2014 vs 2015 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.
2014
Nothing that 2015 lacks.
2015
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
Both years
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Rod bearing wear All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for knocking at start-up or under load, and ask whether the rod bearings have been replaced.
Euro Premium Parts calls it critical, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles and sooner on tracked cars, and advises replacing them at purchase.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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High-pressure fuel pump failure All years
What to check: Feel for hesitation under acceleration and a rough idle.
Euro Premium Parts says it usually shows between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, from wear on the cam follower that drives the pump. CarGurus names fuel injection and ignition faults.
CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Oil use and leaks All years
What to check: Look for blue smoke at start-up, check the oil level and look for leaks at the valve covers.
CarGurus names oil consumption and leaks, and Euro Premium Parts blames hardening valve stem seals after about 70,000 miles.
CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Cracked charge pipes All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for a hiss and feel for lost power under boost.
Euro Premium Parts says the plastic charge pipes and couplers wear out from about 50,000 miles, and that metal replacements are a common fix.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Wastegate rattle All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for a metallic rattle at light throttle or a warm idle.
Euro Premium Parts calls it a known trait of this engine, common from 30,000 to 60,000 miles, and not always in need of repair.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Oil pump and driveshaft recalls All years
What to check: Make sure the oil pump recall was done on a 2013 car and the driveshaft recall on a 2015 car.
NHTSA lists an oil pump whose shaft could separate on some 2013 cars, and driveshafts that may have been badly welded on some 2015 cars.
NHTSA
Rare catches
2014
Nothing that 2015 lacks.
2015
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Rare
30 Jahre M5 Trim
A numbered anniversary run Edmunds, CarGurus
30 sold in United States, about 1 in 10 of built worldwide CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Both years
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Rare
Six-speed manual Transmission
Sold in the US and Canada only, the last manual M5 CarGurus, a published reference
577 built for North America, about 1 in 14 of built for North America A published reference
Good or bad: Euro Premium Parts calls the manual rarer and more satisfying for purists, and the dual-clutch the faster choice. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Recalls
2014
- 15V188000 2013–2014
The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light to meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers replace them. NHTSA
2015
- 16V540000 2015
The driveshaft may not have been welded properly. Dealers inspect it and replace it if needed. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2014, up to and including 2015.
- 2015Keyless entry and satellite radio become standard, and 30 numbered 30 Jahre cars are sold in the US. Edmunds
What it came with
2014
2015
Both years
Colors
2014
- Pyrite Brown Metallic 2014 Edmunds
2015
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
Both years
- Black Sapphire Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Moonstone Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Azurite Black Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Space Gray Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Alpine White 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Silverstone Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Champagne Quartz Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Frozen Bronze Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Citrin Black Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Sakhir Orange Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Singapore Gray Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Monte Carlo Blue Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Imperial Blue Metallic 2014–2016 Edmunds
Interiors
2014
- Silverstone II Leather (Full Merino), 2014 Edmunds
- Sakhir Orange Leather (Full Merino), 2014 Edmunds
- Sakhir Orange and Black Leather (Merino), 2014 Edmunds
- Silverstone II Leather (Extended Merino), 2014 Edmunds
2015
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
Both years
- Champagne and Black (BMW Individual) Leather (Extended Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Silk Gray and Black (BMW Individual) Leather (Extended Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Cashmere Beige and Black (BMW Individual) Leather (Extended Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Nutmeg (BMW Individual) Leather (Extended Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Amaro Brown (BMW Individual) Leather (Extended Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Black Leather (Full Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
- Platinum (BMW Individual) Leather (Extended Merino), 2014–2016 Edmunds
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2014
Nothing that 2015 lacks.
2015
Nothing that 2014 lacks.
Both years
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Sought after: A car with the Competition Package 2014–2016 One source so far
Euro Premium Parts says the Competition Package gives most buyers the best balance of performance and value, and is the most rewarding to drive without much added risk. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Avoid: A neglected, abused or badly modified car All years Less sought after
CarGurus advises avoiding cars showing neglect, abuse or sloppy modifications, and Euro Premium Parts warns about cars between 60,000 and 90,000 miles whose records cannot show rod bearing, fuel pump and cooling work. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)