The F90 M5 is an extremely powerful sedan with BMW's S63 twin-turbo V8 and an 8-speed ZF automatic. While newer examples can be solid, the platform shares some expensive powertrain vulnerabilities with prior-gen M cars, and the high-strung engine has shown catastrophic bearing failures even at low mileage when abused or neglected.
Rod Bearing Failure (S63TU Engine)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi or earlier with aggressive use
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or rattling from engine bay, especially cold start, Low oil pressure warning or fluctuating oil pressure at idle, Metal shavings in oil during analysis, Catastrophic engine failure if ignored
Fix: Rod bearing failure typically requires full engine-out rebuild or short block replacement. Even preventive bearing replacement is 18-24 labor hours with engine removal. If crank is scored, add machine work or full longblock.
Estimated cost: $15,000-30,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, often passenger side, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh or delayed shifts when fluid runs low, Transmission overheat warnings on track or spirited driving
Fix: Cooler lines and seals fail at crimped connections. Replacement requires dropping undertray and sometimes subframe. 4-6 labor hours plus fluid flush. OEM lines recommended.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Extended cranking or hard starting, especially when hot, Limp mode under acceleration (reduced power), Fault codes for low fuel rail pressure, Rough idle or misfires under load
Fix: HPFP sits in the valley between cylinder banks. Requires intake manifold removal for access. 6-8 hours labor. Covered by one recall for specific build dates, but failures occur outside recall scope.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Transmission Mount Failures
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi or earlier with hard launches
Symptoms: Clunking or banging during aggressive shifts or launch control, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in Drive, Transmission 'hopping' sensation on hard 1-2 upshifts
Fix: Rubber mounts tear from repeated high-torque launches. Requires lift and subframe access. 3-4 hours labor. Upgraded polyurethane mounts available but add NVH.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and misfires, especially on cold start, Loss of power and throttle response, Increased fuel consumption, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-series)
Fix: Direct injection means no fuel wash on valves. Walnut blasting both heads required. 8-10 hours labor with intake removal. Some shops charge per bank.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Backup Camera Failures
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Intermittent or permanently black backup camera screen, Distorted or flickering camera image, Parking sensors work but no video feed
Fix: Camera module in trunk handle corrodes or fails internally. Recall issued for 2018-2019 build dates. 1-2 hours labor if not recall-covered. Must code new camera to vehicle.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Owner tips
Send oil samples to Blackstone Labs every 5,000 mi to catch bearing wear early — cheap insurance on a $30k engine.
Avoid extended low-RPM driving and short trips; these engines need heat cycles to prevent carbon buildup.
If buying used, insist on full service records and oil analysis history — unknown maintenance or track use is a massive gamble.
Budget $3,000-5,000/year for maintenance and unexpected repairs once past 50,000 mi; this is not a Camry.
Buy only with verifiable maintenance history and a pre-purchase inspection by an M-specialist; the performance is addictive, but one neglected owner or missed oil change can leave you with a grenaded $25k engine.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required; located in trunk; high-performance variant requires higher CCA rating
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Every control module on the 2018-2021 BMW M5 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ ConnectedDrive services; SIM card and subscription activation required
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 19V684000
2019-09-27
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles.
The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · 19V513000
2019-07-03
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2019 BMW M5 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.