The E60 generation of the BMW 5 Series was a pivotal point in the makeover of modern day BMW. I myself find it as one of the best executive class sedans the Munich-based constructor ever made. You also have to take into account that this model series paved the way to the supremacy of BMW against archrival Mercedes-Benz.
Some hated it, others (quite many) loved it. The E60 5 Series stood apart from the crowd in an era full of bland cars. Penned under the careful supervision of Chris Bangle, this generation would change forever the way BMWs looked. After the controversial E65 7 Series, the E60 completely shook grounds, branding itself as a decisive departure from the outgoing E39 generation.
In the early 2000s, doing such crazy design experiments was no ordinary business. If there was a brand eager to approach this daring path, this was solely BMW. And, boy, it did pay off in the end. Together with the E90 3 Series that followed in 2005, it enabled BMW to become leader of the premium carmakers’ segment for the very first time in its history.
The E60 5 Series was always different and arguably the most appealing in its segment. Even by today’s standards, it looks pretty good, athletic, dynamic, aggressive and, why not, elegant in its own, characteristic way. At the time it was premiered back in 2003, it decisively looked like a rocket for that age.
The E60 rewrote market standards in every aspect: from the complex exterior styling philosophy and futuristic interior architecture to driving dynamics and never-seen-before technological advancements. There was plenty of variants to choose from, running either on petrol or diesel, rear- or all-wheel-drive. Of the many choices, the high-performance M5 really caused a stir. It might not be remembered for its rather unsettling reliability problems, but it will certainly bring back good memories of bygone, pure motoring enthusiasm.
This generation would be the last one when BMW had offered a proper M5 Touring besides the M5 saloon model. Both cars were powered by the legendary S85B50 engine: a gargantuan V10 engine with a total displacement of 5.0 liters. Mated to the third generation electrohydraulic SMG transmission (Sequential Manual Gearbox), the powerplant would deliver a massive 507 hp of peak output. Power was sent solely to the rear wheels, in true BMW style for ensuring maximum driving fun.
Exactly 19,523 units of both the M5 Sedan and M5 Touring have been assembled between 2005 and 2010. Out of them, there is the one being the subject of my article: the original M5 Sedan which took part in the first press photo shooting. The respective example, now 14 years old and in very good condition, has clocked just 16,000 kilometers on its odometer (or 9,941 miles). You can say it is, more or less, a new car.
Allegedly, this silver metallic 2005 BMW M5 saloon model is now being sold in Germany for 58,900 euros (or roughly USD 65,000), according to German website Autobild. It is equipped with electronic damping system, M aerodynamic package, Professional iDrive infotainment system featuring SatNav and TV function, Head-Up Display and an exquisite white-shade, ivory/oyster-like leather upholstery.
As the photos suggest, this E60 2005 BMW M5 looks just impeccable, marvelous and supreme. It surely is a masterpiece of its kind and, as well, a unique model. It might not be the sensible or wise choice for a car these days, but, for the lucky, connaisseur owner that will purchase it, it will certainly guarantee best-of-the-best in terms of driving pleasure. Nonetheless, it stands true as an Ultimate Driving Machine.
Let’s see more of how this silver M5 looked like in the press photos celebrating its premiere back in 2005. Enjoy!
