BMW E60 M5: years, specs and history (2006–2010)

BMW E60 M5 at a glance

BMW E60 M5 history

The E60 M5 used the Formula 1-inspired S85 5.0-liter V10, rated 500 hp at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft, paired at launch with a 7-speed SMG automated manual. The 2006 car was priced at $81,895 including $695 destination, plus a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax.

Responding to US demand, BMW NA added a conventional 6-speed manual as a no-cost option from the 2007 model year — a North America-only choice. The US was the car’s largest market; the E61 M5 Touring was not sold here.[1],[2],[3]

Body styles and chassis codes

BMW E60 M5 specs by variant

US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW E60 M5 variant we could source.[1],[2],[3],[5],[6]

0–60 mph figures are BMW-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many BMWs are electronically limited to 130 or 155 mph; see trim notes.

Compare every generation side by side on our BMW M5 specs page or with the BMW trim comparison tool.

What changed from the E39 M5

1. EngineThe 394-hp S62 V8 was replaced by the 500-hp S85 V10.
2. GearboxThe E39’s 6-speed manual gave way to a 7-speed SMG, with a 6-speed manual returning as a US option from 2007.
3. AccelerationBMW’s 0–60 claim fell from 4.8 s to 4.5 s.

Sources:[1],[2],[4]

BMW E60 M5 known issues and recalls

• S85 V10 connecting-rod bearing wear

  Documented issue · 2006–2010

  The S85 V10 revs past 8,000 rpm and runs tight bearing clearances, and premature rod-bearing wear is widely reported by owners and specialists. A worn bearing can spin and destroy the engine. Many owners replace the rod bearings preventively and shorten oil-change intervals. Throttle actuators and VANOS components are other commonly cited wear items on this engine.[7],[8]

• Positive battery cable bulkhead connector can overheat

  NHTSA recall 12V-126 · 2006–2010

  The E60 M5 shares the regular 5 Series recall for the battery cable connector in the trunk. A loose bolt at the connector can overheat it and start a fire, even with the car parked. BMW advised owners to park outside until it was fixed.[9]

NHTSA recall check by model year: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010. Recalls apply by VIN, so confirm completed work for the specific car.

Symptoms and what to check for each item are on our BMW M5 known issues page.

What to check before you buy a BMW E60 M5

• Ask for records of any connecting-rod bearing inspection or replacement on the S85 V10.
• Confirm the battery cable recall (12V-126) was done by VIN.
• Confirm SMG or 6-speed manual on the build record; the manual was offered from 2007.