BMW 5-Series M5 (2011-2016) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Updated: 21 February 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 28 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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On an average run the M5 should return 28.5mpg. That’s a very optimistic figure because that accelerator pedal is very tempting. Insurance costs will be high as will servicing costs but it’ll hold its value well.

Emissions are high at 232g/km, which sounds a lot but the CO2 emissions have tumbled thanks to stop/start technology. Compare this M5 with the previous V10 and you’ll notice that it emitted 344g/km: that’s a staggering reduction of 112g/km. It’s certainly getting greener.

We’ve had no reported problems from the 5-Series so the M5 should prove as reliable as the rest of the BMW range. The three-year warranty should also help give peace of mind.