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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severitySymptoms: 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
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.