There was only one way for BMW to top the brilliant V8 E39 M5 and that was to add two more cylinders. In a move that seems even more impressive now than it did at the time, the E60 M5 was introduced in 2005 with a 4,999cc V10 engine and a seven-speed SMG gearbox - inspired by the BMW Sauber F1 program.
The world's first production saloon to feature a V10 petrol engine, when launched the E60 M5 was also the fastest four-door saloon in the world and its S85B50 40-valve engine delivering 507hp at 7,750rpm - and hitting 62mph in just 4.7 seconds. Unlimited the top speed could touch 200mph.
Upgrades included a wider track, a bespoke suspension, unique body panels, that SMG III automated manual transmission, 19-inch alloys and the quad exhaust pipes, by then an M signature. And the 2007-on E61 M5 Touring was the first M5 estate to be sold in the UK through official channels. No wonder the E60 M5 was the most successful M5 in terms of sales. A total of 20,548 cars were built, with 1,778 saloons and estates sold in the UK.
Should you wish you can treat the M5 as a luxury saloon; it's perfectly happy driving long distances without irritation and, although the grip is immense, the ride quality is excellent too. Press on however and the supercar persona emerges - in Sport setting the throttle response is quite simply staggering. And although the power delivery is peakier than a V8's, the top-end performance is truly ferocious. Turn off the traction control however and you'll need to be braver on the throttle (and sharper with your correction) than in an E39...
Touring the one to get (if you can find one!)
E60/61 prices are currently pretty low, and given the crazy spec and performance this generation of M5 surely has to be the best all-round buy. The E61 Touring is the favourite for James Redish: "In terms of price they have now have dropped nicely. They'll still command a good premium over an E60 M5, but that's because they're the Q-car of the entire M5 range."
And if in a few years' time when the supply of good M5s has dwindled it's this V10 that's likely to appreciate the quickest, and become sought-after. Not least because the M5's V10 era was so short-lived. E60 buyers should beware of premature con-rod bearing shell wear/failure, low Vanos oil pressure problems, diff oil leaks, perished front control arm bushes and any electrical foibles.
Buy if: you want a unique piece of affordable automotive engineering
Don't buy if: you're worried about on-going maintenance costs
We found: 2009 BMW M5 saloon, silver metallic, full service history, 50K miles, £22,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £15,995
Good: £15,995 to £25,000
A1: £25,000+
Special Editions: Mint examples with less than 20,000 miles can fetch over £30,000