AI Damage2016 BMW M5: common problems
Owners of the 2016 BMW M5 filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The maker issued 35 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 35
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.4 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl
- dual-clutch (DCT), 7-speed
- manual, 6-speed
Drive: RWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Parking brake | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,964 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 7% least complained about).
On average one model year of the M5 has 2 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 1, below average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Wheels. Wheel runout, cracks, signs of a wheel strike.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of…
A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important…
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving
The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work correctly and no problem can be…
- After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes…
- For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the…
For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide…
With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke…
- According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle…
According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"…
- Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may…
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
- Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine
A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
- TEC26 Turbo Charger Return
- Tec25 Wishbone Return
NHTSA lists 35 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW M5?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 35 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 BMW M5?
NHTSA lists 35 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 BMW M5 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.