The technical terms you will meet when reading about the E60 M5, explained in plain English.
| S85B50 | The internal code of the 5.0-litre V10 engine used in the E60/E61 M5. |
|---|---|
| SMG III | Sequential M Gearbox, third generation: a seven-speed automated manual gearbox with a single clutch operated hydraulically. |
| VANOS | BMW variable valve timing. "Double VANOS" adjusts both intake and exhaust camshafts. |
| Individual throttle bodies (ITB) | A separate throttle valve for each cylinder, giving very sharp throttle response. |
| EDC | Electronic Damper Control: adaptive dampers with several firmness settings. |
| DSC | Dynamic Stability Control, BMW's stability-control system. M Dynamic Mode allows more slip before intervening. |
| M Drive | A steering-wheel button that recalls a stored set-up of engine, chassis, gearbox and display settings. |
| POWER button | Switches the engine between a softer 400 hp map and the full 507 hp map. |
| Rod bearings | Bearing shells between the connecting rods and the crankshaft; an important maintenance topic on the S85. |
| Redline | The maximum permitted engine speed — 8,250 rpm on the S85. |
| E60 / E61 | BMW chassis codes for the fifth-generation 5 Series saloon (E60) and Touring (E61). |
| Drivelogic | The range of SMG shift programs that changes shift speed and character. |
| HUD | Head-up display: projects speed, navigation and rpm information onto the windscreen. |
| Limited-slip differential | A differential that limits wheel spin between the rear wheels; the M5 uses a variable M differential lock. |