Research · Midsize Cars

2019 BMW M5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2019 BMW M5. Most complaints involve engine (4) and engine and engine cooling (2). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Dec 2019
Owner complaints
8
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.

Power trainReported Dec 11, 2019NHTSA 19V883000

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

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 xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Back over preventionReported Sep 28, 2019NHTSA 19V684000

Fuel system

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.

Fuel system, otherReported Jul 3, 2019NHTSA 19V513000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2022 – Feb 2026
  1. Engine4
  2. Engine and engine cooling2
  3. Power train2
  4. Fuel/propulsion system1
  5. Other / unknown1

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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
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

Engine

4 reports
“Engine coil and fuel injectors are bad. Injector 8 went bad, followed by 6&7. The next just went bad. Was told only so many available at dealership because of on going problems.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11610646

Engine and engine cooling

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 BMW M5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under Technical Service Bulletin Number: SIB 17 03 24. The dealer replaced the coolant expansion tank; however, the vehicle experienced a coolant leak two months later. The message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed, and the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the coolant expansion tank, 4 spark plugs, and ignition coils were replaced; however, upon driving away from the dealer, the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was repaired a third time; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was being repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was being repaired with the same parts because no updated part was available from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 19, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11719067

Power train

2 reports
“car went into transmission malfunction and speed was reduced when I was going at high speed. could have caused an accident but luckily I am a good driver so accident was avoided.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2022Power trainODI 11482858
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-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
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
152117$4,550521
M5 Competition
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
152117$4,550521
  • M5
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • M5 Competition
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    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

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 BMW M5 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 13339Vehicle 13338
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

2019 M5 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 BMW M5 have?

3 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 2019 BMW M5 problems?

Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (4), engine and engine cooling (2), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 BMW M5 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 BMW M5 at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026