Engines · BMW
BMW S85 5.0 V10 common problems
The S85 is a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre petrol V10 with ten individual throttles, built from 2005 to 2010 with 507PS and an 8,250rpm limit. It replaced the S62 V8 in the M5, powered the E60 and E61 M5 and the E63 and E64 M6, and was followed by the twin-turbo V8 of the F10 M5.
Common problems and what to look for on the S85
The known issues most worth checking when you view a car with this engine. None of them means a car is a bad buy, but they're worth knowing about before you buy, and a good history often shows they've been dealt with.
Connecting rod bearings
What to look for: Ask whether the connecting rod bearings have been replaced, when and at what mileage, and look for the invoice. With the engine warm and idling, listen for a faint metallic tick or knock from low in the engine. Note any engine warning light.
Why it matters: Rod bearing wear is the best-known S85 issue, and a spun bearing can wreck the engine. The warning light is often the only warning, and oil analysis isn't a reliable early sign, so specialists recommend replacing the bearings as preventive work. A car with that invoice is in a good position.
Throttle actuators
What to look for: Check for engine and DSC warnings after start-up, and on the drive watch for a sudden loss of power, hesitation or the car going into reduced power, often a few minutes in. Ask whether either actuator has been replaced or rebuilt.
Why it matters: The ten throttles are worked by one electric actuator per bank. Their internal gears wear and can overload the electronics, putting the car into limp mode. Rebuilt units, some with long warranties, are widely available.
VANOS pump and oil line
What to look for: Ask whether the car has ever shown a VANOS warning and what was done. Note any engine warning light on the drive, and a fault code read is worth having.
Why it matters: The S85's VANOS itself isn't prone to problems, but specialists still check its high-pressure pump and the hose that runs from the sump to the cylinder head. A record of either being checked or renewed is reassuring.
More known issues, covered in the full guide for each car
- A rattle on start-up
- Oil grade and service history
Cars with the S85
- BMW M5 E60/E61: M5 saloon from 2005 and M5 Touring from 2007
- BMW M6 E63/E64: M6 coupé from 2005 and convertible from 2006, to 2010
A pre-purchase inspection guide for your car
The CrankSight guide is a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) you do yourself, written for the exact model and generation you're viewing. It walks you round the car on your phone, with every check for that version, engine included: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
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General points for the engine, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with any manufacturer.