Second Hand BMW M5 Brake Light Switch

Yes, all BMW M5 generations are fitted with a brake light switch — it sits on the brake pedal bracket and tells the car's electronics when the brakes are applied, which is essential for brake lights, cruise control cancellation, and stability systems. This is a standard fitment across every M5 variant regardless of engine size or generation. You won't be missing this part on any M5.

These are entirely different generations — the E39 M5 used a 4.9-litre V8 and the E60 M5 used a 5.0-litre V10 — and the brake pedal assemblies differ substantially between them, so the switch design and connector are unlikely to be the same. You should source a switch matched to your specific generation rather than assuming cross-generation compatibility. Confirm the exact part reference with the breaker against your registration before ordering.

The brake light switch is located on the pedal box, which is common to both the E60 M5 saloon and the E61 M5 Touring, and body style does not affect this part. Either should be a viable donor car when sourcing a used switch, but always confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

The F10 M5 ran from 2011 to 2016, with the LCI facelift arriving in 2014, and while the brake pedal assembly is broadly similar across the F10 generation, whether the switch and its connector are identical pre- and post-facelift is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration. The facelift brought changes to various electrical systems, so it is worth checking part numbers rather than assuming a straight swap. A good breaker will be able to cross-reference your reg to confirm compatibility.

No — trim level and options like Competition Pack or individual colour choices make no difference to the brake light switch fitment on the M5. The switch is part of the pedal assembly and is determined by generation, not by how the car was specced from the factory. Focus on matching the generation when sourcing a used switch from a breaker.

In some generations the brake light switch may share a part number with the standard 5 Series of the same generation, since the pedal box design can be common across the range — for example, an F10 530d donor may carry the same switch as an F10 M5. However, you should not assume this is always the case, as the M5's additional electronic systems could require a specific switch variant. Always ask the breaker to confirm compatibility against your registration before purchasing.