2009 vs 2010 BMW M5

Both years

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

Both years

• 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

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

• 13V407000 2008–2010

  Resistance at the taillights' contacts can damage the connector, so some rear lights work only intermittently or not at all. Dealers replace the bulb carriers. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

5.0L V10 Edmunds, a published reference

Transmissions

Seven-speed SMG automated manual Edmunds, a published reference, Six-speed manual (2007–2010) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive Edmunds

Body styles

Sedan Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

M Driver's Package CarGurus, a published reference

Both years

• Sepang Bronze Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
• Interlagos Blue Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
• Indianapolis Red Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds
• Alpine White 2007–2010 Edmunds
• Black Sapphire Metallic 2007–2010 Edmunds

Both years

• Black Premium leather, 2007–2010 Edmunds
• Indianapolis Red Premium leather, 2007–2010 Edmunds
• Portland Brown Premium leather, 2007–2010 Edmunds

Both years

• 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

• 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)