2017 BMW M5 Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2017 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2017 BMW M5 has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $180 to $15,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
On the 2012-2023 BMW M5, the S63 and S63TU engines (F10 M5 2012-2016, F90 M5 2018-2023) share valve stem seal issues with N63 engine platform. Worn valve stem seals allow engine oil to leak into combustion chamber, causing excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles) and blue smoke from exhaust. This issue becomes more prevalent in higher-mileage engines (60,000+ miles). Failed seals contribute to carbon buildup on intake valves, fouled spark plugs, and potential catalytic converter damage from oil burning ($3,000-$5,000 additional). S63TU improved oiling system but still experiences this issue. BMW issued TSB for N63/S63 engines addressing valve stem seal replacement procedure and updated parts. M5Board: catch this early before catalytic converter damage.
Common Symptoms
- Excessive engine oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000-2,000 miles)
- Blue smoke from exhaust, especially during cold start or hard acceleration
- Oil level dropping significantly between oil changes
- Fouled or oil-soaked spark plugs
- Carbon buildup on intake valves
- Rough idle or misfires from fouled plugs
How to Fix
Replace valve stem seals with updated OEM or performance seals ($3,500-$10,000 depending on method). Labor-intensive repair requiring either cylinder head removal ($6,000-$10,000) or specialized valve spring compressor tools with heads on engine ($3,500-$6,000). Address issue EARLY to prevent catalytic converter damage from oil burning (adds $3,000-$5,000 to repair). Perform more frequent oil changes (5,000 miles) to minimize damage. Blue smoke test: let engine idle 30+ minutes until hot, then rev to redline briefly - big blue smoke plume = valve seals. Find shop that can replace valve seals with heads installed (specialized tools required) - saves $4,000+ in labor vs. full head removal.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteDo not ignore excessive oil consumption - catalytic converter replacement adds $3,000-$5,000 to already expensive valve seal job. Catch early.
- TipBlue smoke test: Let engine idle 30+ minutes until hot, then rev to redline briefly. Big blue smoke plume = valve seals. Catch this early before cat damage.
- TipFind a shop that can replace valve seals with heads installed (specialized tools required) - saves $4,000+ in labor vs. full head removal. M5Board recommendations.
- TipMonitor oil consumption closely on S63 engines - check level every 500-1,000 miles. Early detection prevents expensive catalytic converter damage.
- UpgradeElring valve stem seals (OEM PN 11340039494) - OEM-quality replacement set of 16 seals. $80-120 per set. (Elring #11340039494)
- Upgrade5150 AutoSport Viton upgraded valve stem seals - higher temperature resistance than OEM, longer lifespan. $150-200 per set. (5150 AutoSport Viton Upgraded Valve Stem Seals)
- UpgradeAGA Tools valve stem seal kit (AGA-N63-VSK-K) - complete kit with specialized tools for in-car valve seal replacement without head removal. $500-800. (AGA Tools #AGA-N63-VSK-K)
On the 2012-2023 BMW M5, ignition coils on S63 and S63TU engines (F10 M5 2012-2016, F90 M5 2018-2023) fail far more frequently than on other BMW engines, with failures common before 30,000 miles. High-performance turbocharged nature of S63 creates extreme heat and electrical demands that stress ignition coils beyond their design limits. When one coil fails, it typically signals that other coils are nearing end of life. Failed coils cause misfires, rough running, and can damage catalytic converters if not addressed promptly. M5Board: ignition coil failure before 30k miles is NORMAL on S63 engines - budget for this, don't be shocked when dealer says "common issue." When one coil fails, M5Post recommends replacing all 8 at once since they'll all fail within 10k miles anyway - saves second service appointment and labor cost.
Common Symptoms
- Engine misfires, especially under load or acceleration
- Rough idle and unstable engine operation
- Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0308)
- Reduced power output
- Poor fuel economy
- Potential catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel
How to Fix
Replace failed ignition coil(s) immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage ($3,000-$5,000 additional). When one coil fails, M5Post recommends replacing all 8 coils as preventative maintenance ($600-$900 parts + labor) - they typically fail within similar timeframes and saves second service visit. Use OEM Bosch coils for best reliability ($50-$80 each) - aftermarket options fail even faster on S63 due to heat and electrical demands. Replace spark plugs simultaneously if mileage exceeds 30,000 miles ($280-$320 for 8 plugs). Labor: 1-2 hours. Single coil replacement: $179-$235.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteIgnition coil failure before 30k miles is NORMAL on S63 engines - budget for this. Don't be shocked when dealer says "common issue." M5Board consensus.
- TipWhen one coil fails, replace all 8 at once - they'll all fail within 10k miles anyway. Save the second service appointment and labor cost ($200 saved).
- UpgradeBosch/Genuine BMW ignition coil (12138647689) - OEM quality, $50-70 each. Aftermarket options fail even faster on S63 due to extreme heat and electrical demands. (Bosch/Genuine BMW #12138647689)
- TipReplace spark plugs when doing coils if over 30k miles - labor is 90% done. Saves future service appointment.