BMW M5 (E60 and E61) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW M5 in the fifth 5 Series generation (E60 and E61, built 2003–2010) was built with one engine, the S85B50: a 5.0 L petrol V10 with 507 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your M5, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: fifth 5 Series, 2003–2010
• Body styles: E60 (saloon) and E61 (Touring)
• Engines: S85B50
• Output: 507 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 57 from 9.122,00 €

Which engine is in your M5?

S85B50 in the M5

The S85B50 was used in the E60 M5 and E61 M5, built 2005–2010. It is a 5.0 L naturally aspirated petrol V10 with 507 hp and 520 Nm.

Reading the code: S marks an S-series code, reserved for engines developed by BMW M; 85 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 50 is the capacity in decilitres, so 5.0 litres.

M5 engines by model year

The M5 kept the same engine for the whole E60 and E61 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.

Other cars with the same engine as the M5

A replacement engine does not have to come from another M5. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.

S85B50: BMW E63 M6, BMW E64 M6.

How to confirm your engine code

The M5 only used the S85B50, but the exact version can still change with the build date, gearbox and market. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.

Known M5 engine problems

The S85B50 in the M5 shares the known weak points of the S85 family. Full S85 guide.

Rod bearings. Rod bearing wear is the S85's best-known issue. Preventive replacement is standard practice.

Throttle actuators. The two throttle actuators fail and cause limp mode.

High-pressure VANOS. The VANOS pump and solenoids fail and cause codes and loss of power.

Oil leaks. Oil pan and valve cover gaskets leak.

Symptoms to watch for on the M5

Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.

Poor low-down torque and uneven idle. VANOS seals or solenoids. The engine may run well at high revs but feel flat and lumpy at low speed.

Oil pressure warning or bearing noise at high revs. On M engines, a warning at high revs can be the first sign of bearing wear. Check the oil level and stop driving hard until it is diagnosed.

Looking after the M5 engine

• Oil: 10W-60 BMW M synthetic, about 9.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 km; bearings around 100,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chains, one per bank.
• Workshop notes: Fit new rod bearings when fitting a used S85 unless they were recently replaced.

Buying a used engine for the M5: checklist

1. Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
2. Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
3. Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
4. List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
5. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
6. Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
7. VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
8. Double VANOS units and solenoids. Ask for the adaptation values or fault history if the engine was running. Solenoids are inexpensive and are often replaced as a matter of course on a used engine.
9. Bearing and valve clearance history. M engines are built to tighter tolerances. Ask for the last rod bearing replacement and valve clearance check, and consider an oil analysis if the engine can be run.
10. Both cylinder banks. On the V10, check both banks separately for compression, throttle actuator faults and VANOS codes.

BMW M5 replacement engine cost

Across 57 M5 engine units in our stock today, prices start at 9.122,00 € and reach 13.450,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 10.924,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

M5 engine prices by model year

Engines from 2005–2009 have a median of 10.809,00 €, while units from 2010–2014 sit at 11.539,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

M5 engine prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

29 of these come from E60 and E61 donor cars, priced from 9.273,00 € to 13.450,00 €. An engine from the same body is the most direct swap because the sump, mounts and ancillaries already match.

On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.

Replacement engines in stock for the M5

Here is a selection of M5 engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 199,800 km10.015,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 155,700 km10.643,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 85,300 km9.484,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 49,400 km12.852,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 58,700 km11.539,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2008, 59,300 km10.702,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2009, 69,600 km9.630,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 73,400 km9.770,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2005, 114,400 km10.597,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2007, 116,600 km10.911,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2007, 79,900 km9.480,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 25,900 km11.309,00 €

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 199,800 km — 10.015,00 €, reduced from 11.100,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 199,800 km, and 15 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 155,700 km — 10.643,00 €, reduced from 11.650,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 155,700 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 85,300 km — 9.484,00 €, reduced from 10.300,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 85,300 km, and 21 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 49,400 km — 12.852,00 €, reduced from 13.700,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 49,400 km, and 7 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 58,700 km — 11.539,00 €, reduced from 12.500,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 58,700 km, and 8 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2008, 59,300 km — 10.702,00 €, reduced from 11.750,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 59,300 km, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2009, 69,600 km — 9.630,00 €, reduced from 10.600,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 69,600 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 73,400 km — 9.770,00 €, reduced from 10.550,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 73,400 km, and 19 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2005, 114,400 km — 10.597,00 €, reduced from 11.400,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 114,400 km, and 27 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2007, 116,600 km — 10.911,00 €, reduced from 11.800,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 116,600 km, and 9 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2007, 79,900 km — 9.480,00 €, reduced from 10.650,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 79,900 km, and 27 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 25,900 km — 11.309,00 €, reduced from 12.500,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 25,900 km, and 19 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

Will it fit my M5?

Fitting a replacement engine in the M5

1. Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
2. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
3. Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
4. Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
5. First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
6. First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.

The full fitting and first-start procedure.

M5 engine questions

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E61 M5?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E61 M5 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The S85B50 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E61 M5?

Yes, if your BMW E61 M5 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E61 M5 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E61 M5, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E61 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E60 M5?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E60 M5 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The S85B50 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E60 M5?

Yes, if your BMW E60 M5 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E60 M5 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E60 M5, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E60 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How do I know a used S85B50 engine is in good shape?

The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered. An inspection certificate for the unit can travel with the order when you ask for it.

When you look at a listing, check the recorded mileage, the year and the photos of the ports and the stamp. Ask for photos of anything you want to see closer. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.

On a petrol engine like the S85B50, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side before the engine goes in.

If the engine fails inside under normal use, the warranty covers you. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E63 M6?

Yes, if your BMW E63 M6 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E63 M6 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E63 M6, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E63 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E64 M6?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E64 M6 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The S85B50 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much does a used BMW S85B50 engine cost?

A used BMW S85B50 engine in our yard usually costs between 9.050 € and 13.700 €. The exact price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Our units show recorded mileage from about 22,000 km up to around 200,000 km. Lower mileage and more ancillaries mean a higher price. Each listing shows its own price, and the price you see is the price you pay. Prices include VAT for private buyers.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. If you order a gearbox or a second engine on the same order, the fee is still charged once.

Inside the EU there is no import duty. For the UK and other non-EU countries, import duty and local VAT are paid by the receiver, and we supply a commercial invoice.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E61 M5?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E61 M5 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The S85B50 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How long does delivery of an S85B50 engine take?

Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.

You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.

See all S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before an M5 engine leaves our Hamburg yard it is drained of oil and coolant, every opening is sealed, and it is strapped to a pallet and wrapped. We send photographs of the packed unit and the tracking details.

Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.

Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.

All E60 and E61 engines · S85 engine guide · BMW M5 engines for sale · Send us your VIN