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BMW · Luxury · 2011–2016

BMW M5 F10

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW M5 F10 is available with 2 engine variants — from 381 to 575 hp.

M550d · Diesel· 381 PS
2012 2016
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
4.4L V8 Biturbo · Benziner· 560 PS
2011 2016
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW M550d (Diesel, 381 PS) has the N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The BMW 4.4L V8 Biturbo (Benziner, 560 PS) has the S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖DCT mechatronics seals hardened — shifting problems

Small rubber seals in the mechatronics block harden with poor oil quality. Regular transmission fluid changes every 60,000–80,000 km are absolutely necessary, contrary to BMW's statements.

Symptoms: Jerky shifting, transmission warning lamp, transmission overheat message during sporty driving.
from 100,000 km
Ad GS7D36SG MechatronikDCT Mechatronik F10 M5
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
16 complaints · 2011–2016
Engine
9
Steering
3
Electrical
2
Fuel System
2
Brakes
2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (9 complaints)
⚠ Steering (3 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M5 F10 (2011–2016) — 13 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Cooling, Electronics.

M5 (S63B44, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear, Recall: oil pump drive shaft, Turbo coolant lines brittle. Power: 560 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW M5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW M5 F10 have? +
The BMW M5 F10 has 13 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M5 F10? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo), S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).
Which BMW M5 F10 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M5 F10 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The F10 M5 made the transition from NA to turbo and in doing so redefined the M concept: 680 Nm from 1,500 rpm instead of high-rev orgies. No longer sounds like a race engine, but drives faster than one. Have the rod bearings done, shorten the oil change intervals — then the F10 M5 under €25,000 is an absurd price-to-performance proposition.
Is the BMW M5 F10 worth buying used? +
The BMW M5 F10 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M5 F10? +
The BMW M5 F10 is available with engine variants from 381 to 575 hp. Petrol: S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Diesel: N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee