BMW M5 F90 Common Problems: What Owners Should Know Before Buying or Keeping One
BMW M5 F90 Common Problems: What Owners Should Know
The BMW M5 F90 combines supercar-level pace with executive-car comfort, but it also brings a set of reliability and ownership concerns that buyers should understand.
This guide covers the most reported BMW M5 F90 common problems so you can spot warning signs early and plan maintenance realistically.
Why the BMW M5 F90 Is Not a Typical Performance Sedan
The F90-generation M5, built from 2018 onward, uses the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged S63 V8, xDrive all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a complex chassis tuned for serious performance.
That combination delivers exceptional acceleration, but it also means more heat, more stress on components, and more systems that can fail than in a standard 5 Series.
Most issues are not dramatic engine failures.
Instead, they tend to appear as cooling concerns, drivetrain wear, software faults, electrical gremlins, or expensive consumables that become noticeable under spirited driving and heavy use.
Cooling System Problems
Cooling-related complaints are among the most important BMW M5 F90 common problems because the S63 engine generates significant heat.
The car relies on multiple radiators, pumps, thermostats, and oil cooling components to keep temperatures under control during aggressive driving.
What can go wrong?
- Electric coolant pump failure
- Thermostat sticking open or closed
- Coolant leaks from hoses, expansion tank, or fittings
- Overheating under repeated hard driving or track use
Symptoms often include rising coolant temperatures, warning lights, reduced performance, and visible coolant loss.
Even if the car never overheats completely, inconsistent temperatures can accelerate wear on seals and other engine components.
What owners should do
Inspect coolant levels regularly, look for dried residue around hose connections, and verify that fans and pumps operate correctly.
If the car is driven hard, preventive cooling system maintenance is especially important.
Turbocharger and Boost-Related Issues
The M5 F90’s twin-turbo setup is central to its performance, but turbo hardware is also a source of complaints.
Heat, carbon buildup, and aging seals can all affect boost behavior over time.
Common signs include reduced power, hesitation during acceleration, unusual turbo noises, and fault codes related to charge pressure or underboost.
Oil leaks around turbo feed or return lines can also appear as mileage increases, especially if service intervals were stretched.
When inspecting a used M5, pay attention to how smoothly boost arrives and whether the engine feels consistent across the rev range.
A car that surges, stumbles, or throws drivetrain warnings may have underlying turbo or sensor problems.
Drivetrain and Transmission Concerns
The ZF eight-speed automatic in the F90 M5 is generally strong, but the wider drivetrain can still produce issues.
Because the car sends power through a sophisticated xDrive system, related failures can be costly even when the transmission itself is working well.
Reported drivetrain problems include
- Transfer case wear or shudder
- Driveline vibration under load
- Harsh or delayed gear changes
- Transmission software glitches
- Center differential or axle stress from aggressive launches
Some owners experience warning messages tied to drivetrain malfunction, especially after repeated hard driving or if fluids have not been changed on time.
A smooth test drive is not enough; the car should be evaluated in different drive modes and under varied throttle inputs.
Fluid service matters here.
Even though BMW may market some fluids as long-life, performance use often shortens real-world service intervals.
xDrive System and Tire Wear
One of the defining features of the F90 M5 is its xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which improves traction but adds complexity.
If tire sizes, wear levels, or pressures are inconsistent, the system can react poorly and create unnecessary stress.
Owners sometimes report transfer case complaints, driveline binding, or strange behavior when switching between rear-biased and all-wheel-drive settings.
Uneven tires can make the problem worse and may trigger warning lights or a rough driving feel.
- Use matching tires with the correct specifications
- Replace tires in sets when possible
- Check alignment regularly
- Avoid mixing significantly different tread depths
Because the M5 is heavy and powerful, tire wear is often faster than many buyers expect.
This is not just a cost issue; it can directly affect how the xDrive system behaves.
Suspension and Braking Wear
The F90 M5 has adaptive suspension tuning and high-performance brakes, both of which wear faster than components on a standard luxury sedan.
Problems may not always indicate a defect, but they are still common ownership concerns.
Suspension symptoms
- Clunks over bumps
- Uneven ride height
- Adaptive damper faults
- Bushing wear causing looseness or noise
Brake-related concerns
- Rotor warping or vibration under braking
- Premature pad wear
- Squealing from performance brake compounds
- Expensive replacement costs for carbon-ceramic systems
Cars used in stop-and-go traffic or spirited driving may need suspension and brake work sooner than expected.
During a purchase inspection, check for steering-wheel shake, brake pulsation, and noises from the front end.
Electrical and Software Glitches
Modern BMWs depend heavily on software, and the F90 M5 is no exception.
Infotainment issues, sensor faults, and module communication errors are among the more frustrating BMW M5 F90 common problems because they can appear intermittently.
Examples include iDrive freezes, navigation errors, false warning messages, parking sensor glitches, camera malfunctions, and occasional driver-assistance faults.
In some cases, a software update resolves the issue; in others, the underlying cause is a failing sensor, battery weakness, or wiring concern.
Battery condition is especially important in a high-demand vehicle like the M5.
Low voltage can create a surprising number of error messages that mimic larger problems.
Oil Leaks and Seal Wear
High-performance turbocharged engines often develop oil leaks as they age, and the S63 is no exception.
Small leaks may start at valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing areas, turbo lines, or other engine seals exposed to repeated heat cycles.
Watch for burning oil smells, oily residue on the engine or undertray, and gradual oil consumption.
A small seep may not seem urgent, but ignoring it can lead to larger repairs or heat-related damage to nearby components.
Checking the underside of the engine during routine service is one of the simplest ways to catch this problem before it becomes expensive.
Carbon Buildup and Direct Injection Maintenance
The F90 M5 uses direct injection, which improves performance and efficiency but can contribute to intake valve carbon buildup over time.
This is a common issue on many modern turbocharged BMW engines and may lead to rough idle, reduced responsiveness, and cold-start hesitation.
It is not always obvious during everyday driving, but performance can gradually feel less crisp.
Regular high-quality fuel, timely oil changes, and periodic intake cleaning can help minimize the issue.
For owners who keep the car long-term, this becomes part of normal maintenance planning.
What to Check Before Buying a Used BMW M5 F90
A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential because many BMW M5 F90 common problems are easier to identify before purchase than after.
Service history matters as much as mileage, especially on a car with this much power and complexity.
- Verify regular oil changes and coolant service
- Check for drivetrain warnings or stored fault codes
- Inspect tires for matching brand, size, and wear pattern
- Test cooling performance during extended driving
- Look for brake vibration, suspension noise, and alignment issues
- Review battery health and software update history
A car with complete records, consistent servicing, and clean diagnostic scans is usually a better buy than a lower-mileage example with missing maintenance history.
How to Reduce Ownership Risk
Keeping an F90 M5 reliable comes down to preventive maintenance and realistic use.
Short service intervals, careful warm-up before hard driving, and attention to warning signs can make a major difference.
Owners who track the car or drive aggressively should be especially proactive about fluids, brakes, tires, and cooling components.
Using BMW-approved parts and working with a shop experienced in S63-powered cars can also reduce the chance of repeat issues.
The BMW M5 F90 is still one of the most capable performance sedans of its era, but it rewards informed ownership.
Understanding the common failure points helps you budget better, inspect smarter, and avoid costly surprises.
