S85
BMW · S85 5.0 V10
2005–2010
"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."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 3
VANOS bolt failure (recall)
▸Timing noise, check engine
BMW recall. Bolts can shear and destroy engine.
Recall VANOS bolts. Ελέγξτε αν έχει γίνει η ανάκληση.
Rod bearing failure
▸Metallic knock, seizure
Endemic issue. V10 stresses bearings beyond design tolerance.
ΚΡΙΣΙΜΟ: V10 ρουλεμάν. Αντικατάσταση ή αποφυγή.
Throttle actuator failure (10 butterflies)
▸Limp mode, misfires
10 individual throttle actuators. Common failure.
10 μοτέρ πεταλούδας — €2,000-5,000.
Models with S85 1
Other BMW Engines
Tuning Potential
Supercharger kits exist but risky
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW S85 reliable?
The BMW S85 scores 40/100 with a verdict of AVOID. It has 3 documented issues with total repair costs between €6,000 and €18,000.
What are the common problems with the S85?
The most common issues are:
- VANOS bolt failure (recall) — critical, repair cost €1,000–€3,000, 40,000 km–80,000 km
- Rod bearing failure — critical, repair cost €3,000–€10,000, 50,000 km–100,000 km
- Throttle actuator failure (10 butterflies) — high, repair cost €2,000–€5,000, 50,000 km–100,000 km
What cars use the BMW S85?
The S85 is found in:
- M5 (2005–2010)
How much does it cost to repair the S85?
Total potential repair costs for all 3 known issues range from €6,000 to €18,000. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the S85 produced?
The BMW S85 was produced from 2005 to 2010. It is a 4999cc V10 petrol na engine.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.