01 · Overview
The V10
The fourth M5 is the only production BMW with ten cylinders. The S85 was an all-new design and, unlike any M engine before it, was not based on any production unit from BMW AG. From 4,999 cm³ it produces 507 PS at 7,750 rpm and revs to 8,250 rpm — a short-stroke design with a 92.0 mm bore and 75.2 mm stroke, compressed to 12:1.
Standard shifting was via an automated seven-speed gearbox (“SMG Drivelogic”). A six-speed manual was only available in North America — it was never orderable in Europe. From 2007 the Touring E61 joined the range; it remained the last M5 Touring built until the G99 of 2024 and, with just over a thousand examples, is one of the rarest production BMW models of all.
02 · History
Einordnung
Four dates that place the M5 E60 within the series.
- 2004 BMW unveils the V10 engine S85; the engine blocks come from the foundry in Landshut.
- 2005 Series production of the Sedan begins with 507 PS and 7-speed SMG.
- 2007 The Touring E61 joins the range. In the same year, delivery of the manual gearbox begins in North America.
- 2010 Production ends in summer. The successor F10 switches to a turbocharged V8 — the V10 era ends after one generation.
03 · Engines
Der S85
A naturally aspirated engine designed for 100 PS per litre, and which needed the revs to get there.
S85B50 · V10 naturally aspirated engine verified
The first and, to date, only V10 in a production BMW. Forty valves, two overhead camshafts per bank, 12:1 compression. The high compression required elaborate knock control — BMW refers to this as ion current measurement at the spark plugs. The S85 later served as the basis for the V8 S65 in the M3 E9x, which is essentially an S85 shortened by two cylinders.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 4.999 cm³ |
| Bore × stroke | 92,0 × 75,2 mm |
| Verdichtung | 12,0:1 |
| Leistung | 507 PS (373 kW) at 7,750 rpm |
| Drehmoment | 520 Nm at 6,100 rpm |
| Drehzahlgrenze | 8.250/min |
BMW M · Wikipedia · Auto Bild
04 · Weak points
Reliability & Weak Points
- Rod bearings. The most frequently cited issue. Wear is reported from around 100,000 to 150,000 km; a metallic knocking in time with engine speed is the warning sign. Many owners replace them preventively.
- Throttle actuators. The S85 has two of them. If they fail, the engine goes into limp mode, usually accompanied by the engine and DSC warning lights.
- High-pressure VANOS. The pump and solenoid valves are wear items; symptoms are a rough idle and loss of power.
- SMG hydraulics. The pump and clutch of the automated gearbox are among the most expensive items to maintain.
05 · Engineering
Gearbox and drivetrain
7-speed SMG
Handschaltung
Engine blocks from Landshut
Technical data — final drive ratios & gearboxes
- Length
- 4,855 mm
- Width
- 1,846 mm
- Height
- 1,469 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,889 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,855 kg (Sedan)
- Tyres front
- 255/40 ZR19
- Tyres rear
- 285/35 ZR19
- Fuel tank capacity
- 70 litres
- Not verifiable and therefore not listed as a figure
- the number of manual-gearbox cars. Auto Bild states 1,364 vehicles in one article and 402 in another for the 2007 to 2010 period. Both figures come from the same editorial team and contradict each other; independent confirmation is lacking.
The dimensions refer to the Sedan. For the Touring E61 we do not have any figures confirmed by more than one source.
06 · Buying guide
What matters
The M5 E60 is not a car that is cheap to maintain. Whoever buys one is also buying its maintenance history — above all that of the rod bearings.
Rod bearings: Were they replaced? Ask for an invoice, not a story. A knocking in time with engine speed when the engine is warm is a deal-breaker.
On the test drive, run it up to higher revs, but only once the engine is fully warm. The throttle response must be immediate.
Engine warning and DSC lights: Both lighting up together points to the throttle actuators.
SMG: Check gear changes in all programs. Hesitation when engaging a gear points to the hydraulics.
Have oil consumption documented. The S85 is not considered economical, but a sudden increase is a warning sign.
07 · The competition
The Competition
Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG (W211)
6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 M156, from 2006. The direct rival of the era.
Audi RS6 (C6)
5.0-litre twin-turbo V10, from 2008. The other ten-cylinder — but turbocharged and all-wheel drive.
08 · Sources
Belege & Literatur
Primary sources are BMW M and the BMW PressClub; technical data was cross-checked against Wikipedia and the trade press. Where figures conflict, the discrepancy is noted in the technical data.