Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 M5.
The 2020 BMW M5 employs an automatic S8 transmission and achieves EPA‑rated fuel economy of 15/21/17 mpg. Its engine is the primary focus of owner complaints, with only a single total complaint recorded and three associated recalls. Within the model’s complaint history spanning 1990 to 2022, the 2020 year sits at the low end, reflecting a comparatively stable reliability record when measured against a peak of 123 complaints in 2006 and a trough of one complaint in 2010.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11427848321. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11427848321 |
| Engine air filter | 13717852382 alt 13717852380 |
| Spark plug | 12120054451 |
| Battery | 61217857288 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612447932 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64115A1BDB6 alt 64115A1BDB7 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 195.3 in |
| Overall width | 73.6 in |
| Overall height | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 in |
| Curb weight | 4537 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63.4 / 64.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 54/46 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 15 / 21 / 17 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 103 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the M5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Competition Sedan (93 octane) 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.70 sec | 10.80 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | Competition Sedan (91 octane) 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.80 sec | 10.90 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | Competition Sedan 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.00 sec | 11.00 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | Competition Sedan 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.30 sec | 11.40 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2021 | Competition Sedan 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.70 sec | 10.80 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2021 | Competition Sedan 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.80 sec | 10.90 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2018 | Sedan 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.80 sec | 10.90 sec | 600 hp | AWD |
| 2018 | Sedan 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.80 sec | 10.90 sec | 600 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | 88.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.85-1.90 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: 15.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Front: 70.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 81.0 ft-lbs |
| ABS Sensor Torque | Front: 6.0; Rear: 6.0 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: 1.354; Rear: .882 |
| 1 | Bearing Cap to Cylinder Head | 88 in |
| 1 | 44.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 75°, Step 4: Loosen Bolts 180°, Step 6: 44.0 inch lbs., Step 7: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 75°, Step 10: Loosen 180°, Step 11: 44.0 inch lbs., Step 12: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 13: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 14: 75°, Step 15: Loosen bolts., Step 16: 44.0 inch lbs., Step 17: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 18: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 19: 75° | 44 in |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 1,200 mi.
| At 1,200 mi | Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2020 BMW M5 sits at the low end of the complaint trend for this generation, with only one complaint and three recalls recorded in that year, compared with 8 complaints and 3 recalls in 2019 and 4 complaints and 3 recalls in 2018. Across the decade, complaints rose sharply in the mid‑2000s—peaking at 123 in 2006—and then dropped dramatically after 2010, stabilizing around 1–3 complaints per year from 2013 onward. The 2020 data also show no investigations or crash‑related complaints, and only one engine‑related complaint, the sole top complaint area for that year. This places the 2020 model squarely within the period of lowest complaint activity for the M5 line, suggesting a strong record of reliability for that specific year. Consequently, a 2020 M5 represents a solid buying opportunity, as the year’s low complaint and recall figures indicate fewer potential issues compared to its predecessors and successors.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge…
Showing 5 of 156 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B063525 | 2025-06-17 | Engine | Engine Return |
| B340921 | 2025-01-14 | Service Brakes | A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first… |
| B010821 | 2024-12-11 | Engine | The NVLD limited emission related warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has… |
| B170324 | 2024-06-07 | Engine | Under certain driving situations, coolant leaks onto the fuel injectors on cylinder bank… |
| B170324 | 2024-05-15 | Engine | Under certain driving situations, coolant leaks onto the fuel injectors on cylinder bank… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined mpg.