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2021 BMW M5 problems

The most common problem on the 2021 BMW M5 is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical M5 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
114
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
17mpg

The worst 2021 BMW M5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported September 30, 2020 · 312 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 20V598000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2021 BMW M5

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 BMW M5 114

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 114 bulletins for the 2021 BMW M5

2021 BMW M5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.4L 8‑cylAWD152117

What 2021 BMW M5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · MD

BMW Federal Emissions Recall Campaign - Delivery Stop: Replace Coolant Expansion Tank [B170324] The manufacturer's recall remedy replaces a defective, heat-compromised plastic coolant reservoir with an identical plastic component that is subject to the exact same thermal fatigue and catastrophic failure. I had the dealer replace the tank in March 2024 under this recall. This week, however, I noted coolant residue from the horizontal seam of the expansion tank. Furthermore, the dealership's primary diagnostic criteria (a cold pressure test) FAILED to detect severe, ongoing coolant leakage that was actively drowning the fuel injectors, nearly resulting in catastrophic engine failure. I demanded the bulletin be followed by removing the expansion tank based on the visual evidence alone. I further demanded bore scope photos as stated in the recall bulletin. These support the above claims that ALL FOUR injectors are contaminated with gross amounts of coolant which could have led to a catastrophic engine failure. BMW replaced my expansion tank in 2024 when I first bought the car with 13k miles on it with a tank that suffers from exactly the same design flaw. It is therefore no fix at all and all of these cars are all ticking time bombs unless a permanent solution is mandated.

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA · fire

Car catch on fire and explode it with 2 ocupantes inside

Filed Jan 1, 2021 · Lights · 400 miles · OH

The reverse backup lights and camera image is so dim and limited as be unusable and very unsafe when backing up at night in darkness. Dealer service could not fix as designed in! I believe same system used on all 2021 series 5 cars. Left car at dealer with fobs as I am refusing the car cancelling sale as hidden defect unsafe and not fixable per dealer service mgr. Attached photos are actually brighter than what driver sees. View is from my garage and driveway to backup. Red tint is break lights stronger than weak backup lights all very abnormally dim with very restricted illuminated view.

Compare the 2021 BMW M5

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Questions about the 2021 BMW M5

Is the 2021 BMW M5 reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2021 BMW M5, fewer than a typical M5 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW M5?

Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).

How many recalls does the 2021 BMW M5 have?

1 recall, covering back over prevention.

What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW M5 get?

Official estimates for the 2021 BMW M5 range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.4L 8-cyl, AWD) gets 15 city and 21 highway.

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