Research · Compact Cars

2000 BMW M5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2000 BMW M5. Most complaints involve air bags (3) and electronic stability control (1). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jan 2001
Owner complaints
4
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$5,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Tires: sidewall

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.

TiresReported Jan 4, 2001NHTSA 01V001000

Exterior lighting: switch

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.

Exterior lightingReported Feb 17, 2000NHTSA 00V048000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2000 – Nov 2023
  1. Air bags3
  2. Electronic stability control1
  3. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each M5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20004
20014
200219
200318
2006124
20076
20086
20101
201310
20142
20153
20161
20184
20198
20202
20213
20221
20231
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

3 reports
“The original airbag in my vehicle was replaced with a Takata airbag at some point (prior to my ownership) that is subject to recall, but the dealer will not replace because my VIN was not part of the recall. I have removed the airbag to verify that the part number matches the recall. It is silly to recall a part 15+ years after production and use a VIN as a means to identify affected drivers. Perhaps as a starting point, but it will never encompass all affected drivers, as parts are frequently replaced as vehicles age. The parts were sold by the vehicle manufacturer and are installed in a working vehicle. Those should be the only requirements to get a replacement, especially as it relates to a potentially lethal defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2023Air bagsODI 11557521

Electronic stability control

1 report1 crash1 fire
“POSSIBLE BRAKE AND / OR "DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL" FAILURE RESULTED IN IMPACT WITH UTILITY POLE WITH RUPTURE OF FUEL TANK AND RESULTANT FIRE AND FATALITY. *JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2006Electronic stability control, Service brakes, hydraulicCrash reportedFire reportedODI 10146737

Service brakes, hydraulic

1 report1 crash1 fire
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
4.9L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M5
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121915$5,150592
  • M5
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.9 L
    12 city · 19 hwy · $5,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 BMW M5 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2000 M5 questions

How many recalls does the 2000 BMW M5 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2000 BMW M5 problems?

Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (3), electronic stability control (1), service brakes, hydraulic (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2000 BMW M5 get?

The EPA rates the 2000 BMW M5 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026