Second Hand BMW M5 Gearbox

The E60 M5 ran from 2005 to 2010 and all used the S85 V10 engine, so gearboxes from anywhere within that generation are the closest match — confirm the engine code on your V5 or via a VIN check before buying. The M5 used a unique SMG III automated manual unit (also called a six-speed single-clutch sequential gearbox), and all E60 M5s share that same transmission type, which helps narrow things down. That said, whether ancillary brackets and mounts are identical across the full production run is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, as small changes can occur mid-production without a formal facelift.

No — these are different generations with completely different engines and gearboxes. The E60 M5 (2005–2010) used a 5.0-litre S85 V10 with an SMG III sequential gearbox, while the F10 M5 (2011–2016) used a 4.4-litre S63 twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch M-DCT. The engines, bell housing patterns, and transmission types are entirely different, so these units will not interchange — always match the gearbox to the engine code, not just the M5 badge.

The F10 M5 facelifted in 2014 but retained the S63 V8 engine and the same seven-speed M-DCT gearbox throughout the generation (2011–2016), so a gearbox from either side of that facelift boundary is potentially compatible. However, whether any ancillary changes — such as mounts or sensor connections — were made at the 2014 facelift is something you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration rather than assume. Matching engine codes from both vehicles is the most reliable step you can take before ordering.

For the F90 M5 (2018–present), both the standard M5 and the M5 Competition use the same S63 V8 engine and the same eight-speed M-Steptronic torque-converter automatic gearbox, so the Competition trim does not use a different gearbox unit. Trim level does not affect gearbox fitment here — what matters is the engine code, generation, and gearbox type, not the Competition badge. Do bear in mind that ECU pairing and any immobiliser coding to the vehicle are not something we can confirm here, so check those specifics with the breaker.

All road-going M5 generations have been petrol, so fuel type has not historically been a differentiating factor for this specific model. What matters far more is matching the engine code — for example, S85 for the E60, S63 for the F10 and F90 — because each of those engines pairs with a fundamentally different gearbox type and bell housing. Always confirm the engine code on your V5 or via a VIN check, and share it with the breaker so they can verify the unit they have matches yours.

Both a 2006 and a 2008 M5 sit within the E60 generation (2005–2010) and both use the S85 V10 engine with the SMG III sequential gearbox, so you are working within the same generation and the same drivetrain family. That is a good starting point, but whether ancillary components, mounts, or wiring connectors are identical across those specific model years is worth confirming with the breaker against your registration number. Also be aware that ECU pairing requirements for the SMG unit are not something we can advise on here — your breaker or an M-specialist should be consulted on that point before you commit.