With even more room for passengers and a larger engine, the BMW M5 is a certified super-sedan. The M5 first went on sale alongside the M3 in the late 1980s and has been pushing the performance limits of sports sedans ever since. The first generation of the BMW M5 features a 3.5L inline six-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 256 horsepower. The North American version was detuned and had a catalytic converter that lowered the horsepower by roughly 10% compared to the European E28 M5 models.

While the E34 M5 used a similar engine to the previous generation, it received a modest power bump to roughly 20% horsepower and 10% torque. The E34 M5 makes over 300 horsepower and could achieve 0 – 60 times in the low six seconds. The styling was an evolution of the previous design, and the most notable changes include a boxier shape and the switch from a center exit exhaust to one that exits from the left side of the rear bumper.

The E39 M5 introduced V8 power with a 5.0L naturally aspirated engine that generates 394 HP / 368 TQ. The M5 was faster than ever and could now achieve 0 – 60 times in roughly five seconds. Another first for the M5 was using aluminum front suspension components and a multi-link rear suspension to improve handling. The E39 has one of the most timeless designs of all of the M5 generations, and depending on who you ask, it might be the best-looking M5.

BMW continued pursuing the quest to build the ultimate driving machine when they added a V10 engine to the E60 M5. The 5L V10 engine produces 500 horsepower and revs to a lofty 8,250 RPM. The engine blocks came from the same foundry that makes the BMW Formula 1 engine, adding to the rich motorsport history of BMW M Series cars. The 5L V10 is one of the best BMW engines ever produced, and its exhaust note is bound to leave some exotic cars feeling envious.

Returning to its V8 roots, the F10 M5 trades two cylinders to add twin turbochargers. Even though the F10 is down on displacement compared to the E60, it's not lacking in horsepower. The turbo V8 engine makes an impressive 560 horsepower and can accelerate to 60 MPH in nearly four seconds flat. The fifth generation of M5 will be the last available with a manual transmission, which is sad news for car enthusiasts who like to row their own gears.

Sticking to the turbocharged recipe for success, the F90 M5 also uses a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine. The M5 has 600 horsepower and shaves nearly one second off its 0 – 60 time to an impressive 3.2 seconds. Drivers looking for an even more thrilling automotive experience should check out the M5 CS, which has a 2.9 second 0 – 60 time and can achieve a ten-second quarter mile.

BMW M5 Generations

Used BMW M5 Prices by Generation

BMW E28 M5 - $119,990 Average Price
BMW E34 M5 - $40,671 Average Price
BMW E39 M5 - $51,266 Average Price
BMW E60 M5 - $24,990 Average Price
BMW F10 M5 - $34,487 Average Price
BMW F90 M5 - $76,266 Average Price

BMW M5 Buying Tips

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Used BMW M5 for Sale in Santa Barbara, CA

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Used 2025 BMW M5 w/ Carbon Package

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2022 BMW M5