The highest mileage BMW M5/M6 S85 V10s and the maintenance needed to reach big mileage!

[@r8228c]

I got 198,000+ and still drive it as my daily driver, no problems and love it, put 100 miles on it 5 days a week..

[@AlexGray]

Wow! This is what I love to hear! Have you had to replace a crazy amount of stuff?

[@r8228c]

@Alex Gray same as you, I think, rod bearings, headlights, all of the actuators, oil cooler, normal maintenance stuff as usual. It still makes my adrenaline rush when I accelerate through tunnels, so it's worth it..

[@AlexGray]

@@r8228c Absolutely, wish there were more tunnels near me! This is great to hear though, nothing out of the ordinary in your ownership for the mileage. Thanks for the comment

[@jeremiahex]

Awesome bro!!

[@SlevenKevin7]

Isn’t it amazing to think of the amount of money you’ve probably spent on gas. Lol. Legend

[@jabraan1360]

My 2008 M5 had 160k miles when I sold it. It had everything original except the throttle actuators. Was working perfectly when sold

[@AlexGray]

Love to hear it! Was the clutch still original too and rod bearings? How many miles did it have when you bought it? I’m mostly original but the smg pump and clutch was done, and I did the bearings. Still on original throttle actuators but I might do those preventatively.

[@ajjohnson7940]

155k on mine, still going strong, multiple 200mph pulls and original engine, trans, and diff, but I will say there aren't many bolts left I haven't turned on this car. You name it I've changed it, on my 3rd set of bearings

[@AlexGray]

Nice, I hope to hit 200 on mine if ever given the opportunity. How did your bearings look, especially the last set?

[@r8228c]

How often you changed your bearings?

[@DogNamedNicolas]

2010 E60 M5 here - rod bearings, thermostat, throttle actuators, spark plugs, fuel injectors, and fuel filter. All were maintenance items except thermostat. These are pretty reliable cars expect for the rod bearings. People over hype the unreliability of these cars. As long you warm up the oil temp before redlining it, it’s a super car that’s cheaper to maintain than a Ferrari F430.

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

Yes, the unreliability of these cars are mostly exaggerated. They only need some extra maintenance. People compare S85 with Toyota Camry 2GR engine in terms of reliability and I tell them if Toyota Camry had similar F1 technology and 8250 RPM redline!! it wouldn't even come close to S85 in reliability!

[@tylercouture216]

how lucky are you to have a 2010 !!! impossible to find

[@ryu411]

How long do you have to warm up the M5 before driving?

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

@@ryu411 You should drive gently and avoid high RPM for the first 15 - 20 minutes or when the oil temp reaches around 90 degrees Celsius. This rule applies to all cars with ICE engines. Following this rule in any car (not just the M5) leads to stock internals lasting well above 200k miles.

[@jakefarm4694]

@@ryu411depends on the weather in my experience!!

[@STUnknown]

It comes down to how much you like that V10 sound, power and handling, and what you are willing to spend to get it and keep it. I think some of us like it so much, it is worth the time, money, and trouble. For others it won't be. Thing is, once you get it sorted, there's very few cars I'd rather have. We take our E63 M6 all over the place on regional trips constantly. It's comfortable when you want it to be, but with a lion lurking underneath. One press of the M button and it roars (assuming you set it up right). Realistically, to get a fully sorted M6 V10 you are looking at between 20 and $30k for cars with 80,000+ miles on them. 15k or so for the car, plus 10k investment in all the goodies, and you got a pretty damn banging car- ready for pretty much any kind of driving. Different combinations of power and shifting settings can pay dividends. For example, setup m mode one time with the tranny set to 1 bar (least aggressive), instead of S6. P500 sport+, DSC to normal (1 light), and M-dynamic mode. You will find it shifts just as fast when revving it out, but won't slam you so hard on the shifts. It's just....interesting... that's all. So many options. One of the funnest toys I've ever owned.

[@TheMoreCylindersTheBetter]

197,500 on my 08 6MT. Rod bearings twice, throttle actuators (about to be twice on those too), thermostat, one wheel bearing, power steering pump, a/c compressor, water pump. Everything else I’d consider general maintenance. Things coming up: throw out bearing, steering rack, passenger side mirror folding mechanism, drivers rear tpms sensor.

[@r8228c]

If you dont mind? What made you change your wheel bearing? What's signs were there?

[@TheMoreCylindersTheBetter]

@@r8228c constant noise from the rear right, got louder with speed. It wasn't rpm dependent, I'd slip into neutral and just roll and there would be no difference in the sound. I changed my diff fluid to be sure it wasn't my diff exploding first, when that fluid looked fine I did the rear right wheel bearing. PITA job.

[@r8228c]

@TheMoreCylindersTheBetter was there any scrubing noise when turning? A mechanic once told me thats a sign too because the wheels move left to right by about quarter to half inch. I think I have to replace mine. I hear that swoosh noise when my wheels turn..I'm always fixing things then find out I fixed nothing...lol

[@TheMoreCylindersTheBetter]

@@r8228c not in my case, but it would diminish when I put weight on the side the wheel bearing was bad on at high speed, like a sweeping highway turn.

[@oldschoolebm666]

Where your rod bearings changed preventively twice? Did they look OK? And how many times has the car left you stranded?? Sorry, I'm thinking of selling my Dinan S2 E46 M3 for a 2006/8.

[@dont9502]

I'm gonna build an E60 M5 and drive it to a million miles...not bullshiting. I would let you make a video about my car too. I will do a 6-speed manual tranny swap…I know Alex from S85 Socal personally…he’s the dude who will rebuild my car and do the swap. Alex was the first person in the entire world to do the 6-speed manual swap and actually document it.

[@brucepeninsula2036]

Is it done yet??

[@diopsidem5]

Alex is a legend

[@yeetlegosi]

maybe me too but with an m6 as my first car... don't scream at me pls

[@dont9502]

@ The sedan E60 M5 looks better than the M6 V10 and has the dopest exhaust layout ever made . But other than that M6 and M5 are the same exact car.

[@omnihein9322]

Highest mileage I've seen on an S85 is 450k km, original engine, but he did the rods twice, and can't remember much else about it, other than he daily drived it since 2006 and took it to a redline everytime he drove.

[@jeremiahex]

Refreshing! Last year in November I picked up my 2nd E60 M5. Simply awesome, unique cars.

[@AlexGray]

Congrats on your second one! What happened to the first?

[@jeremiahex]

@@AlexGray Nothing at all. After I purchased the first (42k miles )last year from original owner, a 75 year old, and after even more research, I decided to seek a 2nd. I found a Sepang Bronze from a collector with full Bmw service history with only 44k miles. Last of the greats! I will never sell them!

[@normanschenck6906]

2007 E64 M6 with 115k miles. This car has needed abs module, throttle actuators, horns? yes horns, ignition coils, water pump and thermostat, AC bearing, all serpentine pullies(belts too). Pinion seal. Gonna need new rotors and pads in front($). So much more but too much to list. Bought a new 2006(in 2006) M5 with 100k mile factory warranty($6K). At 99k miles I traded it and the dealer told me the warranty had covered 23k in repairs. Car left me stranded twice with SMG failures. For some crazy reason I still love these cars.

[@normanschenck6906]

I forgot rod bearings, vanos line and motor mounts. 4 oil changes in 8 months.

[@eoink8219]

My 2007 E63 M6 just flicked over to 27,000 miles ! I never used it as my daily driver. My DSC pump failed on me twice over 12 years ago. My local BMW dealership wanted over €4000 plus labour to replace it. There is an engineering flaw in this and there is a place in England that rectify this flaw. I was able to get it all done for less than €500 ! 12 years later no problems !

[@nurlan-bj2sc]

My e63 m6 has got 159,000 Miles, Grey 2006 Model. OEM rod bearings, had the car since 2007.. not a single issue. But instead of 10w60 I’ve been using 5w50, I drive it daily. This rod bearing thing is too exaggerated, love this car. (Plus It’s got Long tube catless headers with sprint mufflers)

[@AlexGray]

Good to hear from a long time owner! I’ve thought about switching to 5w50 as well, however my bearings were in great shape when done at 115k and it’s always ran 10w60 so may just end up sticking with it. Catless headers make these cars sound like absolute monsters, that’s a great setup you have there.

[@nurlan-bj2sc]

@@AlexGray thanks man, yeah 5w50 has been helping a lot. I do plan on changing rod bearings in the future, but not now since I can’t afford. I’ve got a friend who has 2005 m5, he is at 235,000 miles and he’s been using 5w40 oil with stock rod bearings.

[@slimbaby9137]

Please change the rod bearings. I had no issues when I went to the extra tolerance AE bearings. Once I pulled the bearings omg. I might of had another 15 to 20k miles maybe. But the bearing issue is real

[@awdgsx415]

My buddy David has probably one of the highest milage E60 M5 (manual) I know 220k! He often takes up to Angeles crest up in the mountains for those that don't know that's southern california.

[@AlexGray]

Man is a legend, nice to hear a manual being driven like that.

[@turboteg512]

I've put over 30k on my 07 M5 in under 12 months. Still on original rod bearings to my knowledge. Blackstone always reports

[@AlexGray]

Damn are you serious? What all have you had to repair? That’s a lot of driving though, love to see it 🙌

[@gilerarunner3358]

Im a huge fan of the M5 V10. But since im young im yet able to afford the dream. However I owned a Volkswagen Golf 7.5 GTD Stage 2 Tuned 250hp and 500nm from a 2.0 Turbo Diesel engine with a whopping 421631km which is 261989mi. Only had to change DSG at 360000km and turbo at 390000km. Suspension has been upgrades as well. Car was extremely reliable, ucomfortable, fast, fun and also efficient. The car had days where the engine was running constantly for 11 hours.

[@AlexGray]

That’s a lot of driving! The diesels are extremely reliable. I had a Passat (non diesel) and was a good car. The diesels sound cool especially tuned and deleted.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

Watching this video while doing research on the S85, only BMW I've owned was a late model Z3. That car was a peach, put 50,000 miles on it in less than 3 years and never had a problem other than the DSC being a tad faulty from time to time (definitely wasn't an easy 50k miles). Looking for more of a challenge with my next car so I've chose to shoot for an M6 and replace every wear item to make it reliable as possible all while having a nice daily driver.

[@ollyonearth]

I just clocked 128k on my 2008 M6 and I pretty much drive it daily. I got it just a little below 50k miles and been banging that baby ever since. I changed the hydraulic pump at 63k mileage, then again at 123k. battery twice, and rod bearings one. There is annoying fuel cap code coming up every now and then since I replaced the original one after I lost it. But other than that, still firing. Everything is still pretty stocked. planning to take it for straight piping and wrap it for the remaining life of the beast. NOT SELLING!!

[@dr.christophermlawson]

😅 praying my S85's make it that far! Also hate these cars are getting more popular again because it makes it harder to find good examples for myself. #///MLife

[@AlexGray]

Fingers crossed man! Mine is still kicking strong so sharing that luck over to you lol. And you’re right, I’m seeing them all over Instagram now by random kids lol

[@brandondobschutz5146]

Just traded for an 08 M6 with an auto.94k miles. It’s a solid car. Corners better than my Sema Camaro pulling over 1.1 Gs. Except the Camaro is 1200 horses to 550 on my new to me M6. Fingers crossed

[@grimlock5943]

110,000 on mine. Last owner thrashed it alot so i had to replace the rear diff seal, a bunch of suspension components, rod bearings, all vanos components and a few other things. I change the oil at 3000 miles and i get the transmission serviced. She has not been bad at all. Oh also cat back stainless exhaust.

[@AlexGray]

If it makes you feel better, that diff seal would’ve leaked regardless if it was thrashed. I’ve had to replace it on every M car I’ve owned, and on my M5 it was adult owned and always taken to the dealer. Wasn’t a terrible leak but enough for me to get it replaced. Good move on doing the vanos stuff while doing the bearings, I didn’t do that and wish I would’ve. I didn’t know at the time. Good luck with yours!

[@thiswillprobhrt]

Ours is the daily as much as possible. School runs and road trips with some AutoX thrown in. V10 noises for all the family. 141K and broke a couple of valve springs so will address that soon. Clutch and throttle actuators done by P/O. I'm planning on preventative rod bearings soon. The way I look at it, the e60 M5\M6 is 30K car. ie, even a "cheap" one is probably going to cost you 30K in parts, labor or your own time... Proceed accordingly.

[@robetassakinis2702]

330k is wild. i have e60 m5 with 240+ k.

[@AlexGray]

Damn that’s getting up there! What all have you replaced?

[@robetassakinis2702]

@@AlexGray a lot of thing 😅 all suspension parts. Vanos. Rod bearing. A lot of small parts and usually things. Parts lis is over 10 k. Engine still runs srong

[@h1g97]

I just lost my original clutch, it’s slipping a bit on 2008 m6. 90,000 miles

[@rongray7227]

Say, is that a Portes d'Orbec poster behind you?

[@JP-zb9tm]

My 2007 6MT M6 Coupe has about 271 000Km and still running strong. I need new Silverstone front seats...

[@veechjunior2735]

I’m at 43k miles in my 2008 m6 and change oil every year haven’t done anything to it . Might consider being proactive and spending 10k to replace bearings , ignition coils , rear diff fluids , actuators or I might just keep driving it I don’t know . I have the convertible and I just ordered a supercharger from ESS so I should push 700HP with my exhaust and tune . They are telling me to change the rod bearings when I do the install but idk …. I love the car nothing like it 😢

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

Just warm it up and don't over-abuse it on track days and you will easily exceed 150k miles with original bearings.

[@AlexGray]

Exactly right! I bought mine from an older guy who understood this, when I replaced mine at 115k I saw that I could’ve waited much longer to replace them.

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

@@AlexGray It is a fact that if well-maintained S85 can last as high as a Camry 3.5 V6 2GR engine though with 10x more excitement and fun than the boring & slow Toyota!

[@jjrimz99tandem_drifter]

What's the proper warm up procedure, I've heard many different things.

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

@@jjrimz99tandem_drifter Drive your car gently until oil temperature reaches at least 90 degrees Celsius.

[@Maxtune]

Alex, I just joined the German car team and bought a 2014 S7. I’ll be back in metro Atlanta end of the month if you’re interested in filming.

[@AlexGray]

Yes let’s do it! Congrats on the purchase! Where are you located now?

[@damon123jones]

whats up withe the rodbearings on E9X ?

[@emirsaidov6024]

I’m thinking if I should buy a 2008 manual e60M5 with 144k miles, guy owned it since 2018 and bought it with 87k miles.

[@AlexGray]

Sorry for the late reply, if it’s a good price I wouldn’t hesitate!Sounds like my situation, bought mine with 90k and now I’m at 154k. An owner that kept it that long probably took good care of it. And it’s a LCI 2008 which is a big plus

[@pprey6599]

No where near in the same class but I bought a VW 1.6TDI 3.5 years old with 396000km, now got 433000km - changed oil pump and oil cooler.

[@AlexGray]

The beauty of diesels! Congrats on the numbers!

[@ZX7ROB]

Biggest thing I learnt from SMG was NOT to sit in Drive when you could be in neutral ….. that alone will double the life of the pump

[@AlexGray]

Sit in neutral like at red lights? Or just when you park the car?

[@ZX7ROB]

@@AlexGrayRed lights yeah, if the engine is running and you don’t have it in neutral then the SMG pump has to run constantly to hold the clutch in… eventually wears it out

[@AlexGray]

⁠@@ZX7ROBMan I had no idea but makes perfect sense, I figured going back and forth from neutral and back in gear when stopped would be more work on the pump but didn’t even consider that clutch is engaged that entire time stopped in gear. Thank you for the info.

[@funfactzforall]

I still have 60k miles on my 06 E60. Hoping to keep it though at least 250.

[@AlexGray]

Damn dude! That’s like a brand new car to me haha. Enjoy 🙌

[@briangreen3643]

2007 v10 136k miles

[@mattyhempkin1875]

You bringing anymore bmw videos

[@Usuckman]

I have my e46 m3 at 175k miles, purchased it at 18 with 127k miles in 2020 can’t wait till it’s at 300k+ miles and I’m still rippin it

[@AlexGray]

Nice!! I’m at 186k on my E46 M3. I should reach 200 by the end of this year. Currently having to replace the clutch as it started slipping last year, needs a steering angle sensor, and I might go ahead and take care of the vanos. Good luck with yours!

[@Usuckman]

@@AlexGray thank you, mine is scheduled for it’s second set of rod bearings at the end of feb. The car has been sort of a daily for me the past couple years but since I have my e34 and my 335 I’ve been trying to get some tasteful mods and restore her to her fullest potential!!

[@repairvehicle]

Unless you change oil every 3k miles due to fuel dilution

[@ITXSAAD-dz9ow]

i had an e60 for 11 years not m5 but it had 3 lak kilo on it replaced the engine once many other prblms but there wasnt a single wear or tear on interior but i sold it after it aged 19 yrs

[@AlexGray]

Love to hear this, that’s a long time!

[@garryfounds]

Look, turbos and direct injection are a recipe for early major repairs or failures. The S85 is port injection and naturally aspirated. If you address the bearings and actuators (maybe), warm it up before hitting hard, and then drive it like you stole it every day after it's warm, these engines, contrary to popular belief, are bullet proof. But don't let that secret out, because I love buying cheap, powerful, crazy fun cars! LOL I should know--I also daily drive an E64, and it's car nirvana every single day!

[@AlexGray]

They make such fun dailys. How many miles on yours? Shockingly I’m still on the original actuators at 154,000 miles, and my bearings were in decent shape when I did them at 115k.

[@V10James]

I cannot believe I shook Alex‘s hand 😳😁

[@DogNamedNicolas]

Is that a table decor made out of your old rod bearings? I wouldn’t put it past you lol

[@AlexGray]

Absolutely is haha, a $2500 used table decoration. Getting all my moneys worth lol

[@DogNamedNicolas]

@@AlexGray that’s a steal. I paid 4k for my table decor

[@DuaneMoore]

Rebuilding mine from Nathan’s BMW workshop Will be perfect in a month 😉

[@AlexGray]

Love to hear it man can’t wait for the videos to drop!!

[@LanceMoyse]

hello, where did you get the Hood on the Blue M5?

[@moyseappr]

I been looking for that type of hood as well

[@AlexGray]

It’s a fiberglass hump that bonds to the original hood. It was a lot of work. Company is called Xclusive Customz from the UK

[@robsamoiloff5303]

Hey man, great content, thank you for insight! Quick question - found 2006 M5 E60 with 34K miles (two owners), is it worth buying it still? Thanks in advance

[@AlexGray]

If it’s a good price then absolutely, it’s hard to find low mileage M5s let alone with just two owners. I bought mine from the second owner and it has treated me well. Here are two recent comparables with similar mileage from bring a trailer if this helps. One bid to $30,000, the other sold for $38,000 plus BAT fee (Alpine White probably helped with that). bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-bmw-m5-155/ bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-bmw-m5-154/

[@montgomeryeglinton]

Break in mileage for a Toyota Land Cruiser

[@AlexGray]

Or any Toyota in general for that matter haha

[@dspada67]

Amazing stuff. Could someone comment on if the oil consumption increased in these high mileage cars or blew blue smoke. Cheers

[@AlexGray]

I’m at 140k and oil consumption has actually seemed to decrease a little over time but I also am getting older and driving it less hard and barely ever redlining so maybe that’s why. As far as smoke, I’ve never seen blue smoke but occasionally when I’ve had friends film my car I’ll see a quick puff of black smoke at full throttle when high in the rpm range.

[@dspada67]

@@AlexGray thanks for the reply mate. That’s awesome. Cheers

[@glendekoker3682]

I'm at 243,000km 2006 M5 just did bearings and oil line.

[@AlexGray]

Nice man! What else have you had to replace?

[@glendekoker3682]

@@AlexGray 1 throttle actuator O2 sensors rad fan was my fault. Suspension parts oil lines, injectors , spark plugs , brakes, fixed one up shifter, rain sensor, wipers, alarm battery, my lights don't move but don't care also airbag seat sensor. Clutch once and position sensor. SMG pump failed under warranty. Changed diff oil also and Trans.

[@commissarsydian4125]

XD I almost daily my m6 and fill it up about 3-4 times a month, not really driving long distance but i would say regular drive. Like 2-3 short distance (12 ~ 20 km) drives a day, 5 days a week.

[@AlexGray]

Nice! How many miles are you at?

[@jakefarm4694]

Please reply I just bought last night an 08 bmw m5 silverstone metallic smg transmission running and driving for 2500$ out here in Spokane wa the guy I got it from said it’s spun rod bearing but idk

[@jakefarm4694]

143k miles

[@AlexGray]

Depending on the condition that’s a great deal, but yes wouldn’t surprise me if a bearing was spun at that mileage if it was on original bearings. Hopefully you have a reputable shop you can tow it to.

[@jakefarm4694]

@@AlexGray I got it up and running and just put about 1500 miles on it in a few weeks and ran like a top

[@AlexGray]

@@jakefarm4694Dude nice!! Did it need a new engine?

[@kevinvermeeren938]

215k km on mine now. And drive it daily in the better months of the year😅

[@FilipHnizdil]

I know someone with 670,000 km (original engine) that's crazy

[@AlexGray]

You serious? That’s the most reassuring thing I’ve ever head haha, the only bmws I’ve personally seen with that kind of mileage was a e36 328i and a e39 M5, although the e39 was not the original engine.

[@impierrebiyatch]

yeah 261k...BUT IT STILL SPUN THE BEARINGS!

[@DoubbleAgent]

🎉🎉🎉

[@jirikunstat2828]

I can't write a high mileage raid here. I have had the car for a year and had a preventive service done on my 05 M6 SMG 120,000Km. Bearings, actuators, coils, spark plugs, PCV, injectors, fuel filter and pump, fuel tank vent, Vanos solenoids, SMG relay and other bits and pieces. Thank you for your videos and comments from other owners that show the positive reliability of these cars. These cars have a very bad reputation and it's good that you show the truth. It is only about the application and care of the car and a responsible approach. Thank you once again 🤗

[@Agent_Mi]

There will never be a another S85 v10 motor ever built. The motor is designed for the highway, the motor is a M signature POV. The way this motor revs up so high there is nothing like this motor. The motor has the ability to hang around high rpm's for hours without blowing up, you keep a corvette at 6k rpm for about an hour the vette engine is going to.blow up. I got 160k miles on the orignal motor all 9k rpm red lines always. Too bad bmw wont make a another new S85 v10 ever, Under full load your butt is no longer on the driver seat it feels like your just holding the steering wheel and your butt is in the air LOL

[@N54-Mike]

lol so true in butt in the air

[@EagleEyes11497]

Wish mine wasn’t a lemon at 115k 😅

[@AlexGray]

What all have you had to replace or is wrong with yours?

[@SweatySantana]

333k lmfao that’s wild I’m only at 62 lmao

[@AlexGray]

Man go drive your car haha

[@tannernelson619]

$3.80 for premium fuel? :|

[@AlexGray]

Yes, that’s the current average in Georgia. It was much lower several years ago but also hit highs the past few summers.

[@repairvehicle]

Highest bmw I have seen 250k miles on 330i

[@AlexGray]

Highest original engine miles I’ve seen was 400k on an e36 325i. I did an exhaust video on this channel of an e39 M5 with 400k miles but it wasn’t the original engine.

[@repairvehicle]

@@AlexGray how often oil was changed on 400k miles e36?

[@AlexGray]

@@repairvehicle I don’t know the frequency but I know it was very well taken care of, so probably every 5k. It was on Facebook marketplace and looked as if it had only 100k miles. Someone from the local Bmw group bought it and posted pictures and it was definitely well cared for throughout its previous ownership.

[@sssyria]

M5 owners are not the smartest ones on this planet. If they really care about money, they wouldn’t buy one in the first place.. but hey, v10 noise….😂😂 I own 2 m5s and totalled another

[@AlexGray]

Damn sorry to hear about the totaled one 😔

[@sergesimonin8837]

EV’s the real solution to keep your money in your pocket…

[@arthurgevorkyan2788]

You lost me at troy jeup…

[@AlexGray]

Seems like he’s either loved or hated, no in between. I have no experience with him so I can’t speak on it.