We gave the Stig the keys to our 500hp V10 BMW estate - What does he think?!

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Ben Collins will have driven an E61 M5 Touring when it was new back in the day, so what will he think of our V10-engined car 15 years on? Mike Fernie met up with the ex-Stig to see how the M5 stacked up.

[@Drivetribe]

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[@julesviolin]

Leave as is and leave in Drive. Paddles waste of time !

[@brian8833]

STANDARD on the transmission, a la May. The best mod you can make right now is get rid of those manky, rusted lug nuts and buy some new. Freshens up those otherwise beautiful wheels.

[@SeektheLordsface]

You should've asked us the audience first if you should swap the trans, then ask the stig what he would think if you ended up doing the swap after he just drove it, it was like a slap to his face when you asked us after you asked the stig if you should, why even ask the stig at all if you were going to shoot it down, or were you hopi5he said yes?

[@Graham_Wideman]

For a guy relegated to a non-speaking role on Top Gear, Ben turns out to be very smooth with the commentary-while-driving! Nicely done!

[@Pugjamin]

He wasn’t relegated to a non-speaking role, that’s just the role he went for.

[@gyallis4life617]

Literally

[@davehenderson6125]

I really like Ben’s commentary too.

[@James-miller]

You do know He didn’t only do top gear

[@S.ASmith]

Generally the case if you're an advanced driver. Just to pass most the courses you HAVE to do a commentated drive.

[@jmike8934]

It's hilariously ironic to see how well of a car reviewer/presenter he is knowing how long he sat there in utter silence and void of emotion.

[@gunsandcommissions]

I agree, but how do you know he wasn't making a silly face the entire time?

[@TermlessHGW]

I think nowadays he should start a YT channel. Every petrol head that grew up on OG Top Gear would luv it.

[@mry82]

right? :)

[@Sweaty__Sheep]

Totally!

[@ramseyperson7604]

@@TermlessHGW bro I wish. I would only watch his videos.

[@oliverkoch2003]

I´d leave it as it is! The Stig told you to do so, too, you should listen to him! That automated box really gives you the best of both worlds.

[@lexwaldez]

Agreed. You've got an expert familiar with the vehicle (and a legend at that) telling you not to. Ignore that advice at your peril.

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Very enjoyable video! Need more Ben!

[@bigt6359]

I’m with the Stig …leave it as is . Perfect daily!

[@PatGleeson123]

Couldn't agree more :-)

[@nickd4104]

I also have the same colour (which is Monaco Blue) M5 Touring. I love driving with the SMG gearbox. It is an automated manual gearbox so to me is the best of both worlds: Easy to pootle round town, and faster than you could do it yourself on the open road. This little blip of the engine it gives as you change down is heaven. I can't double de-clutch like it🙂

[@dannyharris8273]

Leave it alone. If it ain't broke and all that

[@bettykidwell6306]

some wheels, exhaust and tune would only sweeten this puppy, but nothing crazy. Would love to have this as a grocery getter

[@TheDefaultgameer]

"What dog?" that sounds like a Stig situation.

[@jamesd9523]

Yes Drivetribe! More Collins content please. The man is a legend and absolutely knows his onions in regards to how a car should behave. He can drive at full chat without as much as a stutter. That's a skill! Oh and leave the car alone. It's beautiful and brilliant as it is 😁👍🏻

[@olewurtz7625]

Apart from this being an interesting and enlightening review of an “old” car, I almost spat out the coffee when Ben replied “what dog ?” 🤣

[@caroldocherty6810]

I like Ben he is a great driver. Pls leave it as is. Get the air suspension sorted and you have a great car.

[@HodgsonKurt]

Its great when someone who knows about cars commentates! :)

[@carlosoruna7174]

Dump the air bags. Put a nice set of coilovers.

[@sometropicnuts5274]

@@carlosoruna7174 it’s not a track car it’s meant for the streets and motorways

[@carlosoruna7174]

@@sometropicnuts5274 umm never rode on bags. Ehh. Audi quattro wagon with the turbo 2.7 worst car till Iswapped the bags

[@caprise-music6722]

*STANDARD* is the benchmark of excellence

[@Jordan-im8gp]

More Ben Collins videos please 👌🏻 love listening to what he has to say. It just feels right that his been included in Drivetribe. Feels as though the original Trio plus the Stig is back except this one isn't biting heads of chickens 😄

[@alistairwhite2906]

He's been up to something though, check out the scratches on his arms......

[@caprise-music6722]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@michaelulizio2716]

@@alistairwhite2906 I noticed that too lol. Maybe a cat? Idk maybe doggo? I wonder 💭

[@robertbeirne9813]

@@alistairwhite2906 from pooping in the woods.

[@davidleadfoot]

The getrag smg III was developed specifically for this engine and only this engine. It makes the most of the engines power band and for me adds to the driver experience, auto for when you want to poodle about, flappy paddles for race mode! The manual gearbox has 6 gears compared the the 7 of the smg, it will drop the revs too low between gears and therefore performance wise will be slower.

[@BrunoGDC]

I think the same, this car and the SMG3 were made for each other. I think that making the manual swap is overpurism

[@nicolasbocchino3761]

Except it’s one of the worst gearboxes ever created

[@BrunoGDC]

@@nicolasbocchino3761 It had the fastest gear change back in the day, lol, 65ms is fast af

[@davidleadfoot]

@@nicolasbocchino3761 in your opinion! Having driven multiple other brands with automated manuals of the same era, it’s on par if not better in some areas.

[@nicolasbocchino3761]

@@BrunoGDC every single reviewer nowadays says it’s clunky, especially in towns. And what I meant is that it’s one of the most unreliable transmissions ever.

[@TheMeChaNic55]

Keep the SMG!! Here in Canada we got plenty of manual e60 m5 and having felt both the SMG gear ratios fit the s85 powerband much much nicer. The car feels quicker with the SMG and 4-6 gears only drop around 1k rpm upshifting making it sounds like an f1 car on the highway. Ppl here swap the diff on the manuals to 3.91 i think but that gets expensive and you'll be revving higher while cruising.

[@TTGT2000]

Agreed keep it stock

[@rebelranter]

e63 M6 and DCT M4 owner here, keep it SMG. I think it completely suits the character of the car. Keep it SMG. Following Ben’s comments on the rear suspension, it would be interesting to see can they be tweaked with some fresh hardware.

[@marcelimthorn9115]

Bmw m5's in canada? I thought everybody there would drive a pick-up truck or something.

[@CookedOnions]

@@marcelimthorn9115 Oh trust me, they do lol.

[@stephensaines7100]

@@marcelimthorn9115 Actually we all drive dog sleds to get home from our lumberjack jobs...on 12 lane highways. Go figure...

[@MattGD2001]

Leave it as is, could ruin the value in a few years. You have a rare car there, other than performance mods like the intake leave it stock. Would love to see more Ben on the channel, would sit here and watch him review cars for hours

[@sedat850]

True,a few days ago a old Peugeot 205 gti in the Netherlands.Sold for a whopping 80000€ on a auction

[@lonerider5315]

It’s already written off. If there were a car to manual swap, it would be this one.

[@suprac19]

@@lonerider5315 and make it slower in the process. Bmw gave it 7 gears for a reason.

[@ASBO_LUTELY]

Only 80 Euros? That doesn't seem much...

[@JeepCherokeeful]

As a write off it will probably NEVER have much “value”

[@alexanderthomas2660]

I don't know how exactly you do it, but these videos feel like a spiritual successor to the original Top Gear.

[@RangieNZ]

No to the manual swap. I find that with some of the estate cars, they totally change character with a bit of load on-board. Try putting some weight in the boot and see if the rear suspension issue is resolved.

[@ferfire9]

Could also be rear bushings /subframe , my e92 suffers the same thing , the rear moves all over

[@AdamNeal]

I agree with Ben; leave it auto. Buy the manual and have it ready when the auto dies so you can swap it in then but don't swap it just because.

[@danielnorthcott53]

I had a E60 M5 as a daily commute. I loved it!! Full service history and never went wrong!!

[@wub5753]

This is some really fantastic car television. I feel like I'm watching the best days of Top Gear again. Well shot and very well presented. Ben has such a vast amount of experience and such a great personality for this type of segment. More please!

[@dna6882]

Yeah I know right? Makes me feel like im back in the mid 2000's in those amazing 3rd-10th(ish) series where everything was just fantastic and original

[@garthknight1234567]

We need more Ben,! similar to why Chris Harris is loved and respected so much is because of the raw driving talent and knowledge of driving dynamics he has

[@adammoonface]

My vote is to keep the SMG.... It's part of the car's story and personality. It's a slice of history, even if it's a bit flawed.

[@oscarwalton1188]

Fix the air suspension and leave it as it is it's a very nice car and you don't see them every day

[@robi4387]

I look at mine every day ;) I don't drive it every day though. I work six days to drive it one

[@Yvolve]

If it wasn't a 1 of 1 spec Estate, I'd definitely manual swap it, but given how rare it is, I'd leave it as is. It'll be worth a lot more when it is all original and as Stig said, it being the last of the Touring version, it is even more desirable. The engine is perfect, the minor interior damage has been repaired. Keep it as is and when you sell it, use that money for an even better project and keep selling up. See how far you can take it.

[@CherylCold]

Ben is like the James Bond of car guys. How this guy didn't get a job as a frontline presenter is beyond me. Edit- there comes a point in car size where you don't want a manual box. This is in that category.

[@guyforlogos]

I disagree, full size cars with a manual are awesome.

[@lbnewell23]

When the auto is a dct I agree, but when it’s the awful transmission that came in these stock I’d welcome the manual

[@diopsidem5]

I would keep it as is and not go for the manual gearbox. The SMG is pretty reliable for an automated manuel (there is far worse out there!) and the experience is very unique. DSC off + S6 is nothing like you will ever experience again! I have driven both and for me the SMG is best. The manual gearbox feels like an afterthought and does not suit the character of the engine as well as the SMG does. The SMG is brutal like this car should feel.

[@futeditzs2482]

A V10, 500 hp and Ben Collins at the wheel, should be interesting...

[@aidansky55]

Honestly, I think the estate looks better than the sedan.

[@adambritain5774]

100%. E55/63 the same.

[@TheTAEclub]

yeah I would grab the estate too to have both I don't know how different the m6 is

[@fatfalcon3434]

@@TheTAEclub M6 is basically the same thing but a coupe, so I guess it would be lighter and more maneuverable.

[@xelad6159]

That SMG3 Gearbox was built specifically for that engine, the manual that the US Market got was an after thought, a sales pitch. The ratios aren't matches to the power band as well for the S85. It might be more fun having a manual but in terms of pure performance the SMG is the better transmission.

[@WolfyTime]

With an estate car and a manual, it is all about the fun and not the racetrack.

[@SJWetz88]

I own one and I can safely say that you’re completely wrong about the 6mt

[@xelad6159]

I mean it doesn't matter what you think really, the facts are the facts. BMW Designed and matched the SMG specifically for the S85, it's not used on any other engine. S65 has different power delivery, it's manually transmission is not matched as well as the SMG to the S85. The SMG3 has a shift time of 85 - 150 milliseconds in S6, there's no way you can manual shift that fast.

[@ke70gt18]

Unfortunately BMW fitted the 550i gearbox and not the e92 M3 gearbox I think the gearbox out of the M3 will be much better suited

[@xelad6159]

@@ke70gt18 The manual box is the M3 / S65 manual box

[@Cynical_Ninja]

I test drove the e60 M5 when it came out. The salesman accompanied me on the drive and as we were turning onto the highway onramp I put the driver window down and he vent like: no, no, we can put the AC on. I just looked at him and floored it 😆 there is nothing quite like a V10 noise

[@j.delaney5525]

Keep the SMG! I always loved the SMG once I learned to let off the gas when shifting at low speeds. That car was made for the SMG.

[@suprac19]

I always find that makes it worse, just keeping your foot where it is and let the computer do it’s stuff works best for me, never had an issue with the gear changes.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

I have smg2 in m3. I flat shift and use stick in town at half throttle. Above half throttle use paddles and lift a bit.

[@MH30R]

Original is best. Great tourer, great sound, plenty of power and torque. Manual would be slower and annoying in any start/stop traffic scenarios.

[@callumhoskins4028]

Ben is a fantastic reviewer, he needs his own channel!!

[@bennordberg6374]

Would love to see more videos with Ben. So enjoyable to hear him talk about cars and seems like a top bloke

[@HyBy]

Getting some Gordon Ramsay vibes from Stig.

[@zedosbois8000]

Lol..!

[@MrCommandoBrandon]

Yes! A manual E61 would be fantastic!

[@MohammadAWaly]

I wouldn’t do the transmission swap… As a big family estate, the automatic is much more practical, and as a classic car, keeping all of it’s quirks stock will only help maintain its value

[@chriskohtz5441]

What a delight. The two of you made a great episode! Love hearing from Ben. Don't manual swap it. It sounds like it is near perfect as it is

[@Mladjasmilic]

Every time I have a bad day, I play part 2 of Jeremy's review of M5. When he pressed M button, I get goosebumps.

[@rooster16091982]

That video forced me to buy one. Very happy.

[@dmitriiboiko7613]

Totally agree with you man

[@ChemBustaRhymes]

Anyone else wishing the Stig is doing power laps again?

[@oicism]

Please have him do more reviews like this, great quality from a legend!

[@kadenw968]

we need more stuff reviews, even though he never talked on top gear, I already feel a connection between this guy and the show that i will always love

[@twagenknecht]

At least, Stig takes care of his dumps!

[@amitchakrapani6262]

More of 'ex- stig' videos please, he knows how to keep the audience engaged in the video

[@mlautens]

Ben Collins, best Stig of them all. I've heard him on Fifth Gear also so we know he's a very smooth and well spoken commenter. Love seeing him! Regarding the car -- leave it as-is. That one is special.

[@paulandersson6120]

- "Where's your dog?" - "What dog?" 😆 😂

[@RyanWright11]

This is exactly the afternoon distraction I've been craving!

[@muhammadzailani7313]

I really like this car and I think it is the most special car I've ever seen in my country Nigeria. I never expected seeing a car that rare, that special and that niche in that place.

[@GTAPanos]

This channel is just so wholesome and entertaining and generally such a positive vibe ❤️

[@lenep9985]

That was some OLD SKOOL car reviewing by ben....loved it💪👍

[@5ShotProductions]

What really drives me crazy (besides the lovely E61 M5!) is the fact that there are two different brands and models of tires mounted on this car. Being a RWD car, with wider tires at the back it's a well known fact that BMW's (especially the models with "some" hp) are reacting kind of weird when there are two different brands/models of tires mounted on the car. And it will get worse when the tires are a bit "gone", what can potentially happen with an E61 M5. And please: DON'T swap the SMG III with the manual gearbox of the E92 M3. Yes, in the US you could order the M5 with a manual gearbox (I think it was from the 650i or so, can't really remember exactly), but the E6x M5 is special for three reasons: 1. V10 NA engine 2. SMG III transmission 3. Available as an estate So PLEASE don't change the gearbox on it. Thanks a lot and very kind regards from Germany, Philipp

[@eddiefumar]

Thanks Ben for letting me know that I bought exactly the right car. I actually quite like the SMG as long as you don’t drive it in D and the lower shift speeds.

[@neilyates3255]

I think the only time D gets used in mine is when the wife drives it.

[@jaypatil150]

Another one hit out of the park! Ben Collins is one of the finest car reviewers there has ever been. Such an inspiration.

[@grachtschrap]

Production keeps getting better, big up!

[@kkk.542]

That was so great review from Ben. Can you guys make it regular thing and have Ben reviewing any car ... new or old .

[@Skhwe_The1]

Don't swap it. It's perfect the way it is. Gives the car its own character

[@edinborogh]

Awesome review Ben.

[@seanoreilly1832]

OK this is amazing. More of this please

[@ydid687]

ben is an excellent presenter, this video is ofc a class apart and no don't manual swap this, its already perfect in its own way.

[@slonky821]

Ben is excellent at reviewing, would make a brilliant presenter for sure

[@gerbil_horde]

Not heard Ben do an actual review before - he's brilliant! More please! :-)

[@jeffreychamberlin7378]

As an American, this is the type of video that made my love early 2000s Top Gear!

[@davidsubotin7122]

I think with a car like this a manual swap would not be a total money pit in terms of future value of the car, at worst you would be coming out even in terms of the money you spend manual swapping it. So yeah in my opinion GO DO IT, you'll end up with a much better driving experience.

[@Thanos.m]

People are freaking out with originality when in the US it was offered as a manual anyway. The thing this gearbox isn't great and it will grenade itself at some point so may as well manual swap it now.

[@davidsubotin7122]

@@Thanos.m Yeah exactly, you are not redefining the original formula, but rather creating the ultimate version of the car in OEM+ guise

[@robi4387]

@@Thanos.m No it won't. It won't grenade itself. If the hydromotor seizes which it will, it locks. It is a PITA but you pull it out put a new one in, change the fluid and off you go again.

[@grubbytech]

Definitely keep the auto box. It’s much more in keeping with the car. Making it a manual in today’s traffic jams makes no sense either. I wouldn’t change my 5 SE touring auto box for a manual again. Did it once and sold the car three months later to buy another 3L with an auto box which I’m still tooling about in five years later.

[@bobsmoot8454]

Another great short , having the Ed-Stig (Ben) drive the car was fabulous

[@johnohiggins5572]

Brilliant video, more Ben please

[@McMarschmellow]

I say swap it. In the end it is about the driving pleasure and there are a lot more sport wagons with automatic transmissions. If you are looking for a 500 hp manual wagon... well there aren´t really options for that and I think it is just as it is with a CSL. You don´t ruin it with a manual swap, especially since it isn´t a dual clutch.

[@andydye7883]

Keep as is. Love the stig always. My hero

[@royclarke8455]

Ben Collins is the David Attenborough of the car world,very knowledgeable in his field,well spoken,trusting and just a polite person,love him to have his own show

[@DJStrobe]

That opening joke was class 😂... "What dog?"

[@naveensherif4836]

Nooooo keep the car stock ❤️ Just as it came out of the factory.

[@papalaz4444244]

I'll say it again - these two + another - start a new TGT B team to face challenges. If history tells us anything it tells us that progression and change, done properly, keeps a show alive for a long time :)

[@BumblebeeTF10]

Tim Rodie maybe

[@amazingzone8659]

Ben is right. Do not swap for a manual. This kick you in the back and your nuts smg has it's vibe. Keep the whole car as OEM as possible. Not many of them around in this state

[@zOsO0535]

The ex stig is an absolute legend. what a pleasure to have him in our community.

[@danielc4296]

I would say don’t swap for a manual, it is less modern and it takes away a lot of driving and sound (the way it sounds on shifts) experience. The kick in the back on hard up shifts is then history. Nice video, thanks!

[@rorypuds]

Ben Collins, confirming the fact that he is indeed the car review version of Gordon Ramsey.

[@diopsidem5]

I did not expect the Stig to love this car so much

[@sanscipher]

All time favorite M5. Yes, manual, please. The US (!!!) version had a manual for the E6x M's that was never sold in Europe, but yeah, there's that guy who dives even deeper into the BMW parts bin to put together something that's apparently even better. I would make sure the engine is in perfect working condition first, though, and if it is, do the swap.

[@edmonddrake1409]

Please dont manual swap it, its already great. Don't poke the bear. You've been so fortunate to have found this in as great a shape as it is. Love seeing Ben drive and commentate as well.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

I would definitely leave it... As a lover and owner of the saloon version, I am of the opinion that the SMG gearbox is part of the whole package and and experience, and one of the reasons why these cars are still so talkable today... But that is just my opinion... 👍

[@o_mondi1274]

Manual it they can afford another v10 or return the SMG .... we all curious

[@tasteful7364]

Loving this... Ben is a natural.

[@kernowkennedy]

I like the idea that Ben Collins just appears out of a Copse when called. Great content!

[@MrJayscinema]

Rare cars like this are never made better by non standard “upgrades” leave as intended with the auto

[@ankledsquid]

Alas still no explanation on the mondeo

[@KhairulFadzlyAKarim]

Listen to Stig. He was really having fun with the car 👍🏽

[@BadDogSnickers]

I had an E60 M5 back in the day. Lots of issues including a blown S85 (not cheap) but I still loved it so much that I kept it for over 4 years.

[@sionjones1257]

My vote is definitely to manual swap it, give it the gearbox it always deserved

[@Metal05]

For what reason? Ben Collins who has driven for James Bond stunts, raced cars, was on Top Gear testing cars around dunsfold for 7 years or so, and he says leave it as it is. He knows what he’s talking about. Why spend all that money, when it’s perfect the way it is. 🤷🏼

[@sionjones1257]

@@Metal05 Because manuals are more fun than automatics, especially old single clutch ones, because modifying cars is cool, because having something unique and interesting is better than having something standard and dull, and finally because I just personally prefer manual cars. They asked Ben's opinion, and that's great, but they also asked for everyone else's, and mine happens to be that swapping in a manual would make it a better car. I'm sure the car is fine as it is, and I'm sure it's adequately fun, but I believe that having a manual would improve it. If you feel otherwise, that's fine, but just because I have a different opinion to someone else, regardless of their experience, doesn't make it wrong. I wouldn't argue with Ben, or anyone with his level of expertise anything objective with regards to driving a car, but the question of manual or single clutch auto comes down purely to opinion. Me thinking that the car would be better with a manual doesn't detract from anyone else thinking the car should have an auto, and I understand why some people might think it would be. Does that answer your question fully enough?

[@Metal05]

@@sionjones1257 ah great, thanks for providing me with a very in-depth answer of manual vs auto. You gave me the answer I was looking for. Cheers and enjoy your evening.

[@sionjones1257]

@@Metal05 You too ✌️

[@54mgtf22]

No manual swap. Love your work 👍

[@matthewrendell1713]

More of Ben and car reviews please! Don't change it to a manual keep it as is - lovely car. I had a V8 and loved it!

[@petermorris9592]

Irrelevant and unnecessary introduction to the video, but highly amusing. Keep it auto. Its not like it's a lazy, sloppy slushmatic. It's quite precise and keeps you in the torque band well. Plus gives you the luxury cruise option. Honestly, what would be gained by making it manual?

[@nathan_law]

Manual makes every car better!

[@dmacaulay75]

Some say he defecates in small plastic bags and he is completely right about not doing the gearbox swap. All we know is, he's called The Stig!

[@knowlesb8]

Ben really needs his own show, he speaks the language of a car enthusiast and so easy to listen to.

[@speedking1353]

Ben is super cool... those scratches on his arm makes me think he really ran through the woods!!

[@Individjual]

How genuine in his answers and observations, most people would of said yes go for the manual its purer, but he totally gets and understands the V10 estate, its a family tourer, why spend that money its all there already, he didn't once mention the jerry response from the gearshift, it appeared at home in his hands. Wish i could afford one of those. That noise!

[@si_h44]

ben should be a permanent addition to the chanel, his car reviews are superb!!!!

[@danielwilliams4007]

These two, plus a third presenter with the same charm and knowledge would make a cracking TV programme.

[@superchargerone]

oooo I like the silent stig back then. Now watching the talking stig, I like this version more. Please have him on more.

[@naceks]

still the prettiest 5 series for my taste. I drove this machine years ago on a track and it was magical...engine sound of that V10 is crazy!

[@baloonia1]

I would love if Ben would take the Steering wheel of this channel, of course Mike and the Crew are the people who are doing the blunt of the work, you guys need a bigger budget. Maybe combining it with sponsors, I wouldn't mind watching a minute of ad segment if it we could keep The Stig. Combine it with guests and their cars/projects from other channels could also be helpful spreading the word.

[@edu4818]

keep doing stuff with the stig is sooo cool !!!