2013 BMW M5 Maintenance Schedule & Service Intervals

Key Takeaways

• The 2013 BMW M5 requires a mandatory break-in service at 1,200 miles that includes an engine oil and filter change, differential fluid replacement, and manual transmission fluid replacement (where applicable) .
• BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system monitors driving conditions to determine service intervals, typically cycling every 10,000 miles or 12 months .
• The S63 V8 engine requires spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles, with BMW recommending a 25,000-mile interval for S63 spark plugs since their introduction .
• Brake fluid requires replacement after the first 3 years of service, then every 2 years thereafter .
• BMW Ultimate Care covers factory-recommended scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles at no additional cost, with a standard 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty .
• The 2013 M5 is part of the F10 generation, powered by the S63B44T0 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine with an approximate oil capacity of 9.5 liters .

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2013 BMW M5 does not follow a traditional fixed-mileage maintenance schedule. Instead, it employs BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which uses sensors and algorithms to monitor actual driving conditions—including engine temperature, driving style, trip length, and component wear—to determine precisely when service is required .

BMW's maintenance guidelines are sensor-driven and center around a CBS system that is cycled to occur approximately every 10,000 miles . BMW utilizes electronic oil measurement to monitor the engine load on the current oil fill based on driving style and distances, displayed on the vehicle's Control Display. If outside its specified operating range, a Check Control message is displayed .

Service notifications appear on the vehicle's display, alerting you when specific maintenance is due. This adaptive approach means your M5 may require service at different intervals than another vehicle of the same model, depending entirely on how it is driven.

Never ignore CBS alerts. Prompt attention to service notifications prevents minor issues from developing into costly repairs and ensures the vehicle continues delivering the performance expected from BMW's M division.

BMW Ultimate Care & Warranty Coverage

The 2013 BMW M5 includes comprehensive factory coverage :

BMW Ultimate Care offers free scheduled maintenance during the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership. The program covers factory-recommended scheduled maintenance as determined by the CBS system, including engine oil and filter changes, brake fluid flushes, spark plug replacement, and vehicle checks .

Break-In Service (1,200 Miles)

Service Requirements

The 2013 BMW M5 requires a dedicated break-in service at approximately 1,200 miles . This service is critical for the long-term health of the S63 V8 engine and drivetrain components. During this initial visit:

• Engine oil and oil filter are replaced
• Differential fluid is replaced
• Manual transmission fluid is replaced (where applicable)

This break-in service is covered under BMW Ultimate Care during the 3-year/36,000-mile period. Owners should not delay this service, as proper break-in procedures affect engine longevity and performance.

Break-In Driving Guidelines

During the break-in period, BMW specifies several important driving guidelines:

• Keep engine speeds moderate; avoid high RPM operation
• Avoid full-throttle acceleration and kickdown
• Vary engine speeds and road speeds; do not maintain constant speeds for extended periods
• Do not use Launch Control

Scheduled Service Intervals

The following intervals represent factory-specified and recommended maintenance for the 2013 BMW M5. The CBS system will adjust these intervals based on your actual driving profile :

Engine Oil Service

Factory Guidance

The 2013 BMW M5 is powered by the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine (engine code S63B44T0), part of the F10 generation . BMW recommends changing the engine oil and filter at intervals determined by the CBS system, typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months .

Oil Capacity: Approximately 9.5 liters with filter .

Recommended Oil Specification: BMW Longlife-01 approved fully synthetic oil. Acceptable viscosity grades include 5W-30, with BMW Longlife-04 being a suitable approval standard .

Conservative Owner Guidance

Motor oil is the single most important element in keeping your engine healthy. While the CBS system may allow intervals up to 10,000+ miles, independent specialists recommend more frequent oil changes for the S63 V8. More frequent oil changes also give technicians more opportunities to catch and alert you to any issues, like worn brake pads or a weak battery .

Signs that an oil change may be needed sooner include :

• Check engine light is on
• Engine knocking sounds
• Oil smell inside the car
• Excess amount of vehicle exhaust
• Frequent dusty road driving, heavy loads, or low-speed driving for long distances

Spark Plugs

Factory Guidance

The 2013 BMW M5's S63 V8 engine requires spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles according to the factory schedule . Since its introduction, BMW has recommended a 25,000-mile replacement interval for S63 spark plugs .

The engine uses eight spark plugs. A bad plug(s) will harm performance and fuel mileage and affect drivability and engine smoothness. Unburnt fuel in the exhaust will shorten the lifespan of oxygen sensors and catalytic converters . Spark plugs wear out over a long time, making losses in performance less obvious .

Importance

Replacing spark plugs at the recommended interval restores factory combustion efficiency, maintains optimal fuel economy, and prevents engine misfires.

Signs that spark plugs need replacement include :

• Shaking while the engine is idling
• Poor fuel economy
• Engine knocking
• Illuminated check engine light

Brake Fluid

Factory Guidance

Brake fluid replacement is a safety-critical service on a time-based schedule. BMW recommends the initial brake fluid replacement after 3 years of service, then every 2 years thereafter . Brake fluid may also be changed at the 30,000-mile mark, then every 60,000 miles thereafter .

Brake Inspection

BMW recommends that at a minimum, front and rear brakes are disassembled and serviced at least once every 12 months or 12,000 miles .

Signs of brake problems include :

• Unusual sounds from the brakes
• Vibration or pulsation in the pedal or steering wheel
• Burning smell around the tires
• Dashboard brake light illuminated
• A sensation that braking performance has changed

Engine Air Filter

BMW technicians will change the engine air filter with every second engine oil change , approximately every 20,000 miles. Replacement may be required more frequently in dusty driving environments. A clean engine air filter ensures optimal airflow for combustion, enhancing engine efficiency and preventing contaminants from entering the engine.

Cabin Air Filter (Microfilter)

The cabin air filter (microfilter) is scheduled for replacement at every engine oil change . This filter removes pollen, dirt, and harmful airborne pollutants from the cabin air and maintains HVAC system performance.

Fuel Filter

Fuel filters are typically changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles . This interval ensures fuel flow remains clean and unobstructed, protecting fuel injectors and maintaining proper combustion.

Oxygen Sensors

Factory Guidance

The factory schedule for the 2013 BMW M5 indicates oxygen (O2) sensor replacement at 120,000 miles and again at 150,000 miles . A failing oxygen sensor can harm performance and fuel mileage and affect drivability.

Cooling System

Coolants are changed at the 10,000-mile mark according to some maintenance guidelines . Regular monitoring of coolant levels is recommended, and any signs of coolant leaks should be addressed promptly.

Transmission and Differential Service

Factory Guidance

The 1,200-mile break-in service includes differential fluid replacement and manual transmission fluid replacement (where applicable) . For ongoing maintenance, the factory schedule indicates rear axle differential oil changes with each third engine oil change .

Conservative Owner Guidance

For the S63 V8, some specialists recommend more frequent drivetrain fluid changes for performance-driven vehicles.

Fuel System Maintenance

A fuel system cleaning service may be recommended if you experience diminished fuel economy, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration . The frequency of fuel injector cleaning can vary based on driving habits and fuel type .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2013 BMW M5 have a fixed maintenance schedule?

No. The 2013 M5 uses BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which monitors actual driving conditions and component wear to determine service intervals rather than following a rigid mileage-based schedule . Service notifications appear on the vehicle's display when maintenance is required.

Does the 2013 BMW M5 need a break-in service at 1,200 miles?

Yes. The 2013 BMW M5 requires a break-in service at 1,200 miles that includes engine oil and filter replacement, differential fluid replacement, and manual transmission fluid replacement (where applicable) . This service is essential for long-term engine health.

When should spark plugs be replaced on the 2013 BMW M5?

BMW recommends spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles for the S63 V8 engine . Since its introduction, BMW has recommended a 25,000-mile replacement interval for S63 spark plugs . The engine uses eight spark plugs.

How often does brake fluid need replacing in the 2013 BMW M5?

BMW recommends brake fluid replacement after 3 years of service, then every 2 years thereafter . Brake fluid may also be changed at the 30,000-mile mark, then every 60,000 miles thereafter .

What is the oil change interval for the 2013 BMW M5?

The CBS system typically prompts engine oil and filter changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months . Independent specialists recommend oil changes more frequently for optimal engine protection. The oil change requires approximately 9.5 liters of oil .

What oil does the 2013 BMW M5 use?

The S63 engine requires BMW Longlife-01 approved fully synthetic oil. BMW Longlife-04 approved 5W-30 oil is a suitable choice . Different climates may require specific viscosities—consult your owner's manual for the correct specification.

How often should brakes be inspected on the 2013 BMW M5?

BMW recommends that brakes be disassembled and serviced at least every 12 months or 12,000 miles .

When should oxygen sensors be replaced on the 2013 BMW M5?

The factory schedule recommends oxygen sensor replacement at 120,000 miles and again at 150,000 miles .

When should the engine air filter be replaced?

The engine air filter is changed with every second engine oil change, approximately every 20,000 miles .

When should the fuel filter be replaced?

Fuel filters are typically changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles .

What does BMW Ultimate Care cover for the 2013 M5?

BMW Ultimate Care offers free scheduled maintenance during the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership, covering engine oil and filter changes, brake fluid, spark plug replacements, and vehicle checks . The vehicle carries a standard 4-year/50,000-mile warranty .

Is the 2013 BMW M5 part of the F10 or F90 generation?

The 2013 BMW M5 is part of the F10 generation. The F90 generation M5 was introduced later as a 2018 model year.