2006 vs 2007 BMW M5
Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.
Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
2006
Nothing that 2007 lacks.
2007
Nothing that 2006 lacks.
Both years
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Rod bearing wear All years
What to check: Listen for knocking at start-up or under load, and ask for proof the rod bearings were replaced.
Wikipedia says the stock bearings lack clearance and can fail and destroy the engine. Euro Premium Parts calls it the most critical issue, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and CarGurus calls the repair very expensive.
CarGurus, a published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Failing throttle actuators All years
What to check: Have all the throttle actuators tested with a scan tool, and watch for limp mode.
Wikipedia says they fail from their internal gears or their electronics, and Euro Premium Parts says usually between 50,000 and 80,000 miles.
CarGurus, a published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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SMG hydraulic pump and clutch All years
What to check: Feel for slow or hesitant shifts and a slipping or abrupt clutch, and look for leaks at the pump.
Euro Premium Parts says a failed pump can leave the car stuck in gear, usually between 50,000 and 80,000 miles, and that the clutch wears faster than a manual one.
CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Oil use All years One source so far
What to check: Check the oil level, and ask how often it needs topping up.
Euro Premium Parts says the V10 can use oil as it ages, and that running it low speeds up rod bearing wear.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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VANOS wear and leaks All years One source so far
What to check: Look for oil around the VANOS unit, and read its fault codes.
Euro Premium Parts says it can leak and wear after 60,000 miles, giving a rough idle and lost mid-range power.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
Rare catches
2006
Nothing that 2007 lacks.
2007
-
Good find
Six-speed manual Transmission
Sold in North America only, with a take rate of about 14 percent CarGurus, a published reference
1,366 built for North America A published reference
Why it is a good find: CarGurus calls the SMG a potential money pit and advises buying a car with the manual. CarGurus
Recalls
2006
Nothing that 2007 lacks.
2007
Nothing that 2006 lacks.
Both years
- 12V126000 2006–2010
The positive battery cable's connector may have been fitted wrongly to the trunk floor, so its bolt can loosen and the connection overheat. Dealers inspect and secure it. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2006, up to and including 2007.
- 2007A six-speed manual is added for North America at no extra cost. CarGurus, a published reference
What it came with
2006
Nothing that 2007 lacks.
2007
Both years
Colors
2006
Nothing that 2007 lacks.
2007
- Sepang Bronze Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
- Silver Gray Metallic 2007 Edmunds
- Silverstone Silver Metallic 2007 Edmunds
- Interlagos Blue Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
- Indianapolis Red Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
- Alpine White 2007–2010 Edmunds
- Black Sapphire Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
Interiors
2006
Nothing that 2007 lacks.
2007
- Sepang Bronze Premium leather, 2007 Edmunds
- Black Premium leather, 2007–2010 Edmunds
- Silverstone Premium leather, 2007 Edmunds
- Indianapolis Red Premium leather, 2007–2010 Edmunds
- Portland Brown Premium leather, 2007–2010 Edmunds
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2006
-
Watch for: A 2006 car Less sought after One source so far
CarGurus says to skip the 2006 M5, which came only with the SMG and shifted roughly. CarGurus
2007
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Sought after: A car with the six-speed manual 2007–2010 One source so far
CarGurus calls the SMG a potential money pit and advises buying a car with the manual. CarGurus
Both years
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Watch for: A car without proof of new rod bearings All years Walk away One source so far
Euro Premium Parts calls rod bearing replacement non-negotiable, and says a buyer who does not confirm it was done is taking a big financial risk. A seller's guide (unofficial)