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2013 BMW M5

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2013 BMW M5 (F10 generation) is a high-performance luxury sedan powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine (S63B44TU). This engine delivers approximately 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or a 6-speed manual transmission (rare). Owners generally praise the car for its exhilarating performance, comfortable interior, and sharp handling for its size. Common complaints include high running costs, potential for expensive repairs, and complex electronics.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63B44TU)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil puddles under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, decreased performance, and potential fuel smell. Related to index 11 injectors.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid failures can cause rough idling, reduced power, and check engine light activation.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on labor and which solenoids need to be replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises, reduced power, and potential smoke from the exhaust can indicate turbocharger failure.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ depending on whether one or both turbos are replaced, and whether they’re replaced with new or remanufactured units.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

  • DCT Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic unit controls the DCT’s shifting. Failures can lead to rough shifting, hesitation, inability to shift, or complete transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the Mechatronic unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • DCT Clutch Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping during gear changes, jerky acceleration, and eventual transmission failure. This is more pronounced in tuned vehicles or those driven aggressively.
    • Solution: Clutch replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+.
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

  • Adaptive Damper Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The M5’s adaptive dampers (Electronic Damper Control - EDC) can fail, resulting in a harsh or bouncy ride, and error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per damper (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response, and other software glitches can plague the iDrive system.
    • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for software updates; $1,000+ for control unit replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Rapid battery drain, especially when the car is parked, can be caused by a variety of electrical faults.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw. This can involve replacing faulty modules or wiring repairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the complexity of the problem.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Handle LED Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The LED lights in the door handles can fail.
    • Solution: Replacing the door handle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per handle.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat motors for adjusting seat position can fail, leaving the seat stuck.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can become misaligned, noisy, or fail to open/close properly.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism or motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 BMW M5 offers exhilarating performance but can be prone to several potentially expensive issues. Engine oil leaks, fuel injector failures, and DCT problems are significant concerns. While the adaptive suspension provides excellent handling, damper failures can be costly. Electrical issues, especially with the iDrive system, are also relatively common. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs when considering this vehicle. Severity of issues ranges from minor inconveniences like malfunctioning lights to major mechanical failures such as turbocharger or transmission issues. The cost to fix these issues can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, making it important to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified BMW mechanic.

BMW, M5
BMW M5 2013
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