BMW has produced some incredible sports cars, but some of their famous M performance range will cost lots of money in repairs and maintenance.
German car manufacturers have a fantastic reputation worldwide, for well engineered and impressively reliable cars that perform well and truly stand the test of time, and BMW certainly sit well with this reputation, having built some sublime cars over the years. Some cars, however, seem to have slipped through BMW’s quality control net, and especially performance cars from the famous M division.
Whether it’s down to bad engineering or poor bodywork design that’s easily susceptible to the dreaded rust, these cars below are inherently unreliable and take a chunk more than you’d want to pay to keep in top condition. To balance things out, though, we’ve included some of the most reliable M cars that have proven to stand the test of time. So, if you’re in the market for a performance BMW, take notes and choose wisely from the list below.
10 Unreliable BMW M Model: 2010 BMW X6M (E71)
As reliable as it is handsome, the first generation X6M was surprisingly quite well received when new, but has not proven itself to be a fan favorite over the years, with a smattering of recalls and customer complaints over the years. Worthy of particular note is a failing water pump, that would empty the engine of coolant, leading to overheating and engine failure. There was also the potential for vehicle fires from overheating of the actual pump – not a worry you want on your mind.
If that doesn’t put you off, there’s also a considerable number of recalls for exploding airbags, so perhaps the X6M isn’t the perfect performance family car after all? If you can look past these potential issues, the X6M now represents excellent value for money when looking at figures alone, as this genre defining coupe-SUV houses a simply outrageous 555 hp DOHC V8, and is fairly capable off-road, too.
9 BMW M Model That Will Last A Lifetime: 1991 BMW M3 (E30)
In direct contrast to the X6M, E30 BMWs of all derivatives have been a staple favorite with BMW fans for decades now, primarily thanks to the versatile nature of these great cars, making perfect budget drift cars, surprising sleepers or focussed track cars.
At the top of the tree though is the simply legendary E30 M3, a car that’s instantly recognizable the world over by gearheads and enthusiasts alike. Fortunately for us, in the late ’80s and early ’90s BMW were keeping things simple, with over-engineered 215 hp straight sixes, rear-wheel drive and, of course, everything was ‘analog’, meaning all that’s needed to keep one of these serviced and going strong is a reasonably equipped toolbox and a can-do attitude.
8 Unreliable BMW M Model: 2005 BMW M5 (E60)
--Front.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
On paper, the E60 M5 gets everything right for a super sedan; an attractive and successful luxury base, rear-wheel drive, and the defining 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10, which punches out a memorable 500 hp and takes the 3,814-Ib car all the way to a sensibly restricted 155 mph (although close to 200 mph is achievable with this removed).
Performance car ownership is very different in reality, however, and the common faults here are not for the faint of heart; consider $6,000 plus for a failing SMG pump on the gearbox, and $2,500 upwards for changing the rod bearings – a common failure on the S85 engine. Of course, the price for rod bearing replacement is as a preventative measure. If they fail and your engine pops, you’ll easily be writing a check for five figures.
7 BMW M Model That Will Last A Lifetime: 2011 BMW 1M Coupe (E82)
The BMW 1M is a rare car indeed, not just by numbers but also by nature, as it follows a more old school recipe of short coupe body, a super six-cylinder engine, aggressive but neat styling and of course, rear-wheel drive. Thanks to the smaller proportions and relatively lightweight build, the 1M doesn’t need a boat-load of power and more than makes do with 335 hp, and the 0 – 60 mph time of just under 5 seconds.
By not pushing the limits with overly powerful engine choices, and a simple six-speed manual gearbox, the 1M’s mechanical components are not under ridiculous stress, so naturally prove quite reliable and fairly inexpensive with regard to routine servicing and maintenance. No wonder it’s such a hit with BMW enthusiasts. This 1M is fast-tracking it’s way to modern classic status.
6 Unreliable BMW M Model: 2005 BMW M6 (E63)
Similarly to the E60 M5 discussed above, the E63 M6 also utilizes the infamous S85 V10 engine, and suffers from all the hilariously expensive foibles that plagued the M5. So, already there are a few solid reasons why the E63 should be avoided by most.
To add further insult to injury, the M6 has always been a controversial looker, whereas at least the M5 is universally accepted as a great-looking car, with handsome and fitting proportions. Another alarming issue of the M6, though, is a NHTSA recognized recall that explains how the rear shock absorbers may become loose. Couple that with a 500 hp V10, and you’ll soon find your way into the nearest ditch or lamppost.
5 BMW M Model That Will Last A Lifetime: 2000 BMW Z3 M Coupe (E36/8)
The Z3 M Coupe is another modern classic BMW that follows a traditional recipe, and makes use of the sublime S54 engine used in the E46 M3. A diminutive body, especially by today’s standards, once again means a relatively lightweight shell, leading to a nimble handling car but with enough grunt to really satisfy on the straights too.
A rare car and over two decades old, most bad examples have either been parted out to help better surviving examples and these low numbers have led to high demand, so prices are on the rise too. The demand from enthusiasts means the surviving examples are generally well maintained to keep them going for 20+ years. The chances are, only good examples remain that will need nothing more than regular maintenance and servicing to keep in great driving order.
4 Unreliable BMW M Model: 2008 BMW M3 (E90)
Some will be surprised to see the fourth-generation M3 in this list, as it certainly is a great drivers’ car and well-loved within the BMW community. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a reliable car, however, and a few common faults plague this particular car, so it does deserve its place in our list.
The first thing to acknowledge is, once again, the terrifying potential for rod bearing failure as the V8 featured here (S65) is directly derived from the S85 in the aforementioned M5 and M6. So, if an E90 is on the shopping list, have this done as a preventative measure. While it may cost a few thousand dollars, it will be an awful lot cheaper than a bottom end rebuild. Throttle actuators are common failure points too, but fortunately the cost is nowhere near in the league of rod bearing failure. Hopefully, you’ll find bills for it in the history portfolio now that these cars are over a decade old.
3 BMW M Model That Will Last A Lifetime: 2002 BMW M5 (E39)
Modern BMW M cars are often praised for the futuristic tech and luxury features that come as standard within, especially in the higher end super-sedans, but that doesn’t mean the older models are any less impressive. The handsome E39 has a distinct charm of its own, often paraded as the last analog M5 before technology took over.
A true drivers’ car, the E39 M5 features a 4.9-liter V8 which thumps out a mighty 400 hp through a manual six-speed transmission and will storm to 60 mph from a standing start in 5.3 seconds – impressive, right? Not only does this analog drivetrain make for a more enjoyable, driver focussed experience, but it also means maintenance is more approachable and thankfully, apart from perhaps a fairly complex VANOS timing system, there are very few expensive failures lurking within to ruin your ownership experience.
2 Unreliable BMW M Model: 2001 BMW M3 (E46)
Often paraded as the ultimate modern M3, and perhaps the best drivers’ car to have ever left the factory in Germany, including the E46 in this list, but any long-term owner of an E46 will surely have to admit, they do take a lot of maintenance with certain issues being very costly indeed.
Perhaps most notably, the E46 platform does unfortunately suffer from corrosion, which leads to cracking of the rear subframe – not something you’d be overjoyed to find on your 335 hp sports coupe. Although most well cared for examples have had this rectified and upgraded by now, it does affect all models and a cheap or poorly maintained example could catch you out, and leave you with a nasty welding bill.
Coolant hose issues also plague the S54 engine, although preventative maintenance can easily solve this issue and keep things in great working order.
1 BMW M Model That Will Last A Lifetime: 1978 BMW M1 (E26)
Although a few iconic BMWs have been featured above already, the M1 truly is in a league of its own. The sharp, dynamic shape is a silhouette recognizable the world over, despite the fact that many of us have never seen one at a show, let alone driving out on the road.
In the late ’70s when this 273 hp supercar debuted it looked like nothing else on the road, and finally a serious offering from Germany was available to compete against the Italian thoroughbreds such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.
A BMW M1 is going to take some fairly deep pockets to maintain, of course, but this is mainly down to the price of car-specific parts, as these were hardly mass-produced and now fetch some incredible figures at auction. However, in comparison to the competition of the day, the BMW M1 is incredibly reliable and even useable on a daily basis, which is something you could never consider in a period Ferrari or Lambo.
The M1 is proof that when BMW keeps things simple and goes back to basics with great engineering and superb engines, the M division can develop some seriously impressive machinery that will stand the test of time.
