The most-reported M5 run is WBSNB93526B (2006 builds) with 6 complaints, 4× the typical run. Air bags problems make up 36% of reports; 2006 is the worst model year at 2.3 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for M5 model years 1991–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The BMW M5 has 61 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 23% of every M5 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBSNB93526B•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93546B•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSFV9C58DC•••••• | 2013 | — | 1 | |
| WBSNB935X6B•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93566B•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSDE9344YB•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93516B•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93506B•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93567C•••••• | 2007 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93566C•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| WBSDE93472C•••••• | 2002 | — | — | |
| WBSNB93596B•••••• | 2006 | — | — |
Each of the other 49 M5 runs has 2 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 44 M5 VINs so far, most often 2026, 2021, 2019 builds; 1 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the BMW M5 the gap between build years is 2.3×: a 2006 car draws 2.3 complaints per run, a 2003 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8 | 8 | — | |
| 2015 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2013 | 10 | 5 | — | |
| 2008 | 6 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| 2006 | 32 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2002 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2000 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
Heaviest year here is 2006 at 2.3 complaints per run; lightest is 2003 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 36% of everything BMW M5 owners report: Air Bags, 37 of 90 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 2 | — | |
| Engine | — | 1 | |
| Electrical System | — | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | — | — | |
| Seats | — | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 23 recall campaigns on the BMW M5; the 6 below cover build years 1991 to 2026. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 12V126000 | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables | 2006–2010 |
| 19V684000 | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2018–2020 |
| 13V407000 | Exterior Lighting:tail Lights | 2008–2010 |
| 98V178000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System | 1991–1993 |
| 26V096000 | Electrical System:wiring | 2025–2026 |
| 20V598000 | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2020–2021 |
12V126000 was opened in 2012 on cars built from 2006: 6 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 90 reports on the BMW M5, 3.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | BMW M5 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 90 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 3 (3.3%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 5 (5.6%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 43% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The BMW M5 share of that is 90 complaints over 61 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a BMW M5 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 90 NHTSA complaints from 61 M5 runs and 23 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which M5 production run has the most complaints?
WBSNB93526B, a 2006 build, with 6 complaints. The typical M5 run has 1.5.
Which M5 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2006 is heaviest at 2.3 complaints per run and 2003 lightest at 1.
How many M5 complaints involve a crash?
3.3% of 90 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 5 involved a fire.
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