Cost to own
BMW M5 Ownership Costs UK
Around £820 per month to own
The BMW F10 M5 offers one of the biggest performance bargains available on the used market. Originally costing well over £80,000, it combines a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, executive-car comfort and supercar-rivalling acceleration for a fraction of its original price. However, while purchase prices have become surprisingly affordable, ownership costs have not. Fuel, tyres, brakes, servicing, repairs and depreciation can quickly turn a cheap purchase into an expensive ownership experience.
Estimated annual ownership cost
Assumptions used
- 8,000 miles per year
- 3 years ownership
- Petrol at £1.50/litre
- Depreciation based on age, mileage, usage and car type
Is the BMW M5 expensive to run?
A BMW M5 is likely to cost around £820 per month over 3 years, based on 8,000 miles per year. The biggest costs are usually depreciation, insurance, fuel and maintenance.
Calculate your own M5 costsBMW M5 ownership cost breakdown
Fuel costs
Fuel costs are one of the largest ongoing expenses of F10 M5 ownership. The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is capable of remarkable performance, but it requires a significant amount of fuel to deliver it. Gentle motorway driving can produce reasonable economy figures for a car of this size and power, but urban driving and enthusiastic use of the throttle can quickly push fuel consumption into supercar territory. High-mileage drivers should carefully consider annual fuel spend before purchasing.
Insurance costs
Insurance costs are typically high. The M5's power output, value, repair costs and theft risk all contribute to increased premiums. Younger drivers may struggle to obtain affordable quotes, while drivers in higher-risk postcodes often face particularly expensive insurance costs. Obtaining quotes before purchasing is essential.
Maintenance costs
Maintenance costs are significantly higher than those of a standard 5 Series. Large tyres, expensive brakes and specialist servicing requirements all contribute to running costs. Buyers should prioritise vehicles with excellent service history, as neglected examples can quickly generate four-figure repair bills.
Depreciation
Depreciation is less severe than when the car was new, but it still remains a major ownership cost. Higher-mileage examples continue to lose value as they age, while condition and maintenance history play a significant role in determining resale value. Buyers should consider depreciation alongside maintenance costs when assessing affordability.
Is the BMW M5 reliable?
The F10 M5's S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine is capable of delivering huge performance, but ownership requires a more proactive approach than many standard BMW models. Unlike the six-cylinder engines found in cars such as the 340i or 530d, the M5's engine operates under significantly higher stress and contains more expensive components. Regular servicing is absolutely critical. Oil changes should never be delayed, and buyers should look for evidence of preventative maintenance rather than simply routine servicing. Cooling system components, ignition coils, spark plugs and batteries are all areas that may require attention as mileage increases. Many F10 M5s have also been modified. While the engine responds extremely well to tuning, poorly executed modifications or aggressive use can accelerate wear and increase future repair costs. A completely standard car with a strong maintenance record is often the safest purchase. Overall, the F10 M5 can be reliable when maintained properly, but ownership costs are substantially higher than those of a normal executive saloon. Buyers should budget for repairs rather than assuming routine servicing will be their only expense.
Real-world fuel economy
Real-world fuel economy varies dramatically depending on how the car is driven. During long motorway journeys, some owners report fuel economy figures approaching 30 mpg, which is impressive for a 560-horsepower V8 saloon. Mixed driving generally produces fuel economy in the low-to-mid 20 mpg range. Around town, particularly on shorter journeys, fuel consumption can fall considerably lower. Frequent use of boost pressure and rapid acceleration can quickly reduce fuel economy into the teens. Despite its size and power, the F10 M5 is noticeably more efficient than older naturally aspirated V10-powered M5 models. However, buyers should not purchase an M5 expecting low running costs. Fuel expenditure remains a significant ownership expense regardless of driving style. For drivers covering substantial annual mileage, fuel alone can account for several thousand pounds per year. Understanding realistic fuel consumption is therefore important when calculating total ownership costs.
Common ownership costs
Tyres are one of the most significant ownership expenses. The F10 M5 is a heavy, powerful rear-wheel-drive saloon that can wear through rear tyres surprisingly quickly when driven enthusiastically. A full set of premium tyres can easily cost four figures. Brake maintenance is another major expense. Large performance discs and pads provide excellent stopping power but are expensive to replace. Cars used aggressively may require brake components more frequently than expected. Insurance and fuel are also substantial annual costs. Even experienced drivers often pay significantly higher premiums than they would for a standard executive car. Fuel expenditure remains considerable regardless of driving style. Repairs are where ownership costs can become unpredictable. While many cars provide years of trouble-free service, a single major repair can cost more than an entire year's maintenance budget on a normal family car. Buyers should maintain a contingency fund rather than budgeting only for routine servicing.
Should you buy a BMW M5?
The F10 M5 is one of the most appealing used performance bargains available today. Few cars offer the same combination of luxury, practicality and supercar-level acceleration at this price point. For the right buyer, it can feel like exceptional value. However, purchase price should not be confused with affordability. Running costs remain firmly in high-performance luxury car territory. Fuel, tyres, brakes and repairs can quickly exceed expectations for buyers stepping up from a standard executive car. Service history is critical. A well-maintained example with evidence of preventative maintenance is usually worth paying significantly more for than a cheaper car with gaps in its history. Buyers should also be cautious around heavily modified examples. For enthusiasts who understand the costs involved, the F10 M5 remains one of the greatest performance saloons ever built. It delivers immense performance, long-distance comfort and everyday practicality, but only when ownership costs are approached realistically.
Calculate your own M5 costsBMW M5 running costs FAQs
Is a BMW F10 M5 expensive to run?
Yes. Fuel, tyres, brakes, insurance and repairs are all significantly more expensive than those of a standard BMW 5 Series.
Is the BMW F10 M5 reliable?
The F10 M5 can be reliable when maintained correctly, but preventative maintenance is important and repair costs can be substantial.
What MPG does a BMW F10 M5 get?
Many owners achieve around 20-25 mpg during mixed driving, with motorway journeys occasionally approaching 30 mpg when driven gently.