BMW 5 Series E60 - Everything you need to know about BMW's most controversial car of the 2000's

Designed by a prodigy who didn’t live to see his creation shock the world, and with hi-tech features like a head-up display, adaptive steering and night vision, this is everything you need to know about the most controversial BMW ever made.
So stick around until the end of this video to find out how one of the most hated cars of the naughtys became a darling of design enthusiasts all over the world, with a little help from a Formula 1-derived V10 engine.

[@thvindran]

I love my e60.... I turn back every time I park my machine... to have a glimpse of its design..

[@motorheadscom]

Nice!

[@tent9668]

I am about to buy one this year but don’t know the neg price

[@javonism7746]

So true! 😂 I can park my Cadillac and just walk into the store but my E60 I always got to look back.

[@jsmoov27]

Me to💯

[@crizzle7979]

Same here love the m sport E60 amazing look of a car 🚗

[@thraciandude]

This car was designed in the late 90s but looks like something from 2012, they were WAY ahead of their time

[@pitbullbite5835]

My first and only BMW... And I love the design, the simplicity of addressing repairs, and like others... Just look back to enjoy the view... A classic...

[@sa4555]

This is one of the most beautiful cars ever designed by BMW, I know when it came out lot of BMW fans hated it but first time I saw this car was in Piccadilly Circus in 2005 and I instantly fell in love with it. As a student who was too broke, owning one was out of question, but as time marches I was finally able to get my own and love my car to NO END. This is the only car my wife who doesnt like any car other than original Mini says is an evergreen fresh design. so that helps. E60 M5 is truly a pleasure to drive, its V10 makes truly orgasmic sound but that engine has to be one of most beautiful naturally aspirated engines every made but unfortunately the rod bearing issue is so scary that I most likely might never buy an E60 M5, and in my country the annual Road Tax is almost 2500 USD.

[@zenshakujo8070]

How do you enjoy the car so far?

[@odeefromdawic]

Just buy a rebuilt s85 and swap it in. Worth the time and effort if it’s not a daily. The rubber seals are a constant headache but it’s a dream to drive. I dated a girl who had one and it was the only time I ever let a woman drive me around in my adult life.

[@doelbaughman1924]

I feel the same. When you said you look over your shoulder walking away, made me smile. I do the same.

[@CrazyBosnian3]

BMW E60 is the best BMW ever. I always fall in love again when i see my E60 LCI 530D ❤️❤️

[@errolmotene6273]

I love my e60 530d very much powerful machine

[@therealgraeme]

Recently bought a '04 545i SE. Absolutely love the car, and very often catch myself just staring at its beautiful design. It still looks modern, even though mine is now 19 years old. The latest BMWs look too aggressive for my liking.

[@brendan7632]

My grandparents bought an e60 530i in 2004. Oxford green with tan interior. Awesome spec. Still in the family today and I just love the car. Such a joy to drive

[@spelldiablo9539]

Oxford green is a ugliest color that bmw were offering, looks like diarrhea mixed with puges

[@jamesbmwgarage]

Really love E60’s. They are good cars.

[@SamDandashli]

My E60 is a magnificent machine and it has wonderful aesthetics. I am gradually restoring it to its former glory and I look forward to driving the car. I think it's awesome and I love it.

[@talonted1990]

I bought a e60 for my 16 year old daughter as her first car this past March and she loves it. 1 owner and 70k I had to get it, it was my favorite car when I worked at a BMW dealer back in the 2000s.

[@Doggo_Norse]

I remember when I was younger my uncle had this car, I loved it alot and it was a cool car, ever since then I've always liked the E60 the best 5 series

[@ivanchristie4492]

Being an E39 fan I hated the E60, but years later I bought an 530i SE LCI version fully loaded and fell in love with it. The shape and technology could easily live with anything made today and the driving experience from that 3ltr straight 6 was pure joy. It was definitely way ahead of its time.

[@blue_diamonds6329]

It's 2023 & these cars are still awsome 🤩

[@tommasozaza468]

My father had for 8 years the e 60 m5 and nowadays I still love this car

[@obadiahyasharahla7704]

I have a 09, and I love this car. I will park It to keep it pretty and drive it for weekends. Love this car!

[@AndresGarcia-qn3xv]

Just got my 2010 550i M Sport Got it from a solo owner with only 80k miles and clean title. The car is beautiful and it has the full package. I have to look back at it every time I park it, it will definitely get more expensive for me though but I’m willing to put in the work and time.

[@Wooster_]

I have a e60 2008 NA. I look back everytime I walk away also and I love it. But I’d love it more if I had the M5 front bumpee

[@curtismilam2027]

Thanks for the video. I have a 2006 E61...530Xi Touring. I love it. Lived in Budapest, bought it in Wurzburg, now have it in the US. Keeping it forever. Getting very hard to find. I agree it has a timeless design...it looks new even today, graceful.

[@dinjil1488]

I'm designer myself & agreed that E60 design is so evergreen....and u mention Malaysia...😁

[@motorheadscom]

I mean, I had to mention it, since it was assembled there :)

[@gman6584]

Great video. I am an original owner of a 525xi with only 24k miles on it. Love this car so much it only comes out in the sunshine.

[@anthonygillesse7242]

I have a beautiful e61 m packaged masterpiece and still look back at it when parked. It has also been reliable probably due to the fact I service myself. Dealer trust has left me speechless 🇨🇦

[@richardm5664]

Recently bought a 530i M-Sport and absolutely love it. I was repulsed by these cars when they launched and replaced the E39 but now I think the 4-door is one of the best looking cars ever designed (funny how taste evolves with time!) . It does really need the M-Sport bumpers, skirts and boot lip spoiler though. Mine has the 19" "spider" alloys as well (a bit nicer than the 18" MV2 wheels imo). Also the first auto I have owned but it is storming fast in sport mode for such a big car, and the kickdown is like warp speed.

[@sa4555]

I have to agree to that one, install M Body kit on it and it instantly gets more beautiful just by standing their. I prefer the MV2's as they still suit the over all style better, but that is my personal preference.

[@deanroy9420]

I believe the 18 wheels are less crashy than the 19” Agree?

[@richardm5664]

@@deanroy9420 can't speak from experience specific to the E60 but the general rule of thumb is that the bigger the wheels, the slimmer the tyres, and the harder the ride. I can't see why it would be any different here. MV2s still look good anyway so its not too bad a trade off if you want a slightly better ride.

[@DaSixSixOne]

I own an ‘04 530i with an M54 engine, sports suspension including active roll bars with Bilstein coilovers and a six speed manual transmission. I bought it new, wrench on it myself and will never sell it. It’s a great handling, lightweight car with still modern looks.

[@malinoisnation9392]

Yup especially if u put new headlights on it

[@buckdesystem4562]

I had an E34, then an E39, which I owned for many years, and now an E60. The E39 was the better looking car, however, the E39 is now a very dated looking car, whereas the E60 is still a modern looking car. I keep it in the garage, clay bar it, and wax it. I have the 18 inch rims from an older 7 Series Sport, while keeping the original rims for winter rubber. I get a lot of compliments, even though it is now 16 years old. And best of all: IT'S A MANUAL! Mine is the 2006, which is the first year of the magnesium engine. The car only has a curb weight of 3,400 pounds, which is about 500 pounds less than a new Ford Mustang GT. Mine is a one option car, just the sport suspension. I have Bilstein Sport shocks, M Sport front stabilizer bar and M5 rear, also rear M5 chassis support braces and M5 stabilizer bar, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. This is the best cornering car I have ever owned. People simply cannot believe how a mid-sized luxury sedan can corner like a high end sports car. My wife hates it, but my 13 year old son loves it. He has learned manual and has drive it in a parking lot. What I hate: it's overly complicated for no apparent reason. You cannot own this car without watching KZbin videos. Everything on this car is like solving a Rubik's Cube. The engineers thought of all sorts of ways to screw with the average owner. If you are not a car nut, run, don't walk, from this car.

[@lucacristian5919]

amazing review, a lot of details that I personally didn't knew about this e60. New subscriber!

[@commandertopgun]

Wow this i never knew about the e60 BMW wow, great information & awesome video totally enjoyed this video.

[@miguellabor2512]

Great video. I bought my E60 new in late 2006. Loved that it was iconoclastic. With the Sports Package it is a wonderful mix of luxury and performance. Still drive it almost daily, and have taken it all about the Western states with a Yakima sky box (because the Wife vetoed the E61).

[@GuamanianBlood619]

Coming from a e34 and e38 I was skeptical buying my e60 6 years ago but today it has been a great reliable vehicle 👍🏾 and has kept up well with its styling, currently refreshing my cars front and rear suspension I hope to own it for many more years

[@ottomanslapx7157]

Such a beautiful car with a soul and history.

[@SHWELL11]

Thanks for the history lesson.

[@mohammadbenattia9102]

very informative video relating to the E 60, cheers

[@richhastings2908]

I’ve owned multiple BMW’s and, over time, my E60 545 has become one of my favorites. It has the sport package, dynamic drive, active steering and best of all a 6sp manual. Last of the normally aspirated V8 sedans with a manual. People are always surprised when I tell them it’s turning 20 years old.

[@salim91160]

I Have a 535d e60 and i'm in love

[@motorheadscom]

That sounds nice

[@Trichur1972]

i still have 2006 550 i m sport done 200000miles and still drives like a dream.Been to all countries in Europe. all over turkey and still frequents between Munich and UK. Returns 430 miles on a full tank. Quoting the immortal words of Mr J Clarkson " I LOVE THAT CAR....I REALLY DO".

[@octopusmendez5742]

Nice analysis

[@thelost7682]

The e60 is the most beautiful car

[@saifol63]

Hello from Malaysia. I had a beautiful white 1989 E34, but it was getting long in the tooth, and I was looking for a replacement. My late dad was a Mercedes-Benz man. He had the W115, W123 (two generations) and W124. So there I was in a dealership, poking around for a W211, which I thought Daimler-Benz finally got the E-Class right after the oddity of the W210. I had seen the E60 before and, like many who first saw it, I thought "what an ugly mistake by BMW". But my wife, 11 years my junior, liked the E60. She insisted that I test-drive both the W211 and the E60, to check out the drive and systems first before deciding. After the test-drive, I decided that the BMW is a much better car. I got a straight-six 525i in diamond black. Over time, it grew on me. Today, it still looks contemporary and not as old as the W211. I love looking at it. The car is 20 years old now. I am restoring it. I just had the entire front suspension replaced, and the engine mountings, and the gearbox was re-built. It is such a wonderful drive again. Next, it just needs repainting.

[@mik3952]

I am about to buy a 530i 2006 258hp RWD Manual. Can't wait driving the thing. Sapphire Black with beige leather interior with wood trim. The car I dreamed of when I was a student

[@vanishlite]

Thank you for this vídeo!. What do you think about 545i? Thank you.

[@ALEXSOTO-vt1zj]

I have an e60 2008 pre lci and I love this car. The way it drives in all condition of weather. The car is a beast. Its a beautiful car even after 13 years old.

[@motorheadscom]

I agree!

[@JGV_IX]

Thanks for the video! This car was symbol of wealth and success when I was growing up in South Africa. My father later owned one and he cried after selling it from missing “the best car he ever owned”… It really was a majestic machine and a great drive!

[@sakhiweshezi]

A fellow South African 🇿🇦

[@JGV_IX]

@@sakhiweshezi Howzit! Great to see a fellow countryman here! 😎🇿🇦

[@five-star-media]

Why did he sell it lol.

[@JGV_IX]

@@five-star-media new wife didn't like it 😵‍💫 I think he loved the car more than the wife 😂

[@AdrianoStAubyn64]

I have an 2015 F11 and an 2004 E60 530Da. I still like the old one better and it's still a beautiful car. The problem is electronics...

[@bmwloverforlife8091]

Still have my 545i up to this day and I would say until death do us part.

[@newtonartist117]

I bought my 08 535xi AWD in 2012 with 68k as the second owner and now have 95k and have enjoyed the car ever since. Very reliable and it has amazing performance with that twin turbo flat six and 300 bhp --- 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds ! It was international engine of the year in 07 & 08 --- A real sleeper and handles amazingly. Hope to keep it until it dies : )

[@Luton-Mick]

Flat six? Did you jack a 911 engine? You better take it back to the dealer as it should have an inline/straight six under there.

[@2KBITES]

I love my 2010 535i, i just bought it in November, she an amazing vehicle ive never owed a bmw, im putting her back on the road im replacing alot of her main parts, she's one of a kind on the road

[@LandoB]

I just bought a 2004 black w tan interior, can’t wait to work on her

[@sli-fox]

E61 owner here. Beautiful car!

[@OneTireFire]

Great video! Please do the E90 too 😁

[@motorheadscom]

Noted!

[@ottomanslapx7157]

For a second I thought that I was watching Selçuk Bayraktar, the CEO of the famous Turkish drones company 😂

[@abhikdasbiswas4968]

davide was a legend, a close friend of maurizio corbi another legend. 🙏😭

[@adrianmeikle6458]

Thinking about buying an E60 in 2021 that has been parked for about a year or more. So I'm gathering all the info I can on it. Very informative video

[@sub.zero1989]

Buy it

[@wellingsrob4]

If it's got an N47 engine, avoid avoid avoid! The timing chain defect is an horrific experience.

[@jarrettg6634]

People always look stunned when I tell them my e60 is from 2008, they always want to guess 2013+

[@DE-eVOLVED]

I've just bought a 530d E60 ...can't wait for it to arrive !! Very nice looking car 👌

[@delta-qp1mi]

You will definitely love it

[@joelcromwell5983]

I have a unicorn, 04 545i with 6 speed manual transmission. It's very easy to work on and pretty reliable.

[@QuagmireHimself]

Thank god they produce it

[@davidsjoks]

I used to hate it but i own one now and i love it

[@ajsnigrutin2573]

Great video!Would love to have a 530i xdrive.

[@motorheadscom]

Good choice!

[@slick_flawlessbikerz]

I just got my e60 about a month ago ..love to see more content on the non M e60 😅

[@wheelsmeals2463]

I picked up a 2005 525i 6speed manual. Needs a little work. But overall I like it. She is pretty.

[@neilhembrowicp6465]

Just LLUUUUUVVVVE the sound of the E60!!! The M5 I'd take all day. Good vid mate, but it wernt 500hp, it was 507. 🇺🇸👊🇬🇧

[@RasKingBoogie]

When ppl say, "... This is EVERYTHING..." I hear James Humphrey, from donut media voice!😅

[@bp220688]

I have a E60 model in a prfect conition and i intend to to drive it a long time it is a perfect car.

[@nickdalton6609]

Love mine.. 08 535xi lci fully spec'd

[@adriangroeneveld9341]

Personally, I think the e60 design looks best in M-sport trim, black line, slightly lowered and with nice wide wheels. Otherwise it's a dynamic driver's car like any BMW. I just hope the costs for repair and maintenance stay acceptable for mine the next year or so as I have no intention of sacrificing everything just to keep it on the road. Plenty of younger cool BMW models out there. Good thing is that the spares and repair after market is strong for the e60 so no trouble finding specialists here. BMW garages, like any other brand, are only really geared up to servicing the more recent models.

[@sethpydiah8388]

i own one and it drives like a monster.

[@errolmotene6273]

I enjoy my e60 530d its a daily drive to work never go wrong❤

[@roachraider6169]

7:20 but you forgot the amazing 545i and 550i🥺 I think the 4.4l version of that V8 engine later became the n63 and s63 which is still in some of bmw's best sport and M cars.

[@crizzle7979]

Yup back then 550i E60 had a 4.8 liter V8 !

[@bmwloverforlife8091]

Still have my 545i up to this day and I would say until death do us part.

[@gregamericano1605]

If you buy an e60 get the m-sport exterior package (bumpers mainly) it looks like a wholde different car in a very good way

[@onomatopoeidia]

drives very nice when everything is working right which I'm yet to experience although I have bought this secondhand at 16 years old. Having said that, my previous Toyota Camry had done more mileage and always ran like a swiss watch and cost next to nothing to run unlike this overly complex and very high maintenance thing. So, it's an interesting hobbyist car for those with an extensive tool kit, patience and a great sense of humour. The engineering design flaws are staggering though. Putting sensitive electronics in the lowest part of the car in the wheel well has to be one of the biggest brain farts I've ever encountered. Doesn't it rain in Germany or something? Also, the continuous oil leaks, no dipstick for checking oil levels and ever blocking rain channels causing electronic havoc are incredibly dicey decisions in most parts of the world where service notes are largely ignored. Sticking an Android head unit in for modern Apple Carplay helps lift the day to day experience and the seats are comfy, the air con/heating and the transmission and steering are nice and very responsive. The engine is the star but thirsty and a definite enemy of our current economy so always carry a tool kit, avoid BMW service centres (ripp-off liars in Australia at least) and enjoy it while fuel is only twice the cost of milk!

[@BubbenKopp]

I own a carbonblack 530D E61 with M-Package and its an absolutely gorgeous reliable car.

[@kindnesstoall]

I have the 2019 BMW 540ix. It's beautiful. I too turn around to look at it whrn I Park it. ?? How does one know if it's an E series??

[@egwuogusmarth.c4949]

E60 non m5 is the last true bmw for me , is a car i will always want to own and that probably will be my first car

[@bluerineimb1148]

I dident like the e60 attol when it was launched & dident like right up to 2019 I've had e28,e34 & three e39s still have one now I sold the last e34 in 2020 after owning it for 5 yrs always loved them but I bought my therd E39 in 2018 & it just out shown the 34 in every way so after selling it the E39 was my only 5 I had & had such a Hunger to buy another & after much reading & watching of info on e60 I decided to get one.& The one I fancied turned out to be the model all the fans & forums recommend the 530i m,sport pre LCI after 6 weeks of searching I found a jem & I've got to admit I planned on just keeping it for a few months so I cauld say I've had one but I'm so impressed with it I'm keeping it plus they are so rare now so wat I once disliked I now love

[@Zhuko_BF3]

I'm also in love with my 5 Series and I've already had three different ones: an e60 23i LCI, an e60 30i LCI and currently an e61 30d LCI. Which one did I like the most? Maybe the 30d, but I miss the 30i. Anyway, any of them is a great car and I don't see myself with another model, really. I have been with e60´s since 2012 and I like it more and more.

[@motorheadscom]

Very nice!

[@sa4555]

E60 30i is one of the best engine capacities, there is ample HP and torque in that engine plus I have been told by few folks that its a good candidate to install Turbo to get more performance out of that engine. However I fail to understand why one would want to do that with their E60.

[@bluerineimb1148]

They are the last of the real 5,s try finding a a straight 6 F10 I only sied to someone yesterday I wauldent want a newer BMW then my 06 530i

[@adriangroeneveld9341]

@@sa4555 a 30i indeed doesn't need a turbo but I heard from a racing tuner that generally the aluminium generation bmw engines are not very suitable for charging. He's had some customers back with cracked engines after mounting a compressor. He said the old cast-iron block engines are the best for supercharging. Up to 1 bar boost with no issues.

[@jayweckerle5498]

I've owned over 40 cars. There is only one car I regret selling more than my 2008 535 and that is my 2007 Z4. If I had the where with all I would hunt down another 2008 535 and it would be my last car.

[@2KBITES]

Guess what I have a one for sale, 535i x drive if you see her you'll love her she's gorgeous in and out

[@MAADMAAC]

Best car ever made it!

[@donnadong5837]

The front design is one of the best ever from BMW, the newer ones just don't look as good imo

[@philipdenner8504]

I own a E60 2007 525i with 97,000 klms on it and it is better than any new car i have owned

[@marlonbaird6070]

Design wasnt understood because it was ahead of its time

[@mgzs100]

Im from England 🇬🇧 and love my 520D E60 163bhp it runs like brand new with 103,000 miles on the clock

[@five-star-media]

Is it reliable? I am thinking of getting a 2006 520d. It will not be my daily driver because I ride my bike to go to work. I'll be driving it on weekends and vacations.

[@stevenchanga3456]

hello friends please assist me on BMW 5 Series engine N52 i bought it a used one from Japan after getting to Tanzania i experienced over heating because of water pump and thermal start i decided to replace the new ones but after the replacement i used just a month then the problem came again,then i was bought a new water pump after diagnosing the car but unfortunately the problem is still there please what might be problem

[@pitbullbite5835]

Have you noticed any antifreeze in any area around or below engine? Hides leak, and some in hot areas of engine which weaken old rubber. Loose clamp leak. Thermostat stick and cause overheating. Bad cylinder head leak into oil galley. Clogged radiator... I'd start with the procedure to bleed air out of system to see if pump working and system clear as fluid circulates.

[@bikeextrem2485]

Fa și un video in romană te rog!!

[@fariiziboss5024]

This most beautiful design from bmw..e46,e92,e63 n e60 best design ever..now mercedes more beauty than bmw

[@BmwFix]

I bought it because was in love with its design. Still not bored with my 4 th E60. I can do everything myself in this car. I show my reparations on youtube channel.

[@RevHerUpToTheMax]

354k miles for a BMW is rlly good

[@S500-]

NO Matter what You And Others Say its Hedious Looking, Anyway i Like your Presentation ,informative i Like it.👍

[@user-pl2we7uf2o]

義大利人設計。

[@adamsargeson520]

It’s design aged well…you look at a 2007 Mercedes’ they look ancient

[@chrisdaniel5004]

The problem with aging BMW cars is the aging electronics go bad. I was so relieved when I got rid of mine.

[@Michael_Michaels]

0:40 The ugliest car BMW has ever made, in my opinion, was the 7 series fourth generation E65/66.

[@motorheadscom]

I tend to agree, the 7 Series was way worse

[@granthouse1046]

E60 is the worst transmission ever

[@miguelfernandez4499]

These cars are made in china it’s not a real German Bmw

[@hanynowsky]

Mine was made in Germany. It depends on the market. Bmw manufactured E60 in Germany: Dingolfing China: Shenyang Mexico: Toluca India: Chennai Russia: Kaliningrad Thailand: Rayong Malaysia: Shah Alam, Selangor (AMIM) 2003-2008 & Kulim, Kedah (Inokom) 2008-2010 Indonesia: Jakarta Egypt: 6th of October City

[@sash328]

This is one of the first ugly BMW cars, the begining of the end for the brands design.

[@motorheadscom]

To each his own, I guess.

[@AidanRoldan]

Disagree. This is one of the best aging designs right up there with the e92

[@AA-zl1zc]

Ugliest 5 series ever! 🤮 It even doesnt look like BMW, more likely like some japanese car. Biggest BMW design fail ever