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S85B50
5.0L V10 M Petrol
S-series • S85 family • 2005–2010
30%
Engine Reliability
The S85 V10 is arguably the most exotic engine BMW ever put in a production car – directly inspired by the Williams-BMW Formula 1 engine. It revs to 8,250 RPM and sounds absolutely sensational. However, it is notorious for rod bearing failures and VANOS bolt issues. The SMG transmission adds another layer of fragility. Ownership requires deep pockets and commitment. Oil analysis every 5,000 km is essential.
5.0L
Displacement
V10
Layout
507 hp
Power
520 Nm
Torque
Petrol
Fuel
Naturally aspirated
Aspiration
Technology & Features
Fuel SystemIndividual throttle bodies
ValvetrainDOHC 40-valve, Double-VANOS
Used In 2 Applications
4
Known Issues
2
Critical
4
Wear Items
2
Applications
Known Issues – S85B50
critical
Rod Bearing Failure Very Common (>50%)
This is the S85's most critical and well-documented issue. Rod bearings wear prematurely and can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Proactive replacement is absolutely essential – not optional. Many specialists recommend replacement every 60,000–80,000 km.
Typical Mileage
40,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€3,000–€5,000 (proactive) or €15,000–€25,000+ (engine replacement)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Knocking from bottom endMetal in oilLow oil pressureEngine seizure
critical
VANOS Bolt Failure Common (~30%)
VANOS bolts can back out due to insufficient thread engagement (similar to S65), causing catastrophic engine damage. BMW issued a service action – verify completion.
Typical Mileage
Mileage independent – check if addressed
Est. Repair Cost
€500–€1,000 (repair) or €15,000+ (if damage occurs)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
VANOS rattleTiming codesPotential engine destruction
high
SMG Pump Failure Very Common (>40%)
The SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) hydraulic pump wears out, causing slow or failed gear changes.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€1,500–€3,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Slow gear changesGear display flashingGrinding shiftsFailure to engage
high
Throttle Actuator Failure Common (>30%)
Similar to S65, the throttle actuators can fail, causing drivetrain malfunction and limp mode.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€2,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Drivetrain malfunctionLimp modeReduced power
Wear & Maintenance – S85B50
Rod Bearing Replacement
60,000–80,000 km
Replacement Cost€3,000–€5,000
Wear Factor90%
Spark Plugs (10)
Every 30,000 km
Replacement Cost€150–€300
Wear Factor65%
SMG Pump & Fluid
Every 50,000 km
Replacement Cost€200–€500
Wear Factor60%
Oil (10W-60 recommended)
Every 8,000 km
Replacement Cost€100–€180
Wear Factor70%
Applications (2)
M5 E60 / E61 M5
E602005–2010
VariantsM5
Power507 hp
Torque520 Nm
BodySedan, Touring
Reliability32%
📝 Most E60 M5s came with the 7-speed SMG III. The 6-speed manual was only available in limited markets and is highly sought after.
Car-Specific Issues (E60)
criticalRod Bearing Failure
highSMG III Hydraulic Pump Failure
criticalVANOS Bolt Issue
+2 more issues...
M6 E63 / E64 M6
E632005–2010
VariantsM6
Power507 hp
Torque520 Nm
BodyCoupe, Convertible
Reliability30%
📝 SMG III only – no manual option for the M6. Same S85 V10 as E60 M5.
Car-Specific Issues (E63)
criticalRod Bearing Failure
highSMG III Pump Failure
mediumElectronic Parking Brake Issues
+1 more issues...
Transmissions (2)
1 / 3
6-Speed Manual (Getrag)
Getrag • 6-speed manual • 2003–2019
Getrag 6-speed manual used across a wide range of BMWs. Different models handle various torque capacities. Known for precise, mechanical shift action. The GS6-53DZ handles up to 500Nm (used with 335i/M135i).
Known Issues2
medium
2nd Gear Synchro Wear Moderate (~20%)
Second gear synchros can wear, especially on higher-torque applications, causing grinding on fast 2nd gear shifts.
Typical Mileage
100,000–180,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€1,500
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Grinding into 2nd gearDifficulty downshifting to 2nd
low
Clutch Release Bearing Noise Moderate (~25%)
Clutch release (throw-out) bearing develops a chirp or whine when clutch is depressed.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€800 (usually replaced with clutch)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Chirping with clutch pressedWhining noiseVibration in pedal
Wear Items
Clutch Assembly
100,000–180,000 km
Replacement Cost€700–€1,500
Wear Factor55%
Dual Mass Flywheel
150,000–250,000 km
Replacement Cost€500–€1,000
Wear Factor45%
Transmission Fluid
Every 80,000 km
Replacement Cost€50–€120
Wear Factor30%
Fluid TypeMTF-LT-4 / MTF-LT-5
Service IntervalLifetime fill (recommended every 80,000 km)
1 / 2
7-Speed DCT (DKG/M-DCT)
Getrag • 7-speed dct • 2008–present
BMW's dual-clutch transmission, used in performance models and the F40 1 Series. Offers lightning-fast shifts for sporty driving but can judder at low speeds. The wet-clutch design handles high torque but requires regular fluid changes. The M-DCT variant was used in M3/M4.
Known Issues2
medium
Low-Speed Judder Common (~30%)
Characteristic DCT judder during low-speed maneuvers, parking, and stop-start traffic. Can sometimes be improved with a software update.
Typical Mileage
20,000–60,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€0 (software update) – €1,500 (clutch pack)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Shuddering at low speedHesitant take-offClunking in reverse
high
Clutch Pack Wear Moderate (~20%)
Clutch packs wear, especially in urban driving with frequent stop-start. More aggressive driving actually helps keep clutches clean.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€1,500–€3,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
SlippingShuddering on accelerationLoss of drive
Wear Items
DCT Fluid Change
Every 60,000 km
Replacement Cost€200–€400
Wear Factor50%
Clutch Pack
80,000–150,000 km
Replacement Cost€1,500–€3,000
Wear Factor45%
Fluid TypePentosin FFL-4 / Castrol BOT 130 M
Service IntervalEvery 60,000 km