BMW M5 E60 Guides
Original articles about the history, the S85 V10 engine, the SMG III gearbox, buying and maintaining the BMW M5 E60.
BMW M5 E60 History: The V10 Super Saloon
How BMW M put a Formula 1–inspired V10 into a family saloon: the development, launch and legacy of the BMW M5 E60 (2005–2010).
Read guide →EngineThe S85 V10 Engine Explained
A clear explanation of the BMW S85B50 5.0-litre V10: design, individual throttle bodies, VANOS, the 8,250 rpm redline and what makes it special.
Read guide →DrivetrainSMG III Gearbox: How It Works and How to Drive It
The 7-speed SMG III in the BMW M5 E60 explained: Drivelogic modes, launch control, how to drive it smoothly and how it compares with the manual.
Read guide →OwnershipBMW M5 E60 Buying Guide
What to check before buying a BMW M5 E60: service history, engine, SMG gearbox, suspension, electronics and the questions to ask the seller.
Read guide →OwnershipE60 M5 Maintenance Checklist
A practical maintenance checklist for the BMW M5 E60 and its S85 V10: oil, warm-up, bearings, throttle actuators, SMG, cooling, brakes and more.
Read guide →DataBMW M5 E60 Specifications
BMW M5 E60 technical specifications: S85 V10 engine data, power, torque, performance, gearbox, dimensions and weight.
Read guide →ModelsBMW M5 G90 (2025): The Plug-in Hybrid M5 Explained
The seventh-generation BMW M5 (G90) pairs a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for 727 hp. How the hybrid system works, the key figures and how it compares with the V10 E60.
Read guide →ModelsBMW M5 E61 Touring: The V10 Estate
The BMW M5 E61 Touring combined the 507 hp V10 with estate practicality. Its history, differences from the saloon and why it is so collectible.
Read guide →TechnologyPOWER Button and M Drive Explained
How the POWER button, M Drive, EDC damper settings, DSC modes and SMG programs work together in the BMW M5 E60.
Read guide →EngineS85 Rod Bearings: What Owners Should Know
Why connecting-rod bearings are the most discussed maintenance topic for the BMW S85 V10, the warning signs and how owners approach prevention.
Read guide →EngineThrottle Actuators on the E60 M5
How the electronic throttle actuators on the S85 V10 work, common warning messages and how owners diagnose and fix them.
Read guide →ComparisonM5 E39 vs E60 vs F10: Three Generations Compared
Comparing the BMW M5 E39 (V8), E60 (V10) and F10 (twin-turbo V8): engines, character, technology and ownership.
Read guide →DrivetrainThe Six-Speed Manual E60 M5
Why BMW offered a six-speed manual E60 M5 in North America, how it drives compared with SMG III and what to look for.
Read guide →SoundWhy the V10 Sounds Like That: Exhaust and Sound Guide
What creates the famous BMW M5 E60 V10 sound: firing order, high rpm, individual throttles and the exhaust system — plus advice on aftermarket exhausts.
Read guide →ChassisE60 M5 Wheels and Tyres Guide
Factory wheel and tyre sizes for the BMW M5 E60, staggered set-up, choosing tyres, pressures and alignment tips.
Read guide →OwnershipEngine Oil for the S85 V10
Oil specification, change intervals, oil level checks and oil analysis for the BMW M5 E60 S85 V10.
Read guide →OwnershipHow to Store an E60 M5 for Winter
Step-by-step guide to storing a BMW M5 E60 for winter or long periods: battery, fluids, tyres, SMG and waking the car up again.
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