S62 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+16 points over S62
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE S62 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

S62
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
88
Years
1998--2003
1990--1996
Displacement
4941 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
400 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€6,500
€400--€1,100

Character

S62

"E39 M5 V8. High-revving naturally aspirated masterpiece. Rod bearing concerns at high mileage. VANOS failures. Throttle actuator issues. Expensive to maintain but legendary when cared for."

M50

"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."

Issues Comparison

S62 2

▲ HIGH
Throttle actuator failure €500--€1,500 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Rod bearing wear at high mileage €2,000--€5,000 120,000 km--200,000 km

M50 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

S62 1

M5 E39 1998--2003

M50 0

No models listed.

Full S62 Report Full M50 Report