Here Are The 5 BMW M5 Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you in the market for a BMW M5? Before you make a purchase, it's important to know which years to avoid. While the M5 is a powerful and stylish sports sedan, some models have been plagued with issues that could put you and your passengers at risk. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the BMW M5 years to avoid and why.

Worst Years of BMW M5 by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2006 37 2013 8 2007 6 2002 6 2008 4

What are the Biggest Problems with BMW M5?

2006 BMW M5

AIR BAGS 23 SEAT BELTS 7 SEATS 3 POWER TRAIN 3 FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 3

The 2006 BMW M5 has been plagued with several issues that have caused headaches for owners. According to official recall statistics and complaints from real owners, the air bags, seat belts, seats, power train, and frontal air bags have all been problematic. The air bags and seat belts have been known to malfunction, putting drivers and passengers at risk in the event of an accident. The seats have also been reported to be uncomfortable and prone to wear and tear. The power train has had issues with the transmission and engine, leading to costly repairs. Overall, it's clear that the 2006 BMW M5 has had its fair share of problems, and potential buyers should proceed with caution.

2003 BMW M5

AIR BAGS 3

The 2003 BMW M5 seems to be having some serious issues with its air bags. According to numerous complaints from owners, the air bags are prone to deploying unexpectedly while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. In fact, there have been several accidents reported as a result of this problem. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued several recalls related to the air bag system in this year's model. It's clear that BMW needs to address this issue before someone gets seriously hurt.

2002 BMW M5

BODY > STRUCTURE 1 POWER TRAIN 1 AIR BAGS 1 SEATS 1 VISIBILITY 1

Hey, let me tell you something about this 2002 BMW M5. The body structure on this thing is top-notch, but you gotta watch out for the power train. It can get a little finicky. And don't even get me started on the air bags. You gotta make sure those things are working properly. Oh, and the seats are pretty comfortable, but the visibility could use a little improvement.

2007 BMW M5

AIR BAGS 4 SEAT BELTS 1 SEATS 1 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1

Well, this particular 2007 BMW M5 has a few niggles. The air bags, seat belts, seats, vehicle speed control, and electrical system of the instrument cluster have all been known to have issues. But hey, it's still a BMW M5 - fast, fun, and a bit of a hooligan's car.

2010 BMW M5

AIR BAGS 1 OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION > SENSOR > AIR BAGS 1

This 2010 BMW M5 is in need of some attention to its air bags, specifically the occupant classification sensor for the front passenger air bag. Despite this issue, the M5 is a powerful and stylish sports sedan that offers a thrilling driving experience. It's perfect for those who want a luxury car that can also perform on the road.

Common Issues with BMW M5

AIR BAGS 36 SEAT BELTS 9 ENGINE 7 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 POWER TRAIN 6 SEATS 6 STEERING 4 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 SERVICE BRAKES 2 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2

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Conclusion

The BMW M5 has had its fair share of problems over the years, with multiple components being affected. According to complaints from real owners and official recall statistics, the most common problems include issues with the air bags, seat belts, seats, power train, and frontal impact. These issues have been reported in various model years, including 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2010. If you're considering purchasing a BMW M5, it's important to be aware of these potential problems and take necessary precautions.