M5 World
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Paragraph. The E60 M5 was introduced in 2005. It has a 4,999 cc(305.1 cu in) BMW V10 S85 Engine redlining at 8250 rpm, and developing a peak output of 507 bhp (378 kW; 514 PS) and 520 N·m (380 lb·ft) of torque. Unlike some other BMW engines which utilise Valvetronic to infinitely vary valve lift to eliminate the throttle plate, this engine has individual throttle bodies per cylinder.

Other key features include a stiffened Aluminium chassis and a 7-speed SMG III Semi-Automatic Transmission. Front fog lights are unavailable for the E60 M5, as the amount of air required by the engine forces the spaces under the bumper, normally occupied by fog lights in other E60 cars, to be reallocated for air intakes.

The BMW M5, along with the new BMW M6, were designed to use the new SMG III ElectroHydraulic Manual Transmission. The transmission, while responsive at the track, has been criticized for its general lack of smoothness in everyday driving. In October 2006, BMW announced that a 6-speed Manual Transmission would be available in North America, based on suggestions from the motoring press. The 6-speed manual M5 was marginally slower, since the stability control cannot be disengaged as per the SMG version. The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature, which allows maximum performance Standing Starts automatically. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced rpm to prevent vehicle damage and abuse.

The M5 Features an F1 inspired engine and transmission controls, including Launch Control, Dynamic Stability Control, and the option of changing to either automated or manual, as well as the speed at which shifts are completed (there are 11 shift programmes in total forming what BMW calls Drivelogic). Manual shifting can be done with either a console shifter, or the steering wheel mounted shift paddles, both of which are fitted to all SMG M5s. The console shifter is the type used on manumatic transmissions; tipping it backward (toward the "+") shifts up, while a forward tip (toward the "-") shifts down. The shifter can be moved to the left to access neutral and reverse. The car also features a "power" button on the steering wheel (labeled "M") which offers access to three modes: P400 (limiting the engine to 400 PS (294 kW; 395 bhp) for daily driving use), P500 (unleashes the full 507 PS (373 kW; 500 bhp)), and P500 S (for full power and sharper throttle response, selectable only from the "M Drive Settings" in the iDrive menu). P400 is the default start-up mode, the P500 modes are preselected using iDrive and then activated from P500 S using the "M" button.

Performance


The E60 M5 took the title of the most powerful midsize sport sedan when released in 2005 with the 5l naturally aspirated V10 BMW S85 engine

  • 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 4.7s
    • (0-100 mph: 10.1s, Road & Track [2/06])
    • (0-60 mph: 3.8s, Road & Track [2/06])
  • Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) actual (or 163 mph (262 km/h) indicated) with electronic speed limiter; 209 mph (336 km/h) actual with limiter removed
  • Power: 373 kW (507 PS; 500 bhp) at 7750 rpm
  • Torque: 520 n-M (384 ft-lbf) at 6100 rpm
E61 M5 Touring (2007–present)

The E61 M5 Touring was introduced in 2007, only the second M version of the 5-Series Touring after the E34. It shares the same drivetrain with its saloon sibling, and serves as a rival to the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate. The Touring isn't offered for sale in North America.