BMW M5: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,177 BMW M5 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1984 and 2026.
In a sample of 367 cars, 26.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (7.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 7 recalls for this model; 12.8% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific BMW M5
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 7.6% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 5.2% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 3.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 2.2% |
| Tyre damaged | 2.2% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 1.9% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 1.4% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 1.4% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 1.1% |
| CO above the legal limit | 0.8% |
Share of 367 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 10.6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 2.7% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,177 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 12.8% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1984 to 2026 |
All BMW M5 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-04 | steering | – | 427 |
| 2023-12-06 | general construction | serious | 4 |
| 2023-04-25 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1 |
| 2021-12-20 | bodywork | serious | 2 |
| 2019-12-18 | transmission and drivetrain | – | 32 |
| 2019-09-25 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 0 |
| 2019-09-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 93 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the BMW M5 fail the APK?
In a sample of 367 cars first registered 2012–2021, 26.4% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW M5?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (7.6%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (5.2%), tyre tread depth insufficient (3.8%).
Does the BMW M5 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 7 recalls. 12.8% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · 5 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · 4 Series · iX3 · i4 · i3 · X2 · i5 · Z4
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.