NHC MOTORS / Maintenance Cases / BMW M5
BMW M5 F90 · 2020 model · 21,503km
BMW M5 after warranty:
how we managed five years of maintenance
Short and intense, or long and mild? NHC Motors aims for driving that is both intense and long-lasting.
The M5 was built to be driven dynamically. It would be a shame to hold back from that performance out of worry about breakdowns. Enjoy the performance fully, and keep the car in good condition for a long time. The goal is to reduce the risk of a major failure through regular inspection and the maintenance the car actually needs. Using the work done on this M5, serviced every year since 2022, we look at how to keep up inspections and oil maintenance after the warranty ends.
In This Article
With Oil, What Matters Now Is How You Change It and Keep It Up
In the workshop, we repeatedly see cars with wear and failures linked to inadequate oil maintenance. Rather than relying on a “lifetime fill” label, the practical questions are when to change the oil, which oil to use, and how to carry out the work before damage develops.
An oil change alone does not complete the maintenance. The correct specification, the procedure for each system, the fill quantity and level, and checks after the work all matter. The focus must extend beyond whether the oil was changed to how thoroughly the job was done. These details matter when maintaining performance over the long term.
As the owner added more cars, we adjusted the maintenance plan
At first, the owner asked us to replace all oils every year. The intention was to keep the M5 in good condition for the long term.
As the number of cars in the owner’s care grew, we helped make maintenance more practical for each vehicle. We review the previous service history, actual oil condition, and current driving conditions, and extend selected oil-change intervals accordingly.
The aim is to keep the car in good condition while avoiding unnecessary replacements. Five years of service records help us adapt the maintenance plan to how the owner uses the car.
Engine and fuel-system care since 2022
EPR, MOA and 44K care did not begin this year. Every annual service record from 2022 through 2026 lists BG 10932 engine flushing, BG MOA engine oil treatment, and BG 44K fuel additive. These have been part of the ongoing care alongside engine oil changes.
Five Years of Work at a Glance
Engine oil was changed every year, while the years in which the transmission and differential oils were serviced are marked separately. The Evans coolant and cooling system work was done in 2024.
| System | Item | 202215,099km | 202318,373km | 202419,482km | 202520,189km | 202621,503km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oils | Engine oil and oil filter | Replaced | Replaced | Replaced | Replaced | Replaced |
| Oils | Transmission oil | Replaced | — | — | Replaced | — |
| Oils | Transfer Case Oil | Replaced | Replaced | — | Replaced | Replaced |
| Oils | Front and rear differential oil | Replaced | — | Replaced | — | Replaced |
| Braking | Brake fluid | Replaced | Replaced | — | Replaced | — |
| Cooling | Switch to Evans coolant | — | — | Applied | — | — |
| Cooling | Cooling line flush | — | — | Performed | — | — |
| Cooling | Coolant tank and thermostat | — | — | Replaced | — | — |
| Filters | Intake air filter | Replaced | Replaced | — | — | — |
| Filters | Cabin filter | Replaced | Replaced | Replaced | Replaced | Replaced |
| Wheels | Wheel alignment | — | Performed | Performed | Performed | Performed |
| Wheels | Road Force and replaced wheel inspection | — | — | — | — | Inspected and reported |
| Additional care | Engine flushing / ring cleaning (BG 10932/EPR) | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced |
| Additional care | Engine oil treatment (BG MOA) | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced |
| Additional care | Fuel-system treatment (BG 44K) | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced | Serviced |
| Additional care | Suspected dashcam battery drain | — | — | — | — | Replacement / parking mode OFF advised |
In 2026, the wheel findings were explained and action by the shop that fitted the wheel was recommended. After repair, the car returned for a road force recheck and custom alignment adjustment.
Corrected at the start, checked and adjusted each year
At the first recorded measurement, front toe was 3.0mm on the left and 1.6mm on the right, outside the specified range. Following that initial correction, alignment has been checked and adjusted during each annual service.
The owner knows the M5’s handling well and notices even small changes. We compare the measurements with previous records and make the adjustments needed to maintain the driving feel the owner values.
Initial condition · Before adjustment in 2023
Front left 3.0 → 1.0mm · Left-right differences adjusted front and rear
Maintained condition · After adjustment in 2025
Front and rear toe evened out left to right
Initial measurements from 2023 and post-adjustment measurements from 2025. These are different visits; wheel angles are exaggerated for clarity.
View annual measurements and original photos
Front toe · Measured and readjusted each year
Listed left / right, in mm. The before and after on each card refer to the same year's work.
202318,373km
202419,482km
202520,189km
All bars use the same 0–3.5mm scale. The shaded band is the front toe specification range of 0.6–1.5mm shown in the photos, and the dots are each wheel's measured value.
The Difference Between the Previous Adjustment and the Next Visit
| Comparison point | After previous adjustment Front left / right | Before adjustment at next visit Front left / right | Distance driven between the two visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 → 2024 | 1.0 / 1.0mm | 0.1 / 1.4mm | 1,109km |
| 2024 → 2025 | 1.1 / 1.1mm | 1.0 / 1.4mm | 707km |
In 2024, the front toe was adjusted to 1.1mm on both left and right. In 2025 we again checked the left-right difference and set it back to 1.1mm. Rather than waiting until a large misalignment develops, this is maintenance that catches small changes and corrects them as much as needed. For owners who care about how the M5 feels to drive, this kind of fine-grained care matters.
Camber and the Rear Wheels Compared as Well
Listed left / right. Camber is the tilt of the wheel, toe is the direction the wheel points, and thrust angle indicates the direction in which the rear wheels track.
| Year | Measurement item | Before adjustment | After adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Front camber (°) | -1.39 / -1.44 | -1.42 / -1.36 |
| 2023 | Rear camber (°) | -1.69 / -1.52 | -1.66 / -1.65 |
| 2023 | Rear toe (mm) | 0.4 / 0.8 | 1.2 / 1.3 |
| 2023 | Thrust angle (°) | -0.02 | 0.00 |
| 2024 | Front camber (°) | -1.41 / -1.54 | -1.45 / -1.47 |
| 2024 | Rear camber (°) | -1.68 / -1.68 | -1.68 / -1.68 |
| 2024 | Rear toe (mm) | 1.2 / 1.4 | 1.1 / 1.4 |
| 2024 | Thrust angle (°) | -0.01 | -0.01 |
| 2025 | Front camber (°) | -1.38 / -1.46 | -1.40 / -1.41 |
| 2025 | Rear camber (°) | -1.68 / -1.74 | -1.65 / -1.68 |
| 2025 | Rear toe (mm) | 1.1 / 1.7 | 1.4 / 1.4 |
| 2025 | Thrust angle (°) | -0.02 | 0.00 |
Values are as displayed in the measurement photos. The 2024 before-adjustment values are taken from the measurement screen showing all four wheels together. Work was also carried out in 2026; this comparison covers the 2023–2025 records whose figures were confirmed.
Actual Measurement Screens by Year
View 4 measurement photos from 2023
View 3 measurement photos from 2024
View 4 measurement photos from 2025
From 15,099km to 21,503km
We have serviced this same M5 every year from 2022 to 2026. The difference in mileage between the first record and this year's is 6,404km. The distance driven was not great, but the scope of service differed at each visit.
Odometer reading at the time of each year's service
2022 · Oil service from the engine through the transmission and drivetrain
At 15,099km we serviced the engine oil and filters, the transmission oil, the transfer case and front and rear differential oils, and the brake fluid. The transmission oil was changed by flushing. The photo below shows the color of the new oil after the change. When preparing for maintenance after the warranty ends, it is better not to look only at the engine oil change history but also to check when each area was last serviced.
2023 · Oil service and wheel alignment
The odometer read 18,373km, up 3,274km from the previous year's record. We serviced the engine oil and filters, the transfer case oil, and the brake fluid, and also carried out a wheel alignment.
That year, wheel alignment was covered along with the oils. It is an area of interest for high-performance car owners, who care not only about smoothness under acceleration but also about steering response and driving feel.
2024 · Coolant tank, thermostat, and coolant work
At 19,482km, we serviced the engine oil and both differential oils. We also replaced the coolant reservoir and thermostat, cleaned the cooling circuit, and converted it to Evans coolant.
In our maintenance of this model, the coolant reservoir is a recurring concern that deserves close attention. We plan to keep checking coolant level, leaks, and reservoir condition after replacement, recording any changes following the Evans service alongside the driving conditions.
2025 · Transmission and transfer case oil and brake fluid
The odometer read 20,189km, up 707km from the previous record. We serviced the engine oil and filters, the transmission and transfer case oils, and the brake fluid, and carried out a wheel alignment.
Even in years with little mileage, this M5 came in regularly for service. In deciding when to change fluids on your own car, you need to consider mileage, elapsed time, how the car is driven, and the actual condition of the oil together.
2026 · Oil service and road force/alignment recheck after wheel repair
At the 2026 annual service, the odometer showed 21,503 km, 1,314 km more than the previous record. We serviced the engine oil and filters, transfer case and front/rear differential fluids.
Maintenance informed by oil condition
The maintenance plan has developed from replacing every oil annually to selecting the work according to actual condition and use. This year, we again reviewed the previous changes alongside the oil condition.
BG EPR ring cleaning · BG MOA treatment
We used MOTOREX FS 0W-40 engine oil, carried out a ring-cleaning treatment with BG EPR, and added BG MOA engine oil treatment.
The specified oil for each differential
The front differential received a G2-spec MOTOREX product, while the rear differential received genuine BMW G4-spec oil.
Factory dashcam and battery drain while parked
The factory dashcam was suspected as a source of battery drain, so we recommended replacing it. As the owner has a dedicated parking location, we also advised switching parking mode off.
The diagnostic scan recorded power-management codes 030E08 and 030E06. These findings formed part of the assessment behind the dashcam replacement and parking-mode advice.
At that initial visit, a possible centering or rim-deformation warning led us to recommend action by the shop that fitted the wheel.
See this year's wheel inspection video and Road Force measurements →
The M5 later returned after wheel repair. We measured road force and lateral force on all four assemblies, optimized positions and adjusted the custom alignment for the changed wheels and tires. One rear tire will be checked again after driving. See the return-visit measurements and adjustment →
At the return visit, front toe changed from 0.8 / 0.5 mm to 1.0 / 1.0 mm, and rear toe from 1.1 / 1.2 mm to 1.6 / 1.6 mm.
After the Warranty, the Goal Is to Keep the Car in Good Condition for a Long Time
Just because the warranty has ended, there is no need to wait until a major failure occurs. Start by reviewing the service history, check the current condition of the oils and wear items, and begin with the work that is needed.
In a car meant to be enjoyed behind the wheel like the M5, even a small vibration or a change in steering response is noticeable. That is why we look at the wheels, tires, and alignment along with the oils. Rather than replacing all the same parts every year, what matters is not missing the inspections and work your car actually needs.
This is not maintenance only for high-performance cars. If you want to keep another imported car or a domestic model in good condition for years, we will start by reviewing its service history with you.
This returning customer takes meticulous care of the M5. To protect its interior during service, NHC purchased dedicated seat and steering wheel covers on our own initiative, without a request from the customer. See the covers in use in the 2026 case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the same work repeated over the five years?
No. The year with cooling system work differs from the years the transmission oil was serviced. The year-by-year table sets out the main work.
Is this five-year record the recommended change interval for the M5?
It is the actual service record of this one car. For any other vehicle, change intervals are set by checking the manufacturer's guidelines, the operating conditions, and the current condition.
Can other models be maintained the same way?
Yes. For other imported cars and domestic models as well as high-performance imports, we set out the scope of maintenance based on how the car is driven and its service history.
If You Want to Keep Your Car in Its Current Condition
We will review how you drive along with your past service history, and set out separately what needs to be done now and what to check next time.
We explain the scope of the required work and the estimate first, and begin only after you agree.
Call for a service consultationBook via Naver031-258-1617 · NHC Motors, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon · By appointment only
Total inspection scope and how it works