Every BMW M5 engine across seven generations - from the M88/3 straight-six of the E28 to the S68 plug-in hybrid V8 of the G90. Real UK replacement costs, known failure patterns, and honest ownership economics for BMW's ultimate super saloon. Backed by real UK M5 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore M5 EnginesM5 Enquiries (2025) [BMW-VERIFIED]
7 Generations Covered
6 Engine Codes
Part of Engine Finders
★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
⚠️ The M5 rule - power has a price: an S63 recon at £8,000–£12,000+ against a £40,000 F90 is 20–30% - ✅ safe. Against a £100,000+ G90, an S68 recon is 10–15% - ✅ safe. Against a £15,000 E60, an S85 recon at £8,000–£14,000+ is 53–93% - ⚠️ watch. Generation decides everything.
★★★★☆ - the S62 and S63 are proven performers; the S85 V10 is a masterpiece with rod bearing caveats; the S68 in the G90 is too new for volume data but BMW's latest V8 is promising
S63B44 (F90) - the twin-turbo V8 is proven and robust
S85B50 (E60/E61) - rod bearing failure, SMG pump failure, VANOS issues
F90 M5 Competition with S63 - 625 bhp, xDrive, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory
G90 M5 with S68 PHEV - 727 bhp, the most powerful M5 ever, and the return of the Touring
£8,000–£12,000+ reconditioned, supply only [BMW-QUOTE]
S85 rod bearings / S63 oil leaks - shared-platform data [BMW-VERIFIED]
👑 The Super Saloon - BMW's ultimate performance sedan and the car that defined the segment
One-line verdict:
The M5 is BMW's ultimate super saloon - seven generations of engineering excellence and brutal performance. The S62 and S63 are proven performers; the S85 V10 is a masterpiece with rod bearing caveats; the S68 in the G90 is the most powerful M5 ever. Buy the newest you can afford, and on any E60 S85, budget for rod bearings before you buy.
Generations
7 (E28, E34, E39, E60/E61, F10, F90, G90/G99)
Years Produced
1984–present
Engine Codes Tracked
6 (M88/3, S38, S62, S85, S63, S68)
Fuel Types
Petrol (1984–2023), Petrol Plug-in Hybrid (2024–present)
Most Enquired Engine (2025)
S63B44 - shared-platform dataBMW-VERIFIED
Most Reliable
S63B44 (F90) - proven twin-turbo V8
Highest-Risk
S85B50 (E60) - rod bearing failure, SMG pump failure
Typical Replacement Cost
£5,000–£14,000+ reconditionedBMW-QUOTE
Typical Host Value
£12,000 (high-mileage E39) – £120,000+ (new G90)
Overall Rating
★★★★☆ 4.1/5
3.9/5
A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.
Seven generations, 40 years, and one nameplate that defined the super saloon segment. The right M5 depends on your budget, your engine preference, and your tolerance for maintenance.
| Pre-2013 (E90/F30 early) | 2013-2015 (F30 pre-LCI) | 2016+ (F30 LCI / G20) | Our position | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core diesel | The 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership | |||
| Core petrol |
Read the full comparison: BMW M5 F10 vs F90
Every engine ever fitted to a BMW M5 - verified codes, specifications and real UK ownership data.
| Engine Code | Family | Fuel | Disp. | Power | Years | Gen. | Reliability | 2025 Enquiries | Avg. Recon Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M88/3 | M88 | Petrol | 3.5L | 286 bhp | 1984–1988 | E28 | ★★★★★ | - (pattern data) | £5,000–£8,000+ |
| S38B36 | S38 | Petrol | 3.6L | 315 bhp | 1988–1992 | E34 | ★★★★★ | - (pattern data) | £5,000–£8,000 |
| S38B38 | S38 | Petrol | 3.8L | 340 bhp | 1992–1995 | E34 | ★★★★★ | - (pattern data) | £5,000–£8,000 |
| S62B50 | S62 | Petrol | 4.9L | 400 bhp | 1998–2003 | E39 | ★★★★★ | - (pattern data) | £5,000–£8,000 |
| S85B50 | S85 | Petrol | 5.0L | 507 bhp | 2004–2010 | E60/E61 | ★★★★★ | - (pattern data) | £8,000–£14,000+ |
| S63B44 | S63 | Petrol | 4.4L | 560–635 bhp | 2011–2023 | F10, F90 | ★★★★★ | 410 JLR-wide [BMW-VERIFIED] | £7,000–£12,000+ |
| S68B44 | S68 | Petrol PHEV | 4.4L | 727 bhp (system) | 2024–present | G90/G99 | ★★★★★ | - (pattern data) | £10,000–£16,000+ |
Showing 7 of 7 engine codes
iAll enquiries are from 2025 (to date) and verified via our internal system. Recon costs are supply only and exclude fitting.
How we collect engine dataThe complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.
Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.
Enquiry volumes:
EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]
Costs:
Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]
Engine codes:
Cross-referenced from your existing data
The six most common failure patterns across the M5 range - symptoms, costs and urgency.
01The defining E60 M5 issue - rod bearings fail catastrophically, scoring the crankshaft and destroying the engine. Cold-start knock or metallic noise at high RPM is the warning. Affects E60/E61 M5 (2004–2010). £8,000–£14,000+ recon. Preventative replacement: £3,000–£5,000.
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02The SMG III automated manual gearbox pump fails, leaving the car stuck in gear. Affects E60/E61 M5 (2004–2010). £2,500–£5,000 repair. Many owners convert to manual.
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03The S63 twin-turbo V8 suffers from oil leaks - valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and turbo oil lines. Affects F10 and F90 M5. £1,500–£3,000 repair if caught early; engine damage if ignored.
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04The S63's turbochargers can fail due to oil starvation or heat soak; high-pressure fuel pumps can also fail. Affects F10 and F90 M5. Turbo replacement: £3,000–£6,000; HPFP: £1,500–£3,000.
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05The E28 and E34 M5's cooling systems are common failure points - water pumps, radiators, and thermostat housings degrade. Overheating kills the alloy heads. Replace proactively on any classic M5.
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06The E39 M5's S62 is one of BMW's most reliable M engines - no catastrophic failure modes. Just standard maintenance: VANOS solenoids, cooling system, and suspension components. The E39 is the M5 to buy for worry-free classic ownership.
Learn moreCatastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately
Immediatebook inspection now
Monitorbook inspection soon
Lowplan at next service
826+
Total Enquiries in 2025
[BMW-VERIFIED]
BMW M5 F10 enquiries
Rising - the F10 is a modern classic[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
BMW M5 F90 enquiries
Rising - the F90 is the most capable M5[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
BMW M5 E60 enquiries
Rising - the V10 M5 is appreciating[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
S63 oil leak enquiries
Stable - well-known issue[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
Interesting insight: The M5 generates a different kind of enquiry than the rest of the BMW range - owners are enthusiasts doing due diligence on specific known issues (S85 rod bearings, S63 oil leaks) rather than families facing unexpected failures. The M5 buyer knows what they're getting into - they just want to know which generation and which engine to choose. (Editorial synthesis - specialist sense-check before publishing.)
The F90 M5 Competition is the sweet spot in the used market - 625 bhp, M xDrive, proven S63 engine, and depreciated into sensible territory (£50,000–£70,000). The S63 is robust; the xDrive system makes it devastatingly fast. The F90 is the M5 for buyers who want the ultimate modern super saloon. (Editorial synthesis.)
The E60 M5 with the S85 V10 is the appreciating classic - 8,250 rpm, 507 bhp, and the only V10 M5 ever made. Rod bearings are the defining risk - budget £3,000–£5,000 for preventative replacement or buy one that's already been done. The SMG III pump is the other caveat - budget £2,500–£5,000 for that too. The E60 is a masterpiece - but a costly one. (Editorial synthesis.)
Editorial Pull-Quote
“If you buy one M5 based on this page, buy an F90 M5 Competition with the S63 - it's the sweet spot in the range: 625 bhp, M xDrive, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory. If your budget stretches, the G90 with the S68 PHEV is the most powerful M5 ever made - and the Touring is back. And on an E60 S85, budget for rod bearings before you buy - it's £3,000–£5,000 well spent.”
Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines - supply only, with labour guidance.
| Variant | Engine Code | Used (Supply) | Reconditioned (Supply) | Rebuilt (Supply) | Labour Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 (M88/3) | M88/3 | £3,000–£5,500 | £5,000–£8,000+ | £8,000–£12,000+ | 18–22 hrs |
N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].
Fitting a BMW M5 engine typically takes 16–26 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [BMW-QUOTE]. The M5 rule - power has a price: An £8,000–£12,000+ S63 recon against a £50,000 F90 sits at 16–24% - ✅ safe. Against a £100,000+ G90, a £10,000–£16,000+ S68 recon is 10–16% - ✅ safe. Against a £15,000 E60, an £8,000–£14,000+ S85 recon is 53–93% - ⚠️ watch. Against a £20,000 E39, a £5,000–£8,000 S62 recon is 25–40% - ✅ safe (the E39 is a keeper). Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully. Factor in preventative work (S85 rod bearings: £3,000–£5,000; S63 oil leaks: £1,500–£3,000) as part of the purchase cost - it's the smart money on any M5.
Value the car first; the engine decision follows.
All prices in GBP (£) • Supply only • Subject to availability and condition
From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.
BMW created the M5 by fitting the M1's engine into the E28 5 Series. The M88/3 was a 3.5L straight-six derived from the M1 supercar, producing 286 bhp.
The E28 M5 was hand-built - the fastest production saloon of its era. Now a genuine classic where engine work is restoration, not repair.
The second-generation M5 refined the formula - the S38 was a development of the M88 with improved emissions and power (315–340 bhp). The Touring estate arrived in 1992.
The S38 straight-six is a masterpiece of 1990s engineering - individual throttle bodies, 7,000 rpm redline, and a rising classic.
BMW's first V8 M engine - the S62 was a 4.9L naturally-aspirated V8 with individual throttle bodies and Double VANOS, producing 400 bhp.
The S62 is one of BMW's most reliable M engines - no catastrophic failure modes. The E39 M5 is a modern classic - buy the best you can afford.
BMW's only V10 M engine - inspired by Formula One, revving to 8,250 rpm and producing 507 bhp. The SMG III gearbox was a new innovation.
The S85 is a masterpiece - but rod bearings and SMG pumps are the defining risks. Budget £3,000–£5,000 for rod bearings before you buy.
The first turbocharged M5 - the S63 was a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 producing 560–600 bhp. The last rear-wheel-drive M5.
The S63 is proven but carries oil leak and turbo issues. The F10 is the M5 for buyers who want the last RWD M5.
The first all-wheel-drive M5 - M xDrive could be deactivated for RWD fun. The S63 produced 600–635 bhp. The F90 is the most capable M5 ever made.
The F90 M5 Competition is the sweet spot - 625 bhp, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory.
The first plug-in hybrid M5 - combining a 585 PS V8 with a 197 PS electric motor for 727 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. The Touring (G99) is back.
The G90 is the most powerful M5 ever - and the heaviest. Too new for volume reliability data, but the S63 lineage is proven.
All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]
Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the BMW M5 is perfect for - and who should think twice.
The M5 is built for this - 400–727 bhp, super saloon performance, and one of the finest chassis in the world. The F90 Competition is the used sweet spot (£50,000–£70,000); the G90 is the future. Buy the newest S63 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained F90 Competition.
The E39 M5 is a modern classic - the greatest M5 ever made. The E60 M5 with the S85 V10 is the appreciating masterpiece - 8,250 rpm and the only V10 M5. Both are worth proper investment.
The M5 is a daily-drivable super saloon - the F90 is surprisingly comfortable and practical; the G90 is more refined. The F90 is the better daily driver; the E60 is a weekend car.
The M5 is a heavy super saloon - not as track-focused as the M3 or M4, but the F90's xDrive makes it devastatingly fast. Budget for cooling upgrades and brake pads.
The E39 M5 is the ultimate keeper - the greatest M5 ever made and a modern classic. The F90 M5 Competition is the modern keeper - the most capable M5 ever and the last pure V8 M5 before hybridisation. Both are worth proper investment.
Real talk. The right BMW M5 for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.
Rod bearing knock on an S85? Oil leaks on an S63?
On the M5, the answer depends on which generation and which engine you have. Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.
The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.
Launch the BMW diagnostic calculator with BMW M5 pre-selected.
We'll identify it first.
Identification is the first step inside the tool.
We'll pinpoint your exact engine code before running the diagnostics.
Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.
Built on Real Data - M5 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED] - covering seven generations of BMW's ultimate super saloon. Nobody has seen more UK M5 engine decisions across the full range.
We Tell You When Not to Repair - On a tired E60 S85 without rod bearings done, sometimes the honest answer is walk away. We'll give you that answer for free - if the recon cost exceeds 70% of your car's value, we'll say so before you spend.
Vetted BMW Specialists - 20+ vetted BMW specialists across the UK, specifically assessed on S85 rod bearing diagnostics, S63 oil leak assessment, S62 VANOS servicing, and S68 hybrid work. Not generalist garages - M specialists.
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Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series reliability guide.
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