Used 2018 BMW M5 Base

2018 BMW M5: The Apex Predator Reimagined

The 2018 BMW M5 (F90 generation) marked a significant evolution for BMW's iconic M sedan, ushering in a new era of performance and technology. It represented a bold step forward, embracing a more technologically advanced platform while retaining the raw, exhilarating driving experience that M enthusiasts have come to expect.

Highlights

• Engine: A Beast Unleashed The heart of the 2018 M5 is a formidable 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerhouse, codenamed S63B44T4, delivered a staggering 560 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a marvel of engineering, featuring cross-bank exhaust manifolds for improved turbocharger spooling and responsiveness, and a dry-sump lubrication system for consistent oil pressure even under extreme cornering forces. The sheer grunt available from this powerplant translated into blistering acceleration, with 0-60 mph times consistently in the low to mid-3-second range.

• Safety Features: Protecting the Performance Beyond its performance prowess, the 2018 M5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to both enhance driver confidence and protect occupants:

  • Active Driving Assistant: This umbrella term covers several systems. Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation uses cameras and radar to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes. Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. Lane Keeping Assistant actively steers the vehicle back into its lane.
  • Active Blind Spot Detection: This system monitors the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and provides visual and audible warnings if a vehicle is detected. It can also subtly intervene with steering to prevent a lane change into an occupied space.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: This system maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically braking and accelerating as needed, even bringing the car to a complete stop and resuming motion.
  • Parking Assistant Plus: This suite of features aids in parking maneuvers, including Surround View cameras offering a 360-degree view around the car, and Reversing Assistant which can remember the last 50 meters of driving and automatically steer the car back along the same path in reverse.

• Trim Summary: The Sole Monarch The 2018 BMW M5 was offered in a single, highly-equipped M5 Sedan trim. This ensured that buyers received the full M experience as standard, with a focus on performance, luxury, and advanced technology. While specific option packages could tailor certain features, the core M5 experience was consistent across all vehicles.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • M xDrive All-Wheel Drive System: A groundbreaking addition for the M5, the M xDrive system was a rear-biased, electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. This system offered multiple modes, allowing drivers to switch between RWD-biased and AWD configurations, providing enhanced traction and agility without compromising the traditional M feel.
  • 8-Speed M Steptronic Transmission: This robust automatic transmission was the sole gearbox offering, renowned for its lightning-fast shifts and ability to handle the V8's immense torque. It featured paddle shifters for manual control, allowing drivers to fully engage with the powertrain.
  • Adaptive M Suspension: This sophisticated suspension system continuously adjusted damping forces based on road conditions and driving inputs, offering a balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride quality.
  • M Compound Brakes and Optional M Carbon-Ceramic Brakes: High-performance braking systems were standard, ensuring immense stopping power. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes offered even greater fade resistance and weight savings.
  • Driver-Focused Interior: The cabin was a testament to BMW's commitment to driver engagement, featuring supportive M Sport seats, an M-specific instrument cluster, and an intuitive iDrive infotainment system.

What to Expect

Owning a 2018 BMW M5 is an experience defined by exhilarating performance and sophisticated luxury. You can expect a car that is equally at home on a track day as it is on a long road trip, though its true character shines when pushed. The acceleration is addictive, the handling precise, and the overall feeling of control is immense.

Maintenance: As a high-performance vehicle from a premium German manufacturer, the M5 will naturally have higher maintenance costs than a standard sedan. Expect regular oil changes, fluid checks, and filter replacements as recommended by BMW. Due to the complexity of the M xDrive system, the V8 engine, and the advanced electronics, it's highly advisable to seek out BMW specialists or certified M technicians for all servicing. Brake pad and rotor replacement, especially if opting for M Carbon-Ceramic brakes, can be significant expenses. Tire wear may also be accelerated due to the car's performance capabilities.

Insurance: Insurance premiums for a 2018 BMW M5 are likely to be considerably higher than for less performance-oriented vehicles. This is due to its high horsepower, expensive components, and the fact that it's often driven in a spirited manner. Factors like your driving record, age, location, and the specific coverage you choose will all influence the final cost.

Potential Considerations

• Fuel Consumption: The potent V8 engine, while incredibly capable, is not a paragon of fuel efficiency. Expect to visit the gas station more frequently, especially if you frequently utilize the car's performance capabilities.
• Complexity and Potential Repair Costs: The advanced technology and intricate M-specific components that make the M5 so potent also contribute to its complexity. While generally reliable, when issues do arise, repairs can be costly due to specialized parts and labor.
• Ride Comfort in Sportiest Modes: While the Adaptive M Suspension offers excellent adjustability, in its firmest settings, the ride can become quite stiff, which might be undesirable for everyday commuting on rougher roads.

Overall Summary

The 2018 BMW M5 (F90) represented a masterful blend of cutting-edge technology and unadulterated driving pleasure. Its revolutionary M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, coupled with the potent twin-turbo V8 and an array of driver-centric features, created a sedan that redefined the benchmark for high-performance executive cars. While it demands a commitment to specialized maintenance and can be a thirsty beast, the sheer exhilaration and sophisticated capabilities offered by the 2018 M5 make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate driving machine.