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–€31,100Documented issues
0
M
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2015–2017
Reliability composite
85
/ 100
Excellent
MOT + NHTSA
Estimated used price
€28,800–€88,000Documented 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.