When you look at a used 2016 BMW M5 Competition, you're looking at the final, most refined iteration of the F10 generation. It delivers 600 horsepower, stiffer anti-roll bars, lowered ride height, and sharper steering than the standard car. Yet, internet forums are filled with horror stories about blown engines and four-figure repair bills. The reality sits somewhere between bulletproof engineering and a financial trap.
If you don't respect the maintenance schedule, this high-performance sedan will drain your bank account. However, if you buy a well-documented example and stay ahead of preventative care, it's a surprisingly usable daily driver. Let's separate the actual mechanical flaws from internet myths.
The S63TU Engine: Fact Versus Fiction
The heart of the 2016 model is the S63TU (Technical Update) 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Internet rumor mills often conflate this updated engine with the notoriously fragile early S63 found in 2010–2013 models. That's a mistake.
BMW made vital improvements to the TU variant, including double-VANOS variable valve timing revisions and stronger internal components. Still, pushing high boost in a "hot-V" configuration—where the turbochargers sit inside the cylinder V—generates immense heat. That heat targets specific plastic and rubber components over time.
Fuel Injector and Oil Dilution Risks
One genuine mechanical concern involves the piezo fuel injectors. Early batches of these injectors could stick open, flooding the cylinder with raw fuel. This washes away the cylinder wall's protective oil film and dilutes the engine oil, accelerating wear on the rod bearings.
BMW North America issued an extended warranty for specific US-market models covering injector failures, but European and out-of-warranty cars require close vigilance. If you notice a rough cold start, a strong fuel smell in the exhaust, or misfire codes, test your oil for fuel dilution immediately. Replacing a set of eight injectors costs between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on the shop.
Coolant Lines and Plastic Fatigue
Another frequent point of failure is the plastic coolant expansion tank and surrounding return lines located right inside the hot V of the engine. Constant thermal cycling bakes the plastic until it splits along the seams.
When it leaks, coolant drips directly onto the wiring harness and ignition coils below. If you catch it early, replacing the tank and hoses is a minor $300 job. If ignored, it ruins coils and triggers limp mode. Inspect this area during every oil change for white crystal crusts or dampness.
Transmission and Drivetrain Durability
The 2016 model utilizes a 7-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission rather than the traditional torque-converter automatic found in later generations. This gearbox shifts with brutal efficiency under full throttle, but low-speed traffic reveals its quirks.
DCT Clutch Wear and Low-Speed Jerkiness
Over time, stop-and-go driving wears down the clutch packs. If you experience violent lurching, delayed engagement when shifting into reverse, or a shudder under light acceleration, the transmission needs attention.
BMW marketed the DCT fluid as a lifetime fill, but independent specialists recommend changing the fluid and filters every 50,000 miles. Often, a simple clutch adaptation reset using diagnostic software like BMW ISTA clears up bad behavior without requiring new hardware.
Suspension, Steering, and Chassis Wear
The Competition Package adds stiffer bushings, unique spring rates, and solid rear subframe mounts. While this transforms handling, it accelerates wear on surrounding rubber components.
Front Thrust Arm Bushings
Clunking noises from the front end during low-speed braking or over sharp bumps usually point to worn thrust arm bushings. These fluid-filled rubber mounts absorb heavy loads and typically leak or tear around 60,000 miles. Replacing them restores the steering precision the M5 is known for and prevents uneven front tire wear.
Pre-Purchase Checklist for Buyers
Finding a reliable 2016 model depends entirely on its past life. Follow these steps before handing over cash:
- Review the Service History: Reject any car with missing records or oil change intervals stretching beyond 7,500 miles. High-performance V8s demand fresh oil.
- Perform a Cold Start: Start the car completely cold with the hood open. Listen for any metallic rattle from the turbo wastegates or valvetrain ticks that don't fade after thirty seconds.
- Check for Oil and Coolant Leaks: Put the car on a lift. Inspect the turbo oil feed lines, oil pan gasket, and the valley between the cylinder heads.
- Scan for Shadow Codes: Plug in a diagnostic tool to check for intermittent faults cleared by the seller just before your arrival.
- Verify Open Recalls: Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration portal using the vehicle identification number to confirm all safety campaigns are complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2016 BMW M5 Competition expensive to maintain?
Yes. Annual maintenance and repair budgets typically range from $2,000 to $3,500 even when nothing major breaks. Consumables like tires, brake pads, and high-performance oil carry M-tax pricing.
Can I use a 2016 M5 Competition as a daily driver?
It handles daily commuting comfortably thanks to adjustable damper settings and a spacious cabin. However, short trips where the engine never reaches full operating temperature accelerate carbon buildup and moisture accumulation in the oil.
How does the Competition Package differ structurally from the base M5?
The Competition Package adds 15 horsepower, a 10mm lower ride height, revised damper tuning, stiffer anti-roll bars, unique 20-inch wheels, and a sport exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes.
Are rod bearing failures common on the 2016 model?
While early S63 engines suffered from bearing issues, the S63TU in the 2016 model features updated bearing materials. Spun bearings are rare unless the car suffered from severe oil starvation, fuel dilution, or aggressive tuning without proper warm-up routines.
