Used BMW M5 for sale: everything you need to know

The BMW M5 has been one of the best super saloons to buy for more than three decades. Blending sports car performance with the comfort and practicality of a large saloon, the BMW M5 has been a leader in this market sector since the 1980s. 

Today, the BMW M5 does have challengers. The Mercedes E-Class based Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic boasts equally huge horsepower, and an even more committed driving experience. There is also the Porsche Panamera Turbo S to take into consideration, along with the Audi RS6. 

BMW’s own BMW 5 Series M550i xDrive model offers similar thrills, but at a lower cost while there's also the smaller but no less capable BMW M3 and two-door BMW M4 models.

If you are considering buying or leasing a BMW M5, this is all the information you need to know. Take a look at a BMW M5 for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer.  

Should you buy a BMW M5? 

The BMW M5 is considered to be an iconic car, thanks to a legacy of offering huge performance and executive luxury for more than three decades. The latest 2023 version, offred solely in Competition specification, continues this well-established trend. 

When it comes to speed, the BMW M5 really is hard to beat. The twin-turbocharged V8 feels relentless in its power delivery, even if noise from the exhaust is a little muted. It is worth noting that changing drive modes can make the BMW M5 perfectly usable for your morning commute, so you can use it like a regular high-end saloon. 

The standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system means there are no longer any worries about using the BMW M5’s power in wet weather. It brings an extra layer of confidence, but does not interfere with driving enjoyment. The BMW M5’s handling feels sharp and accurate, disguising the fact that you are driving a large saloon car. Braking is strong, and even stronger if you pick the optional carbon-ceramic setup.

Aside from the performance, the BMW M5 also delivers on the inside. The 5 Series interior already feels like a premium place to sit, and the BMW M5 adds to this with finer materials and bespoke trim.

What ultimately makes the BMW M5 a winner is that it can easily accommodate four adults in comfort. With a 530-litre boot, you will be able to carry enough luggage with ease, too. That definitely won't be possible in a supercar with similar performance.

The BMW M5 has established itself as a super saloon legend, and the latest Competition version lives up to that billing. It looks expensive on paper, but less so when you consider the supercar performance, plus the practicality of a luxury saloon. 

Aside from the cost, which is relative to the speed and technology on offer, there is very little to dislike about the BMW M5 Competition. You really could use it to commute to work during the week and then tackle a track-day at the weekend, such is the breadth of its ability. Only the Mercedes-AMG E63 S or Porsche Panamera Turbo S enter the same league of performance, putting the BMW M5 Competition in very esteemed company. It truly is one of the greats.

A BMW M5 not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used BMW M5 model to buy?

If you want a new M5 then you only have one choice –  the M5 Competition. Luckily, it's great, although if we were speccing one, we'd suggest adding the Comfort Package, and if you want that 190mph top speed potential you’ll need to specify the M Driver’s Package. Keep an eye out for used cars with those options fitted.

If used is what you're going for, you might as well stick with the M5 Competition – the standard M5 is great, but the Competition is better and when used there's not much difference in price between them.

All that said, the ultimate M5 of this generation is the M5 CS, which was sold only for a year in 2021. It's got more power, offers more fun and more exclusivity. The problem is, it's also more money. A lot more money. It was nearly £40,000 more than the M5 Competition when it was new, and if you can find one for sale now, you'll have to pay a considerable premium. Is it worth it? Probably not, unless you're a collector. Is it the best M5 nonetheless? Yes.

Used BMW M5 fuel economy and performance

• BMW M5: The first incarnation of this generation of M5 came out in 2017. It used a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 600PS. All-wheel drive and an a lightning-fast automatic gearbox meant meant a 0-62mph timer of 3.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but an option package can increase this to 189mph. Officially, the fuel economyt is 26.9mpg, but if you drive it with any kind of vigour, expect to get nowhere near that.
• BMW M5 Competition: The BMW M5 Competition eventually replaced the standard M5, and basically beefs everything up. Power is raised to 625PS, which drops the 0-62mph time to 3.3 seconds and the fuel consumption to 25mpg.
• BMW M5 CS: The Most Powerful BMW M Car Ever™ boosted power to 635PS, which dropped the 0-62mph time down to three seconds dead and, remarkable, kept the fuel consumption constant at 25mpg. But really, if you're buying the CS then you shouldn't be getting anywhere near that.

What used BMW M5 trims levels are available?

The BMW M5 range is very easy to understand, consisting three models differentiated mainly by engine power. Fear not, though, as each comes with almost every feature super saloon buyers could realistically need. For those who do need more, key option packages have been highlighted here as well. 

• BMW M5: The standard, entry-level M5 is still a monster of a car with performance and luxury in equal measure, with active suspension, adaptive LED headlights and heated seats all included, although weirdly Apple CarPlay was only an option.
• BMW M5 Competition: From its bespoke M body kit, through to the upgraded brakes and performance suspension, the BMW M5 Competition has plenty of performance hardware. Merino leather upholstery and a powerful Harman Kardon sound system are included, too.
• BMW M5 Competition M Pro Pack: This optional package adds upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes with gold-painted callipers. The BMW M5’s limited top speed is increased from 155mph to 189mph, and buyers also receive a track-day training event.
• BMW M5 Competition Ultimate Pack: As the name suggests, this upgrade fits everything else a BMW M5 buyer could need. From Laserlight headlights to front seats with ventilation and massage functions, it really is comprehensive. A Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system completes the package.
• BMW M5 CS: The utlimate M5 has a lowered suspension and upgraded adaptive dampers, with various other suspension upgrades to make it even sharper, as well as the extra engine power. You also get a carbonfibre bonnet and four bucket seats inside.

Used BMW M5 dimensions and boot size

The BMW M5’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4,983mm
• Width: 1,903mm
• Height: 1,469mm
• Ground clearance: 121mm

The BMW M5’s boot space is:

• 530 litres

Used BMW M5 road tax

All BMW M5 models cost considerably more than £40,000 when new, so are subject to an Vehicle Excise Duty surcharge on top of the standard £180-per-year flat rate. That means that from years two to six after registration you'll pay £470 a year, while after that it'll revert to £180 a year.

How much is it to insure a BMW M5? 

With the BMW M5 Competition being one of the flagship performance saloons on sale, it’s no surprise that insurance will be expensive. Such huge power and speed, along with plenty of standard technology, see it rated in group 48 (out of 50). The standard Drive Recorder can capture video footage if you have a collision, while BMW offers a GPS tracking device as an official option.

Read our full BMW M5 review