Comparison · Reliability Ranked

BMW M5 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Side-by-side reliability, price, and known-issue comparison for used-car buyers. Composite scores come from TÜV (Germany), ADAC (pan-European), NHTSA (US-sold variants), and DVSA MOT (UK inspections).

⭐ Better composite reliability
B

BMW M5

2014–2016
Reliability composite
97
/ 100
Excellent
MOT + NHTSA
Estimated used price
€26,000€31,100
Documented issues
0
M

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2015–2017
Reliability composite
85
/ 100
Excellent
MOT + NHTSA
Estimated used price
€28,800€88,000
Documented issues
0

Bottom Line

The BMW M5 wins on composite reliability across TÜV, ADAC, NHTSA, and DVSA MOT data — typically a sign of lower ownership risk and fewer recurring failure modes at age. The other car isn't necessarily wrong; check its issue list and price-to-condition ratio before deciding.

carVertical20% off for AutoFindr readers

Shortlisted both? Check each VIN before you buy

Reliability data tells you which model is the safer bet. A VIN history report tells you what happened to the individual car — accident and write-off records, mileage rollback, outstanding finance and theft checks.

carVertical is our one disclosed affiliate partner — we earn a commission if you buy a report. It doesn't affect our reliability scores, which come from TÜV, ADAC, DVSA MOT and NHTSA data.