2018 BMW M5 F90

Overview

Engines

4.4L twin-turbo V8, 600 hp

Came as

• Sedan

On record

6 warnings, 3 recalls

What changed for 2018

• The redesigned M5 arrives with 600 hp, an eight-speed automatic and adjustable all-wheel drive. Edmunds

Compare 2018 with 2019

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Engines

• 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 600 hp S63 Edmunds, a published reference

  600 hp and 553 lb-ft

Transmissions

• Eight-speed M Steptronic automatic Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

• M xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Body styles

• Sedan Edmunds

Packages

• Executive Package Edmunds
• Driving Assistance Plus Edmunds
• M Driver's Package Edmunds, CarGurus

Figures for the whole F90

• Built: Alongside the 5 Series at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany A published reference
• Gearbox: A ZF eight-speed, the first torque converter automatic in an M5 A published reference
• 0 to 60 mph: 2.8 seconds, by Wikipedia's figures A published reference
• Drift records: Set the Guinness records for the longest continuous drift and longest twin drift in December 2017 A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Oil use All years

  One source so far

  Check: Check the oil level, and ask how often it needs topping up.

  Euro Premium Parts says the engine can use oil between services from about 40,000 miles, and that worn valve stem seals add to it. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Electric water pump and thermostat All years

  One source so far

  Check: Watch the temperature gauge, and ask whether the water pump has been replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts calls them common failure points, usually between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, and says a failing pump can overheat the engine with little warning. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Cracked charge pipes and boost hoses All years

  One source so far

  Check: Feel for a sudden loss of power under boost, and look for cracks at the pipe ends.

  Euro Premium Parts says they can crack or come apart between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Torque converter shudder All years

  One source so far

  Check: Feel for a shudder at low speed and light throttle.

  Euro Premium Parts says some owners report it between 40,000 and 70,000 miles, and that fresh fluid sometimes cures it. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Early 12-volt battery failure All years

  One source so far

  Check: Have the battery tested on a car over three years old.

  Euro Premium Parts says the always-on electronics can wear the battery out early, especially on cars that sit, and cause a cascade of electrical faults. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Fuel pump and transmission harness recalls All years

  Check: Make sure the fuel pump software, fuel pump and transmission harness recalls were done.

  NHTSA lists software that can stop the fuel pump on 2018 cars, a high-pressure fuel pump that can crack and leak on 2019 cars, and a transmission harness that can short on 2019 and 2020 cars. NHTSA

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2018–2020 Recall 19V684000

  The reversing camera's settings can be changed so its picture is no longer visible, and the car keeps that setting. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA

• 2018 Recall 18V473000

  The fuel level sensor can stick against a fuel line in the tank, so the gauge may show more fuel than there is. Dealers secure the fuel line away from the sensor. NHTSA

• 2018 Recall 18V323000

  In some driving conditions the engine control software can stop the fuel pump. Dealers update the software. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Avoid

  A neglected or home-tuned car All years

  Less sought after

  CarGurus advises avoiding cars with signs of neglect, abuse or do-it-yourself tuning, and Euro Premium Parts warns about cars past 60,000 miles with no service records. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and to check the level by hand rather than trust the car's reminders A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Automatic gearbox fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 50,000 miles, though BMW calls it a lifetime fill A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Front and rear differential fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Coolant All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles or 4 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new