E60 M5 (2005-present)

Production 2005 - present
Assembly Dingolfing, Germany
Predecessor E39 M5
Body style(s) 4-door saloon/sedan,
5-door Touring (estate/wagon)
Platform BMW E60
Engine(s) 5.0L V10 petrol engine
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual,
7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
Wheelbase saloon: 2,889 mm (113.7 in),
Touring: 2,880 mm (113.4 in)
Length 4,855 mm (191.1 in)
Width 1,846 mm (72.7 in)
Height saloon: 1,469 mm (57.8 in),
Touring: 1,512 mm (59.5 in)
Kerb weight saloon: 1,855 kg (4,090 lb),
Touring: 1,955 kg (4,310 lb)
Fuel capacity 70 L (15.4 imp gal; 18.5 US gal)
Related BMW 5-Series
BMW M6
Designer Chris Bangle

The E60 M5 was introduced in 2005. It has a 4,999 cc (305.1 cu in) BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 rpm, and developing a peak output of 373 kW (507 PS; 500 bhp) with 520 N·m (384 ft·lbf) of torque. Unlike some other BMW engines which utilise Valvetronic to infinitely vary valve lift to eliminate the throttle plate, this engine has individual throttle bodies per cylinder. Other key features include a stiffened aluminium chassis and a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox SMG III automatic transmission.

The BMW M5, along with the new M6, were designed to use the new SMG III electrohydraulic manual transmission. The transmission, while responsive at the track, has been criticised for its general lack of smoothness in everyday driving.[citation needed] In October 2006, BMW announced that a 6-speed manual transmission would be available in North America, based on suggestions from the motoring press. Unfortunately, this gearbox reduces acceleration performance slightly. The 6-speed manual M5 was marginally slower, since the stability control cannot be disengaged as per the SMG version. The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature, which allows maximum performance standing starts automatically. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced rpm to prevent vehicle damage and abuse.
 
E60 BMW M5 V10 engine
 
E60 BMW M5 used as a ring taxi in Nürburgring Nordschleife

The M5 features several Formula One inspired engine and transmission controls, including launch control, dynamic stability control, and the option of changing to either automated or manual, as well as the speed at which shifts are completed (there are 11 shift programmes in total forming what BMW calls Drivelogic). Manual shifting can be done with either a console shifter, or the steering wheel mounted shift paddles, both of which are fitted to all SMG M5s. The console shifter is the type used on manumatic transmissions; tipping it backward (toward the "+") shifts up, while a forward tip (toward the "-") shifts down. The shifter can be moved to the left to access neutral and reverse. The car also features a "power" button on the steering wheel (labeled "M") which offers access to three modes: P400 (limiting the engine to 400 PS (294 kW; 395 bhp) for daily driving use), P500 (unleashes the full 500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp)), and P500 S (for full power and sharper throttle response, selectable only from the "M Drive Settings" in the iDrive menu). P400 is the default start-up mode, the P500 modes are preselected using iDrive and then activated from P500 S using the "M" button.

Other than a firm ride, the E60's criticisms are excessive fuel consumption, and the general design criticisms of the Chris Bangle-designed E60 body. Recent developments by other manufacturers, specifically the production of the more powerful Audi RS6 (C6) (426 kW (579 PS; 571 bhp)), and the second generation Cadillac CTS-V (556 bhp (415 kW; 564 PS)) which bested the M5's Nürburgring lap time, has inspired BMW to go back to the drawing board. The 2011 M5's power output is expected to hit the 600+ bhp mark,[citation needed] up from its current 500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp).

Front fog lights are unavailable for the E60 M5: The amount of air required by the engine forces the space normally occupied by the front fog lights under the bumper to be reallocated for air intakes.