BMW S62 engine report, M5 E39
BMW S62 · M5 (E39)
4.9 LPetrolV81998–2003
68/100
Checked by hand
[solid]
A great V8 to drive, but the rod bearings decide the price
Only worth it if the price already reflects the risk. Paperwork for a rod bearing replacement, and a VANOS service history.
ExcellentGoodSolidRiskyAvoid
- Known issues
- 1
- Critical
- 1
- Sources
- 21
Verdict
Rod bearings are the whole story on the S62, and their failure is both very common and critical.
Ask for paperwork showing the bearings have been replaced. If there is none, take the cost of the job off what you offer. At a low enough price that risk is manageable, and at full price it isn't.
Specs
- Displacement
- 4.9 L
- Layout
- V8
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Production
- 1998–2003
- Chassis
- E39
- Fitted
- 1998–2003
Known issues
1 confirmed · sorted by severity
CriticalRod bearing failure
Connecting rod (big end) bearing wear or spun bearing, usually from oil starvation or extended oil-change intervals -- can destroy the engine if not caught early.
Symptoms
- Knocking Noise
- Warning Light
How often
Very common · Design weakness. Can destroy the engine if ignored. Not safely drivable.
Check the car you're looking at
Owners rarely say at what mileage this engine's problems start, so they aren't sorted by mileage here. These are the ones to ask the seller about, the ones it's best known for first.
What to ask about
Buying checklist
BMW S62 (M5 E39) · Buying checklist
Sources
Updated 15 Sept 2026 · scoring v2.7
Behind this report sit 21 owner posts, forum threads and official records. Nothing gets on the list on one person's word. It takes a recall, or owners on separate platforms describing the same fault. The score then sets how often a problem turns up against the damage it does.