2020 BMW M5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 BMW M5: 3 recalls, 2 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #19V684000 · 2019 · 257,473 vehicles
What's wrong: The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rearview mirrors."
Why it matters: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #19V883000 · 2019 · 3,012 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V598000 · 2020 · 312 vehicles
What's wrong: A small portion of the rearview image May be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2020 BMW M5 has 2 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 26 M5 model years for complaints (well below the 4 average). Neighboring years: 2019 (8 complaints, 3 recalls), 2021 (2 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 BMW M5.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 BMW M5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2020 BMW M5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 BMW M5 problems?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (2), electrical (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW M5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 BMW M5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.