BMW M5 F90: history, specs and buying guide

The BMW M5 F90 is the sixth generation of BMW's famous super saloon, built from 2017 to 2023. It kept the twin-turbo V8 of its predecessor but changed almost everything else: more power, an 8-speed automatic gearbox and, for the first time in an M5, M xDrive all-wheel drive.

The result is one of the fastest four-door cars of its time. The standard M5 reaches 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, the M5 CS in 3.0 seconds, yet the F90 can still be a quiet, comfortable car for the whole family.

In this guide we look at where the F90 came from, how its V8 and all-wheel drive work, what the Competition and CS versions changed, the full specifications and the most important checks before you buy a used one.

From F10 to F90: the history of the sixth M5

The M5 has been BMW M's flagship saloon since 1984. The previous generation, the F10, introduced turbocharging with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, but it still sent all its power to the rear wheels. With power heading towards 600 hp, BMW M decided that the next M5 needed a different solution.

The M5 F90 was revealed in August 2017 at Gamescom in Cologne, an unusual choice that linked the car to the video game Need for Speed Payback. A month later it was shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

The big news was M xDrive, the first all-wheel-drive system in an M5. BMW designed it to feel like a rear-wheel-drive car, and it even offers a pure rear-wheel-drive mode for experienced drivers.

During its life BMW added the M5 Competition in 2018, the limited First Edition and 35 Jahre editions, a facelift (LCI) in 2020 and the hardcore M5 CS in 2021. Production ended in 2023, and in 2024 BMW revealed the next generation, the plug-in hybrid M5 G90.

Design: a discreet super saloon

From the outside the F90 does not shout. It is based on the G30 5 Series, and only the details show what it is: wider front wings with M gills, bigger air intakes, a small boot-lid spoiler, a rear diffuser and four exhaust tips.

One detail is special: the M5 F90 has a carbon-fibre roof as standard, which saves weight high up and lowers the centre of gravity. The bonnet and front wings are made of aluminium.

Inside it feels like a luxury car. There are electrically adjustable M seats, a head-up display, a premium sound system and plenty of space for five people and their luggage. The red M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel store the driver's favourite settings for the engine, gearbox, steering, suspension and all-wheel drive, so the car can switch from comfort to full attack with one press.

The 2020 facelift (LCI) brought new headlights and rear lights, redesigned bumpers, a one-piece kidney grille and a larger 12.3-inch central screen with the newer iDrive 7 system. The base car was not changed mechanically.

This understated look is a big part of the M5's appeal: it is a car you can use every day without attracting too much attention.

The S63 V8: 600 hp and 750 Nm

Under the bonnet sits the S63, a 4.4-litre V8 with two twin-scroll turbochargers. They are placed inside the V of the engine, a layout known as hot V, which keeps the path between turbos and engine short and helps the throttle respond quickly.

For the F90, BMW M improved many parts of the engine: higher boost, a new oil supply designed for track driving, stronger components and a more efficient cooling system. The numbers are impressive:

• 600 hp (441 kW) from 5,600 to 6,700 rpm
• 750 Nm from just 1,800 rpm up to 5,600 rpm
• 4,395 cc, V8 with direct injection

The M5 Competition raised power to 625 hp and the M5 CS to 635 hp, which made the CS the most powerful BMW M production car at the time of its launch.

In real driving the engine feels almost endless. There is strong pull from low revs, and the car keeps accelerating hard all the way to the limiter. The sound is deep and muscular, although, like many modern turbo engines, part of what you hear inside is enhanced through the speakers.

The S63 in the F90 is generally regarded as stronger than the earlier versions used in the F10.

M xDrive, gearbox and how the M5 F90 drives

Power goes through an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox with Drivelogic. It is a torque-converter automatic, not a dual-clutch like the F10, which makes it smoother in traffic while still shifting very quickly when you drive hard.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system is the key to the F90. In normal driving it sends most of the power to the rear wheels, and only uses the front axle when it needs extra traction. An Active M Differential at the rear helps the car turn into corners and accelerate out of them.

The driver can choose between three modes:

• 4WD: maximum traction and stability
• 4WD Sport: more power to the rear, allowing small slides
• 2WD: pure rear-wheel drive, available with the stability control switched off

BMW quotes 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0–200 km/h in 11.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, or 305 km/h with the M Driver's Package.

On the road the F90 feels huge in power but surprisingly agile for a car of almost two tonnes. In the rain or on cold roads it is far easier to drive fast than the rear-wheel-drive F10, and that makes the performance usable much more often.

Versions: Competition, CS and special editions

The M5 F90 was offered in several versions:

• M5 (2017): 600 hp, M xDrive, 8-speed M Steptronic.
• M5 First Edition (2018): a limited series of 400 cars in Frozen Dark Red Metallic with a light interior and a "1/400" plaque.
• M5 Competition (2018): 625 hp, stiffer springs, more negative camber, a 7 mm lower ride height, firmer engine mounts and a sportier exhaust. Many details in gloss black.
• M5 Edition 35 Jahre (2019): 350 cars in Frozen Dark Grey to celebrate 35 years of the M5, based on the Competition.
• Facelift / LCI (2020): new lights and screen; the Competition gained revised dampers and a new Track mode.
• M5 CS (2021): the most extreme F90, with 635 hp, around 70 kg less weight than the Competition, four carbon bucket seats, carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, gold-bronze details and yellow daytime running lights. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds.

For most buyers the Competition is the sweet spot: sharper than the standard car but still comfortable enough for daily use. The CS is a rare collector car and is priced far above a regular M5, while the limited editions are mainly interesting for collectors.

Life with an M5 F90: running costs and maintenance

The M5 F90 is a complex high-performance car, and it costs more to run than a normal 5 Series. With the right care, however, it can be a reliable daily car.

Engine oil. The twin-turbo V8 runs hot and works hard. Many owners change the oil more often than the service indicator suggests, especially if the car is driven fast or used on track.

Gearbox and differentials. The 8-speed gearbox, the transfer case and both differentials all have their own fluids. Regular changes help the drivetrain live a long life, especially with tuned cars.

Tyres and brakes. With 600 hp and almost two tonnes, tyres and brakes wear quickly. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes last longer but are extremely expensive to replace.

Fuel. Expect real-world consumption of around 12–15 litres per 100 km in mixed driving, and much more when the performance is used.

Electronics. The F90 has a lot of technology: adaptive suspension, driver assistance systems, head-up display and more. Make sure everything works, because repairs can be costly.

The best advice is to buy a car with a complete service history, use a specialist who knows the S63 and keep up with the small jobs before they become big ones.

Buying a used BMW M5 F90: what to check

Used M5 F90s are now much more affordable than when they were new, which makes them very tempting. Take your time and check these points:

1. Service history. Look for regular oil changes and fluid services for the gearbox, transfer case and differentials, with receipts.
2. Modifications. The S63 is very easy to tune, and many cars run much more than 600 hp. A professionally tuned car can be fine, but the gearbox, xDrive system and tyres are under more stress.
3. Engine health. Check for oil leaks, warning lights and unusual smoke at start-up. Ask about oil consumption.
4. Brakes and tyres. Expensive parts: check disc wear and the tyre date and condition. Carbon-ceramic discs should be inspected by a specialist.
5. Accidents and track use. Check panel gaps, paint thickness and the wheels. Uneven tyre wear can show alignment problems.
6. Electronics. Test the iDrive, the cameras, the driver assistance systems, the head-up display and the adaptive suspension modes.
7. Warranty. If possible, buy a car with an approved used warranty or budget for an extended warranty.

Have a BMW specialist read the fault memory and inspect the car before you pay. A clean, unmodified Competition after the 2020 facelift is often the best all-round choice.

M5 F90 or the newer M5 G90?

In 2024 BMW revealed the seventh-generation M5 G90. It combines a 4.4-litre V8 with an electric motor to make 727 hp, and it can drive short distances on electricity alone. It is more powerful and more modern, but it is also much heavier, bigger and more expensive.

The F90 still has clear advantages:

• a lower weight and a more direct, agile feel
• a simpler drivetrain without a hybrid system or big battery
• a much lower price on the used market
• a huge tuning and parts community

The G90 is the right choice if you want the newest technology, electric driving in town and a long manufacturer warranty. The F90 is the right choice if you want one of the best pure petrol super saloons ever made, at a price that is now within reach of many more enthusiasts.

For many fans the F90 is the last of a kind: the final M5 with a V8 and no electric help, the first with all-wheel drive, and still one of the most complete performance cars you can buy.

BMW M5 F90 specifications

Specification Value

Production 2017–2023 (saloon only)

Body 4-door saloon, 5 seats

Engine S63 4.4-litre V8, two twin-scroll turbochargers (hot V)

Displacement 4,395 cc

Power 600 hp (441 kW) at 5,600–6,700 rpm

Torque 750 Nm at 1,800–5,600 rpm

Transmission 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic

Drive M xDrive all-wheel drive with 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD modes

0–100 km/h 3.4 s

0–200 km/h 11.1 s

Top speed 250 km/h limited (305 km/h with M Driver's Package)

Roof Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)

M5 Competition (2018) 625 hp (460 kW), 750 Nm, 7 mm lower

M5 CS (2021) 635 hp (467 kW), 750 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 3.0 s

Successor BMW M5 G90 plug-in hybrid (revealed in 2024)

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the BMW M5 F90 have?

The standard M5 F90 has 600 hp (441 kW) and 750 Nm from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The M5 Competition has 625 hp and the M5 CS 635 hp, with the same 750 Nm of torque.

How fast is the BMW M5 F90 from 0 to 100 km/h?

BMW quotes 3.4 seconds for the standard M5 and 3.0 seconds for the M5 CS. Thanks to M xDrive all-wheel drive, the F90 can use its power much better than the rear-wheel-drive M5 F10.

Is the BMW M5 F90 all-wheel drive?

Yes. The F90 was the first M5 with all-wheel drive, called M xDrive. It is rear-biased and offers three modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD. In 2WD mode, with the stability control switched off, it drives like a pure rear-wheel-drive car.

Is the BMW M5 F90 reliable?

It is generally considered more robust than the M5 F10, as long as it is maintained properly. Regular oil and fluid services, a full service history and an inspection by a BMW specialist are the best protection. Heavily tuned cars need extra care.

What is the difference between the M5 F90 and the M5 Competition?

The Competition has 625 hp instead of 600 hp, stiffer springs, more negative camber, a 7 mm lower ride height, firmer engine mounts and a sportier exhaust. It is sharper on the road and on track, while the standard M5 is a little more comfortable.

Sources

• BMW M – The BMW M5 F90 from 2017
• BMW Group PressClub – The new BMW M5 CS
• BMW M5 – Wikipedia
• Paultan – F90 BMW M5 revealed with 600 hp and 750 Nm (2017)
• BimmerLife – 5 Series facelift applied to the M5 (2020)