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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 4.4L 8-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 15 / 21 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 521 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $86,428–$116,651 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 BMW M5 at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.1/10, while Value at 5.8/10 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: 5.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.8/10 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 8.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $86,428–$116,651, 12 MPG, seating 5, the BMW M5 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 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 2018 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 2018 BMW M5 ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $86,428 starting price is about 212% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 BMW M5 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.3 — and starts roughly $9,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $86,428 | |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $83,266 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $80,104 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $76,942 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have 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.
| Electrical system / Software 16/05/2018 · 18V323000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the engine control unit software may cause the fuel pump to stop. |
|---|---|
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 27/09/2019 · 19V684000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li,… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Storage / Tank assembly 17/07/2018 · 18V473000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW M5 vehicles. The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line, causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate and possibly larger amount of fuel than is… |
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.