Final week, we mentioned among the greatest efficiency bargains coming within the BMW world in 2026. Round midway by means of writing that, I found BMW F90 M5 costs hovering at and under $40,000. Some vehicles are listed for considerably lower than that, too. Anyway, with 600 horsepower or extra on faucet and devilishly good driving dynamics for a automobile its dimension — and nonetheless a variety of depreciation to go — the F90 M5 exhibits promise as being one in every of most ridiculous vehicles you should purchase for round $40,000.
Recap: BMW F90 M5 at a Look
The BMW F90 M5 represents a pivotal second within the evolution of BMW M’s flagship efficiency sedan. Launched for the 2018 mannequin 12 months, it was the primary M5 to undertake all-wheel drive, a choice that originally stirred controversy amongst purists. That’s in all probability placing it mildly. Beneath the hood sits a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (S63), producing 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automated, the F90 delivers relentless acceleration, able to launching from zero to 60 mph in three seconds or much less. However arguably, what actually units the F90 M5 aside is its versatility.
BMW’s M xDrive system gives a number of modes. That features a rear-wheel-drive setting that preserves the playful character lengthy related to the M5 nameplate. Or, depart it as-is for one of the best grip. The chassis is each brutally efficient and surprisingly snug, making the automobile as succesful on an extended freeway cruise as it’s on a racetrack. The BMW F90 M5’s cabin is a good place to spend time, too. Snug, with sufficient motorsport-inspired edge to remind you it isn’t a fundamental 5 Sequence. Regardless that most homeowners won’t monitor this automobile — and actually, it will be intensely costly to take action as a result of demand it locations on consumables like tires and brakes — the automobile is greater than keen to clip the apex if you happen to’re into that form of factor.
What to Know About Shopping for a $40,000 BMW F90 M5
So, the F90 M5 is a reasonably slick piece of {hardware}. However the one you’re getting at this value level — at the least in 2026 — will probably have already lived fairly a full life. The least costly F90 M5s are universally early fashions, both the primary or second mannequin 12 months (2018 and 2019). Which means you’re lacking out on LCI fashions in the intervening time, which is a little bit of a disgrace. The LCI F90 M5 obtained considerably totally different headlights and a bigger infotainment display screen, in addition to some suspension adjustments and wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. LCI fashions (2021 and newer) additionally get extra energy: 617 horsepower as an alternative of 600. So, there’s some stuff you’re lacking out on. Additionally, first rate the reason why these pre-LCI vehicles will probably keep way more inexpensive than their newer counterparts. That stated, choosing up a pre-LCI F90 M5 can hardly be known as “settling” — bury the accelerator simply as soon as and also you’ll be satisfied.
Which brings us to the S63 engine. The S63B44T4 debuted within the 2018 BMW M5 earlier than making its approach to, effectively, each different V8-powered M automobile. Regardless of being made on the identical manufacturing line because the N63, a slew of small mechanical adjustments make an enormous distinction in bulletproofing the engine. For instance, the M5’s S63 has a way more aggressive oiling/lubrication system and makes use of bigger compressor wheels within the turbo to maintain air temps low. Whereas removed from the identical headache because the N-coded engines its primarily based on, the S63 may be costly to take care of if you happen to aren’t doing the work your self. There are sufficient shared elements between the N63 and S63 to make possession pretty cheap. However we encourage you to get effectively acquainted with the S63 engine if you happen to’re actually contemplating choosing an F90 up.
Options to the F90 M5 at $40,000 — Do They Exist?
The factor that will get me most is that for round $40,000 and even $50,000, there simply isn’t anything like F90 M5. There are higher sports activities automobile choices, positive. Want the V8 expertise? The C6 Z06 or a C7 Grand Sport Corvette are significantly better canyon carvers. Even a very nice E9X M3 would in all probability higher for that form of factor. There are additionally the standard suspects. On this case, the Mercedes E63 AMG and the Audi RS 7. Sadly, RS 6 costs haven’t gotten even near as little as F90 M5 costs, with good cause. The RS 7 has all the time felt a bit dulled, at the least relative to the M5. And whereas the E63 inches a bit nearer, I haven’t pushed one shut sufficient to the restrict to know for positive.
No matter what else you would decide up for a similar cash; one factor is definite. Now and within the years to return, the BMW F90 M5 goes to be one hell of a deal. No different level in historical past has supercar degree efficiency been so accessible. Like BMW i4 M50 costs, F90 M5 values will proceed to make the automobile stand out as probably the greatest performs performance-focused consumers could make.
