S85 vs M57
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
M57
BUY
84/100
+44 points over S85
0
/ 100
AVOID
S85
BMW
0
/ 100
BUY
M57
BMW
Specifications
S85
M57
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
40
84
Years
2005--2010
1998--2012
Displacement
4999 cc
2993 cc
Layout
V10
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
507 hp
184--286 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€6,000--€18,000
€0--€0
Character
S85
"E60 M5 V10. Derived from F1 tech — 8,250rpm redline. Rod bearing failure endemic. Throttle actuator failure (10 of them). VANOS bolt recall. SMG gearbox issues. Incredible engine, terrible reliability."
M57
"Legendary diesel six. Powered E46 330d to E90 335d. Smooth, torquey, reliable. Swirl flaps and turbo actuator at high mileage."
Issues Comparison
S85 3
◆ CRITICAL
VANOS bolt failure (recall)
◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing failure
▲ HIGH
Throttle actuator failure (10 butterflies)
M57 0
No documented issues.