Last week we discussed some of the best performance bargains that will be available in the BMW world in 2026. About halfway through writing this, I discovered that prices for the BMW F90 M5 were at and under $40,000. Some cars are also listed significantly cheaper. Either way, with 600 horsepower or more and devilishly good driving dynamics for a car this size—and still plenty of depreciation—the F90 M5 promises to be one of the most ridiculous cars you can buy for around $40,000.
Review: BMW F90 M5 at a glance
The BMW F90 M5 represents a pivotal moment in the development of BMW M’s flagship performance sedan. Introduced for the 2018 model year, it was the first M5 with all-wheel drive, a decision that initially caused controversy among purists. That’s probably putting it mildly. Under the hood sits a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine (S63) that produces 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the F90 delivers relentless acceleration and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in a maximum of three seconds. But what really sets the F90 M5 apart is its versatility.
BMW’s M xDrive system offers several modes. This also includes rear-wheel drive, which retains the playful character long associated with the M5 nameplate. Or leave it as is to ensure the best grip. The chassis is both brutally effective and surprisingly comfortable, making the car just as capable on a long highway journey as it is on a racetrack. The interior of the BMW F90 M5 is also a great place to spend time. Comfortable, with enough motorsport-inspired touches to remind you it’s not just a 5 Series. While most owners won’t be pursuing this car – and that would be really expensive given the demand for consumables like tires and brakes – the car is more than willing to trim the apex if you’re into that sort of thing.
What you should know about buying a $40,000 BMW F90 M5
So the F90 M5 is a pretty slick piece of hardware. But the one you get at this price – at least in 2026 – will probably already have had a pretty full life. The cheapest F90 M5s are generally early models, either from the first or second model year (2018 and 2019). This means that you have to do without the LCI models for the time being, which is a bit of a shame. The LCI F90 M5 received significantly different headlights and a larger infotainment screen, as well as some suspension changes and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. LCI models (2021 and newer) also receive more power: 617 instead of 600 hp. So there are some things you’re missing out on. Plus, there are good reasons why these pre-LCI cars will likely remain much more affordable than their newer counterparts. However, buying a pre-LCI F90 M5 can hardly be described as “settling in” – just press the accelerator once and you’ll be convinced.
That brings us to the S63 engine. The S63B44T4 debuted in the 2018 BMW M5 before finding its way into, well, every other V8-powered M car. Although it was manufactured on the same production line as the N63, a number of small mechanical changes make a big difference in the engine’s tankproof safety. For example, the M5’s S63 has a much more aggressive oil/lubrication system and uses larger compressor wheels in the turbo to keep air temperatures down. While the S63 doesn’t present nearly the same problems as the N-coded engines it’s based on, maintenance can be expensive if you don’t do the work yourself. There are enough common parts between the N63 and S63 to make ownership somewhat reasonable. However, we recommend that you familiarize yourself well with the S63 engine if you are really thinking about getting an F90.
Are there alternatives to the $40,000 F90 M5?
What fascinates me most is the fact that there is simply nothing like the F90 M5 for around $40,000 or even $50,000. There are certainly better sports car offers out there. Need the V8 experience? The C6 Z06 or a C7 Grand Sport Corvette are much better canyon carvers. Even a really nice E9X M3 would probably be better suited for something like this. There are also the usual suspects. In this case, the Mercedes E63 AMG and the Audi RS 7. Unfortunately, prices for the RS 6 aren’t nearly as low as prices for the F90 M5, and for good reason. The RS 7 has always felt a bit boring, at least compared to the M5. And while the E63 comes a little closer, I haven’t driven close enough to the limit to know for sure.
Regardless of what else you could buy for the same money; One thing is certain. Now and in the years to come, the BMW F90 M5 will be a real bargain. At no other time in history has supercar performance been so accessible. Like the BMW i4 M50’s pricing, the F90 M5’s values will continue to make the car one of the best plays performance-oriented buyers can make.
