THE LEGENDARY V10 ENGINE! E60 BMW M5 Review

[@TheStraightPipes]

Find YOUR Total Energies oil at totalenergies-tsp.com

[@Gearbhall]

you are making me miss my E63 M6

[@vz6235]

Do the F10 M5 next please! 👀👀

[@TheChazas]

The best era of cars, where we had hatchbacks with V6/VR6 engines, BMW with V8 and V10, Audi with iconic 5cyl, V6 supercharged, V8, V10, V12, even turbo charged. Had no idea what to expect next, good times.

[@jonlosito2004]

And even a Volkswagen Touareg with a TDI turbo diesel V10. Yes. They offered a diesel V10 in an SUV the size of a Jeep Grand Cherokee!!

[@TheChazas]

@@jonlosito2004 oh yes, there was W12 too, same as Q7. These models rocked insane 6-pot Brembo brakes, which a lot of people use/upgrade for other cars.

[@ankbrq]

Was an incredibly rich era in terms of car culture and technology variety. Regulations utterly destroyed everything that charming about motoring.

[@ndb_static_6850]

@@jonlosito2004the size of the vehicle isn’t that impressive because Ford was selling Vans and Trucks with the Triton V10.

[@Frank-vk4sv]

@@Matthias_Fischer An F10 550i??? Lol no

[@Camride]

I've been daily driving my 2008 M5 for 11 years, it's a fantastic car and it will never be replaced. Never selling mine, it's basically family at this point.

[@thekidmanny377]

How im planning to be with my e92 m3

[@kamilb8232]

Respect. These naturally aspirated screamers aren't coming back. At least not unless you have GT3 or hypercar (T.50) money.

[@IAmTheStrawThatStirsTheDrink]

It's not like there's a line outside your house of people asking if they could buy it, so yeah, keep your family sedan.

[@fr2738]

Same man, even though it is the most unreliable piece of shit I own, I fucking love that thing

[@ajr_e46]

@@IAmTheStrawThatStirsTheDrink whats your problem

[@rare6499]

We’ve gone backwards. The 2000’s was an incredible time for cars we just didn’t realise things were going to get worse not better.

[@Swifty-Kommando]

Same with essentially anything else

[@aabidamn]

Not really. This was the time when the Germans started to cut costs by using cheap materials and invested less in R&D. The time when they decided to focus more on profit over build quality. To make things worse, this was also the period when they transitioned to a completely digital technology for their cars. So understandably they were having a hard time to find the balance of cost savings and making a reliable, durable, quality, yet luxurious product. Some of the most unreliable & poorly built German cars were made in this era.

[@mizaqenyad4269]

We're currently in the golden era of the internal combustion engine. Too bad the cars themselves are getting so heavy.

[@snakeeyes9246]

The world is dying. We need to change.

[@rare6499]

@@mizaqenyad4269 I would agree with this to some extent but the problem is cars have been hijacked by weight and electronics. The amount of regulated driver aids now is crazy. Mid 2000’s cars had none of this stuff. You got in and drove. The M button on this v10 was the first of the slippery slope in a way.

[@NomadJedi]

20 years later, the car is still beautiful. Incredible.

[@jtsangerman]

I've had an E60 6-speed for nearly 5 years. I got it with low miles and drive it daily. I haven't replaced it because there's nothing as special. It's such a wonderful car.

[@ghostwrench2292]

You’re right. There is nothing as special. Three pedals makes it a keeper!

[@alangil40]

I don't have an M5, but I have had an E60 535i M-Sport 6-speed manual for the last 10 years. Almost 150k miles and great condition and reliable once got last normal N54 issues. They only made it one year 2010, so it's LCI. The N54 has a tune, so it goes. And looks very similar to the M5, especially since I upgraded wheels. I chose this at the time because I live in Colorado and NA motors lose a lot of power, plus practical reasons like fuel range, reliability, etc. But often I do wish I made the M5 choice. I also still have it because they drive so well like many BMWs of yesteryear.

[@axe2grind244]

Saw a brand new Alpine White/Black 6 speed with the window sticker still on it in 2006 and I’ve wanted one ever since. I can afford to buy one, but I can’t afford to own one. I’m assuming about $10k a year on maintenance?

[@jtsangerman]

@axe2grind244 No no no. Not that crazy. A few thousand, for sure, but not $10k. But, with 10 cylinders, everything is more. For example, I just replaced spark plugs for $800+.

[@jamiebray4205]

I still remember the TopGear episode, where Jeremy called it Ugly, but I always thought it looked good, much better in person too! F90 is still the best IMO

[@trilingualkid]

Nah it's ugly

[@nikokondang7841]

Its not ugly, its just a difficult follow up to a very pretty E39

[@WinkerPack]

I also remember when he was a total boomer and couldn’t turn off the navigation 🤣

[@chrissmith-rv5ro]

"...so they festooned it with a chin spoiler..." Jeremy Clarkson.

[@Dankturboz]

It’s not ugly, but it’s not pretty either. All in all it’s just eh

[@ericcarson342]

I remember when these came out. V10s were making their way into the market. Gallardo, Audi S8, and M5/M6, all around the same time. Oh yeah, Porsche and Lexus dipped their toes as well. That V10 sound was so distinctive from the BMW and of course that LFA.

[@CB12345]

V8s and V10s are my favorite type of engines, especially the 10 used in the Dodge Viper, LFA, Carrera GT, and this M5 generation.

[@EpicierVeneneux0]

RS6 and R8, too.

[@user-rl6px5ob3d]

F1 too

[@90boiler]

Viper is laughing while burning your legs by side exhausts

[@CyanRooper]

Honda almost made a new NSX with a front mounted V10 engine. Lamborghini wanted to make a V10 powered sedan to rival the BMW E60 M5. The 2008 financial crisis destroyed any chances of those cars ever being built. Even Ford at one point was considering building a V10 supercar to rival the Dodge Viper, either a V10 powered Mustang or a V10 powered Ford GT. Just imagine how different the automotive landscape would be if the 2008 financial crisis never happened. We were robbed of the best automotive timeline and we didn't even realise it.

[@walkthnyt2000]

Most people who criticize these cars have never owned one. I’ve had mine for ten years. Same spec as this one but with the grey interior. 162k on it with around 10k on its rebuilt motor and SMG. Ive had many of the great ones, but there’s nothing else like the driving experience this car gives. It’s pretty much a unicorn these days even at BMW meets. It put down 468 on the dyno before the rebuild and feels even stronger now. Some parts are getting scarce like fuel injectors etc but I’ll keep it as long as I possibly can. It’s the last naturally aspirated BMW M5.

[@Quadratkamm74]

The chime after the clunky start at the junction was perfect comedic timing

[@viveks4816]

That was too perfect 😂

[@haiducchu]

Anyone looking for the iconic BMW sound? It's at 8:59

[@ricegarage]

Finally a good review on the E60 M5. I love seeing these cars get respect for the incredible driving experience they offer.

[@clinttube]

Glad you guys are fans of the V10 E6X's! I have a 2007 E64 M6 6-speed I picked up earlier this year. First thing I did was put fresh Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02's on it all around and order BMW Euro-spec headlamps from Germany to get the silver integrated side reflectors as originally designed. I think that "light blue" color you guys liked is actually the color I have: Silverstone II Metallic. In 60% of lighting situations it's a medium/light metallic silver, in 30% it's pale blue (like in your picture), and 10% of the time it's a mix of both transitioning btw front and rear. One of the best silvers colors I've seen when the paint is in good shape. Next to my Maverick Silver Metallic G8 GXP it's crazy how different the colors are (that one is a very metallic, pure silver). More info if anybody is considering an E6X and the inevitable SMG vs. 6-speed question: I had been looking for an E63 M6 coupe 6-speed, but since there are only 379 E64 and 323 E64 factory M6 6-speeds I couldn't be too picky when one with perfect maintenance history and nearly immaculate paint became available. The main downside of the E64 is it's 489 pounds heavier than the E63 coupe - which is a lot. The 6-speed saves you at least 32 lbs. vs. SMG, although it could be double that. While you pay the weight penalty, all that bracing makes it drive like no other convertible vs. the coupe with minimal change in dynamics/apparent stiffness. The stock exhaust on the M6 is different and louder than the M5, and the convertible lets you hear the bark a ton more even top up with the retractable rear window. I wanted the 6-speed but I also really like the SMG. It's absolutely faster: 1st (

[@gg2324]

My question is how is the chassis rigidity in that car? It seems like many people criticised that aspect of BMW convertibles from that time(I remember a video from Chris Harris with the m6 and the sl63 for exemple)

[@bcatz454]

@@gg2324 The m5 e60 was already quite floppy and not stiff. Can't imagine how much worse a E64 is.

[@clinttube]

@@gg2324 I looked up that video and it's the F12/F13 M6 not the E63/E64 chassis he was referring to. I test drove a couple of those (I only really pushed the coupe though) and I can definitely understand his criticism. The thing mine has absolutely zero of that would bother me is scuttle/cowl shake; top up or down there is no hint of it even around the 150mph neighborhood. The F13 M6 I took to high-ish speed did however, so I can imagine the convertible is worse. I'm sure the F13 M6 is plenty stiff but I was really TEST driving a 2014 and while it felt highly capable and planted/was very confidence inspiring it, did have some scuttle shake/skittishness for being a newer chassis. Not to the point I have taken it off my future list though (the optional night vision is something I really want). All that said, actual ride quality is better on the newer car. The V10 M6 isn't unsettled by holes/bumps, but you definitely feel them even in comfort mode. FYI: my M6 with 50k miles was in great shape when I got it, and even so I refreshed the front suspension (control arms/dampers) due to age. The condition of the suspension and bushings on any car is key, as always. The E63 coupes I drove felt very rigid too (obviously moreso than the E64 but not dramatic), although they were SMG's so I was paying more attention to that frankly. I know somebody commented the E60 M5 was floppy but I haven't driven that one. The wheelbase is 3.5 inches shorter and 3.5" shorter in height on the coupes/convertibles vs. the E60 M5. Plus the center of gravity is lower on the E64 than even the E63 coupe, with both significantly lower than the M5. So I don't think a comparison is very applicable. Plus the 2-doors are slightly wider. The thing the E64 has besides 489 lbs. extra vs. the coupe is the additional chassis bracing, of which there is a LOT at the very bottom of the car. The length is basically identical, but not wheelbase.

[@gg2324]

@clinttube thx for your insight I figured the e6x would be even worst since its older and probably lighter (and I know that an e36 3 series convertible is really kinda floppy although it's a bit older than those cars)

[@nikatskhvediani6298]

I think Jacob took a glimpse for a check engine everytime he floored it 😂 Love that car, legendary

[@TheStraightPipes]

It's not a check engine light, it's a feature.

[@Gamezoner911]

Thankfully it is possible to build a reliable S85 these days. Replace the rod bearings, oil pumps, throttle actuators with upgraded aftermarket parts that makes it much more durable and fixes a lot of issues with the oem parts If you have the money, you can swap the problematic SMG trans with a DCT.

[@v12-s65]

why is it so hard for them to make a fine engine in the first place

[@AB.CarVids]

How much would that cost in total? + the price of the car

[@Frank-vk4sv]

DCT swaps are getting more popular. A guy in Florida did one and is going to write up the whole process. I need to pick up a low mileage one before they go up in price. Pair it with my E60 535i xDrive Single Turbo for E60 perfection lol

[@user-cn7eq8ix4s]

Never swap DCT it just doesn't belong to this car . SMG III only

[@afn4393]

@@AB.CarVids 15 hours of labor, plus parts. Probably $10k in my area.

[@Gogoterps]

That exhaust sounds so much better than anything I’ve ever heard on this channel. I remember seeing one up close on the street and I just couldn’t keep my eyes off of it.

[@m3lowiesvlog715]

Still remembered hearing the straight piped E60 M5 in person when I was in college,that exhaust note was glorious,crazy!!!

[@Doubleyou115]

I'm around the same age as you guys, and this car was the KING when it came out. I still remember seeing one roll down Huron Street near UofT and just losing it. Remember Clarkson's review? And to top it off, I went for a spin in one around 2007 and was absolutely flabbergasted by the performance. The one I was in had the automatic bolsters which just blew my mind at the time. Thanks for taking me back to those days. What a modern classic!

[@jimmynickelz]

Can't believe how much $ I dumped into that S85...so addictive and perfect noises. Don't ever use launch control!!! SMG3 is not your friend.

[@TheStraightPipes]

Haha I knew not to use launch control even though it’s BMW’s museum car. I have some mechanical sympathy

[@jimmynickelz]

All of the pumps and actuators and windows xp derived programming are barely holding on, but it's such a great driving experience. Great vid fellas.

[@Alshehhi777x]

I did launch my E60 M5 and destroyed the clutch 😂 wasn’t worth it at all.

[@jimmynickelz]

@Alshehhi777x till they've had red cog of death nightmares, they won't really understand. 🤣🤣🤣

[@karangrewal_]

This is a Video that DESCRIBES TheStraightPipes channel.

[@Paul_Y_T]

Brings back memories of the M6 V10 I had 06-08. Loved that car. It could be so refined that is masked the speed for nervous passengers, but then it could be an absolute hooligan if desired. I was always a fan of automated manuals, had SMG in e49 M3 and M6, and r-tronic in v8 and v10 R8's.

[@clubracer6]

I’ve been racing cars for over 30 years, 25 track on 4 continents, yet my life time top speed was achieved in a E60 M5. The car is still pulling hard, serenely I might add, at 160mph. I loved the E60 when it came out and had a 535i Msport, which I really enjoyed and kind of miss. I do want another E39 M5, but man the V10 is just a box that needs to be checked.

[@Frank-vk4sv]

I have an E60 535i xDrive M sport single turbo but I need that V10 in my life eventually lol

[@GauravKhanna625]

I had a 2006 from 06-10. Sold it at 60k miles. One of the most thrilling and unique cars I've ever owned. The exhaust note was intoxicating!!!

[@gmanintheoc]

Had this car it was a 2006 with this exact spec. Bought it with 45k miles. Sold it with 97k miles. Zero I mean zero problems. Nothing. Multiple road trips 300 to 1200 miles at a time. Daily drove it. Took it to 170mph. The car was amazing. Miss it. Will buy another WITH SMG. I loved the SMG. If you treat it well, let it warm up, no launches, don’t donut the car, but drive it hard it will be great.

[@thatv10]

6 years later and I'm still in love with mine

[@deathboundtv]

Same

[@cogedlomatalo6955]

Great video! I've owned every M5 from the E39 to the F90 and I've only kept the E60 since moving to Lamborghini because once you feel that EPIC V10 it's very difficult to have anything else. I also have an M6 GC as a runaround which on paper is a "better" car in every way but it's souless compared to the E60. I've also driven the E34 and E28 M5s too and as great as they are, don't really do much for me if I'm honest. I also think the E60 has a disadvantage here because for some insane reason you could never have an upgraded exhaust from factory and these cars NEED one. I myself have a custom built one from Akrapovic (they never made one for the E60 M5), Eventuri carbon intakes and plenum and it just sounds unreal, another league compared with even my Huracan if I'm honest. I also LOVE the SMG but for the 1st year or so I didn't then something just clicked. You have to truly learn that gearbox and once you do, it's beyond rewarding. Have owned it for 8 years from BMW Park Lane and put nearly 60K miles on it and still has the BMW warranty. Reliability-wise it has been phenomenal for what is essentially a 4 door supercar (not super saloon like the others). Regardless it's not a factor for me, from purely as I really don't care where these guys place the E60, being a multi-owner of M5s and put 10s of thousands of miles on them there's absolutely no contest the E60 M5 is not only the greatest M5 ever made but the best sports/super saloon ever made and it's not even close. As Jeremy Clarkson said a few weeks after driving the Ferrari F430 "It's the best car I've ever driven". A true legend.

[@presdentbarkobamna7871]

you preferred the e60 over the e39?

[@cogedlomatalo6955]

​@presdentbarkobamna7871 Only by a little. I had both at the same time at one point and whenever I wanted to go out in one I'd almost never pick the E39 over the E60, the V10 would sway it every time if I'm honest but I still love the E39.

[@Jmarzx]

Thank u for convincing me to get one now I will as a second car to my SI . I do love the f10 cause the turbos are amazing but I found a manual 7 speed E60 100k miles 15k price I wanna lookk to get

[@duffydon1741]

@@presdentbarkobamna7871yes, its the better car!

[@cogedlomatalo6955]

@@Jmarzx I had a 750hp F10 M5 Comp that got featured by the BMW Instagram page with my E60 (got over 250K likes!) and I liked it but could never love it, RWD was ridiculous in that car even at stock power but I hated the sound. Just make sure you either a) get one with a warranty or b) get one that has had at least the rod bearings done and you should be fine. The potential pain and anxiety is worth it lol.

[@ondrejkonopasek9363]

Important thing that should have been mentioned: this engine is clean sheet engine. Every part of this engine has been designed specifically for this engine, no parts are being shared with other engines from the BMW lineup

[@blakesmith5198]

Yes! More vintage reviews like this!

[@TONEScott]

Fu**ing amazing luxury car. A one of a kind. The E60 has never stopped looking modern.

[@xisleprez]

2 words: Straight Pipe.💪

[@Gamezoner911]

Kinda mixed about that. I like the V10 to sound smooth rather than rapsy

[@xisleprez]

@ I feel that, I’d try hard to stay out of the pedal smashing. “try”

[@Gearbhall]

Trust me, headers and full exhaust are plenty loud. Primary cat removal is hearing loss levels of loud.

[@Jmarzx]

@@Gearbhallid love headers and full exhaust with no resonators and valved exhaust im coo wit that!!

[@darkages9507]

M539 Sreten who is one of the most knowledgeable BMW experts on the tube, tells E60 M5 is probably better car than the E39 M5. And E39 M5 is his favorite BMW of all times. So one can tell E60 M5 is good.

[@MrXerxes]

Own both. E60 M5 is more special. E39 M5 is a better all arounder. Depends what you are after. Ideally, buy both!

[@serg2007tv]

I am finally seen M5 V10 on your Channel for the first time! We love you Jakub and Yuri!!

[@SmartFirstPrincipleThinking]

2008 E60 M5, 5.8L Stroker full race header etc., etc., SMG 565+ WHP on the dyno 3.91 rear gearing, every possible OEM+ upgrades love this car, will never sell it…

[@dmclaren]

I’ve owned my 2008 since late 2010, same color, SMG, but with the updated lights and stuff that comes on the facelift (LCI) year. It’s now got 112k miles and getting into some of the more expensive repairs, but not unreasonable for the age and mileage. What surprised me is that for so many years it needed nothing but routine maintenance or a battery. I did change the exhaust in 2011, rear mufflers only (section 3), to Rogue Engineering Diablo and I still love the sound. Changed the wheels a couple of times over the years, too. The car had already depreciated pretty hard when I bought it, probably fresh off a 3-year lease, so it’s been a great value considering how much I’ve enjoyed it. Other cars have come and gone but I doubt I’d seriously consider letting this one go unless it were to blow up catastrophically. And now for a small prayer… 🙏

[@112hounddog]

Such a unique car, I have 206k miles on mine and it still makes me smile every time I drive it. Revving it out to +8k every drive!

[@oldguysgaming99]

I owned a 2007 from 2009-2012. I’ve had so many cars but this one always takes the driving experience/sound crown. Plus it was a CPO M5 when I bought it so all those little reliability issues were a non factor to me. Warranty covered my SMG when it failed. This was a total “look at me” car with the rumble of the V10 even when driving slow down the street. I had an Eisenman Race exhaust on mine. Thanks for doing this video. Brings back so many great memories.

[@The_North0]

Too bad you missed out on the all new carbon plenum from eventuri which makes the car sounds even better since you sold it.

[@aymanlockhartable]

Im simple man, see M E60, I click!

[@cbotten106]

Nostalgia, on rare occasion, is a good thing. This is one of them.

[@Manhattanranger93]

People used to hate on this car's looks when it came out. Arguably one of the best looking BMWs for me.

[@hstefan]

Sreten aka @M539Restoration 's favorite V10 - that man has rebuilt the S85 from scratch. Absolute legend.

[@travis4161]

He rebuilt the S65 from scratch not the S85

[@MBS..]

@@travis4161 also the alpina from scratch

[@four32i]

So glad to see this platform getting some love in 2024. This was always a bucket list car for me and I was able to find a one owner example earlier this year with all the major's done

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

In this era BMW and Audi were putting V10s in sedans and wagons the N/A 5.0l V10 and the 5.2l V10 Twin Turbo in the RS6 as well as the N/A 5.2 V10 in the S8. Crazy times that will never be seen again.

[@henrychen8067]

face it! this has been the one review that we truly waiting for 🥰

[@davepelletier4400]

I learn to drive on my dad's E60 M5! My dad daily drive it in Montreal Canada and has 300,000km on the clock and his still run strong! Been loving the Bmw videos boys❤

[@lizards821]

had to get at least one BMW "there's a problem" warning bong in there

[@memedowsss]

My dad had one when I was a kid. Crazy car🔥

[@MisterSkizzels]

holy crap i'm old.

[@memedowsss]

@@MisterSkizzelsnah man u good Lol I age everyday aswell I’m 23 yrs old now

[@CR-di1lg]

This is one of the best reviews I have seen in a long time. You guys did something different here. You found the fun in the car. Low how you turned the gearbox into an experience and had researched how to make it work instead of comparing it to other transmissions. Even the new M5 review was good as basically the only thing that car is good for is driving fast through Germany.

[@zweigrilke6418]

I owned a 2007 M6 convertible and it was one of the most beautiful, fun cars I’ve ever owned. However, past 100,000kms, the maintenance costs went just bonkers and eventually, I had to sell it. $10k a year in various maintenance wasn’t unusual at some point … I miss the sound of the car but not the bills:)

[@JohnAyala]

Great video guys! I had a 2006 e60 M5 when it was new and my wife & i loved it. Used launch control all the time, but everything was still under warranty 😁. Had to get rid of it because we were having a baby & my wife would get queazy being in the passenger seat. It was the pregnancy... mostly 😉 Long story short, I could never find another car that i wanted more (with 4 doors) and so I got a low mileage 2007 M5 SMG, two years ago & I'm loving it. I have known people that have done the manual swap & it is great to drive on the street but this car/V10 is made to hang out at the 8K redline & human shifts combined with the whole not geared for the car, IMHO do not warrant removing the SMG. While the SMG I is clunky in traffic, I have heard the upgrade to the SMG III is the way to go. If/when the SMG goes out & I have the money, I'll probably want to do that swap. Glad to see the E6x M5/6 getting some love. Manual or SMG, you can't go wrong with that S85 and a nice exhaust system 🏎️

[@evancain6756]

After the clonky clonk 8:52 when the chime went off I was like 👀

[@bmw4631]

I have a 2008 M5 and quite frankly it’s one of the most reliable BMW i’ve ever owned. Only 70k miles i do all the maintenance on it so it doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg. So yes if you find a low miles car that hasn’t been abused, definitely buy it. Then you can customize it a bit, get a set of Bilstein B16 damptronic, an Fi exhaust and the equal length F1 exhaust headers with a tune. Remove the charcoal filters and get an under drive pulley, you might hit 600hp. It’s an incredible driving experience! PS: i would NEVER swap my SMG for a manual lol

[@Kaipeternicolas]

I used to own a brand new 2008 M5 SMG. Absolutely the best car I’ve ever owned. No modern M car comes even close to it for me. The SMG is a phenomenal transmission. It is super fast (for a single clutch especially for the time), super responsive to your inputs, and just straight out of the best era of F1. I don’t know if the guy just repeats what he heard other reviewers say about it being clunky or if he has actually driven the car a few thousand miles. I had my car for 3 1/2 years,only drove it without DSC being ON to be able to drive in the fastest and most aggressive shift mode. I needed a new clutch at about 41k miles but that was only $5k if I remember right. Totally worth it. As you drive the car you figure out how to drive it a bit smoother when the girlfriend (now wife) is onboard. Lifting while shifting though gave me horrible results and I never did that after trying it for a short period. I am actually considering buying one again. Also, the reviewer didn’t seem to know, the M button on the steering wheel is customizable like modern M cars. You can setup the car the way you like and then save it to that M button. Mine was DSC Off, P500 Power mode, EDC in soft, shift speed at Max.

[@TheStraightPipes]

M engineers told us to lift. It’s a museum car and they built it lol

[@Kaipeternicolas]

@ then the only reason they might have told you to do that is to not wear out the clutch on their museums piece. Because there is no other reason why you’d do that. It was not designed for that. Ask Dr Burkhard Göschel. Oh and the launch RPM was around 5,500 rpm if I remember right.

[@frenzythebeast]

I think Yuri’s comments perfectly sum up my thoughts and ownership of this car. Prior to ownership for months I watched and read reviews about this car and they always mention the “obnoxious” and “terrible” gearbox. But I can truly say it’s not bad AT ALL. I love my 2008 M6 convertible with all my heart. Even despite the ownership cost….

[@S8ER]

Had the pleasure of seat time in one these around Road America a couple of times. Active bolsters worked really well and that sound is glorious.

[@itsreallyjakub]

I don't need one. I don't need one. I don't need one

[@TheStraightPipes]

You dont

[@Gearbhall]

If you can find a manual one get that. I used to have a SMG M6 and I loved that car.

[@Gearbhall]

@@TheStraightPipes hard disagree. He needs one. As a fellow Yellow Z06 owner I must enable him.

[@wilfloyd7635]

Prove it

[@ggmgoodgamingmichael7706]

I need one

[@ZKhweziN]

Owned the E63 M6 for 5 years... Absolute bliss. x-pipe the exhaust and that car sings. Had mine deristricted and did 204 mph. I did my rod bearings at 100 000km. Trick is to use a thinner oil... 0 or 5w40. The 10w60 is just too thick for the bearing clearances which are incredibly tight. Warm it up properly on start and you're good to go. The thinner oil runs slightly cooler too, that was definitely evident with mine. It's a very involved drive and it would exhaust me at the end of the day. Luckily it was my weekend car.

[@jstanna]

You don’t try 5w-50?

[@aussie2uGA]

As an old e39 owner, I remember just how unreliable the e60 v10’s were. Everyone unloaded them before the warranty ended due to all the issues.

[@aznfamous]

I kept mine after warranty because I wanted to savor the nostalgia. It spent more time in the shop after 60K miles and another $35K in repair. I didn’t even blow my engine. It was the car that broke my heart.

[@aussie2uGA]

@ ugh, sorry to hear. We really enjoyed the e39 so much that we thought the e60 would be even better.

[@mareksinister]

A family car with a V10 that's just insane, in a good way

[@origaminefretami3480]

And it wasnt even the only one at the time. The S6 and Rs6 sedan had V10s too.

[@nepzoli]

A car review video that gives me chills! Great work guys

[@bigern79]

Great video guys! I have owned both the E63 M6 and E60 M6, each with the 6-speed manual transmission. I love these cars, and am glad they got so much internet hate. The hate has made them absolutely amazing values if they have been taken care of. I've never even driven one with the SMG, but I can tell you the manual gearing mismatch is real. My least favorite thing about the car was how long the ratios are. Couple that with screaming all the way to 8250RPM and you can easily get a ticket only in 2nd gear. Since the rev addiction is real on these S85 screamers, it can be frustrating to drive as you'll want to shift more than actually needed. I'll own another one someday, and first objective for me would be to try the lower ratio Dinan differential.

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

Imagine an e60 M5 with a ZF8HP theyve already been doing the swap for the 335i and 135i its easier to do than a DCT swap from that era.

[@chrisdwyer1477]

I was in my late teens when my best friend's dad got one of these in silver. He would let us borrow it all the time... It was a very fun and special time in my life haha.

[@Hunterdietzman]

E63 m6 owner, love every minute i have driving it because every minute is another day in the shop. Still love it, though

[@davevan9150]

I know a couple mechanics who own one, it helps a lot if you can work on it yourself. Great car !

[@DhruvDrives]

Crazy to think BMW put a V10 in a sedan. Amazing car

[@huh0123]

2:54 yes you can still buy the long blocks from BMW, they cost $25k USD

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Great video. I have driven both transmissions on this car and prefer the manual. I was lucky enough to make a video with an Interlagos Blue M6 with a manual transmission earlier this year. Sounded amazing

[@ghostwrench2292]

I have driven an E60 M5 with the 6-speed and an E64 with the SMG. I HATED the SMG. Given the choice, I will take the 3 pedal option every time.

[@ran2j722]

I own a 2008 m5 smg! Best m ever made in my opinion! Sounds wise is insane and driving family and having 500hp is unreal! Love this car never selling!

[@hashemabdulhadi]

The review I’ve waited ages for, love the car and the content!!

[@focussport]

I'm lucky enough to have driven/tracked a close friends E60 M5 across several years in the 2000s. ALWAYS the firmest/fastest shift mode and lift while shifting UNLESS you're full throttle. These cars do have their issues, but aftermarket parts fix the little things like throttle actuators, rod bearings once will solve the bottom end, and then you're left with one of the most special, if not one of the best looking, M cars ever made. Only thing you can't get away from is that tiny fuel tank and 10ish mpgs. Less than 300 miles per tank can get old.

[@MrXerxes]

Yes @ fuel gripes. I want to take mine on more road trips, but the MPG and piss poor range per tank gets old as you say. I still do it now and then though just because ... V10 road trip... what a unique experience.

[@divil2273]

never clicked so fast

[@TVang]

Had a 2010 M6 with SMG, problem free for 4 years. My SMG was completely smooth and never had to let off the gas to shift. Way less problematic than people give it credit for.

[@HoanNguyen-lf3rr]

didnt know bmw used to be this glorious. that v10 scream is something else.

[@racebannon2332]

An amazing, yet unreliable engine. BMW knew this upon its release but understood enthusiasts would pine for this M5. Could have been a true legend and worth 2-3 times more

[@TheTyisawesome]

This looks beautiful especially for its age.. and V10!! I'd take this over the yellow one you guys tested on the Autobahn

[@Nline24Junky]

besides the reliability aspect of that glorious V10 that sound deserves to be in the hall of fame of the top 5 best sounding production cars ever

[@Alpha.Omega13]

Memories I had exact car 2006 with ACS exhaust and RPI intake, it was a dream and my favorite BMW I ever owned, sound was addictive formula 1 sounds, and the seat hugs you on corners. Then the nightmares happened vanos and bearing issues, that cost me so much to repair with constant problems, guess what I will buy it again in an heart with the upgraded engine they had, I will always miss this great car, never will be another one like it.

[@ooskah]

EU launch control is 4500rpm for the SMG. NA launch control is 1500rpm for the SMG.

[@Iang343]

My favorite car of all time.... This video made my day

[@pwm0021]

This is a Great Car!!! Period!!! With a straight piped exhaust system, I wouldn't even dream of looking at the E39 M5, given how exotic this one sounds with its F1 Roots.

[@norbertlevas3819]

Best m5 ever with proper exhaust sound of this world too.

[@myflourishingfam]

Thank you for bringing back a classic! More of these!!!

[@troyjeup2861]

Best m5 ever. ❤. M5cs is a close second but can’t come close to steering feel of the e60

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

If I had a dream car this would be it. I own a straight 6 "regular" e60 with the sport package and it has been crazy expensive to maintain. There's just a lot of stuff to go bad. I still love it as I think it's the perfect era of BMW combining tech and driving prowess. You can upgrade that iDrive screen to have Carplay or Android Auto which you should do before changing the exhaust.

[@desireclan2102]

I owned a 2010 E60 535i with the N54 engine. The twin turbo setup was loads of fun but I remember driving it to a local discount exotic dealer, they would resale sketchy/salvaged cars after cleaning them up. The guy put out his cigarette to show me the E60 M5 they had on the showroom floor. I’ll never forget he ping’d the redline like 10 times right after a cold start. It sounded insane but I was also worried for the engine lol. I had already fell in love with the E60 but that moment cemented my future E60 M5 purchase. My advice is get the latest model you can find. The 2010 benefitted from a slightly updated iDrive infotainment /better interior design in my opinion. They don’t build them like they used to!

[@alangil40]

I also have an E60 535i M-Sport 6-speed manual, owned for the last 10 years. Almost 150k miles and great condition and reliable once got last normal N54 issues. They only made it one year 2010 and you are right LCI interior so much nicer. The N54 has a tune, so it goes. And looks very similar to the M5, especially since I upgraded wheels. I chose this at the time because I live in Colorado and NA motors lose a lot of oower, plus practical reasons like fuel range, reliability, etc. But often I do wish I made the M5 choice.

[@DailyDriver.]

I neverrrr liked the styling of these in the time. MAN they have aged so well! That engine is a legendary musical money pit

[@IndaloMan]

Bought a 1 owner 9 month old E63 back in 2007 in brown. He paid £83k, I paid £63k and traded it for £43k nine months later for a 911 Cab4. It was one of the first BMWs to have the Angel Eyes headlights and I got it to an indicated 150mph on the A1 between Wetherby and Bramham crossroads one Sunday morning. #goodolddays

[@revaddict]

This thing with straight pipes sounds absolutely fabulous..

[@daveisasdavedoes3558]

I bought an E60 M5, manual swapped it with everythingM power, toured europe, did 400km of laps on the Nurburgring. It's now done about 17000km of pretty hard driving and its been brilliant. I had an E39 M5 previously and the E60 M5 with a manual is a better car in every way, better steering feel, better brakes, more power, more refined, more comfortable, its just a better car.

[@AlanDampog]

love your bmw content!!! good stuff!!!

[@SamuelDarcyPalmer]

Epic review guys. I’ve always lusted after these. I had no idea about the Ferrari standard exhaust note. I don’t think it needs customization. My ride is a 2018 GLC63 which you guys reviewed back in ‘19. Has a nice exhaust note too!

[@WheelieMedia]

I was thinking about this car yesterday 😂

[@urgetodrive]

Owned one of these back when they were new... freaking awesome car. Threw a Dinan exhaust on it and it sounded MEAN as hell. Never an ounce of trouble. I should add, I tracked my E60 ///M5 often and there's nothing like 150+ mph with that V10 at full song in top gear. Holy F.

[@Frank-vk4sv]

Buy another one and DCT swap it. Those DCT swaps are gaining traction now

[@TheFrancogt1]

Its true , do require alot of maintenance but they are very special , i bought an engine and it came with an chassis

[@mqramr]

I had this car, this colour, albeit as the Touring (estate) version, as a medical blue light response car in the UK for several years. What a beast. One of the only cars I regret parting with.

[@jhonnyf2429]

I had 2 manual E60 M5s. Alpine white and interlagos blue. Its amazing.

[@alexr.3215]

Manual owner here, the problem wasn’t the transmission gearing but rather the rear diff gearing. A 3.91 or 4.10 is much better suited for this transmission and really brings the car to life.

[@BirdiesGoCherp]

This review's gonna blow up.

[@marklynn6907]

6m to the gallon… a blast to drive… you could watch the needle on the gas gauge move down on the drive to Starbucks and back… literally. I used to do this…. With the manual of course…. One of my all time favorites….

[@CarEditZ_OFF]

I will buy a M5 E60 just for his RAW V10 Sound so sickkk!!🗣️🔥

[@daliborpuchta1952]

Peak BMW M. All the problems are now known and can be prevented with proper usage and maintainance/upgraded parts. I had 3 V10 M6's (2 Coupes, 1 vert)... will definitely buy another one some day... 2009/10 low miles Convertible for weekend trips. Hopefully they stay cheap for longer.