The E60 BMW M5 holds a particular place in automotive historical past. Famend for its high-revving, F1-derived, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine, the tremendous sedan delivers a novel mix of energy, drama, and character that also captivates fanatics at this time. With 503 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, it sprints from 0 to 60 mph in simply 4.1 seconds—a staggering achievement for a automotive that’s now over 20 years previous. So naturally, once we had the chance in Munich, we rapidly jumped behind the wheel of a pristine E60 M5 mannequin.
The Engine That Steals the Present
When the E60 M5 debuted, it made waves—and never all of them have been good. BMW followers have been cut up on its styling, a product of Chris Bangle’s polarizing design philosophy. To some, it was too daring and much faraway from the timeless magnificence of the E39, principally due to this so known as “flame surfacing.” Add in its weight, advanced electronics, and a bewildering array of customizable settings, and the E60 had its fair proportion of skeptics.
However then there was the engine. Oh, that engine. The S85 V10 was not like something BMW had made earlier than—or since. Borrowing tech from Method 1, this naturally aspirated masterpiece revs all the best way to eight,250 rpm. It doesn’t simply ship 503 horsepower; it delivers an auditory expertise that’s unmatched at this time in a BMW. However in case you’re fortunate sufficient to get behind the wheel of an E60 M5, it doesn’t take lengthy to understand it’s a automotive of contrasts. The steering, whereas exact, feels softer than you’d anticipate from an M automotive. The suspension leans towards consolation, and its practically 4,000-pound curb weight is all the time behind your thoughts. This isn’t the scalpel-sharp driving software the E39 was—nevertheless it’s one thing else solely.
Then there’s the transmission debate. European consumers have been caught with the much-maligned SMG automated guide, which is clunky and unpredictable at low speeds. However North American fanatics have been handled to a correct six-speed guide choice. It’s a game-changer, reworking the M5 into the automotive it was meant to be—a real driver’s machine. The automotive we examined, naturally, it has the SMG.
Why the E60 M5 Belongs in Your Storage
Let’s be sincere: the E60 M5 isn’t good. It’s not the best-handling M5, neither is it essentially the most dependable or aesthetically pleasing. However perfection isn’t the purpose. This automotive is about emotion. The S85 engine makes it a real icon—one of many final naturally aspirated V10s in a world that’s moved on to smaller, turbocharged powerplants. When you can stay with its quirks, the E60 M5 presents a driving expertise like no different. The sound, the high-revving drama, the sheer audacity of all of it—it’s a reminder of why we love automobiles within the first place. So whether or not you’re a die-hard BMW fan or simply somebody who appreciates automotive greatness, the E60 M5 deserves a spot in your storage.
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