2005 E60 M5

In 2004, BMW introduced a much awaited version of the M5 series which was the E60 M5. It went into assembly production in 2005 at Dingolfing, Germany. As anticipated, the vehicle continued the BMW tradition of performance, style and luxury in sport sedan.

Producing an astounding 500 horsepower, this S85B50, 5 liter, ten-cylinder engine, achieved the pinnacle in performance. The V10 engine consists of ten cylinders in two banks of five and produces a distinct exhaust note. It is matched with a seven-speed SMG III electro hydraulic manual gearbox. As a result, the driver gets quick shifting and performance upon demand. Unlike some other BMW engines which utilize the Valvetronic system to infinitely vary valve lift to eliminate the throttle plate; this engine has individual throttle bodies per cylinder. The front fog lights are thus unavailable for the E60 M5 since the amount of air required by the engine forces the spaces under the bumper, normally occupied by fog lights in other E60 cars, to be reallocated for air intakes. A small sacrifice that is necessary to achieve a highly efficient air intake system.

Here’s a list of the E60 M5’s engine performance:  4,999 cc (305.1 cu in) BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 rpm, a peak output of 507 bhp (378 kW; 514 PS) and 520 N·m (380 lb·ft) of torque. As expected, BMW E60 M5 took the title of the most powerful midsize sport sedan with the 5liter naturally aspirated V10 BMW S85 engine.

For a comprehensive video review of the E60 M5 and the S85 engine, click here: e60 m5.

Additional key features include a stiffened aluminum chassis, which resulted in a decrease in the weight of the vehicle. This weight reduction further resulted in a substantial increase in its power-to-weight ratio. This can be seen by its top speed of 205 mile per hour (without the electronic speed limiter) and an equally impressive zero to sixty time of 4.7 second.

What is exciting about the E60 M5 is that it has several Formula One inspired features namely the launch control, dynamic stability control and the Drivelogic that allows for an 11 shift program. It also has a power button located in the steering wheel allowing for three engine modes. These are the default start-up mode and the daily driving use at 400 ps, the full power mode at 500PS and the full power at 500 PS with sharper throttle response mode. These modes can be selected in the M Drive Setting of the iDrive menu. Although the iDrive feature has elicited some critical reviews, this feature, as reviewed by car owners is proven to be intuitive and easy to use.

As testament to the S85B50 engine’s ultimate performance are the four awards it won in the International Engine of the Year Awards in 2005 namely the International Engine of the Year, Best performance Engine, Best New Engine and Best Above 4.0 Liter awards.

BMW has once again delivered the ultimate driving machine in the E60 M5. It provides for an outstanding performance, comfortable ride, excellent technology and a reasonable fuel mileage to the lucky car owner.

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