BMW M5 Problems

M spells 'magic'where BMWs are concerned, particularly when it’s accompanied by the number ‘5’. In the case of BMW ‘M’ is the universally recognised symbol for the company’s ‘M Sport’ special tuning arm, which takes ordinary BMWs and transforms them into some of the greatest sporting models yet seen.It began in the 1970s with the M1 sports coupe, but gathered pace in the 1980s with the release of the first M3 and its bigger brother, the M5.The E34 M5 was the first of the line that continues with today’s awesome model. While the current M5 is well out of reach of most of us the earlier models like the E34 are also awesome sports sedans and much more affordable.MODEL WATCHThe M5 first appeared in local showrooms in 1990 when we were given a taste of sophisticated sports motoring in the form of the E34 model. That first model ran for barely three years before it left the market, to return in 1999 in the later E39 guise.The E34 5-Series was a great car to begin with which makes it a perfect foundation for the M5.The great thing about the M5 is that it’s barely recognisable as anything other than a regular 5-Series. The external changes are subtle so only the informed would pick it as something special.There is a subtle front airdam and side skirts, but no wild wing on the boot. The alloy wheels are larger than those on the regular 5-Series and there’s an M5 badge on the grille, but that’s about it.At the M5’s heart is the wonderful BMW six-cylinder engine. At 3.5 litres the 24-valve double overhead camshaft six is silky smooth and the extra tuning by BMW Motorsport makes it sing even sweeter.The power peaks at 232 kW at 6900 revs while the torque peaks with 360 Nm at 4750 revs. It’s red-lined at 7000 revs, with an electronic limiter set at 7200 revs to keep the most enthusiastic drivers in check when the engine feels as though it could happily rev on forever.When pressed that’s sufficient to propel the four-door flyer to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, and cover the standing 400-metre sprint in 15 seconds, before hitting an electronic wall at 250 km/h.The real strength of the M5 is its ability to cruise at very high speeds over long distances, it’s really built to burn on the ’bahns of its homeland.BMW offered the M5 with a five-speed manual transmission only. It had a slick shift that was precise and a joy to use. Through the gears it would do 60 km/h in first, 100 km/h in second, 155 km/h in third, 209 km/h in fourth and 250 km/h in top.Under the understated skin lay MacPherson Strut front suspension and semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension, tweaked of course by BMW Motorsport to produce response and balance that is nothing less than awe inspiring.Big discs at both ends provide powerful braking while standard antilock electronics deliver added safety.Not surprisingly the M5 came well equipped. Leather-trimmed powered sports seats were standard along with a sports steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, trip computer, premium sound, central locking, and a sunroof.IN THE SHOPThere are few flaws with the M5. The engine is bullet-proof, but needs proper servicing, even more so if it’s been driven hard.The reality is that most of these cars are bought by people who rarely push them to the limit of their extreme capabilities so most are kept in good condition.The most common problem is the gearbox, in which second gear synchro is a weakness, so check carefully for any reluctance when trying to select second.On such a high performance car it’s important to use good tyres and brakes and they will be expensive, so be prepared to spend some money on maintaining the performance.IN A CRASHRecent surveys of cars in crashes suggest the E34 BMW is average in both protection of its occupants and its impact on those in cars it hits.In its favour the M5 has the steering, handling and braking prowess to avoid collisions, but without airbags its secondary line of protection is a little lacking by today’s standards.OWNER’S VIEWSimon Ansell has owned plenty of exotic performance cars, like an Audi Quattro, Lancia Delta Integrale, BMW M3, and a couple of Golf GTis, and says his M5 is one of the most fantastic cars he’s owned. He has restored it to as new condition as the previous owner lived in the country so it got a bit stone chipped. It has had a new gearbox, but other than that big job it has had a relatively trouble free run. One of the things he likes about it is that only motoring people know what it is and it is still so quick for a car of its size. The engine is an absolute gem and sounds sensational when run to the red line.LOOK FOR• subtle styling hides performance potential• superb six cylinder engine• possible synchro problems in gearbox• silky smooth performance• understated looksTHE BOTTOM LINEOne of the best sports sedans ever made if you can afford it.RATING90/100

The company reports an engine oil pump problem that could lead to severe engine damage. The global recall affects 2013-model M5, M6 coupe and M6 convertibles.Luckily, the 20 Australian cars are either still on the boat from Germany or in Australia but yet to be delivered, says BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott. “There are 20 cars affected but because these relate only to a set production period, every one of those cars is either still to be delivered or not yet in the country,'' he says."So there is not a single Australian owner or customer affected.'' BMW sent out a technical service message to dealers over the weekend. It says it found a “manufacturing defect'' in the oil pump through its quality checks. The affected models were built this year between July and September.The recalled cars are equipped a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that BMW internally calls the S63TR. BMW says that cars with the faulty pump could suddenly lose oil pressure, triggering severe engine damage. "Because of this potential, BMW and its dealers will stop delivery of all affected vehicles until the recall repair has been completed,'' BMW says in an emailed statement.The company did not say how many cars are affected. BMW has boasted that the S63TR is the most powerful engine it has built for its high-performance M division. At 412kW/680Nm, it has 10 per cent more power and torque than its previous V10 engine but has a 30 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. BMW's M5 costs $230,000 and the M6, which arrives next month, about $300,000. 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Ford, Mazda, BMW, Kia, Audi, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini affected.