What should I check when buying a used BMW M5?

On a M5, check full service history is non-negotiable.; ask specifically about rod bearing replacement.; cold-start the engine and listen., on top of the checks for any used car: the body, tyres and engine, a test drive, and the paperwork for money owing, a write-off and the odometer.

How much is a used BMW M5?

Most 2025 M5 are advertised at $230,000 to $275,000, with 2,000 to 5,000 km on the odometer. Prices depend on the year, the kilometres, the badge and the condition.

Used BMW M5 Buying Checklist: What to Check

Before you go

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What a 2025 M5 is advertised for

Asking price: $230k to $275k
Odometer: 2k to 5k km

Asking prices, not sale prices: the middle 60% of the 43 advertised in the last 12 months, one listing per car.

Get the rego or VIN From the ad or the seller. Enter it at the top of this page: the make, model and year should match the ad.
Compare the price With what similar cars are advertised for.
Ask the seller How long they have owned it, why they are selling, any accidents and any money owing.
Ask for the service book And for the engine to be cold when you arrive.
Meet in daylight In dry weather. For a private sale, at the seller's home: the address should match the registration papers.

Inspection

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Panels and paint Uneven gaps, paint that does not quite match and overspray on rubber seals point to accident repairs.
Rust Under the doors, around the wheel arches and under the boot floor.
Tyres At least 1.5 mm of tread, even wear across each tyre, and a spare.
Glass and lights No chips or cracks in the windscreen, and every light works.
Oil and coolant Check them cold. Milky oil under the filler cap, or oil in the coolant, can mean a head gasket fault.
Cold start Watch the exhaust and listen for rattles in the first few seconds.
Wear inside The pedals, steering wheel and driver's seat should fit the odometer reading.
Warning lights and controls Lights come on with the ignition and go out once the engine runs. Try the air conditioning, windows, locks and screen.
Flood signs A damp smell, water marks or silt under the carpets.

What to check on a M5

Full service history is non-negotiable. An S62 without receipts for regular oil changes (every 10,000 to 12,000 km or annually) and documented preventative work is a significant financial risk.
Ask specifically about rod bearing replacement. No records means treat it as an upcoming expense; negotiate accordingly.
Cold-start the engine and listen. Persistent diesel-like rattle after warm-up signals VANOS wear; a separate metallic rattle points to timing chain guides or tensioners.
Test throttle response thoroughly. Hesitation, lag, or limp mode activation indicates actuator issues.
Check the cooling system. Brittle or discoloured expansion tank plastic, no record of water pump or thermostat replacement; budget for a full refresh.
Drive over a speed hump and accelerate firmly. Clunking from the rear warrants a specialist subframe inspection.
Inspect the underside and sill covers for rust. Pay particular attention to the rear jacking points.
Confirm the Takata recall is complete via a BMW dealer before handing over any money.
Run a history check. A car this valuable deserves a PPSR check for finance encumbrances, written-off status, and odometer history before you commit.

The M5's known problems, in full

Test drive

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20 minutes or more On slow streets and at highway speed.
Steering and brakes It runs straight with your hands light on the wheel, and stops straight without shudder or squeal.
Gear changes Smooth, with no slipping or flaring revs. In a manual, a clutch that bites near the top of the pedal may be worn.
Noises Knocks over bumps, and whines or hums that rise with speed.
Temperature and leaks The gauge settles and stays put. After the drive, look under the car for fresh drips.

Paperwork

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Money owing A car with finance owing on it can be repossessed after you have paid for it. A PPSR check shows it.
Write-off A statutory write-off can never be registered again, and a repairable write-off needs an inspection first.
Odometer Compare the reading with earlier records of the car: service book stamps, earlier listings and other records.
VIN match The VIN on the car matches the registration papers and the PPSR certificate.
Seller's licence The name and address match the registration papers.
Safety certificate In Queensland the seller needs a current safety certificate, and in Victoria a roadworthy certificate is needed to transfer the registration.
Receipt The date, the price, the VIN and rego, and both names and signatures.

Where to find the VIN on a BMW

Line drawing of a BMW 3 Series sedan (G20), numbered where the VIN is — 3 Series (G20) · where to find the VIN

1. Under the bonnet. Driver's side, engraved into the body.
2. Base of the windscreen. Passenger side. Read it from outside.
3. Lower door pillar. Passenger side. Open the front door to see it.

Drawn on one BMW model: others may differ, and the owner's manual lists the places. Reading a BMW VIN

Older cars also carry a compliance plate, usually under the bonnet or on a door pillar. A car supplied new since mid 2021 may have none: it is entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles instead.

After you buy

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Transfer the rego Into your name before the deadline, usually 14 days.
Stamp duty Worked out on the price you paid or the market value, whichever is higher.
Insurance Before you drive the car away.
Recalls Check that no recall work is outstanding.
Next service Book it on time.
Keep the papers The receipt and the PPSR certificate, with the car's papers.

What it costs on top of the price

It opens on $252,500, the middle of what a 2025 M5 is advertised for. Put in the price you're offered for the stamp duty, the transfer fee and a year's rego.

State Price of the car What you pay, GST included

Is the car worth more than the price?

Duty is on the market value when that is higher than the price

Stamp duty (motor vehicle duty): $11,725
Transfer fee: $42
Rego, 12 months (estimate): $375
On top of the price: $12,142

Duty at Revenue NSW rates as at 27 October 2026 (revenue.nsw.gov.au).

How stamp duty works in NSW

Used BMW M5 Buying Checklist

The M5 checklist

Before you go

Inspection

What to check on a M5

Test drive

Paperwork

Where to find the VIN on a BMW

After you buy

What it costs on top of the price

Questions

What should I check when buying a used BMW M5?

How much is a used BMW M5?

Used BMW M5 Buying Checklist

The M5 checklist

1Before you go

2Inspection

What to check on a M5

3Test drive

4Paperwork

Where to find the VIN on a BMW

5After you buy

What it costs on top of the price

Questions

What should I check when buying a used BMW M5?

How much is a used BMW M5?

Before you go

Inspection

Test drive

Paperwork

After you buy