2015 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2015 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 36, ranking 10th among 15 model years of data, with 3 complaints and 1 recall for driveshaft replacement. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 36/100
- #10 of 15 M5 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16.5
- 14.5 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2015 BMW M5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes1 (33%)
- Electrical System1 (33%)
- Engine1 (33%)
- Fuel System1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes screech loudly, with BMW attributing the noise to the car's performance nature rather than a defect.
- Drivetrain can suddenly malfunction with messages warning that full drive performance and maximum output are not available, sometimes leaving the car stranded.
- Passenger door locks fail to release from inside when pulling the handle, requiring the dash button to unlock instead.
- Reported electrical door lock failure occurred at 65,000 miles, while engine and fuel system warnings appeared much earlier.
2015 BMW M5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V540000Jul 19, 2016Transmission & Powertrain956 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft that may have been inadequately welded during manufacturing.
Risk: Due to the improper weld, the driveshaft may fracture and fail, causing loss of drive to the rear wheels and a loss of propulsion. Additionally, if the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, the car may roll. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2015 BMW M5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14.5 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 16.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,850
- 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.
2015 compared with other M5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 BMW M5 reliable based on NHTSA data?
- The 2015 M5 has a complaint index of 36 with only 3 complaints on file, ranking 10th out of 15 model years tracked. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported.
- Does the 2015 BMW M5 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (16V540000) covers driveshaft inspection and replacement due to a manufacturing issue affecting cars built between September and December 2014.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2015 BMW M5?
- Brakes are the top-reported problem area, accounting for 1 of the 3 complaints filed, alongside single complaints each for electrical system, engine, and fuel system issues.
- How does the 2015 M5 compare to other M5 years?
- With a complaint index of 36, the 2015 M5 ranks better than years like 2006 (index 100, Avoid) and 2013 (index 93, Avoid), but worse than 2016 (index 7) and 2014 (index 21).