BMW F90 M5 — Common Issues

Overview

The F90 M5 (2017-2023) is BMW's first AWD M5, powered by the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with 600-625 hp.

Engine (S63TU)

Oil Consumption

• Some S63 engines consume oil
• BMW considers up to 1L/1,500 km "normal"
• Monitor oil level between services

Coolant System

• Coolant pipe connections can weep
• Thermostat housing issues (less common than B58)
• Intercooler pump can fail

Turbo Oil Lines

• Oil feed/return lines to turbos can leak
• Check for oil residue around turbo area

Transmission (ZF 8HP76)

• Torque converter shudder — some reports at low speed
• Mechatronic sleeve leak — less common on 8HP76 than earlier variants
• TCU tune recommended for aggressive driving (raises torque limits)

Drivetrain (M xDrive)

• Transfer case — first M5 with AWD
• Can be set to rear-wheel drive only (2WD mode)
• Transfer case fluid changes every 60k km
• Active M differential — fluid changes every 40-60k km

Chassis

• Adaptive M suspension — EDC shocks can fail (80-120k km)
• Front control arm bushings
• Brake wear — M compound brakes wear faster with aggressive driving

Electronics

• iDrive software bugs (early cars) — resolved via updates
• M Mode button — can be confusing (affects DSC, steering, throttle)
• Head-up display — occasional calibration issues

Maintenance Costs

The F90 M5 is expensive to maintain:

• Oil change: €200-300 (10L of oil)
• Brake pads + rotors (front): €1,500-2,500
• Tires: €1,500-2,000 per set (staggered)
• Annual maintenance budget: €2,000-4,000

The F90 M5 is an incredible machine — 600+ hp, AWD, comfortable daily driver. Just budget accordingly for maintenance.