Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 M5.
The 2008 BMW M5 rides on the E60 platform and is powered by an engine requiring 10.4 quarts of oil, returning 13 mpg combined with its Automatic (S7) transmission. With only six total owner complaints and two recalls—the top issue area being the engine—this model year falls between the 2006 peak of 123 complaints and the 2010 low of one, marking it as a relatively stable point in the model’s reliability history while still carrying engine-related concerns.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 49 · 720 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11421741000. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421741000 alt 11427840594 |
| Engine air filter | 13727834714 alt 13727834715 |
| Fuel filter | 16117373525 |
| Spark plug | 12120032273 |
| Battery | 61217586961 alt 61217586962 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612455442 |
| Thermostat | 11537836155 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319171858 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Overall length | 191.3 in |
| Overall width | 72.8 in |
| Overall height | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in |
| Curb weight | 4034 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 61 / 61.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 11 / 17 / 13 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 99 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the M5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.70 sec | 13.00 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
| 2009 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.10 sec | 12.70 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
| 2009 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.50 sec | 12.70 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
| 2006 | Sedan (Euro Spec) 5.0L V10 | 4.10 sec | 12.40 sec | 507 hp | RWD |
| 2006 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.20 sec | 12.50 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
| 2006 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.40 sec | 12.70 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
| 2006 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.40 sec | 12.70 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
| 2006 | Sedan 5.0L V10 | 4.50 sec | 12.90 sec | 500 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.3 Pints |
| Engine Oil | SYNTHETIC |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 10.4 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | Use Pentosin CHF 11S |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 310 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 720 cca |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 850 cca |
| Pressure Test | 29.0 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | --- °F |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 22-26 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81 ft-lbs / 48 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 1.181 in / 1.417 in / 0.945 in / 0.787 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 1.181 in / 1.417 in / 0.945 in / 0.787 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.031 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 0.882 in / 1.118 in / 0.724 in / 1.354 in |
| Rotor Finish | 0.5 - 3.5 μin |
| 1 | 18 ft. lbs., step 2: 44 ft. lbs, step 3: 40 degrees, step 4: 40 | 18 ft. lbs |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 29.5 ft. lbs. | 29.5 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 45,000 mi.
| Every 45,000 mi | Spark Plugs (replace) |
| Every 100,000 mi | Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) |
| At 150,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal record shows a dramatic spike in 2006 with 123 complaints and 8 recalls, followed by a steep decline into a low-complaint plateau from 2007 through 2010. The 2008 model carries just 6 complaints—matching 2007 and far below the 2006 peak—along with 2 recalls, zero investigations, and 56 TSBs. Relative to its immediate neighbors, 2008 sits in a stable trough with TSBs drifting downward from 61 to 56, suggesting the turbulence that peaked in 2006 had largely subsided. The data does note 2 fire complaints and 1 crash complaint for 2008, though it specifies no root cause. Given that complaint volume stays muted and the model year avoids the investigatory scrutiny seen in 2006, 2008 represents one of the calmer years in this generation’s federal record and is comparatively favorable to buy.
All 6 complaints on record, top 6 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY… Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY…
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at…
Showing 5 of 56 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B340714 | 2023-10-13 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a… |
| B170222 | 2022-09-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low… |
| B662419 | 2022-09-01 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
10.4 qt of USE ONLY BMW HIGH PERFORMANCE SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL BMW PART NO. 07510017866 OR EQUIVALENT, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 11 city / 17 highway / 13 combined mpg.