2007 BMW M5 (E60)

Highlights

• F1 derived naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10

• Only one previous owner, current owner since 2009

• Comprehensive service record with 76,688 miles on the clock, verified

• Desirable Silverstone II over matching Silverstone II full perforated Merino leather

• Unmodified factory specification

Overview

Blade Runner is a heck of a film. Widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, spawning a thousand imitators and influencing a generation of science fiction writers, film-makers and artists. Yet, when it was released, it was considered a bit of a disappointment – even a flop by some. Many just didn’t get it. It was too forward-looking, too different, too outlandish in its scope.

Before you start wondering if you’ve accidentally landed on the Empire website, allow us to make a few connections. Firstly, in much the same way as Blade Runner was the vision of one very focussed individual (Mr Ridley Scott himself), the E60 M5 was part of BMW’s ‘Bangle Era’, a product of Chris Bangle’s controversial, some would say visionary, creative direction.

Like Ridley Scott’s magnus opus, the E60 was initially met with some confusion, doubt and even some ridicule. But, as with that sci-fi epic, the visionary has had the last laugh. The E60 has aged beautifully, looking every inch the modern super-saloon, with more than enough grunt, luxury, style and drama to make a lasting impression on even the most seasoned petrolhead. That S85 V10 alone is an engineering work of art, delivering a mighty 507 bhp and howling its intent all the way to 8,250 rpm. The E60 is now very much a sought-after, collectible and revered member of the ‘M’ family.

That’s not to say the rest of the car doesn’t match up to the engine’s extraordinary capabilities. This particular M5 exemplifies everything that’s great about the E60. Quality and luxury is exceptional, with a quite fabulous execution of material quality and ergonomics. As a facelifted model, it benefits from a more modern, deftly styled interior too. Matched to the stunning Silverstone II paintwork, genuinely low mileage and confidence-inspiring service history, it makes this particular example a wonderful example of the marque.

We’re not sure we can think of a performance car in recent decades that has aged quite as finely and in such a distinguished manner as the E60 M5. Finding an unmodified, unabused and well specified example with great history is incredibly difficult now. It’s definitely a model that has seen considerable interest from enthusiasts and collectors recently, and this may well be the nicest example we’ve seen in… er, well come to think of it, ever.

To (possibly blasphemously) misquote Roy Batty, “time to buy…”

History and documentation

• First registered on the 1 September 2007

• Current owner since 10 October 2009

• Only one previous owner

• Facelift model

• 76,688 miles on the clock, verified by the MOT and service records

• We’re told by the vendor that the car has always been garaged and cherished, never having been in even a minor accident

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 27 September 2025

• Excellent MOT history, with no advisories, other than for tyre wear, since 2016

• Full document pack, including stamped service book

• Stamped services as follows: September 2007 @ 1,306; April 2009 @ 16,705; September 2009 @ 18,241; March 2010 @ 31,848; August 2011 @ 35,233; March 2013 @ 46,481; August 2013 @ 48,423; September 2014 @ 55,806; August 2015 @ 61,618; August 2016 @ 67,626; August 2017 @ 69,906; August 2019 @ 74,184; September 2021 @ 75,661; September 2023 @ 76,146

• Extensive collection of invoices and old MOT certificates, original sales brochure and price list

• Two keys

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Private registration will be removed before sale and the car will be placed on an age-related registration

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Silverstone II full perforated Merino leather upholstery, presented in excellent condition, with a little creasing to the front seat bolsters, but no notable wear, sagging or damage

• M multi-function front sports seats with electric adjustment and 2-position memory function

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Heated rear seats

• Individual anthracite Alcantara headlining, which appears to be in lovely condition, with no sagging, damage or staining we could see

• Black carpets and matched overmats through the cabin, which appear to be in fine fettle, with no threading or staining on show

• Colour heads-up display

• iDrive system

• Dual-zone air conditioning, which was regassed in September 2023

• Electric windows and door mirrors

• Electrically operated slide/tile glass sunroof

• Multi-function ‘M’ black leather steering wheel with contrast red and blue stitching

• Integrated satellite navigation

• Original CD/radio system with hands-free phone connectivity

• All of the switchgear and internal trim shows very well, with a few very minor marks and blemishes from use, but only what is consistent with the car’s age and mileage

• Generous boot space, trimmed with clean grey carpet which shows no signs of damage or staining

• Two cargo nets are fitted in the boot, and the original tool kit, first aid kit and warning triangle are present and correct

• The vendor tells us that everything in the cabin works just as it should, with no faults or issues reported

Exterior

• Gorgeous Silverstone II Metallic paintwork

• The paint is in very good condition, with a fine shimmer and deep gloss – we didn’t note any damage, significant blemishes or scuffs, just a handful of minor stone chips to the front bumper

• The bodywork all presents exceptionally well, with no apparent damage, corrosion or misalignment

• All of the door shuts, the boot shut and the door edges, look to be in near pristine condition, with no corrosion we could discern

• At the front and rear, the light units are clear and clean, with no misting, cracking, chipping or discolouration in evidence

• There is a chip in the lower portion of the windscreen, but this is not in the driver’s vision, and was not noted on the MOT

• The external trim and badges all looks to be complete and in good order, with no UV damage or excessive wear

• Underneath, everything appears to be in lovely condition, with straight sills and floor pans, undamaged undertrays and no notable corrosion or damage on display

• We’re told that the original 19-inch alloy wheels have never been refurbished, which is remarkable as they present in superb condition with no kerb damage or lacquer peel

• The wheels are shod in a matched set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (255/40 front and 285/35 rear), which all present very well, with good tread depth and no sidewall damage we noticed

Mechanical

• 4,999cc naturally-aspirated V10 (S85)

• Rear-wheel drive

• 7-speed SMG III Drivelogic transmission – a notable improvement over previous SMG boxes, as it was built from the beginning to be automatic, not an automated manual

• Factory performance figures: 507 bhp, 384 lb ft, 8,250 rpm redline, 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, 155 mph (limited)

• Very clean engine bay, with no evidence of leaks or other issues

• ABS, PAS, TCS

• Cruise control

• Parking sensors front and rear

• EDC adaptive suspension

• Active differential locking system

• Multiple engine modes (P400, P500, P500 Sport)

• Variable servo steering

• In September 2019 the car received a four-wheel laser alignment, and a new oil cooler

• In June 2023 the throttle actuators were replaced

• Excellent MOT and service record

• We’re assured that the car has no known mechanical issues, and drives just as it should

Summary

Edward James Olmos’ final words in Blade Runner haunt us to this day: “It’s too bad she won’t live, but then again who does?”

Our only slightly facetious answer would be “anyone who has a V10 powered M5”. Let’s face it, if a 500bhp+ V10 can’t make you feel alive, then you may as well be a replicant. 

Presented in a truly brilliant specification (we maintain that Silverstone II is ‘The Good Colour’ for E60s) with a great history, no inappropriate modifications and overall superb condition inside and out.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Camberley, Surrey.