YearToAvoid

2007 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2007 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 57, ranking 7th worst out of 15 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 6 complaints, mostly involving airbags, and 1 recall for a battery cable connector.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
57/100
#7 of 15 M5 years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
6
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2018
lowest-risk (no Good/Best year)
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
13
11 city / 17 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2007 BMW M5 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags4 (67%)
  2. Electrical System1 (17%)
  3. Engine1 (17%)
  4. Seat Belts1 (17%)
  5. Structure & Body1 (17%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Passenger seat mat sensor fails, disabling the passenger airbag even when an adult sits in the seat.
  • A warning message on the dashboard reports the passenger restraint system as defective.
  • Dealers diagnose the seat mat sensor as needing replacement after the fault appears.
  • Speedometer readings run higher than actual speed, raising odometer accuracy concerns.
  • Engine rpm fluctuates erratically while idling at a stop, followed by no throttle response when accelerating.
2007 BMW M5 complaints: complaints filed per month1Aug 2007Jun 2012Aug 2012Feb 2014Mar 2014Sep 2014
6 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2007 to Sep 2014; peak Aug 2007 (1).

2007 BMW M5 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Electrical System367,682 vehicles

    Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables

    Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.

    Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

    Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

2007 BMW M5 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
11 MPG
Highway
17 MPG
Combined
13 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$6,150
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2007 compared with other M5 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’06’07’08’09’10’13’14’15’16’18’19’20’21’22’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Avoid10039113
2007Caution576113
2008Avoid866213
2009No verdict00213

All BMW M5 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2007 BMW M5 reliable?
NHTSA data give the 2007 M5 a complaint index of 57 and a Caution verdict, ranking it 7th worst among 15 M5 model years covered. Airbag-related complaints about a faulty passenger seat mat sensor make up 67% of its complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the 2007 BMW M5?
Airbags are the top problem area, with 4 of 6 complaints involving a passenger seat mat sensor that disables the airbag, reported at a median mileage of 50,500.
Does the 2007 BMW M5 have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 12V126000) covers a battery cable connector issue in the electrical system, affecting 2007 alongside other model years of the 5-Series, 6-Series and M5/M6.
How does the 2007 M5 compare to other M5 years?
The 2007 M5 has a complaint index of 57, better than 2006 (100, Avoid) and 2008 (86, Avoid), but still earns a Caution verdict rather than Good or Best.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.