The F90 M5 is one of those cars that makes you question whether you actually need a dedicated sports car. It’s absurd how something this comfortable and practical can also be this fast.

Twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive that can send everything to the rear wheels, and a luxury interior that coddles you between acceleration runs. Let’s dig into what makes this generation special.

1. BMW M5 Competition

The Competition package is the one to get, plain and simple. You get an extra 17 horsepower (617 total), stiffer suspension, and some visual tweaks that make it look meaner.

The blacked-out exterior elements aren’t just for show; they signal that this isn’t your neighbor’s regular 5 Series. I’ve tracked both the standard and Competition models, and trust me, the extra aggressiveness is worth every penny.

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2. BMW M5 CS

The CS is the ultimate F90, lighter, more powerful, and way more exclusive. BMW only made it for one model year, and at 635 horsepower, it’s the most powerful M car they’ve ever built (well, until the next one). Gold wheels, carbon fiber everywhere, and it’ll do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. If you can find one, buy it.

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3. BMW M5 2020

The 2020 model year brought some updates to the F90, including revised dampers and tweaked software. Nothing revolutionary, but BMW’s always fine-tuning.

This was right before the Competition became the default spec in many markets. Still an absolute weapon, and honestly, if you find a well-maintained 2020, you’re getting 95% of the newest model for less money.

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4. BMW M5 2021

By 2021, BMW had sorted out most of the early F90 quirks. The infotainment system got better (though it’s still not perfect), and the Competition package became more widely available. This is around when the market started going crazy for these and used prices actually went up for a while. Solid model year if you’re shopping used.

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5. BMW M5 2019

The 2019 M5 was still finding its footing. Early F90s had some software gremlins, and a few owners reported transmission hiccups that BMW addressed with updates. Nothing deal-breaking, but if you’re buying a 2019, make sure all the TSBs have been done. The bones are phenomenal, it’s just first-year-of-generation stuff.

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6. BMW M5 Performance Parts

The aftermarket for the F90 is massive. Downpipes and a tune will get you another 100+ horsepower easily, as these S63 engines respond beautifully to mods. I’ve seen some running north of 800 wheel horsepower on stock turbos. Carbon fiber aero bits, upgraded intercoolers, coilovers, and if you want to build one, the parts are out there. Just know that warranty becomes nonexistent once you start modding.

7. BMW M5 Carbon Fiber Roof

The carbon roof isn’t just for looks; it reduces weight by about 15 pounds at the highest point of the car, which helps lower the center of gravity. You probably won’t feel the difference on the street, but on track, every bit helps. Plus, it looks fantastic, especially on lighter colors, where you get that contrast. Standard on the CS, optional on Competition.

8. BMW M5 Exhaust System

The stock exhaust is… fine. It’s got valves that open up under load, but let’s be honest, it’s a bit muted for a 600-horsepower V8. Akrapovic makes an incredible titanium system that sheds weight and sounds properly angry. Meisterschaft and Eisenmann are good alternatives. Fair warning: your neighbors will hate you, but you’ll love every cold start.

9. BMW M5 Wheels

The F90 came with various wheel options depending on trim: 19s or 20s, forged, in different finishes. The Competition gets those gorgeous star-spoke forged wheels that look killer, especially in black. They’re also lighter than the standard wheels. If you’re buying aftermarket, stick with forged. Cast wheels on a car this heavy and powerful are asking for trouble.

10. BMW M5 Interior

Inside, it’s all business-class comfort until you look at the M-specific bits. Those carbon bucket seats in the Competition and CS are fantastic, supportive without being punishing on long drives. The digital gauge cluster is configurable, the head-up display is huge, and there’s enough leather and Alcantara to make you forget you’re in a sedan. My only gripe? The iDrive controller can be finicky. The newer touch-capable system is better.

11. BMW M5 Key Fob

The M5 key fob is actually pretty cool; it’s got an LCD screen that shows you fuel level, lock status, and whether your windows are up. You can even use it to park the car remotely. It’s chunky compared to regular BMW keys, but it feels substantial. Just don’t drop it, replacements cost about $500, which is insane.

12. BMW M5 Leather Seats

The Merino leather in the M5 is top-shelf stuff. The standard seats are comfortable, but the carbon bucket seats in the Competition are where it’s at. They hug you in all the right places without feeling like you’re sitting in a racecar. Heating, cooling, and massage functions, it’s got everything. Just avoid the light colors if you wear jeans a lot; dye transfer is real.

13. BMW M5 Navigation System

The iDrive 7.0 system in the F90 is a huge improvement over earlier generations. The navigation is responsive, the graphics are clean, and it integrates well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (finally). My main gripe is that the touchscreen can be glitchy, and I still prefer the old rotary controller for adjusting things on the fly. The head-up display shows navigation directions nicely, though.

14. BMW M5 Brakes

The M compound brakes are serious business. You get six-piston fronts and single-piston rears as standard, with optional carbon ceramics if you’ve got deep pockets and do a lot of track work. Honestly? The standard brakes are more than adequate for 99% of owners. Carbon ceramics squeal like crazy when cold anyway.

15. BMW M5 Carbon Fiber Spoiler

The subtle trunk lip spoiler is carbon fiber on Competition and CS models. It’s not some giant wing; it’s understated, which fits the M5’s sleeper vibe. Does it make a measurable aero difference? Probably not at legal speeds. Does it look better than the standard decklid? Absolutely. Some owners swap it for aftermarket options, but I think the OEM piece strikes the right balance.

16. BMW M5 LED Headlights

The full LED headlights are standard, but you want the optional Laserlight setup if you do a lot of night driving. The throw distance is incredible, like having stadium lights pointed down the road. The adaptive function works well, too, automatically cutting the high beams around oncoming traffic. They look mean when lit up, especially with the blue accent in the projectors.

17. BMW M5 Performance Driving Experience

BMW offers a one- or two-day M school experience where you can learn to actually drive these cars properly. You learn heel-toe downshifting, proper racing lines, and how to drift the thing with the MDM setting. Plus, you get to beat on their cars instead of yours. Highly recommend it if you’re serious about improving your skills.

18. BMW M5 Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual is about 300 pages of information you’ll never read until something breaks. That said, it’s actually helpful for understanding all the drive modes, the M setup menus, and maintenance schedules. There’s also a digital version in the iDrive system. Read the section on break-in procedures. BMW recommends varying speeds and loads for the first 1,200 miles. Most people ignore this, but I followed it religiously.

19. BMW M5 Adaptive Suspension

The adaptive dampers are the secret sauce that makes this car work. They can go from comfortable cruiser to track-ready in seconds by using the M-mode buttons on the steering wheel. There’s a noticeable difference between Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes. The system reads the road constantly and adjusts in milliseconds. It’s witchcraft, honestly.