VehicleVerdict

2000 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2000 BMW M5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

5

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted54 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 7 complaints2003: 3 complaints2006: 54 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 3 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 1 complaints2018: 12 complaints2019: 10 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 1 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 BMW M5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags360%
Brakes120%
Electrical System120%

Does the 2000 BMW M5 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V001000Tires & WheelsJanuary 4, 2001 · 3,167 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

00V048000LightingFebruary 17, 2000 · 17,700 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2000 BMW M5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer denied the repair under…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2022

“POSSIBLE BRAKE AND / OR "DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL" FAILURE RESULTED IN IMPACT WITH UTILITY POLE WITH RUPTURE OF FUEL TANK AND RESULTANT FIRE AND FATALITY. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 11, 2004 · crash · fire

“POSSIBLE BRAKE AND / OR "DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL" FAILURE RESULTED IN IMPACT WITH UTILITY POLE WITH RUPTURE OF FUEL TANK AND RESULTANT FIRE AND FATALITY. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 11, 2004 · crash · fire

2000 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2000 BMW M5 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2000 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 BMW M5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M5 years to avoid are 2006. The cleanest record among M5 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.