Unleash the Beast: A Cautionary Guide to Buying a Used BMW M5 Touring (E61) in the UK – Taming the V10’s Wild Side
BMW M5 Touring: A High-Performance Family Wagon
A Naturally Aspirated V10 Powerhouse
The BMW M5 Touring is a rare breed of high-performance family wagons that can reach speeds of up to 300km/h. Its predecessor, the E60/E61 M5, was equipped with a naturally aspirated V10 engine that produced 507 horsepower, making it a dream come true for powertrain engineers.
This family grand tourer offers a unique blend of practicality and performance, with a spacious luggage compartment and a smooth ride. The E60/E61 M5 was a significant improvement over its predecessor, making it a standout model in the 5th generation BMW 5 Series lineup.
Engine Specifications
The E60/E61 M5’s 5.0L V10 unit was its most significant attraction, producing 507 horsepower and 52.8 kg-m of torque. The engine featured ten computer-controlled throttle bodies and an ECU that was the fastest of any mass-produced car at the time.
With a redline set at 8000 rpm, the M5 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Removing the limiter allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 329 km/h on the autobahn.
Safety Features
The M5 was equipped with a mechanism called the “2004 specification gimmick,” which limited the engine to 405 horsepower when started in rainy conditions. Pressing the “power” button on the steering wheel would release the full 507 horsepower.
Interior and Features
The E61 M5 Touring’s interior conveys its outstanding potential, with M emblems, a seven-speed automatic gear lever, and body-hugging sports seats. The UK-spec speedometer is marked up to 200 miles per hour (321 km/h).
The car features a range of standard equipment, including 19-inch aluminum wheels, a head-up display, 11 shift modes, LED taillights, and a stainless steel muffler. The iDrive system, which combined a rotary dial with an 8.8-inch monitor, was also standard.
Practicality and Fuel Economy
Despite its high-performance capabilities, the M5 Touring offers a spacious luggage compartment with a capacity of 500L. However, its fuel economy of 6.4km/L is not its strongest suit.
With the new generation of M5s featuring a V8 plug-in hybrid engine, the E61 type with its naturally aspirated V10 engine is worth considering for those who value its unique characteristics.