2018 vs 2019 BMW M5

vs

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.

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Both years

  • 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 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

    What to 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

    What to 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

    What to 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

    What to 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

    What to 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

2018

  • 18V323000 2018

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

  • 18V473000 2018

    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

2019

  • 19V513000 2019

    The high-pressure fuel pump may not have been attached properly, so its flange can crack and leak fuel. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 19V883000 2019–2020

    The transmission wiring harness can be damaged and short circuit. Dealers replace any damaged harness and reroute and secure them all. NHTSA

Both years

  • 19V684000 2018–2020

    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

What changed between

After 2018, up to and including 2019.

  1. 2019The Competition joins with more power and sportier handling, and Apple CarPlay becomes standard. Edmunds, CarGurus

What it came with

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

Engines
4.4L twin-turbo V8, 617 hp (2019–2023) Edmunds
Packages
Competition (2019–2023) Edmunds

Both years

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

Colors

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

  • Marina Bay Blue Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Bluestone Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Donington Grey Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Rhodonite Silver Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Almandine Brown Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Alpine White 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Champagne Quartz Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Singapore Gray Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Azurite Black Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds

Interiors

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

  • Aragon Brown Leather (Extended Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Silverstone Leather (Extended Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Silverstone Leather (Full Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Aragon Brown Leather (Full Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Smoke White and Black (BMW Individual) Leather (Full Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Caramel and Black (BMW Individual) Leather (Full Merino), 2019 Edmunds
  • Black Leather (Extended Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Tartufo (BMW Individual) Leather (Full Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds
  • Black Leather (Full Merino), 2019–2022 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

  • Sought after: The M5 Competition 2019–2023 One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says the Competition offers most buyers the best balance of power, chassis and supply, while the CS is the driver's choice and harder to find. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

  • 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)