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2013 BMW M5
Limited data: few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven, not endorsed, and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
10 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 15, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Has a "park it / park outside" recall, the most serious kind. Verify the fix was done before buying.
Only 10 owner complaints on file for this exact model year, too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, not endorsed, and lean on a professional inspection.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2013 BMW M5, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Engine (6)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
60%6 complaints
“I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR JERK STARTED SMOKING I PULLED OVER AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH”
Steering
30%3 complaints
“CREAKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL WHEN PARKED AND AT LOW SPEEDS. DIAGNOSIS FROM SHOP INDICATED THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS …”
Electrical system
10%1 complaints
“FUEL FILLER TUBE GASKETS ARE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL CAUSING THE STEERING ELECTRONICS TO BE FLOODED AND SHORT OUT CAUS…”
Fuel system
10%1 complaints
“FUEL FILLER TUBE GASKETS ARE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL CAUSING THE STEERING ELECTRONICS TO BE FLOODED AND SHORT OUT CAUS…”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Exterior Lighting · 15V188000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Park itEngine And Engine Cooling · 12V475000
BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification. As a result, the pump's driveshaft could separate from the rotor.
Risk: Separation of the pump's driveshaft from the rotor could lead to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2013 BMW M5 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2013? See how every M5 model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2013 BMW M5 against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.