Recalls: BMW E39 M5 Sedan
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: BMW E39 M5 Sedan
BMW E39 M5 Sedan: engine could overheat
In October 2001, a recall was issued for BMW E39 M5 Sedans due to a manufacturing problem with the auxiliary cooling fan electronics that could cause the fan to become thermally overloaded, reducing the cooling system’s performance and causing the engine to overheat (PRA 2001/5017).
BMW E39 M5 Sedan: cracking on spring support plates for front struts
In September 2005, a recall was issued for BMW E39 M5 Sedans due to material fatigue and subsequent cracking on the spring support plates of the front struts; this problem generally occurred at high mileage and after a long period of service (PRA 2005/8026).
2002-05 BMW E39 M5 Sedan: Takata airbag recall
In August 2016, a recall was issued for BMW E39 M5 vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2005. If subjected to high levels of absolute air humidity, the gas generator of the driver’s airbag could malfunction; if the gas generator exploded, metal parts could be propelled out of the airbag due to high internal pressure, potentially causing injury to the driver and/or passengers. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15581.
2000-04 BMW E39 M5: Takata airbag recall
In March 2017, a recall was issued for BMW E39S M5 vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004. During the service life of these vehicles, or as part of the Takata airbag recall, the airbag inflator may have been replaced and the replacement airbag module may not deploy correctly. If the replacement airbag module was faulty, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag’s metal case to rupture and disperse metal fragments throughout the cabin which had the potential to cause serious injury or death. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/15881.
2000-03 BMW E39 M5: Takata airbag recall
In February 2019, recall campaign 0032790200 was issued for BMW E39 M5 vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 8 August 2000 to 30 September 2003 and had undergone a steering wheel conversion during the life of the vehicle. The replacement steering wheel in such vehicles may have contained a Takata airbag. Propellant wafers inside the Takata airbag could absorb moisture over time and, in the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure inside the metal airbag inflator housing could cause it to explode or rupture – this could cause metal fragments to be projected through the airbag and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments had the potential to cause serious injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17335.
Problems and faults: BMW E39 M5 Sedan
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
S62 VANOS failure
Over time, the piston seal O-rings compress (flatten) and the Teflon rings wear – this can lead to lower bottom-end torque, uneven power delivery or an overall loss of power. Furthermore, the static seal O-rings also experience compression over time and can cause leaks.
S62 VANOS rattle
Apparent at idle or engine speeds from 1800 to 2200 rpm, the VANOS rattle is caused by wear in the variable valve timing helical (slanted) gears which are found on the camshaft sprocket and splined shaft. Wear of the helical gear allows the camshaft to have lash movements that engage the splined shaft axially. The axial play that causes the rattle is found on the helical gears and the splined shaft bearing.
Removing the splined shaft bearing axial play significantly reduces the VANOS rattle. The splined shaft bearing is made of a thick washer and two thrust (roller) bearings. The washer and two thrust bearings are encased in a ring and two outer flat washers; the complete bearing is housed inside a splined shaft cavity that is closed with a threaded cover.
Since the thrust bearings and centre washer have tight tolerances, they cannot be replaced. To fix, however, the ring can be replaced with a ring that is made of bearing steel that has been hardened and ground to bearing standards – its height can be controlled to provide a tight axial bearing fit. Furthermore, outer flat washers can be combined to provide the necessary height for a tight fit.
A diaphragm spring incorporated in the intake and exhaust sprockets also affected VANOS rattle since this spring loads the sprocket rotational movement to dampen quick movements. Since the spring weakens over time, replacing it with a new one is often needed to completely fix the rattle.
S62 engine
- Plastic chain tensioners: The plastic chain tensioners deteriorate over time and will eventually require replacement.
- Mass airflow meter: Each bank of cylinders has its own mass airflow meter (MAF) which is susceptible to failure. When this occurs, the engine will enter ‘limp home’ mode or stop running.
- Oil consumption: For BMW E39 M5 vehicles produced prior to February 2000, some S62 engines had high coil consumption as the piston rings were not seated properly. In February 2000, revised piston rings were introduced. Typical oil consumption for the BMW M5’s S62 engine is 1 litre per 1500 to 2000 kms, depending on use.
Problems and faults: BMW E39 M5 Sedan
- Suspension: The suspension arms, bushes, links and ball joints experience wear over time; 160,000 kms is a common mileage for replacement of these items. Symptoms of worn suspension components include rattles, steering shimmy and a loss of steering precision. Steering wobble is generally a sign of worn thrust arm bushes.
- Differential: The rear differential seals can develop leaks. When this occurs, it is recommended that the side seals be replaced at the same time.
- Clutch: Typical clutch life for the BMW M5 is 100,000 to 160,000 kms, depending on use.
Lip spoiler: Beneath the front spoiler is a second plastic lip that, due to its low clearance, can contact kerbs – when this occurs, it can damage the front spoiler valance. As a result, some owners remove this second plastic lip. - Corrosion: Dirt may get trapped behind the plastic wheelarch liners and cause corrosion.
- Xenon headlights: For models with xenon headlights, the headlights may not illuminate if the switch is turned while cranking the engine.
- Back seat: The seat back or entire seat may move spontaneously, requiring a replacement rocker switch, control module, or both.
- Boot release: The boot release button may not work because the rubber seal moves and holds the switch closed.
- Sunroof: For models fitted with a sunroof, the sunroof may stop working and need to be ‘reinitialised’ by removing and reinstalling the fuse and then holding the ’tilt’ button until the roof tilts twice.
