Maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2009 BMW M5 requires strict adherence to specific lubrication standards. This vehicle is powered by the legendary S85B50A 5.0L V10 engine, a powerplant known for its high-revving nature and aggressive performance characteristics. Unlike standard family sedans, the M5 demands fluids that can withstand extreme thermal loads and high shear forces. Using the wrong viscosity or specification can lead to accelerated wear, overheating, and potentially catastrophic engine failure. Proper lubrication ensures that internal components receive the necessary protection to maintain the vehicle’s renowned handling and power delivery.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 10W-60 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – The primary fluid choice for this high-performance V10, offering precise viscosity and enhanced protection under extreme stress.
- MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter – A premium filtration option that provides superior media to capture contaminants and ensure clean oil circulation for the engine.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix formulation designed to protect cooling system metals and gaskets while exceeding OEM temperature standards.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that allows for custom mixing to achieve maximum thermal stability and corrosion protection.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Formulated for excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity, ensuring consistent pedal feel in all driving conditions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the rear limited-slip differential, providing advanced wear protection and controlling thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for standard rear differential applications, balancing friction modifiers with durability for long-term performance.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks while providing strong anti-wear protection for hydraulic systems.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, ensuring smooth, shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile option that promotes smooth operation and guards against leaks and harmful sludge formation.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate and helps prevent carbon buildup in the fuel system.
The 2009 BMW M5 is a machine built for serious driving enthusiasts, and its maintenance schedule reflects that intent. The engine oil capacity for the 5.0L 10-cylinder engine is substantial, requiring approximately 10.4 quarts when the filter is replaced. This high volume is necessary to ensure adequate oil coverage across the complex internal architecture of the S85 engine. Owners should be aware that torque specifications vary for drain plugs depending on the specific component, with values such as 45 ft/lbs or 26 ft/lbs applied to different fasteners. After refilling the system, it is critical to check the oil level to ensure the correct fill volume has been achieved. The cooling system is equally critical, holding a capacity of 15.9 quarts, which requires a robust antifreeze solution to manage the heat generated by the high-output powertrain.
Transmission and Differential Care
The transmission and drivetrain components of the M5 require specialized fluids to maintain their sharp response and durability. For the automatic transmission, AMSOIL offers options that provide reserve protection during heavy use and abuse. Whether you choose the Signature Series for extended intervals or the OE Multi-Vehicle formula for broad compatibility, these fluids are designed to resist sludge and ensure smooth shudders-free shifts. The differential systems are equally demanding. The rear limited-slip differential specifically requires a fluid with friction modifiers, making AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 the recommended choice to prevent thermal runaway. For standard differential setups, the 75W-90 variant offers excellent protection against wear and rust while helping to reduce operating temperatures. Both differentials hold 2.3 pints of fluid, a quantity that is easily maintained with the provided synthetic gear lube.
Steering and brake systems also benefit from high-quality synthetic maintenance. The power steering system requires a fluid that resists heat degradation and keeps seals soft to prevent the common issue of leaks. AMSOIL’s multi-vehicle synthetic power steering fluid is formulated for quiet operation and excellent high-temperature performance. For the braking system, BMW recommends specific fluid specifications, and AMSOIL’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid serves as an excellent substitute. It provides stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring that the anti-lock braking system and traction control function reliably during both spirited cornering and emergency stops. Maintaining these fluids is just as vital as the engine oil, as they directly influence the vehicle’s handling and safety characteristics.
About the Vehicle
The 2009 BMW M5 stands as a pinnacle of the E60 generation, often regarded by enthusiasts as one of the most desirable high-performance sedans ever produced. Its heart is the S85B50A, a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine that was unique to the M5 and M6 models of that era. This engine was not merely a V8 or a V6 with added cylinders; it was a bespoke powerplant engineered from the ground up by BMW M, featuring individual throttle bodies for each cylinder and a redline that approached 8,250 rpm. This mechanical symphony delivered horsepower figures in the range of 500, providing acceleration that rivaled supercars of the time while retaining the practicality of a four-door sedan.
Driven on the BMW 7-Series platform, the M5 inherited a sophisticated suspension and chassis layout that allowed for a surprising balance between comfort and track capability. The V10 engine provided a linear power delivery and an exhilarating exhaust note that was distinct from the turbocharged six-cylinder engines found in later generations. Owners of this vehicle appreciate its raw, analog feel, a characteristic that has only increased its value over time. It was a car that demanded respect from the driver, offering immense power that required skill to manage effectively. As a result, the maintenance of a 2009 M5 is not just about routine upkeep; it is about preserving a rare piece of automotive history that combines German engineering precision with the raw power of a naturally aspirated V10.