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Jun 11, 2023

BMW M5 (E60): Performance, Price, and Photos

BMW's ultimate V-10-powered sleeper sedan's dangerous allure is not for the faint of heart The BMW M5 E60 is one of the most unique vehicles that the Bavarian automaker has ever built. To this day,

BMW's ultimate V-10-powered sleeper sedan's dangerous allure is not for the faint of heart

The BMW M5 E60 is one of the most unique vehicles that the Bavarian automaker has ever built. To this day, this V-10-powered German sedan stands out and is unlike other options in its segment. The M5 E60 was produced between 2004 and 2010. Now, 18 years after its release, it is even more rare and exclusive than before. Yet, this is not always for the right reasons.

The E60 M5 bears a Formula One-derived 500 horsepower engine and a 6-speed manual. All in a sleek and well-styled mid-sized sedan. The M5 E60 is the ultimate sleeper and one of the best sports sedans ever. Yet, it has a fatal flaw: reliability. Is the E60 M5 worth the headache for the bespoke experience only it can provide? Let's find out.

If you are considering buying a BMW E60 M5, you are buying it for its undeniable personality. At the same time, you have to be a bit crazy to even consider one. It's a toxic relationship you will share, for better or worse. You have heard all about the ownership nightmares.

The engine replacements, the rod bearings, the throttle actuators, you name it. Yet, you won't want to get rid of it if you have one, even if you know it's not good for you. Even when you are taking money out of your savings to fix it. You love her, and you think you can change her.

The thing is, the E60 M5 cannot change. It is all its positive qualities that also are the source of its flaws. This is the dualistic character of the M5 you must accept (if you seek to own one). The main gripe is the S85 5.0-liter V-10 engine that lies within its engine bay.

Never has there been a more perfect engine put into the body of a sedan. At its time, the E60 M5 was the world's first production sedan to use a V-10 engine. An 8,200 RPM rev limit in a Formula One-derived unit that you could use to take your kids to school. 500 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and it screams for more revs. It is a powerplant that defies all logic and makes no sense but is amazing for all those reasons.

So let's accept reality. There is no way your Formula One V-10 is going to accept 10,000-mile interval $40 oil changes. BMW didn't think about what these cars would be like to maintain 20 years later. So if the previous owner didn't treat the car like a Formula One team would have, you could be in for heartbreak.

Yet, when it does work and work well, it's a spiritual experience to drive. The top speed of the M5 is 190 MPH with the optional M-driver's package and the limiter removed. Yet, let's just say that we know for a fact these sedans can hit 200 MPH in a calm fashion. It's scary how stable the car feels at those speeds, even with the world disappearing around you. With the guttural sound of 10 individual bodies howling, it is intoxicating and addictive. Nothing else exists except you and this engine, everything else is a distraction.

The steering is stunning and rivals the tactility of the previous generation E39 M5. The E60 is the last M5 to use BMW's legendary hydraulic steering unit. Modern electric BMW units always have the issue of either feeling too light or too heavy. You can tell the computer is compensating. You won't find that devoid character in the E60 M5 even being a larger vehicle. What is on the road is what you feel, and we love it.

The 6-speed manual came as a no-cost option beginning with the 2006 model year. Yet, the default transmission Stateside is the 7-speed SMG semi-automatic. Another of the quirks that made the M5 unreliable and flawed. While revolutionary at its time as a gearbox, the SMG falls short next to today's technology. Modern dual-clutch units are leagues better in reliability, efficiency, packaging, and shift speed. The SMG is part of the reason the E60 M5 feels old and outdated, while the experience it offers is refreshing.

Engine

S85 5.0-liter V-10

Horsepower

500 @ 7,750 RPM

Torque

383 @ 6,100 RPM

Transmission

6-speed manual transmission

7-speed SMG-II semi-automatic transmission

Drive Layout

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

4.5 seconds

RELATED: Here's Proof that BMW's V-10 is Better than Lamborghini's V-10

Looking back at the E60 M5, it is impressive to see how well it aged. After the E60 generation, the size of the M5 has grown with every passing model. The E60 itself was already a big increase compared to the more compact E39 M5. Yet, the E60 is the perfect size for a mid-sized sedan.

Its styling cues are subtle, especially compared to modern M5 models. To the untrained eye, it appears no different than a standard 5-series sedan. This is part of its appeal, it is a sleeper, waiting in silence, hoping you think you can challenge its capability.

In the original sale brochure, BMW states the question, is the M5 a "supercar or executive sedan?" Their answer? "Yes." Few cars have this type of exterior appearance and offer this level of performance. None quite like the E60 M5 Sedan.

Unique features that separate it from a standard 5-series include the muscular widebody. Front fenders featuring functional venting with M5-specific badging. Beautiful 19-inch wheels are unique to the M5 and remind us why BMW is the king of OEM wheels.

The front bumper, side-view mirrors, and rear bumper are also all specific to the M5. A time before BMW inflated their kidney grill design to ridiculous levels. This generation has the goldilocks size and looks proper. In the rear, you will find the signature BMW quad exhaust on display to display its heritage. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better-looking sedan from this era, period.

Paint Colors

Dimensions

RELATED: Old Vs New: BMW M5 V-10 Touring Drag Races The BMW M440i

When thinking about the E60 M5, we have to remember that it is from a different time. This is a four-door sedan with a V-10 engine and manual transmission. You are going to make compromises for that experience. Back in 2005, many of its features were state-of-the-art. Looking from a modern lens, it is easy to see where it falls short compared to today's offerings.

The iteration of BMW's iDrive infotainment system found in the E60 is one of the first offered. Access to the central display is via an aluminum knob in the center console. To call it outdated would be an understatement. Try to use the navigation, you'll immediately realize it is a waste of your time. Any modern-day smartphone will be better and easier to use. The screen itself is low-resolution and not very pleasing to look at. That subtracts even more points along its existing functional qualms.

Outside that glaring defect, the interior itself is pleasant to be in. Typical of BMW styling, it follows a more minimal approach. We still appreciate the clean design of the dashboard and the cohesiveness of the cabin. The rear seats can keep a family of five cozy.

You won't find cup holders in the center console as standard on many vehicles. Rather, they hide recessed within the dash, appearing in full view with a simple push. The climate control rotary knobs provide good feedback and are intuitive. The center rear seat back functions as both a dual cup holder and armrest when dropped.

The M-color stitched leather steering wheel is a quality touch expected of a car of this price. If a 6-speed manual car, even the shift knob itself illuminates to show the gear pattern. A small, but intricate detail. The brushed aluminum trim has aged very well and is by far the best trim option. Although it lacks modern creature comforts, the E60 M5 interior still remains sleek and attractive.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why The Unreliable BMW E60 M5 Is Going Up In Value

18 years ago, a new BMW M5 Sedan would cost you about $83,900. After an expensive gas guzzler tax and some options, it could be a six-figure sedan out the door. The reality is that BMW sold over 1,300,000+ E60 chassis throughout its seven-year lifespan. Stateside, only 8,800 of those were high-end M5 models. That is a minuscule percentage if we have ever seen one.

This is because you usually only put Formula One V-10 engines into exotic supercars. This is not a Lexus LFA or Porsche Carrera GT. This is a global production executive sedan. Or is it both? BMW thinks so. They were right. Yet, they put in a motorsport engine without thinking about the long-term repercussions. There were no test drivers at the factory, the customer was the test driver. Their own wallet is the budget department.

In a world without needing to maintain or repair cars, the E60 M5 would be the greatest car ever. Yet, there are so many glaring aspects of owning one that holds back the majority of potential buyers. Most, for good reason. If you want your dream E60 M5, expect to hike up a pretty penny. A separate funded account for the upkeep of the vehicle is a smart choice. We wish we were kidding, but we aren't.

The average selling price of an SMG-equipped E60 M5 is $24,289 over the last 5 years. Expect to pay $10,000 extra for a manual transmission model. Buy the manual and never look back. When the SMG blows up, it will cost you over $10,000 to fix, and you still won't have a manual. Save yourself the trouble. Although you may pay under $50,000 for a used M5, you need to treat it like a new $200,000 vehicle. This is part of the problem. If you can afford to maintain a high-dollar exotic car, why buy a 15+-year-old 5-series? It doesn't make sense.

Yet, does the E60 M5 make sense at all? No. That's why people like it. It is easy to call it the best full-size sports sedan ever. Yet, owning and maintaining one is a completely different story. BMW's idea was to have a supercar and a grocery-getter in the same body. Yet, it was this unique recipe, so demanding in its inherent design, that would be its downfall. On paper, it is the most brilliant idea ever. Yet, in reality, obtaining this experience requires major sacrifices.

So, if you want a V-10 in a modern car, you only have two options, an Audi R8 or a Lamborghini Huracan. Those are very much so supercars and very good ones at that. What they for sure aren't manual transmission sedans. The E60 M5 is the last of a dying breed, that is not to return. So if the howl of a V-10 in a 4-door chassis is your dream, you found your siren. You understand that once she takes your heart, you may never come back. Can you handle the gamble to unlock a treasure only a few get to experience? Only one way to find out.

Daud Gonzalez is a lifelong car enthusiast and automotive writer with a specialty in modified and race-ready rides. He spends most of his time modifying his cars and ruining them in the process. He is currently the owner of a track-ready BMW 335i, a mild off-roading 1981 Toyota Hilux, and a 2008 Lexus RX400H for daily driving.Most of his free time is dedicated to making sure his vehicles survive to see the next day. You are likely to catch him at one of Southern California's race tracks on the weekends.