The sound of the E60 M5 is one of the reasons people fall in love with it. Here is where it comes from.
Ten cylinders, high rpm
A V10 fires more often per revolution than a V8. Combined with an 8,250 rpm redline, this produces a high-pitched, almost motorsport-like tone as the revs rise. At idle the V10 has a slightly uneven burble that changes completely as it climbs.
Individual throttle bodies
With a throttle for each cylinder, intake noise is sharp and immediate. Much of the "rasp" you hear under acceleration comes from the intake side.
The exhaust system
The factory exhaust runs from each cylinder bank through catalytic converters and silencers to four tailpipes. It was designed to balance character with comfort and legal noise limits.
Aftermarket exhausts
- Choose a reputable manufacturer and check the system is legal where you drive.
- Removing catalytic converters is illegal on public roads in many countries and harms emissions.
- Louder is not always better — some systems drone at motorway speeds.
Want to hear it? Go to our 3D experience, press Engine Start and hold Gas.
Always comply with local noise and emissions laws.