F10 M5 Reliability – What You Need To Know
The BMW F10 M5 is the pinnacle of precision German engineering and an incredible demonstration of how time and toil can equal perfection. Are we claiming the F10 M5 is entirely perfect? No. Are we claiming that the F10 M5 reliability and performance are a testament to the ability of BMW engineers to combine luxury sedans with sports cars to create an unequaled driving experience?
Yes, we absolutely are. This short but comprehensive guide to F10 M5 reliability, performance, value for money, and quality compared to other 5 series will give you everything you need to know to decide whether or not you feel the F10 M5 deserves all of the hype it has generated over the years.
A Summary Of The BMW M5 Series
The BMW M5 is an iconic line of luxury sport sedans from BMW, duh. M5s have been almost exclusively produced in the sedan style from 1992 until 1995 and then once again from 2006 until 2010. The 5 series actually built on the framework of the E28 so you will notice a lot of similar design choices chassis-wise, even if they are mechanically very different.
While there have been plenty of M5 models over the years they have all remained pretty similar in terms of ideology and purpose. A sedan that has enough punch to put sports cars in their place, even if the price tag is a little hefty (at least it used to be). The M5 is considered by many to be the highlight of the M series, while others argue it’s the M3. We are not here to weigh in on this conversation though it is important to acknowledge it. You will see why later.
A Summary Of The F10 BMW M5
The F10 M5 first hit the public scene in 2011 when it was unveiled at a BMW event in Frankfurt. It was announced in the fall of 2011 and began receiving pre-orders/standard orders in November/December. It still had pretty solid sales figures from year one. Even if it was only a short year (calendar year-wise).
The F10 BMW M5 was outfitted with a powerful twin-turbo v8 engine that cemented itself as the first turbocharged 5 series. Clearly, BMW had an inkling that the F10 BMW was special. The F10 produced 553 brake horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque without sacrificing power and efficiency.
The F10 was the pinnacle of reliability and value for its time and that combined with its power and performance meant that it was both highly coveted and respected, even outside the BMW community.
The F10 M5 Reliability
The F10 M5 focused on reliability as much as anything which is not something that can always be said for BMW in general. Normally, they tend to be accused of sacrificing reliability and consistency for more power and speed.
Whether these claims are fair in general is irrelevant to this conversation, however, it can be stated unequivocally that they do not apply to the F10. For the F10 M5 reliability was at the forefront of their design choices which is why they decide to go with a 4.4-liter engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch (automatic).
The engine and transmission choices for the F10 M5 meant that you would get far more range out of these hefty engines without having to sacrifice speed off the line. The last F10 M5 released in North America produced almost 600 horsepower and could leave pretty much anything in its dust. Still can.
The F10 M5 Value For Money
The F10 M5 is certainly not a cheap budget vehicle, never was and likely never will be. However, that does not mean it is not great value for money and should not be at the table even today when looking for a luxury sedan.
Originally, the F10 M5 was sold for around $90k and was considered a high-spec luxury car. Naturally. Today, you can buy a relatively low mileage F10 M5 for about $52k which is a HUGE discount for a car that isn’t particularly outdated or lacking in any regard.
The F10 M5 Reliability vs The E39’s and E60
The F10 M5 focuses on reliability, which is a bold statement for any car manufacturer, but when it comes to BMW it gives us cause to question them. BMW has claimed this kind of thing before, and there was a time that the E39 and E60 BMW 5 series were considered reliable and respectable for a myriad of reasons.
Is The F10 M5 Worth The Hype?
We think so. If it wasn’t clear by the glowing comments in every section before this one, we think BMW really hit the mark with the F10 M5 and actually it sets the bar really high for future BMW sedans. It is of course important to consider that comparing the F10 M5 to modern sedans, coming out this side of 2020, isn’t exactly fair.
But to be honest, even when you do, the F10 still pulls its weight. Reliability is naturally always important but when it comes to buying second-hand cars that are arguably outdated it matters even more. You would do well to find any sedan from 7 to 10 years ago that can hold a candle to the F10 M5.
There are some smaller M3s that can go toe to toe with the F10 on speed and performance, but can they do it with the size and comfortable luxury that the F10 can provide? Not likely.
Conclusion
The BMW F10 M5 is not only a powerful beast of a machine it also comfortable. It is also luxurious. And yes, it is outstandingly reliable. Whether reliability is the most important factor for you when considering a secondhand sedan should absolutely be ONE of the most important factors.
The F10 M5 excels in every measurable metric and is great value for money in the $50k price range. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our other articles. Goodbye for now.
