Model year guide

2018 BMW m5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 BMW m5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2018 BMW m5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 BMW m5 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints4
Combined17 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 BMW m5 recalls 3

Electrical System:software NHTSA Campaign #18V323000 · 16/05/2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #19V684000 · 27/09/2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDriv…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #18V473000 · 17/07/2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is actually available.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will secure the in-tank fuel line to keep the fuel line from contacting the fuel level sensor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2018 BMW m5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2018 BMW m5 MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,850
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume99 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$12,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 BMW m5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,250
Fuel only$24,250
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 BMW m5 trims & engines on record

Engines
4.4L 8-cyl 599 hp

2018 BMW m5 vehicles on record

Other BMW m5 model years

2018 BMW m5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 BMW m5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2018 BMW m5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW m5?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, air bags, seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 2018 BMW m5 get?

The 2018 BMW m5 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.