2021 BMW M5 F90

Overview

Engines

4.4L twin-turbo V8, 600 hp, 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 617 hp

Came as

• Sedan

On record

6 warnings, 1 recall

What changed for 2021

Refresh

• A 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

Compare 2021 with 2020

Colors

• Marina Bay Blue Metallic2019–2022
• Bluestone Metallic2019–2022
• Donington Grey Metallic2019–2022
• Black Sapphire Metallic2019–2022
• Alpine White2019–2022
• Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic2019–2022

Interiors

• Aragon BrownLeather (Extended Merino), 2019–2022
• SilverstoneLeather (Extended Merino), 2019–2022
• SilverstoneLeather (Full Merino), 2019–2022
• Aragon BrownLeather (Full Merino), 2019–2022
• Smoke White and Black (BMW Individual)Leather (Full Merino), 2019–2022

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Engines

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

  600 hp and 553 lb-ft

• 4.4L twin-turbo V8, 617 hp S63 Edmunds

  617 hp, in the Competition · 2019–2023

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

• Competition (2019–2023) Edmunds
• 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.

• 2020–2021 Recall 20V598000

  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

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

• 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

• 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