2015 BMW M5
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 4.4L 8-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 14 / 20 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $5,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 553 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $76,942–$96,102 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2015 BMW M5 at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.1/10, while Value at 5.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.0/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.1/10. The BMW M5 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.5/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $76,942–$96,102, 10 MPG, seating 5, the BMW M5 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2015 BMW M5 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2015 BMW M5 ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $76,942 starting price is about 178% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the M5 model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $108,562 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $108,562 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $105,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $102,238 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $99,076 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $95,914 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $92,752 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $89,590 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $86,428 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $83,266 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $80,104 | Read review → |
| 2015 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $76,942 |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 19/07/2016 · 16V540000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.