2016 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2016 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 7, the second-lowest among the 15 model years with data, with just 1 complaint and 2 recalls on file. It ranks 14th worst out of the years tracked, well below years like 2006 and 2013.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 7/100
- #14 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
- —
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16.5
- 14.5 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 BMW M5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other1 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
2016 BMW M5 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V914000Dec 20, 2016Airbags3,506 vehicles
Air bags
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 15V718000Oct 30, 2015Other7,162 vehicles
Child seat
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2016 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.
2016 compared with other M5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 BMW M5 reliable based on complaints and recalls?
- NHTSA lists only 1 complaint for the 2016 BMW M5, giving it a complaint index of 7, one of the lowest scores across the 15 model years with data. It ranks 14th out of the years tracked, meaning only one year has a lower complaint index.
- Does the 2016 BMW M5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 BMW M5. One covers airbag modules for a batch of 2017 models that also includes some 2016 vehicles, and the other addresses a child seat lower anchor inspection and repair.
- What is the worst year for the BMW M5?
- Among the years with data, 2006 has the highest complaint index at 100 with 39 complaints and an Avoid verdict, making it the worst-ranked year for the M5.
- How does the 2016 M5 compare to other recent M5 years?
- The 2016 M5's complaint index of 7 is lower than 2018 (64), 2019 (79), 2013 (93), and 2015 (36), placing it among the better years in terms of reported problems.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 BMW M5?
- EPA rates the 2016 BMW M5 at 16.5 mpg combined, 14.5 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850.