sure if should keep it stock or put em back on hmmmm

Yes its a bit of a dilemma, luckily I dont have to think about it anymore as I went with a CP original.

If I were you, I would get the stock DPs and cats back but keep the catless ones for future enjoyment.

[Apink50]

Hi guys. Quick question. Im currently in a 2016 535d xdrive. About to trade in for a 2013 F10 M5. It's got about 74k kms.

The M5 will be my daily driver and I live in Canada with snow for a few months.

Am I nuts to do this?

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Apink50

Hi guys. Quick question. Im currently in a 2016 535d xdrive. About to trade in for a 2013 F10 M5. It's got about 74k kms.

The M5 will be my daily driver and I live in Canada with snow for a few months.

Am I nuts to do this?

Not if you have another set of wheels shod with soft winter tyres which seems to be the norm in your neck of the woods.

[Apink50]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Not if you have another set of wheels shod with soft winter tyres which seems to be the norm in your neck of the woods.

Thanks. I'm a bit leery of a car that is out of OEM warranty. I hope I don't regret this move lol

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Apink50

Thanks. I'm a bit leery of a car that is out of OEM warranty. I hope I don't regret this move lol

You should be alright,no doubt the car has a regular service history and you can always get a warranty if you feel its needed.Some people worry too much about this and that etc but i just enjoy the drive and before you do drive it you'll be studying the hand book for a while.A person who has never driven one of these would not have a clue how to start and drive it.

[schrickm5]

If you're familiar with BMW's from 2012 and on, then some of it should look familiar.
I hear these F10's are more reliable M cars then the previous gen. I would make sure I find a nicely looked after / serviced - updated recalls, low number of owners and some desirable extras.

[Apink50]

Originally Posted by schrickm5

If you're familiar with BMW's from 2012 and on, then some of it should look familiar.
I hear these F10's are more reliable M cars then the previous gen. I would make sure I find a nicely looked after / serviced - updated recalls, low number of owners and some desirable extras.

Yeah I'm pretty familiar with BMWs. This will be my 5th one. Going from a 2016 to a 2013 has some people in my circle scratching their heads.

I can get 3 years of warranty with Global Warranty but I believe they have a limit of the amount they will cover (I.e $5000 max per claim)

Has anyone dealt with Global Warranty?

Also has anyone had any significant and very costly issues with the F10 M5?

[LooseCann0n]

Originally Posted by schrickm5

I hear these F10's are more reliable M cars then the previous gen.

Coming from an E60 M5 - that’s not telling me much...

[M5Rick]

A lot of these cars can have quite a few owners,that doesn't mean they should be ignored.