The E60 M5 lets the driver shape almost every aspect of the car. Understanding the POWER button and M Drive is the key to getting the most out of it.
The POWER button
Every start begins with a softer engine map of around 400 hp. Pressing the POWER button on the centre console unlocks the full 507 hp map with sharper throttle response. A third setting increases the sharpness of the throttle further for sporty driving. Many owners press POWER as soon as the engine is warm.
EDC — Electronic Damper Control
The adaptive dampers offer Comfort, Normal and Sport settings. Comfort suits poor roads and long journeys; Sport gives the best body control on smooth roads.
DSC modes
Dynamic Stability Control can be fully on, in M Dynamic Mode (which allows more slip before intervening) or switched off. M Dynamic Mode is a good choice for enthusiastic road driving because it keeps a safety net.
SMG programs
The SMG III gearbox offers several shift programs in sequential and automatic modes, from gentle to very aggressive. See our SMG III guide.
M Drive: your personal set-up
M Drive, configured through iDrive, stores a complete combination: engine map, damper setting, DSC mode, SMG program and head-up display content. Pressing the M button on the steering wheel recalls it instantly — and pressing it again returns to the normal settings.
A sensible set-up
- Daily: POWER off, EDC Comfort, DSC on, a gentle SMG program.
- M Drive: full POWER, EDC Sport or Normal, M Dynamic Mode, a quick SMG program.
Educational content written by enthusiasts. Always follow official service information and a qualified technician.