2020 vs 2021 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.
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 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
Rare catches
2020
-
Rare
Edition 35 Years Package
Sold in very limited numbers Edmunds, CarGurus
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Recalls
2020
- 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
- 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
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
- 20V598000 2020–2021
A small part of the rearview camera's picture may be obscured, so the car does not meet the federal rear visibility standard. Dealers inspect the camera and update its software if needed. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2020, up to and including 2021.
- 2021A facelift brings new front and rear styling, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and new dampers for the Competition. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
What it came with
2020
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
Colors
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
- Marina Bay Blue Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
- Bluestone Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
- Donington Grey Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
- Black Sapphire Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
- Alpine White 2019–2022 Edmunds
- Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic 2019–2022 Edmunds
Interiors
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
- 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
- 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
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
-
Sought after: A 2021 car One source so far
CarGurus recommends a 2021 model, for the improved iDrive with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond audio that was later dropped. CarGurus
Both years
-
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)
-
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)