BMW M5 F90 Maintenance Guide
BMW M5 F90 Maintenance Guide
The BMW M5 F90 is a performance-oriented luxury sedan designed to deliver exceptional power, handling, and driving dynamics. Whether you're considering purchasing a used M5 F90 or you already own one, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the car continues to perform at its best. This guide will outline the recommended service intervals, required parts, and key considerations for maintaining your M5 F90, including specific advice for cars that have been tuned, driven aggressively, or used on track.
BMW M5 F90 Service Schedule
BMW recommends a specific service schedule to ensure that your M5 F90 remains in peak condition. The service intervals are based on mileage (or kilometres) and should be adhered to, though some items may need more frequent attention depending on how the car is used.
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months
- Engine Oil Change: One of the most critical aspects of maintaining engine health is regular oil changes. BMW recommends changing the engine oil at 10,000 miles or every 12 months. Ensure that you use the correct high-performance oil recommended by BMW.
- Oil Filter Replacement: Always replace the oil filter when changing the engine oil to ensure the oil remains clean and the engine stays well-lubricated.
- Brake Fluid: Brake fluid should be changed every 10,000 miles or annually to ensure the braking system works effectively. This is especially important given the M5’s high-performance braking system.
- Air Filter Replacement: Check the air filter for dirt or blockages and replace it if necessary to ensure optimal airflow to the engine.
- Visual Inspection of the Braking System: Check brake pads, discs, and callipers for signs of wear. This is important, particularly if the car is driven aggressively or used on track.
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 24 months
- Cabin Air Filter: Replace the cabin air filter to ensure that the air conditioning system operates efficiently and to maintain a clean, fresh cabin environment.
- Brake Pads: Depending on driving style, the brake pads may need to be replaced at this interval, particularly if the car is used on track or driven hard. Always check the condition of the pads and replace them if necessary.
- Coolant Fluid Replacement: BMW recommends replacing the coolant every 20,000 miles or 2 years to prevent overheating and maintain proper engine temperature.
- Spark Plug Replacement: Spark plugs play a critical role in engine performance. BMW recommends replacing spark plugs to maintain optimal combustion efficiency and engine smoothness.
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years
- Transmission Fluid Change: While the M5 F90’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is largely maintenance-free, BMW recommends changing the transmission fluid every 60,000 miles to ensure smooth gear shifts and to prolong the life of the transmission.
- Differential Fluid Change: The M5 F90’s rear differential should be serviced at this interval to ensure the proper function of the AWD system (if applicable) and maintain power distribution.
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 6 years
- Belt and Pulley Inspection: Inspect belts and pulleys for signs of wear, cracking, or fraying, and replace them as needed to prevent engine damage.
Maintenance Considerations for Tuned or Track-Used M5 F90s
If your M5 F90 has been tuned, driven aggressively, or used on track, it’s important to adjust the maintenance schedule to reflect these conditions. Tuning, hard driving, and track use place additional stress on the engine, transmission, brakes, and other critical components, requiring more frequent checks and parts replacements.
1. More Frequent Oil Changes
Tuned or track-driven cars should have their oil changed more frequently, ideally every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km). The higher stress placed on the engine during aggressive driving or track days can cause oil to degrade faster, potentially leading to engine wear if not addressed.
2. Brake System Inspection
If your M5 F90 has been driven aggressively or on track, brake pads and fluid will wear more quickly. Inspect the brake pads and discs regularly, and replace them as necessary. High-performance driving can also cause the fluid to heat up and lose its effectiveness, so it may be necessary to change the brake fluid more often than the recommended 10,000-mile interval.
3. Cooling System Maintenance
The M5 F90’s turbocharged engine generates a considerable amount of heat, particularly during track days or spirited driving. Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly by regularly checking the coolant level and inspecting hoses and connections for leaks. Consider upgrading to a more performance-oriented coolant or adding an oil cooler if the car is frequently used on track.
4. Suspension and Alignment Checks
Aggressive driving or track use can place additional stress on the M5’s suspension system. Regularly check the suspension components, including bushings, shocks, and springs, for signs of wear. Alignment should also be checked if the car pulls to one side or if handling feels compromised.
5. Tire Replacement
Track use, or heavy acceleration and braking, can cause high-performance tyres to wear quickly. It’s essential to check the tread depth regularly, particularly on the rear tires, which tend to wear faster due to the car’s high power output. If the car has been used extensively on track, consider investing in performance tyres that are specifically designed for track use.
Key Parts and Components to Monitor
- Turbochargers: Regular inspection of the turbochargers is crucial for ensuring optimal power delivery. Look for any unusual whistling sounds or power loss, as these could indicate an issue with the turbo system.
- Transmission: If you’ve tuned the M5 F90 or used it for track days, check the transmission for smooth shifting and any signs of fluid contamination or overheating.
- Differential: The rear differential, especially in the AWD version, should be inspected regularly for leaks or abnormal sounds, which could indicate wear or damage from hard driving.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring your BMW M5 F90 continues to perform at its best, especially if it’s tuned, driven aggressively, or used on track. Adhering to BMW’s recommended service schedule will keep your car in optimal condition, but be mindful of the increased wear associated with high-performance driving. Be proactive about monitoring key components such as the oil, brakes, transmission, and suspension, and consider more frequent service intervals if your M5 is subjected to harsher driving conditions. With proper care and maintenance, your M5 F90 will continue to deliver thrilling performance for many years to come.