Yesterday

Maybe the best V8 saloon ever built for sale

The BMW M5 CS was a lot of money, and still is a lot of money - but it might be in a class of one...

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Hard though it might be to believe now, in a world of the PHEV M5, an ugly M2 and the XM, but there was actually some derision directed at the M5 CS just a few years ago. In only the first page of forum comments when the covers were taken off, there’s everything from ‘weirdly uninteresting’ to ‘honestly I cannot see the point’, ‘another rich bell-end’s PCP express’ to ‘that interior is vile.’ And there were another nine pages to get through…

On the one hand, it’s easy to understand some of the cynicism. In the modern BMW CS way, this was an M car that was a lot more expensive than the standard machine (£40k here) while not appearing very much different. And it was hardly like the M2, M3 and M4 CS had been unreserved successes; extremely good, yes, if hard to justify at tens of thousands more than also pretty great Competitions. 

The M5 was (and remains) the best CS car. Which was somewhat of a surprise, given the base M5 Comp wasn’t anyone’s favourite M car. 635hp was the headline grabber, making it the most powerful roadgoing BMW ever for a while, yet the joy of a CS was in its subtlety and finesse rather than the stats. Which seemed a bit strange to say about a car with yellow lights and gold wheels that could reach 124mph in 10 seconds, but that’s how good it was. 

The CS rode more deftly and steered more crisply than a Competition, while also feeling more agile than a mere 70kg weight reduction implied. It had the keenness and interaction of something M3-sized, with that V8 colossus under the bonnet. And the four best seats you ever did see. So the CS sold, even at £140,000. And it didn’t depreciate like M5s do, because of the specialness and the rarity (with only around 1,000 sold globally). They dropped a bit, but never below six figures. And now they’re for sale at £160,000 because, well, look at M cars since 2021; if there’s one more desirable than the CS, we’re yet to see it. 

This one is notable as a Brands Hatch Grey example (with many seen in Frozen Deep Green). It’s covered just 10,000 miles in half a decade, and everything that stood out in 2021 only appeals more in ‘26: those seats, a gearlever and buttons, the wheels, the perfect stance on the 7mm lower ride height. There’s not likely to be a better-looking M saloon anytime soon.

So it’s £159,995, or maybe the most valuable BMW 5 Series in the world. Good job the CS is also the best. It would be staggering if there was any meaningful depreciation going forward, but then that shouldn’t be what motivates a purchase. Those who can should buy an M5 CS because it’s one of the greatest BMWs ever made. Even if some others can’t see the point… 

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SPECIFICATION | BMW M5 CS

Engine: 4,395cc, V8, twin-turbocharged
Transmission: 8-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 635 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb ft): 553 @ 1,800-5,950 rpm
MPG: 25-25.5
CO2: 253-258 g/km
Year registered: 2021
Recorded mileage: 10,170
Price new: £140,780
Yours for: £159,995

See the original advert

[mjspencer348]

These were only available in the UK in three colours, this, a Frozen Brands Hatch Grey and Frozen Deep Green. At this price, I'd want the green.

[Andy83n]

Unforgivable that the grill surround doesn't appear to match the wheels

[Andy83n]

Unforgivable that the grill surround doesn't appear to match the wheels

[Twinair]

I missed one from the BMW main agent. Looked at it, got the deposit ready - a day later the original ‘buyer’ miraculously found their deposit and the car went the same day. Apparently they had spent weeks not paying for the physical car. Flipper - I later found out. Hey ho…

[kambites]

I'm sure it's technically great as stated but I still struggle to see the point. If you want "subtlety and finesse", why would you start with a two meter wide, two tonne barge in the first place? It just seems such a disjointed combination of attributes to want in a single car when you could do the barge thing just as well and the subtlety and finesse thing far better for far less money in two separate vehicles?

Not to belittle the achievement or those who desire it, I just can't see the point myself. A bit like those hyper-hatches with the rear seats removed, but people seem to lap those up too so clearly I'm the odd one!

[Gary29]

Andy83n said:

Unforgivable that the grill surround doesn't appear to match the wheels

The grille is unforgivable, no matter what colour they paint it.

[Iamnotkloot]

I really want one. Evo rated it very highly as a driver’s car. In fact, it won ECOTY, beating the Lamborghini Huracán STO, Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Touring, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, BMW M3 Competition (G80), Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, Hyundai i20 N, and the Martin Vantage F1 Edition. Maybe not a vintage year, but still the winner.

[fantheman80]

Gary29 said:

Andy83n said:

Unforgivable that the grill surround doesn't appear to match the wheels

The grille is unforgivable, no matter what colour they paint it.

I thinks vs the M3 and illuminated nonsense we get today its fine, even with the lipstick

So much better than its replacement and even with the trinkets somehow still quite subtle to my eyes. Yes please.

[scenario8]

It’s remarkably expensive though, isn’t it? I know “it only takes one” but I contend it’s a niche offering.

The silly colour of the grille and wheels aren’t my thing. Sorry, Premier GT.

[_Rodders_]

Funny how opinions differ.

I think the M2 is the best looking car BMW currently make.

Granted the competition isn't exactly fierce but still.

[MikeM6]

kambites said:

I'm sure it's technically great as stated but I still struggle to see the point. If you want "subtlety and finesse", why would you start with a two meter wide, two tonne barge in the first place? It just seems such a disjointed combination of attributes to want in a single car when you could do the barge thing just as well and the subtlety and finesse thing far better for far less money in two separate vehicles?

Not to belittle the achievement or those who desire it, I just can't see the point myself. A bit like those hyper-hatches with the rear seats removed, but people seem to lap those up too so clearly I'm the odd one!

I think it makes perfect sense as your do everything car, which is the point of an M car I suppose. It should do the day to day, get you comfortably to the circuit and then be loads of fun on track, before picking up shopping on the way home. A 911 and a 7 series would also do the job, but if you have space/budget/desire for a single car, then this would be great.
The ultimate M5 of its generation.

[Terminator X]

So expensive although I guess for good reason.

TX.

[Martin 480 Turbo]

best about it is the 1960ies Alfa color scheme.

[Twinair]

Iamnotkloot said:

I really want one. Evo rated it very highly as a driver s car. In fact, it won ECOTY, beating the Lamborghini Huracán STO, Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Touring, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, BMW M3 Competition (G80), Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, Hyundai i20 N, and the Martin Vantage F1 Edition. Maybe not a vintage year, but still the winner.

Apart from all the performance and refinement (for such a brute!) Strangely - one of the big want factors was the rear seats in this CS..! It kind of reminded of the Lotus Carlton from back in the day (Even though the LC did not have the chairs like this in the back… of course) All dark and purposeful in the cabin overall.

I went on to buy an M4 Comp X drive - I wouldn’t say I was disappointed with the Comp - but I always felt like I had got 3rd prize versus the CS M5…

In reality I liked my M2 Comp - Manual better than the M4… (That was the car I was giving back - the M2 Comp…)

To get the gold wheels and the wingy chairs - I bought a GT4 manual - club sport with the carbon seats… half the price of the CS (used) but definitely NOT half the car, just different…

Like I said above - hey ho…!! At least I came close… :-))

[HazzaT]

It's not a pretty car but in comparison to the G90 it really looks sharp.

Is it worth it over a normal one though? You're still in a big old exec cruiser. I think this sort of thing makes more sense with cars a bit smaller like the Project 8 or Giulia GTA

[WPA]

Whilst it is a special car, would it really be worth the extra over a standard M5

[BOR]

The interesting question would be how much you could cheaply replicate on the standard car.

Are the suspension/steering components new or just a programming change?

[Quickmoose]

Love it.
I love it because of limited numbers and alll the car tester's notes.
Would I feel the benefit of all the 'stuff' over a standard M5 or comp?....no...no I wouldn't.
But this generation was the last time BMW designers proved their worth. It's a beautiful 3 box.

[CH80]

Another over hyped car...

[Clad-Hach]

In terms of being the M5 Holy Grail is this the one or the V10.