2010 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2010 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 14, ranking 13th out of 15 model years, with only 1 complaint filed and 2 recalls for electrical issues. It has no verdict assigned but shows fewer reported problems than most other M5 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 14/100
- #13 of 15 M5 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 13
- 11 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2010 BMW M5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags1 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- The front passenger air bag off indicator flashed intermittently, signaling a fault.
- An independent mechanic traced the warning to a failed front passenger occupant classification sensor.
- The issue was reported at 72,000 miles median mileage at failure.
- The vehicle was not repaired and the dealer was not contacted about the fault.
2010 BMW M5 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles
Exterior lighting:tail lights
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- 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.
2010 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.
2010 compared with other M5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 BMW M5 reliable?
- NHTSA lists just 1 complaint for the 2010 BMW M5, giving it a complaint index of 14, which ranks 13th out of 15 model years. It has no assigned verdict due to limited data.
- What problems does the 2010 BMW M5 have?
- The only reported problem area is Airbags, with one complaint describing a front passenger occupant classification sensor failure at 72,000 miles.
- Does the 2010 BMW M5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 BMW M5, both involving the Electrical System: a taillight bulb carrier issue and a battery cable bulkhead connector issue. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2010 BMW M5 compare to other M5 years?
- The 2010 model's complaint index of 14 is much lower than the 2006 model's index of 100 or the 2008 model's 86, both rated Avoid. Among other years, 2013 and 2019 were also rated Avoid with higher complaint indexes.