2007 BMW M5 5.0L Petrol · XFZ 4819

The BMW M5 sits in a high insurance group (group 20 typically) and commands premiums well above an ordinary 5 Series, often in the region of £800 to £1,500 per year depending on driver history. Fuel economy from the 5.0-litre V10 is poor by saloon standards — expect mid-teens mpg in real-world driving and low twenties only on a gentle motorway run, which translates to high fuel costs if used regularly. Road tax for a vehicle of this engine capacity and age falls into the higher bands.

Maintenance costs are where the M5 truly differentiates itself from the standard 5 Series. The S85 V10 engine requires quality synthetic oil changes at relatively frequent intervals, and specialist labour costs are significantly higher than for a regular BMW. Tyres are a substantial ongoing expense given the performance specification, with rear tyres particularly costly. Budget conservatively for annual maintenance including consumables and specialist inspections, as parts for the V10 and SMG transmission are more expensive than for mainstream BMWs.

Estimated annual running costs including fuel, insurance, road tax, and routine maintenance are likely to fall in the region of £2,800 to £3,800 per year for a regular driver. This figure can easily climb higher if any major work such as clutch replacement or suspension components is required. Buyers should maintain a dedicated maintenance budget rather than viewing this as a cheap-to-run performance saloon.

The MOT record shows no failures and no advisories across four tests, which is a clean paper trail for this period. However, given the aggregate data showing that suspension arms and tyres are among the most common MOT failure reasons for the M5 model, a physical inspection should focus closely on front suspension components for wear and play. Inspect the rear tyres for uneven wear, which is common on high-performance rear-driven cars and not always flagged at MOT if within legal limits.

The E60 M5 has known weak points that buyers should specifically check, including the rod bearings on the S85 V10 engine (which require specialist inspection rather than a casual look), the SMG transmission pump and actuator if fitted, and the rear subframe mount points which have been subject to inspection campaigns on E60 models generally. Check for any signs of oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, which can indicate seal degradation from low usage. Examine the condition of all rubber components including coolant hoses, which can perish with age regardless of mileage.

General inspection should include a thorough look underneath the car for corrosion, particularly around the rear arches and underbody — BMWs of this era can suffer from hidden corrosion even with low mileage. Verify that all electronic features function correctly, as the M5 has complex systems including the variable valve timing (VANOS), the M Differential, and the various driving modes. A compression test or at minimum a borescope inspection of the V10 cylinders is highly advisable given the engine's known characteristics and the fact that low mileage does not guarantee internal health.