Is the BMW E60 M5 A Reliable Car Or Not?

[@112hounddog]

At 127k miles now, my car has seen top speed (200+) more times than I can remember, and it still works, no fault lights. It hasn't been an ownership experience that has only required fluid changes, I've replaced most of if not all the common failure areas at some point (rod bearings, vanos pump, ALL actuators, vanos solenoids, etc.) but I wouldn't have it any other way, I've learned so much, I've done all the work including rod bearings myself. You always have to know what parts you should replace next before failure. The car has been across the country twice, and on more than 15 500+ mile road trips, never stops making me smile!

[@MTechGuy]

That’s awesome, thanks for sharing 112hounddog. Respect for doing all the work yourself 👍 These are amazing cars to own, and will live on fir many years to come even under heavy use if looked after properly. My M5 always makes me smile too 😀

[@mista5796]

I’ve got a 2005 e60 m5 that I bought in 2017 at 70k miles. The previous owner(s) had kept up all the servicing and replaced; clutch, flywheel, high pressure vanos line, smg pump, brake discs and pads plus a few other minor things. Since I’ve had it I’ve replaced fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pump control module, 2 wheel speed sensors, rear wheel bearing, rear shock absorber, new battery, exhaust repair .. I’ve kept up the servicing (oil change every 4-5k miles) gearbox oil change, differential oil change, brake fluid changes, air filter, coolant change .. Also, 4 wheel alignment, tyre changes, new bumper, bonnet, windscreen. Also lots of more minor jobs like alloy wheels refurbished, headlight restoration, leather seats refurbished, door entry sills replaced etc It’s now done just shy of 100k. I only use the m5 for occasional long journeys (use a small city car for daily use) and always let it fully warm up before putting any load through the engine and drivetrain. I keep the car covered when not in use and trickle charge the battery for a few hours if left standing for over 10 days or so. If it’s not been used for 2/3 weeks or so I’ll try to give it a run out for a bit of exercise. There’s no record of the rod bearings been done but I always do a full inspection of the oil after change (it’s always clean). The rod bearings is something I’m considering doing but it’s a case of finding a garage space. I love the M5. Awesome car

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing man, good to hear from another 2005 M5 owner- not many about. That amount of repairs on a car that’s nearly 20 years old is very reasonable (especially it being an M car) The way you use, store and drive it is almost identical to what I do with mine now a days. Awesome cars for sure!

[@ericvann451]

Tech Guy you are right on the money I own a 2010 M5 E60 myself I've had no problem with the car in 3 years of ownership take care of your car it will definitely take care of you this car actually sings to me at 5000 RPM you have the best and the most and honest commentary you're M5 brother

[@MTechGuy]

Cheers for the kind words Eric, I try to put the truth out there about these cars. What you’ve described of your ownership experience I hear all the time. The sound of that S85 V10 never gets old! I like the car more the longer I own it 👍

[@chriswallace9113]

I’m coming from a e90 M3 and just picked up a e60 M5. The S65 V8 is very simliar to the S85 V10 so I was already used to warming the car up before the fun starts and religiously changing fluids. The SMG is a very different animal from the DCT but it certainly has its charm now that I’m actually learning how to use it properly. Thank you for a factual video. I’ve been driving used BMWs since 2003. I would not be faithful to the brand if they didn’t also get me back and forth to work reliably.

[@MTechGuy]

Cheers for sharing Chris. Yes the SMG III certainly has heaps of character and charm, with the brutally fast shifts it’s capable of it just adds to the insanity that makes these cars what they are. I’ve reliably daily driven BMW’s for years too. Thanks for watching!

[@tylercouture216]

@Andrew Ball you have to elaborate on being driven properly because the e60 m5 requires your ut most attention every single drive that's what I love about it Rev matching bringing up the rpms then getting on the gas again and u basically launching

[@autoavids]

Recently picked up a 6 speed so no SMG issues. 116k miles on the original bearings still going strong, love it to death! Don't worry, new rod bearings are in the near future...

[@MTechGuy]

Nice 👍

[@brenkeenan8892]

What a breath of fresh air your Chanel is. Open, honest and fact based, rather than key board warrior b••••••t based on what someone’s mate down the pub told them! Brand new to M5 ownership, (2006, 95k miles) been my goal for my any years and yes I know I’m gonna be using my tools often, but that’s part of the enjoyment for me with all my cars. Makes me appreciate them more when I know how they work and can prevent problems. Treat them like my kids haha. Mines had Rod bearings and clutch done in last 10k miles and yes I know there’ll be other stuff to do. But it’s an F1 designed set up in a family saloon, what more could I ask for? Excited doesn’t come close. Will be using your Chanel as a reference point for many years as this one is definitely a keeper. Many thanks for all you do in the name of “M” 👍

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks Bren, glad you’ve found the channel of value, really appreciate it! Sounds like you’ve found yourself a well looked after M5. I’ve always enjoyed working on my cars as much as driving them- the E60 M5 is a really interesting car once you get stuck in with the spanners. I’ve owned this one 2.5 years and still get excited about it, I like the car more the longer I own it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@groupb5420]

In just over 3 years of ownership mine has had … Up rated throttle actuators ..£620 Alternator …£250 ish Battery …£200 ish A washer for the rear diff …pence Oil cooler ( positioned under the front bumper ) … £300 with rear diff washer repaired at the same time. That’s not bad for a 500 plus HP performance car 😎👌

[@gvidux555]

Did previuos owner replaced rod bearings, vanos, clutch and some other stuff?

[@groupb5420]

@@gvidux555 no there isn’t anything in history showing this , oil analysis checks every couple of years shows very little wear and tear, in the not to distant future I will have the rod bearings changed with the vanos pipe etc , as long as the right car is purchased in the beginning that has full BMW service history or specialist history plus is warmed up to temperature and allowed to cool down between blasts of excitement the clutch , bearings etc will be fine , I’m not saying these items will never need changing but preventative maintenance is the key plus genuine bmw parts but definitely not Chinese rubbish parts , I was very nervous when I first bought the car but now nearly 4 years later it’s been fantastic and just as enjoyable as my E46 M3 was if not slightly better.

[@alancook723]

Great vid, I've had mine (06) 17 mths now and she's got 126000 miles on the clock, when i got it it had 121600 on it and had just had the rod bearings done 500 miles previous., it also came with an "Encyclopedia" of paperwork covering work done under warranty (100,000 mile), Vanos lines and pump, SMG pump, in tank fuel pump etc.. Since then i've replaced the Alternator, Front Track Control arms, Charcoal Canister, Starter motor, Radiator fan, Discs and pads. All fluids, filters and plugs changed and just recently a fuel injector (and rails) which was causing a misfire. As far as reliability goes.. Apart from when the starter motor was playing up... pretty flawless actually.. Oh and the oil and filter get changed every 2500 miles wheather it needs it or not..lol.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing Alan. Sounds like your ‘06 has been really well looked after! Great oil change routine you’ve got there too 👍

[@ColinGATEast]

I've owned my 2007 from 77km to 95km. Clutch replacement and eventually a failed 2nd gear synchro which mandated a used trans swap from a wrecked car. Despite this I firmly believe that the e60 M5 presents one of the best performance and driving experience bargains in existence.

[@megatronopera]

What was your symptoms of 2nd gear synchro going out? I just bought one and it clunks hard going down into 6th gear from 7th and I got the red cog of death until I restarted the car.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing Colin, clutches are a sacrificial part, sucks about the synchro but the power of the engine coupled with how hard and fast the SMG shifts, it’s not unheard of in the grand scheme of things. Insane car for the money at the moment!

[@ColinGATEast]

@@megatronopera was only able to engage second gear on the upshift and at low rpm albeit with hard clunking. Wouldn't downshift from 3rd to 2nd at any speed (only stationary). Often yellow cog would follow unsuccessful upshifts and trans would enter safe mode where 2nd gear was skipped altogether (upshift and downshift).

[@ColinGATEast]

@@MTechGuy absolutely, the clutch replacement was 100% expected since day 1 of my ownership.

[@UnicornDB8r]

No car payments she’s beautiful running strong that’s all I have to say about mines

[@MTechGuy]

😎

[@smaktard16]

Had my 08 4 weeks now, loving it to bits. Done a big service including swapping the brakes/oils etc and I can enjoy the car for what it is now.

[@MTechGuy]

Nice! 👍

[@johngregg401]

I bought mine just over a year ago with the motor in bits beside it when I went looking for an LSD for my 545i E60. Big ends and crank had gone. Ifelt sorry for the poor thing and it had sat there in a corner of the garage for 3 years. I guess I had two of the three requirements (money being in short supply) but I dug in and rebuilt the motor, put it all together and got it mot'd. A whole 100 miles later a couple of injectors failed and destroyed it again. I bit the bullet and out came the credit card for another engine and this time new injectors. I've since put 3k miles on it and honestly it's the best, fastest and thirstiest car I have ever owned, I bloody love it! But change your injectors guys👍

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing John, that’s great to hear you got the engine sorted yourself from it being in bits! They are awesome cars for sure. Great tip about injectors!!!

[@andrewbrown5402]

Excellent informative video. Maintenance is the key to owing one of these cars. I have done 7000 miles in mine since January 2020 and not had any problems.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing Andrew, that’s great to here. Even now these cars are getting on a bit (mines now 16 yrs old) they still prove to be reliable cars

[@johnnywon615]

Right on Mate! I have one @ 74k miles with no issues... But i do oil change more periodically, to check for any metal deposits due to youtubes bad reputation it has.. But you are dead on correct!

[@MTechGuy]

Cheers Hyuk, it’s certainly a good plan to carry out the oil changes super regularly with these cars 👍

[@Manoz17]

Thanks for the excellent video! I have owned my 2006 E60 M5 for 7 years now and it still is a dream both to drive and still look at parked next to other more modern cars. People are always shocked when I tell them its an 06 model. Besides the beauty its a powerful, menacing machine with ridiculous performance and sound. I think there is a common misunderstanding that this car is related to a standard BMW when its engine mated with the SMG (F1) transmission puts it more closely related to a Lambo Gallardo or R8 V10 of similar eras, just withe extra doors. The difference being that clutches and parts are replaced much earlier in mileage history on the exotics. When that is understood the values on these may start to slowly come back. In 30k miles since purchaed, I have spent an average of $1 - 2k / yr on maintenance, which is not bad considering the car you are servicing. Keep changing the oil, garage if you can and warm up before driving and you will enjoy an amazing car that BMW wont produce again.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing Manoj, 7 years that’s awesome! Yes amazing cars for sure and very misunderstood, they’ll never build an N/A V10 saloon car like this again! It’s insane the amount of car you can get with these cars for the price at the moment

[@robbielopez8958]

I've owned my m6 E64 for two years plus now and driven in 20,000 miles or more now . I've had to drop the transmission twice now . Spent about 4500 dollars . 1 time to replace the clutch . My release bearing bearing broke but my clutch was okay ish but might as well replace it cost 2,000 flat . They said my flywheel was still in good shape so left it . Two months later my slave cylinder came off and cost me 2500 dollars to replace it and the clutch Position sensor also the release bearing again because it got damaged when the slave cylinder fell off. That being said if you have to drop the transmission please replace every component in there that are normal wear items it will save you alot of money. But don't feel bad for me I've launched the car maybe 10 times plus before And do alot of Spirited driving with it. Currently sitting at 63,000 miles

[@MTechGuy]

Cheers for sharing Robbie. That’s really good advice about doing everything in one swoop if the gearbox has to come out for any reason. These M cars where made to be driven spiritedly!

[@505M5-k3p]

When my clutch went I replaced everything you just mentioned all at once plus a couple other things. Cost me about 5.5k

[@Wergrun]

Well I’ve got plenty of tools, mechanical aptitude and balls, BIG BALLS. I see someone selling one for $9000 that “needs a new alternator”…. Now If only I was single😔

[@MTechGuy]

Sounds like a good deal and a fun project. Probably has a lot of deferred maintenance to go along with it too though

[@simonnim321]

Owned an '07 for 4 years. Tracked it hard also. Moved down to an m3 because it was too heavy in the corners. Only thing that died was the alternator. I did change the rod bearings with wpc treated 702/703. The originals were toast. Other than that I had quite a few mods like oil coolers and stuff. Mostly to keep it cool on the track. Some back up Sophie solenoids, etc on the shelf.. very reliable if you know what you're doing. For the average basic gibbons, I'd probably stay away.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing Simon, well said! Alternator failure not uncommon even on a Corolla. Good move getting the rod bearings sorted. BMW have just recently reduced the price on VANOS solenoids by a huge margin, much more affordable now. How you finding the M3, I’m guessing it’s an E92?

[@simonnim321]

@@MTechGuy E46, pushed on a tight schedule. A month to reinforce the subframe, rod bearings, and beisan vanos parts. PSS10's with vorshlag camber plates, SPC billet rear camber arms. Synchrony design monoballs on trailing arms and a bunch of poly all around. Running a square set up it's great. I don't think any M cars past the e39/e46 has no maintenance requirements. The usdm e36 s50/52 doesn't have any issues either.

[@505M5-k3p]

I’ve dropped about 12-14k into preventative maintenance/ rebuilding my SMG over 2.5 years. Been worth it to me. Cut that bill in half or more if you do all the work yourself.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing. That’s where the rule of two of the three comes in! Sounds like you’ve got yourself a well sorted M5 👍

[@EdukatedDeveloper]

Thanks for the great video! Have you replaced the rod bearings?

[@MTechGuy]

Cheers Raymond. The dealer I bought the car off replaced the rod bearing as part of a pre sale service (the hp VANOS line had to be replaced)

[@EdukatedDeveloper]

@@MTechGuy wow

[@EdukatedDeveloper]

I am still deciding whether I should replace them or not haha

[@kellysmith7462]

Hahaha I really enjoyed this video and bought/own a used E60 as well. As stated, great car if your keeping up with the maintenance and fun car to drive. Found one with less than 90,000 miles, fixed all the problems, do all the preventive maintenance as required and is definitely my favorite car to drive.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for checking out the video Kelly. Yes they are great cars for sure, sounds like yours is getting looked after properly 👍

[@Saida561]

Every BMW owner has a big set of balls standard the rest is optional.

[@itsFligguh]

Just bought an 06 with 160K on the chassis. Motor was rebuilt and stroked by Troy and put in at 145K miles. Hopefully ownership will be nice to me, thankfully I work at a BMW Center though.

[@MTechGuy]

Sounds like you’ve got all the power you’ll ever need!

[@jaybilis9723]

4 years and counting, no issues at all, love my e60 m5.

[@MTechGuy]

That’s great to hear Jay, sounds like you’ve done a good job looking after it and its in good hands 👍

[@505M5-k3p]

How many miles

[@jaybilis9723]

@@505M5-k3p 160000 kms, I'm in NZ so you will need to do the math 👍

[@505M5-k3p]

@@jaybilis9723 and you have had 0 problems?? That seems impossible lol. I’m sure you have done regular maintenance

[@jaybilis9723]

@@505M5-k3p yeah, very regular, more than needed actually, all I have replaced is a coil pack, a battery, front brushes, and couple of sets of rear tyres, not unusual for any car,

[@robetassakinis2702]

I have E60 M5 with 240k Miles and still no big problems 😁

[@MTechGuy]

240k miles, thats great to hear. If properly looked after they will go the distance for sure

[@505M5-k3p]

Show pics or it didn’t happen. No way there’s that many miles, if it’s true it’ll give me hope

[@robetassakinis2702]

@@505M5-k3p XD it did happen XD 220 k Miles have foto on phone 1,5 years ago now i converteing it to KM . And i am from Lithuania so Miles i dont like.

[@robetassakinis2702]

@@505M5-k3p i can show NP in 2018 354k KM was so izi 240k Miles now 🤣

[@christianlawlor8440]

I have owned a 07 m6 for 2 years and I love it I had to replace the alternator , abs pump and one coil pack I always let the car warm up for 10 minutes is that good or bad ?

[@MTechGuy]

Nice! That’s not bad for a car of that age. Check out my previous video on warm up- kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6OqdmiKaZdqjrM 👍

[@computerboetiek]

Brilliant viddy, very very good narration, but maybe a bit more motion in the video, like 360 and driving around while talking

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for the feedback

[@groupb5420]

I’m posting info for a guy that provides reconditioned throttle actuators that he fits at his home or posts them all over the world , his name is Jason the company is called Rebuild here in Gravesend , Kent. U.K. I had the dreaded symptoms come up around two years ago ( car going into limp mode showing a cog ⚙️ on the screen when the power was put down ) his mechanic fitted both actuators in one hour twenty minutes while I waited considering this was the summer and I had just pulled up with a red hot engine was fantastic , the price fitted at the time was around the £650 mark ( Bmw wanted £3k ) or he sells them to take away and fit yourself , I’ve had no problems since these were fitted. The mechanic he uses ( Paul a very knowledgeable M mechanic )has worked on hundreds of these cars and he also provides the rod bearing change which is my next step … I highly recommend these guys and hope this helps someone out there and PS don’t be put off by the armchair scaremongers out there as these cars if maintained properly with “ NO cheap Chinese parts “ only OEM parts are very reliable 👍😎🇬🇧

[@mgdfx8331]

we've had 06 e60M5 since 2012, currently at 83,500kms. 2 previous owners with full service history and maintenance intervals in the 5-7000kms range with oem filters, fluids, etc. the car is a beast in a tuxedo. runs perfectly, pulls hard and eats the miles. never mind the naysayers and bad reputation. find a well maintained, non-modified unit and enjoy the sound and feel of pure automotive nirvana, while your pals are fumbling with their ipad dashboard, wondering where their next charging station might be.

[@MTechGuy]

Beast in a tuxedo, that’s a great description! 10 years that’s not bad. I find them to be very reliable, have you had any reasonable repairs along the way?

[@mgdfx8331]

@@MTechGuy by previous owners - 2007 - 02 sensor, 2009 - rotary shaft seal, output flange, 2011 - clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, release bearing. since we've had it - just a new thermostat. not a daily driver and we know it might present more problems down the road, but for now we enjoy it and have our bmw master tech have a good look once a year when she comes out of winter hibernation.

[@MTechGuy]

Pretty standard, not bad 👍

[@b12khx89]

Along with the reliability the next biggest thing is the bashing of the smg gearbox from people that don't even own one, boils my pis# Had mine for nearly 6 years without any warranty... I don't think you can get a warranty for a car that's 15 years old or over a certain mileage anyway... So that in itself is just a dreamers get out clause Best car I've ever owned and yes parts are expensive compared to your grandma's daily driver but that's the price for performance... Your brake discs are the size of normal car wheels! I had the clunk from the front end that I sorted with a refresh of the control arms and drop links.... mechanically it's the same process to change them albeit a bit more work removing the under body protection and torquing things down properly... Is this a bmw issue, not at all, bushes wear on all cars... Granted it probably cost 5x as much but its not something that's gonna wear or break for a good number of years now There's a wealth of knowledge out there for these cars and your channel is a fantastic resource for it, so there's no excuse not to look after it correctly or be able to fix any issues that arise I think you kinda need all 3, a reasonable wallet for the fuel, tools to work on your car so things are done properly and a big set of balls to get the most out of the car... Once it's warmed up 😁

[@MTechGuy]

Cheers for sharing B12 KHX. Yes 99% of people who comment on the SMG have never driven one. All bushes wear out eventually on any car, that’s not bad for 6 years of ownership. I’m glad you’ve found the M5 content on my channel useful. Thanks for watching!

[@dbdb1681]

i plan to get a e60 m5 Smg too or a e90 m3 Dct Right now i have a 08 g35 RWD sedan im Ready to move onto bigger things lol. Ppl say oh the e60 is unrealiable but i honestly think they dont take care of it.... i always check oil and any other fluids on my car like every 2 days!

[@dbdb1681]

any tips on looking for a used e60 m5 smg?? or a E90 m3 Dct

[@MTechGuy]

@@dbdb1681 Yes, buy one that’s been looked after. M3 & M5 can suffer with similar issues but the M5 is more complex so potential for more issues. Factor in some preventative maintenance too

[@dbdb1681]

@@MTechGuy thanks I think ima go with a m5 because everyone nowadays have a v8 i rather be Unique

[@charleswarriner5121]

Everything you hear about these cars is true so do not kid yourself about maintenance costs. But even figuring in the maintenance costs it is 1/2 the price of a Viper V10, 1/3 the price of a 996 twin turbo, and 1/4 the price of a Gallardo, R8 V10 or F430 and is faster than all those cars from 60km/h to 250km/h. It is also the only one which will hit 337km/h (electronic limiter removed). If you want to run with those cars you will have to pay one way or the other. If you need Toyota reliability get a Toyota. Here is what it took to get my 2010 M6 daily driver reliable. Everyone has those own budget and I was prepared to pay the money for the privilege of listening to that V10 with a full stainless catback exhaust every day. 126K - engine oil cooler and oil & filter; 118.5K - BMW battery, Car Access Module and starter; 117.5K - Upgraded BE connecting rod bearings and ARP studs, high pressure vanos line, motor mounts, 4 wheel alignment, oil pan warmer, spark plugs, control arm bushings, power steering flush, oil & filter; 115K - oil & filter; 113K - thermostat, rad flush and park sensors; 112K - new front Michelins & 4 wheel alignment; 111K - update Idrive & Nav to 2020; 107K - oil & filter; 106K - new SMG trans pump, high pressure line, clutch & slave cylinder; 103K - new brake pads and rotors.

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing Charles 👍

[@wwisamm1411]

change the rims to black, that would be awesome 🔥

[@MTechGuy]

I’m a sucker for factory stock so it’ll be staying the way it is 👍

[@wwisamm1411]

@@MTechGuy This is nice too , but I thought the m power came in black rims , Or are there models different like face lifted?

[@MTechGuy]

Not back in the 2000’s, if you see an E60 M5 with black wheels it’ll be custom

[@johnnywon615]

forgot to metion im the only owner!

[@MTechGuy]

Nice 😎

[@deoyebammeke9725]

I have e61 m5 for sale....... Anybody interested should indicated.

[@henrikcederholm9816]

Döh🤪! It's really not a reliable beast. But are beasts reliable? They're not! This is the best shit and if you can't handle it....don't own it.

[@MTechGuy]

The E60 M5 is certainly a beast of a car for sure! The feedback I’ve had from many owners has been overwhelmingly that they’ve found the E60 M5 to be a reliable car during their ownership

[@MTechGuy]

I’ve owned a number of old school Chevy small blocks in the past, robust engines but haven’t found them as reliable as the BMW engines I’ve owned

[@henrikcederholm9816]

@@MTechGuy I own a m6 e64 and a m5 e61 and the are my precious beasts after my woman...or...not?😄 some smg problems and clutch problems and smaller things. They will continue draining me money but I love them. Such cars will never be built again. Cred to bmw that they made this insane but magnificent decision ❤

[@williamchisholm8743]

No it’s not

[@MTechGuy]

That’s not been my experience

[@mrdobalina8006]

Never own an M car if you cant fix it yourself

[@EightyFiveHundred]

Love it. I commented on one of your other videos and I was at 171,000ish miles. Today, I'm at 175,000ish miles and going on 11 years of ownership on my 6 speed Dinan S2 e60m5. These s85s are only as reliable as the previous owners commitment to the platform. Unfortunately, the used market/internet is littered with poor previous owners, no pun intended. I've always said this car only a money pit if 1) you have no money, or 2) lack the mechanical skills. You are spot-on with a warranty. I happily paid out-of-pocket to stay ahead of BMWs "free maintenance" schedule because I knew my 6 speed was a keeper. With that said, I let mine expire at 50,000 miles and haven't looked back since. My full experience of m5 ownership is here: www.m5board.com/threads/this-is-what-broken-in-oem-rod-bearings-look-like-after-60-000-miles-of-hard-driving.599394/

[@MTechGuy]

Thanks for sharing man, that’s awesome you’ve owned it for 11 years! Sounds like you’ve got the right idea with the ownership of your M5. These cars are definitely keepers for sure