BMW M5

Importing a used BMW M5 from the USA

The BMW M5 is the original super-saloon: a full-size executive sedan with the pace of a sports car. It has always sold strongly in the United States, so the American used market offers a broad choice of generations, colours and specifications, frequently at attractive value. For enthusiasts in Germany and the EU, importing a used M5 from the USA can be a route to a specific car, a rare colour, or simply a cleaner example than the local market throws up. USCar Trader operates strictly as an independent broker for used vehicles, so what follows is an honest guide to the M5's generations, engines, known weaknesses and the practical steps of bringing one home.

From launch to today

The M5 has a long lineage, but the generations most relevant to a US import are the E60 (2006–2010), the F10 (2011–2016), the F90 (2018–2023) and the latest G90 (from 2025). The E60 is the exotic one, powered by a naturally aspirated V10. The F10 moved to a twin-turbo V8 and modern eight-speed automatic. The F90 added M xDrive all-wheel drive and became devastatingly fast, while the newest G90 embraces plug-in hybrid V8 power. US-market cars mirror their European counterparts mechanically, which keeps the import comparatively simple.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The E60 M5 uses the S85, a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10 producing around 500 hp and revving to roughly 8,250 rpm, mated in the US to a seven-speed SMG single-clutch automated manual (a rare US-market six-speed manual also exists). The F10 M5 introduced the S63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with around 560 hp, or 575–600 hp in Competition form, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch. The F90 M5 uses a developed S63 with roughly 600 hp, rising to 617 hp in Competition, now with M xDrive all-wheel drive (switchable to rear-drive) and a ZF eight-speed automatic. Whether you want the operatic V10 or the crushing torque of the turbo V8, the M5's character changes markedly across these generations, which is worth weighing when comparing BMW M5 specs.

Trim levels and variants

The M5 is a four-door sedan; there is no US wagon in these generations. The main choices are standard versus Competition (from the F10 onward) and, on the F90, the M xDrive drivetrain that is standard on that car. US examples are typically well equipped with executive packages, premium audio, carbon-ceramic brake options and, on later cars, extensive driver assistance. Competition models bring more power, firmer suspension and cosmetic distinctions.

Used availability in the USA

The US M5 market is deep and active. E60 V10 cars are now firmly in enthusiast territory and vary widely in condition, so a careful history matters. F10 and F90 cars are plentiful, often coming off lease with full documentation. Because the M5 attracts serious owners, well-kept examples with service records are available, but so are neglected or modified cars, so due diligence is essential. Mileage spans the whole range, giving importers real choice.

When importing makes sense

An imported M5 suits the buyer who wants a genuine super-saloon with space for four and the choice the US market provides. It is ideal for someone who understands the running costs of a high-performance BMW V8 or V10 and wants a car that is discreet yet immensely capable. It is not the right choice for a buyer chasing low running costs or a simple commuter.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

BMW M5 reliability is very generation-dependent. The E60 V10 is the most demanding: connecting-rod bearings need periodic replacement, the SMG pump and hydraulics can fail, and VANOS and throttle actuators are known trouble spots, so a car with proactive maintenance is essential. The F10 S63 is more robust but watch for timing-chain and guide wear on early cars, engine and transmission mount degradation, and turbo-related oil issues. The F90 is the most dependable M5 yet, with only relatively minor concerns reported so far. Across all generations, brakes, tyres and cooling systems are meaningful running costs, and a car with documented BMW M5 common problems already addressed is worth a premium. Neglect is expensive on these engines, which is why history trumps cosmetics.

How US versions differ

US M5s run amber side markers, headlights for right-hand traffic and no rear fog lamp, with imperial gauges. Mechanically they are the same car as the European version, which keeps import friction low. Some infotainment and assistance defaults differ, and top-speed limiters or regional software may vary. The real advantage of a US car is choice and value rather than any mechanical difference.

From US purchase to registration

The sequence is: select the car; verify VIN and origin with a history report and plant check; pay via secure escrow so funds are released only on agreed terms; arrange ocean freight, ideally container shipping for a valuable saloon, from a US port to a North Sea port; clear customs on arrival; complete the technical inspection and individual approval (TUEV/§21); and register. USCar Trader coordinates the whole chain as your broker.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Two separate charges apply and should never be merged. Import duty first: under EU regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force from 1 July 2026 until 31 December 2029, a 0% duty rate can apply to vehicles of provable US origin on direct transport. The M5 is built at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, not in the United States, so US assembly generally cannot be claimed, and the applicable rate depends on the documented origin of the specific VIN as assessed by customs. It is never automatically duty-free. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, calculated on the customs value plus duty and freight. USCar Trader quotes both openly and adds no margin to the vehicle.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Expect to fit a rear fog lamp, adapt headlights for right-hand traffic, and convert the instruments to metric units. Aftermarket parts common on M5s (exhausts, tunes, suspension) must be documented and may require individual certification. The odometer and speedometer must read in kilometres. Once the technical file is complete, the car is registered at your local authority.

Pre-purchase checklist

Confirm before buying: the VIN matches car and title; a full Carfax or AutoCheck report clear of salvage, flood or major accident marks; a clean, non-branded title; service history, and specifically rod-bearing and SMG history on the E60 and timing-chain status on early F10 cars; brake and tyre condition; any track use; and full disclosure of modifications.

Import FAQ

Which M5 generation is the V10?

The E60 M5 (2006–2010) is the V10 car, using the 5.0-litre S85 that revs beyond 8,000 rpm. Later F10 and F90 cars use a twin-turbo V8.

Can I import an M5 with a manual gearbox?

A rare six-speed manual was offered on the US-market E60 M5, which makes the American market one of the few sources for a manual V10 super-saloon.

Does the 0% EU import duty apply to an imported M5?

Not automatically. The M5 is built in Dingolfing, Germany, so US origin generally cannot be claimed. The applicable rate depends on the documented origin of the specific VIN and is decided by customs.

Is import VAT always charged?

Yes. The 19% German import VAT applies to every import, calculated separately on the customs value plus duty and freight.

What are the main BMW M5 common problems?

By generation: E60 rod bearings, SMG and VANOS; early F10 timing-chain wear and mounts; F90 only minor issues so far. Brakes, tyres and cooling are ongoing costs.

Will a US M5 pass TUEV?

Yes, with a rear fog lamp, headlight adaptation and metric instruments. As a model sold in Europe too, approval is comparatively straightforward when modifications are documented.

Is USCar Trader a BMW dealer?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker and intermediary for used US vehicles, without manufacturer partnership or dealer margin.

To dig deeper, browse BMW in the Carhub, compare related sedans and M cars such as the BMW M3 Sedan, the BMW 5 Series and the BMW M4 Coupe, or view current BMW M5 listings imported from the USA.