2018 Bmw M5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Bmw M5 has 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the coolant tank on my 2018 m5 failed causing a coolant leak. this is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. the bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. my coils a. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
12
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
3 complaints- • The coolant tank on my 2018 M5 failed causing a coolant leak. This is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. The bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. My coils a
- • BMW issued a stop sale on 2017-2023 bmw F90 M5 chassis regarding the expansion tank failure. All vehicles should be affected by the recall. My current vehicle is experiencing the issues stated on the recall notice. Expansion tank is failing and causing coolant to seep into engine bay
- • I had gotten into a head on collision in January. My insurance had refused to cover me because I had only been insured for a month. Now I’m trying to get it fix out of pocket. I’m finding out about more repairs needed ASAP. My engine might be gone.
“The coolant tank on my 2018 M5 failed causing a coolant leak. This is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. The bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. My coils a”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (3)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop.
Risk: If the fuel pump stops, the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Bmw M5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Bmw M5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw M5 Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2018 M5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 12 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: The coolant tank on my 2018 M5 failed causing a coolant leak. This is a highly documented problem on the forums and mine needed replacement at 22k miles. The bigger issue is the location of the tank because the coolant leaks on the ignition coils and fuel injectors causing failures later. My coils a
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: This is for the front passenger seat only.The idrive system will give an error for the passenger restraint system and will mention there is a seat belt issue and turn off the airbag. This is intermittent and will happen with or without a passenger. I contacted BMW about it but because it is not pres
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: This is for the front passenger seat only.The idrive system will give an error for the passenger restraint system and will mention there is a seat belt issue and turn off the airbag. This is intermittent and will happen with or without a passenger. I contacted BMW about it but because it is not pres
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: I ALMOST HAD A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN MY 2 WEEK OLD 2018 M5 ON THE 1-95 HIGHWAY ON THE NIGHT OF MAY 25, 2018 AT ABOUT 9:45PM. WITHOUT WARNING, AT ABOUT 65MPH, THE CAR JERKED FOR ABOUT 3SECONDS , KICKED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL AND STARTED DECELERATING. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE SURROUNDED BY SPEEDING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw M5 — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 12
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Bmw M5