1990 BMW M5 Reliability ReportKeepScore 62/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1990 BMW M5
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1989 BMW M5 earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (s38b36) (major severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the engine and engine cooling:cooling system.
1990 BMW M5: Buy or Avoid?
The 1990 BMW M5 is a highly desirable performance classic, but it comes with a significant reliability caveat due to its age and high-performance nature. Expect substantial investment in maintenance and repairs; this is not a car for the faint of heart or light of wallet. Ownership is a labor of love, requiring commitment to truly enjoy its legendary driving dynamics.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust S38B36 engine (if meticulously maintained)
- Excellent Getrag 280 manual transmission durability
- Timeless design and outstanding driving dynamics
1990 BMW M5 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1990 BMW M5. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1990 BMW M5
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
What breaks on the 1990 BMW M5?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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BMW M5 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the BMW M5. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1990s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1990 BMW M5
Parts and accessories matched to your 1990 BMW M5
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Frequently Asked Questions
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