First revealed to the public at the Frankfurt motor show in 2011, the F10 M5 went on sale that November and majored on efficiency as well as performance. Larger and heavier than its predecessor, the F10's S63B44 4,395cc V8 twin-turbo engine originally produced 560hp at 6,000-7,000rpm and a sizeable 502lb ft of torque starting at just 1,500rpm.
UK launch saloons were priced at £73,985, with a £6,700 Competition Package introduced in 2013; this added an extra 15hp (cutting 0.2 seconds off the 4.3-second 0-62mph time), larger 20-inch alloys, a sports exhaust and stiffer suspension, which lowered the car by 10 mm.
Incredibly BMW's 2015 Limited Edition 30 Jahre M5 model, which produced 600hp, reached 62mph in under four seconds. Yet despite this the F10 still weighs significantly more than the E60 model and has received some criticism as a result. Some have also complained about its relatively subdued engine note, and a perceived lack of steering feel.
All European cars employ a seven-speed clutch auto transmission, although US buyers got the option of a six-speed manual too. UK sales to date have exceeded 3,000 cars so it's no surprise that on the used market supply currently exceeds demand. And that has led to prices for the leggiest examples falling down to below £30,000. We expect this to fall to £25,000 by the end of 2017, once the new car grabs all the headlines.
So should you buy one? Well James Redish seems unsure: "The F10 M5 is undeniably very cool but still quite expensive for many buyers, and the new S63 engine is relatively unknown in terms of longevity." With prices currently falling, buying an F10 is certainly a financial risk, and James is aware of secondhand cars that have shown defective coil springs, brake pad sensor failure, minor oil leaks, fuel pump and pressure sensor failures and strange clicking noises from the wheel bearings.
Buy if: you want the ultimate in M5 performance
Don't buy if: you're concerned about losing money on the car
We found: 2013 BMW M5 Saloon, grey metallic, full BMW service history, 29K miles, £36,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £30,000
Good: £30,000 to £38,000
A1: £38,000+
Special Editions: 2016 examples fetch over £50,000
