general problems of the 2006 BMW M5

The early M5 with the smg (sequential manual gearbox) 7 speed have numerous TSB's and warranty campaigns. The shifting of the gearbox is up executed by pressure from the hydrualic pump that stores aaprx 80psi in the accumulater. This accumulator or pump has a hi chance of failing and when it does the car shuts down without warning. My car shut down in the middle of the intersection just recently. And I have had this pump replace twice out of warranty and once within warranty. A major flaw of the getrag smg 7spd. BMW discontinued this transmission but continues to raise prices on the replacement pumps as they know there is a high turnover of repairs. Please visit the BMW m forums as this topic is heavily discussed.

With an smg transmission, when accelerating from a complete stop, there is a loud thump in the the rear of the car as if somebody hit you from behind. It is very startling and I am sure something is wrong with the car. This is a common complaint among all BMW M5 drivers. I am surprised nobody placed a complaint about this yet.