BMW E60 M5 review - see why it has the best M engine ever! | Mat Watson Reviews

BMW's M Division has developed some of the most spectacular performance engines of all time. The 2005 M5 - codenamed E60 - arguably has the finest of them all. I get behind the wheel to find out what makes it so special.





Read our full BMW M5 review –

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[MrAndreCoutinho]

15 years later this car now looks amazing, it's amazing how well it aged. I remember how critiscized it was, it was definetely ahead of it's time.

[devonv]

We were lucky in this instance in North America and got a manual with these, they have shot up in value like cray crazy 😅

[Sooopa_Doopa]

0:14 "The E60 M5 was only available in an automatic gearbox..."

Unless you live in America or Canada. We were able to get the E60 M5 with a 6 speed manual

[solomontetteh]

That V10 is unmistakably beautful. Add an Eissenman Exhaust and you have sweet music to your ears. Not many Sedans came in V10s, what a pity

[DoctaM]

This is honestly one of the best engines BMW ever made. I love it... that is why my M6 will stay in the collection forever.  Tragically, we wont likely see a naturally aspirated V10 from BMW anytime soon.

[senseihEnRY]

the E60 M5 is the most awesome looking M5 in my opinion. To be honest i really like the Chris Bangle era of BMW, yes not all of his design is 'acceptable' but each series looks distinct and unique.

[JAnx]

The exhaust note makes it seem like that engine is alive. It has a soul.

[niklasniklasniklas]

"This engine is engine. I just want the engine." lol

[Venom.Strike]

BMW cars never get old thats what i like about them, like come on this car doesnt look like its made in 2005 not even close!

[Voltzner]

Haven driven an E60 M5 myself, I can attest to it making you giggle like an anime girl.

[bavariani]

2:00
Every man had one of those giggles when they hop in the M5, or any E60 series for that matter.
Matt had one, Doug had one and I sure as hell had a few and still do.

[quarantinejet]

E60 V10
F90 Power
E39 design
F90 gearbox
= The best M5

[blackspt]

this v10 sound is so good. electric cars will never be able to replace a snore of these

[diopsidem]

Absolutely loved this review. Please do more reviews of older cars!
As an owner of one of these I would like to mention the following though: 1) it was available as a manual in north america 2) it only came with steel brakes! no ceramic brakes option! 3) in 2008 the iDrive was updated to a much newer version which the F10 M5 also used until it got facelifted 4) DSC had three settings not two: ON, MDM and OFF 5) the Power button does not only change the throttle response but also changes the engine management which essentially unlocks the full 507HP since the car starts with 400HP.

With respect to the gearbox: I am honestly quite torn on the SMG. No, it certainly isn’t perfect. However, when you are pushing the car hard the shifts are absolutely spectacular. There is no gearbox that shifts so brutal at the limit. In the most aggressive setting (S6, DSC OFF) the shifts are so brutal that you just think to yourself that the gearbox and the differentals burst into seven million pieces. So on the one hand it is slow and jerky at slow speeds but on the other hand it provides more “theater” (for lack of a better term) to the gearshifts when compared to DCTs, Automatics or even manuals. Though I must say, given the choice, I would prefer a manual.

[armands]

The E60's V10 and E39's badass design would make it the ultimate M5 for me. Also Mat looks very good with the glasses. :)

[Sir-Prizse]

The best sound I have ever heard... sounds like a F1 car.

[AlexGray]

Good review as always! Looks just like mine, interlagos blue. However I do need to correct that it did come in a manual here in the North American market. Fit it with some straight pipes and you’ll be addicted!

[keanehgz]

Let off the throttle before pulling a paddle to smoothen the gear change. Works for such gearbox including Cambiocorsa, E-Gear, SMG and other robotised single clutch manuals.

[fasttechvideo]

0:12 CORRECTION: It was also sold with a 6 speed manual in USA and Canada.

[earni]

Power button is not only for throttle response, it is actually to choose between 400 and 507ps. And the e60 doesnt had carbon ceramics, this started with the f10.