BMW M5 E60
The BMW E60 M5 is one of the most audacious production cars ever conceived: a full-size luxury sedan powered by a Formula 1-inspired 5.0-liter V10 engine that revs to 8,250 rpm. Introduced in 2005, it represented BMW M's most ambitious project and remains the most polarizing M car in history.
The S85B50 engine is the star of the show. Developed during a period when BMW was supplying engines to the Williams F1 team, the S85 was a naturally aspirated V10 with individual throttle bodies, a flat-plane crankshaft (replaced with a cross-plane in production), forged internals, and an 8,250 rpm redline. Producing 507 hp at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm, it was the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever fitted to a production sedan. The specific output of over 100 hp per liter without forced induction was remarkable for a 5.0-liter engine.
The sound was otherworldly. At low RPM, the V10 burbled with a menacing, mechanical quality. Past 5,000 rpm, it transformed into a howl that rose in pitch and intensity all the way to the 8,250 rpm limiter. No production car before or since has combined ten cylinders, individual throttle bodies, and a luxury sedan body with such theatrical effect.
The E60 M5 was the first M car to use BMW's SMG III (Sequential Manual Gearbox), a robotized 7-speed manual transmission that could shift in as little as 65 milliseconds. The SMG was controversial -- smooth in its fastest settings but jerky at low speeds. A traditional 6-speed manual was available in some markets (primarily the US) and has become the most sought-after specification.
The chassis featured a double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear, and BMW's EDC III adaptive damping system. The M Variable Differential Lock provided electronically controlled limited-slip traction. The steering used BMW's active steering system, which varied the ratio depending on speed. Dynamic Stability Control could be fully defeated, a rarity among modern performance cars.
BMW also produced an E61 M5 Touring (wagon) for European markets, creating the world's most powerful estate car. Only 1,025 were built.
The E60 M5's legacy is complicated by its reputation for high maintenance costs. The S85 V10 is a highly stressed engine that requires meticulous care. Rod bearing wear, VANOS failures, and SMG pump issues are well-documented problems that can result in five-figure repair bills. This has depressed values relative to the car's significance, making the E60 M5 one of the most dramatic performance bargains in the used market -- but also one of the riskiest.
Despite its reliability concerns, the E60 M5 is increasingly recognized as a landmark automobile. There will never be another V10 sedan. The combination of that extraordinary engine, the manual gearbox option, and the sheer ambition of the project make it a future classic that rewards committed ownership.
Rod bearing condition is the single most important factor. Have the bearings inspected (or replaced preventively -- $5,000-$8,000) before purchase. Check VANOS system operation and listen for rattling at cold start. SMG pump failures are common and expensive ($3,000+). The 6-speed manual commands a massive premium but eliminates SMG concerns. Check throttle actuator operation (10 butterflies, expensive if they fail). The cooling system, like all BMWs of this era, needs preventive attention. Buy the best example you can afford with documented service history.
Produced from 2005 to 2010 at BMW's Dingolfing plant. Total production approximately 20,589 sedans plus 1,025 Tourings. The S85 V10 was hand-assembled at BMW M's engine facility. The 6-speed manual was a later addition (primarily for the US market) and produced in far smaller numbers than the SMG. The E60 M5 was the last M5 with a naturally aspirated engine.