Makes me feel warm and fuzzy to see Chris giving praise to the masterpiece that is E6x M5 and S85! I'm deeply in love with mine. Despite common lore, the S85 is a robust engine. The recipe is BE bearings to resolve the rod bearing issue, and Jason's throttle actuator upgrade, and that engine is golden. My 6-speed chariot is at 166k miles, still puts down over 500 hp, and goes over 200 mph on the Autobahn. I adore driving it. The carbon fiber intake plenum should be mandatory, the intake noise is biblical and makes the V10 experience even more visceral.
Totally remember when Project Raleigh hit m5board. What a great journey for your 6 speed! These s85s are robust if they are maintained properly. 14 years and 192,000 miles on my 6 speed e60 m5.
Top tip, you shouldnt NEED to rebuild the engine yourself to keep it from coming apart, especially on an 80 thousand dollar plus sports saloon turned into a wagon, the thing should have been fixed within 6 months from it leaving the factory with a mass recall, not damn near 20 years on by a specialist such as yourself, hell your the only one crazy enough to know what's wrong with it, let alone fix it properly like you did like with that 850 I where they just took the electronics, doubled them, and then set up a really lousy system to syncrhonise the stupid thing that doesnt even isolate the computer properly if you have to jump it off as I call them Broken Motor Werkes for a reason, worst part is I think you'd honestly be better off running one of their world war 2 jet fighter engines that barely lasted 50 hours of flight time over one of these either that or start a separate factory called Fixed Motor Werkes where you go through every BMW made since the early 2000's that doesnt use an inline 6 and just fix them all in one go and sell them back to us at a Premium, like their doing with Singers and the like, as I certainly wouldnt mind a BMW that actually works at 30K with you doing 15 grand of the work on a 5K car that way you actually get something quality back that's worth a damn that you can keep running for another 20 odd years on like people are doing with the ones from the 80's, and that really crazy Alpine one I got down the street from me that is literally painted puke yellow with blue and green graphics, A B6 would you believe, like no wonder the guy in norway painted the damn thing white before the guy found it, brought it back and restored it to its worse than factory normal condition
In 2007 I had a bit of money after working my ass off and building a small business… I was all set to buy a manual 550i in white on black… Then I saw the white E60 M5 on the showroom floor and I had to have it. Driving it off the showroom floor then redlining it down the street as the incredible sound of the v10 ringing was glorious. One of the best moments of my life. Do I regret spending that much on it. Not ever for a second ..
Going on my tenth year of ownership of an E60 M5 and I have to say I agree. I just can't seem to let it go. The SMG 3 really suits this car. Even after spending more than the cars value in maintenance I can’t seem to break away from it. It is a special car that will remain in my collection forever.
Going on 16yrs on my ‘08 and has been one of the more reliable high strung cars I’ve owned. 95% of the buyers should have never owned… keep proper maintenance and proper warm up and it’s a happy car. Treat it like a normal commuter car and it’ll treat you as you should be treated…. This is why we can’t have nice things as majority of consumer and most so called car people actually are just fan boys that don’t appreciate the engineering and balls that it took to pull this type of car off….
Sreten's @ M539 Reatorations E60 manual has been over 200 mph on the Autobaun! What a wonderful build he has done & so worth a look! Chris, You should plan on giving him a visit! The chemistry would be amazing! Both quick witted & have attention to detail! It's been a love affair with this beast ever since he put project Raleigh back on the road! Great work as always! & that sound!!!
The US manual is gearing limit (with stock redline) to somewhere just short of 200 I think. Maybe a redline lift and some tuning gets you there. The SMG could make it there stock once the speed limiter (if any) is removed.
Standard BMW ownership experience: It breaks down with ALARMING FREQUENCY, causing no end of frustration and stress and anger - but then you get it fixed and go for a drive to find someplace to take photos for the classified ad you're definitely going to make, and you fall right back into love with it and decide to keep it.
Currently on my 9th BMW, and the only one that ever "broke down" was a 12 year old e36 M3 track car, and the problem was a cracked prong on an aftermarket DME chip. I also worked for BMW service for 9 years, and actual break downs were not common. Perhaps with the exception of the early N54 DFI cars. But that was also the first mass produced direct injection engine, so you have to kind of give them a bit of a pass on that one.
@maxmoser412 16 for me and only one car that has gone on me is f31 320d. Engine blew out for no reason and I got a new one from BMW. Service it every 8-10 k, warm it up before and cool it down after trashing and nothing will go wrong. For God's sake, TOYOTA is using BMW engines.
Yep - this is the life for any car enthusiast. About to get the bloody TVR ready for spring tonight. Nothing better than big engines and long roads. Thanks Chris Harris
If you can manage the maintenance, compared to a new BMWs there is so much to love about the older ones; the tactile hydraulic steering, the timeless looks, N/A engine, the tasteful rim designs, the overall size etc etc...
Hello Jay, you made a very good video about this! The M5 for me is to expensive and troublesome. But my E61 - 550i M-Sport Lci is the next best thing. Especially with some upgrades like Bilsteins, a tune of the gearbox, remap of the engine etc. It even makes more torque (531NM) now then the M5 (520NM).
@@johntechwriteryou sound like a proper ninny. Show me a Honda or Toyota touring car that sounds like that and has those driving dynamics. Oh wait, you can't.
Congratulations. Delta, Mondial and this v10. Please continue and never stop. We need to preserve (and drive) such diamonds. We must ensure this passion for younger generations. Your faithful follower.
I was on the motorway once. Doing a merry 160 km/h. One of these came along, at similar speed and then booted it. The way it picked up is one of the most impressive things I've ever seen.
I loved my M5 Touring - when it worked.....managed just over 11,000 miles in it over 10 months during 2012/13, in that time it cost BMW £12.2k in warranty claims (water in wheel well in boot where there is no wheel but lots of electronics bits & ecu's live, fuel pumps etc etc) & me over £5k (ate it's clutch en route to Nurburgring & needed discs & pads all round). Best seats in any car I've owned (including Recaro's in R8 although they're a close second). It managed an overall total of 12.1 mpg during my time, in one memorable run managing 121 miles from full tank to fuel warning light coming on. I sold it as I just didn't trust in anymore, subsequent owner did 44k miles with it & only blew a headlight bulb. We live & learn.....
I had an approved used saloon from Sytner about 10 years ago. Had a lame New Year’s Eve on year so my partner and I got up early New Year’s Day and blasted down to the tunnel. What followed was the best drive ever down to Paris for lunch and back in the day. Drank some fuel (to say the least) but howled down there and not a single French cop on the roads. The thing was and remains my favourite ever car. Renewal of warranty was about £650 a year! Epic machine. Didn’t lunch anything on me over three years. I was lucky it it was serviced on the button and I had the comfort of that full warranty. Had a special bond with that 🙌
Peak Harris. I’m glad you had the TG opportunity and you did a fantastic job with it, but we always loved this sort of content so it’s nice to see you back at it.
The fact you've rekindled an old 'fleeting relationship' and now own the csr you once drove upon its press release days is incredible all in its self! Look after her, cherish her, love her! One of the greatest cars of all time, the E60/61 M5! You just can't beat that noise and they now look even better when they launched. Chris Bangle got some grief for his designs but these are bob on!
This might be one of the nicest videos you´ve made Chris. This chapter of romance you´re living, comes across in the video. And I find it all very inspiring. All my love from Spain.
This really feels like the Chris and Neil films we grew up with! Something different and special about when people like Chris talk about their own cars and share their world with the audience like this. Superb.
My old man had the saloon version of this brand new in 2005. Still to this day one of the best cars I’ve ever been in. I can still remember the number plate but I think that’s got something to do with it starting with BJ55
What an awesome vid. It’s so true that the older stuff is somehow more interesting. I’d go as far as saying this is one of if not my favourite car of all time. Bring on more content!
I love how the one you shouldnt get is now the only M5 everyone wants now 4 years of wonderful ownership, highs and lows but the memories keep coming , ive owned lots of cars but nothing has made me feel so happy to drive dont manual swap it the smg is a big part of the v10 character, cars are allowed to have flaws and quirks Fit a full supersprint exhaust and change the intakes and love it, just uncorking the exhaust allows it to breath so much better.
The swap makes the car so much more reliable - and I think so much more fun. You lose a little bit of acceleration but if your not tracking it for times manual is the way to go.
Look at you, continuing to roll out epic machines of the recent past. Well done Chris. This is fun for you, fun for us, and the subject matter is endless. Keep 'em coming!!
I briefly met Chris at Bicester in January as he signed his book for me. He’d not long bought this M5 and he quickly pointed it out to me a short distance away. It looks fab; something we will never see again. We’re both E28 M5 owners and I’m really hoping for more E28 content from him at some point….please - it’s been too long!!
You sir, are a major influence in me putting my version of full effort into pursuing a career in cars. Your authentic passion for discovering a vehicle's personality is both contagious and addictive. From first seeing you test the 9ff way back in 2008 I thought "right I'd like to be like this guy and put my honest perspective into contributing to the automotive world." Cheers and thank you for many years of entertainment and education.
Fantastic as always, and spot on. I’ve had 3 BMWs, my current E36 M3 is my daily, ends up in the shop without fail every couple months, I’ve listed it for sale twice (CEL actually came on the night before its auction ended) but I’m now at peace with it staying with me forever. Brilliant cars.
The E60 M5 has always been the "practical" part of my dream 3 car garage. Back in the era I lived on a straight road that had a supermarket at one end and a BMW dealership at the other: Hearing the V10 wail down the road as (presumably) the salesmen went to get their lunch sold me completely on this car. And I love the styling too!
Smashing! What really impressed me is that your two slides onto the Hanger Straight were on precisely the same line - look at the rubber left on the road during the slo-mo shot to compare the lines. Nice one
Chris… you have restored my faith in the “motor journalist” .. let me tell you why: the normal man on the street can not afford a GT3 RS or a M4 CSL, its all well and good watching these cars on the TV but in reality we will never get to drive them. I have owned F10 m5’s an F80 m4 but now I drive an e93 M3, I do most of the work on the car myself and LOVE driving the howling N/A V8. To see you (a “fairly” famous journalist) lol.. be so passionate about a v10 m5 is really what us petrol head viewers want to see. The majority of us are not rich pompous supercar owners. Looking forward to more content like this hopefully!
I had the 2000 E46, all the options as it was a demo car, brand new with 300 miles, yeah. But I never had one thing go wrong in 4 years except I always needed rear taillight bulbs replaced. The M5 was the dream car at the time. My buddy's M5 was in the shop every two weeks. I felt quite good about my basic 328i's reliability. But my buddy still talks that M5 like his one true love. Romance of the car with personality and drama. I really get it now.
Completely vibing with this one. just went back to a 2012 c63 for similar reasons, new enough to have some creature comforts but old enough thats its still a raw exerience.
I had one for eight years. Loved every minute of ownership. Eisenmann Race exhaust on it and it sounded glorious. Changed it to an F06 M6 GC but the E60 despite being slower was more exciting to drive by quite some main. I do miss it.
I had one. 2012 to 2014. Best car I ever had. It was unlocked. 320kph on the clock, eismann exhaust, special edition. Fun part is, I saved money for a few years and bought it. Why? Becausee jeremy clarkson said it was a great car! (I did 20k km with 6000 eu on fuel. Epic car. Thnx Chris for reviewing it. 💯❤️
I know my car not a M5, but have had a e61 M sport 530d for going on seven years now.. Had it throwing up some interesting problems now and then some I been able to sort out my self and others with Indy BMW garages. Think the shape as aged really well and there's something about it that I cannot see what I would replace it with.. It maybe a oil burner my one but it's got me by the heart strings.. Great clip Chris and we pop back to see up dates. 👍👍
Owned one of these beauties in 2011 having owned x2 P1’s and one of the 1st Evo 7’s in the country, along with the Evo I would have my M5 touring back in a heartbeat….. driving one was complete theatre 👌
Chris, for the sake of your modules at the rear of the car, please keep the sunroof drains clear! Great car. I’d like to make one here in the states (and an e91. M3). Love it
The magic BMW puts into its products makes people want to spend money and time to squeeze every last ounce of joy it gives you in all aspects of the driving experience.
Problems aside, glad you adore it, that’s the main thing. Also love to see someone brave enough and financially strong enough to take a proper punt on one. They should be enjoyed because they are a mega mega car! Imagine having one new in 2007, 500+ bhp super saloon that can still hold its own today corrrrrr 👌🏽
I'm on my second E6x. Not M5s, can't afford the running costs of that, actually can barely afford the running costs of the 3L I6. But it just feels like a car made for me. This is a fabulous platform and puts a smile on my face every, time, I drive it. Except those times when it breaks, or makes weird noises.
coolest wagon I know of having that V-10. A station wagon that can hit 190+ MPH is a dream come true. The car has few competitors in this class, size, and performance. I love sports wagons the perfect vehicle.
Stunning colour too! You can get those torso hugging seats in lower models... my E61 520d has them (although it is a Sport).. when you start the car the side bolsters grip you pretty tightly! Get those rod bearings replaced Chris.. the well known S85 achillies heel! :-) Have to say even in agricultural diesel form, there's something kind of special about the E60/E61.. I've just moved up to a nearly 10 year newer car and am seriously starting to think about flogging it and getting my E61 overhauled to fix all the issues, and keep running it.
Having owned an E60 M5 for 4 years, and keeping it in mint condition, almost got the best of me. However, every time I took the straight piped beast to its 8.250 it made me feel happier than any other machine has. I sold it to buy my current E92 M3. Although I love the M3, I miss my V10 every single day..
I do hope you find a way back on the maintream tele Chris, such a natural at it. This reminds me of my E39 528, god i loved it so much, but it was (surprisingly) fragile and bits always going wrong on it.
The noise from the rear whilst it’s cold is the rear differential. It takes a bit of time for the gear oil to work its way through all the friction plates of the LSD (limited slip differential). It takes some time to warm up, but then so does the v10 engine and SMG. Drive it gently for the first 5/10 mins 👍
Awesome stuff, great to see one of these on the channel! I've just undergone a very expensive rebuild, but when you hear that v10 screaming, it's worth every $. Keep it as SMG, it suits the car. Stock wheels are perfect.
I had an E60 M5 SMG and despite its Dame Edna face ... I really do miss that thing. Well done, Chris on acquiring the grocery getter version of this beast.
I’ve owned my US manual E60 M5 for nearly 13 years. I’ve had a few issues but not one that left me stranded. If you consider the exotic nature of the car’s mechanicals, the maintenance isn’t a big deal. Clarkson said it was as good as a F430 when it came out. How much would you have spent maintaining that for over 100k? It doesn’t get driven as much as it deserves to anymore as I have other cars but there’s nothing else like this out there, new or used, so mine is never leaving.
I just seen this car parked up in a street, I was having a good look round it thinking "wow, a super rare M5 V10 estate - with dog bed on back seat and obligatory missing front tow hook cover!" I was hoping the owner might come out and we could have a chat then I see this video when I get home, cracking car Chris..
Great video Chris really great words. I feel exactly the same about my e90 m3 and w204 c63 you can’t replace the historic nostalgia! Drive safe god bless!
Have my e63 M6 9 years today! There’s been a few cars added to the stable since but this one is going nowhere. I’m glad to hear your assessment on SMG, it does suit the car! I’m privileged to have a DCT and a PDK car as well, the SMG is primitive in comparison, but when you’re on it, the thing just feels so mechanical! Will be watching this saga closely with interest!
*A special bit of kit and great that it's a wagon, I also love the fact that these things were built in the first place. Can you imagine anything like that going on sale now?*
This very much reminds me of a recent adventure I took to acquire a bit of a dream car of mine. A 2004 Volvo S60R. It's not perfect by any means, 239k miles when I bought it. It's a 6 speed, Atacama interior that's reasonably worn in. The drive line needs a good refresh, until the haldex is warmed up I can hear the center support bearing (also a rear engine mount) Everything works, although my immobilizer sometimes thinks I'm stealing the car. Other than that, perfect purchase 7k miles later besides the immobilizer, car has been stellar. Never looking back. Thinking about getting another as a spares car
I’ve had a US spec e60 M5 w/ 6spd manual since new in 2010. It has been bulletproof. The SMG transmission is the cause of most of the headaches when it comes to maintenance. The engines are great if maintained properly. The fuel pump and throttle bodies are weak points and I’ve replaced each once (currently at 105k miles) and I had the rod bearings serviced at 95k miles. The clutch lasted 92k miles and I do not baby this car. I absolutely love the way the 6 speed fits with this car. The steering is still lively and it feels like a sporty experience. I do agree that the F10 didn’t make a lot of sense with a 6 speed but I am very curious what you thought about that manual swapped car you drove.
I’m pretty sure I saw this at Rogate Bike Park in West Sussex not long ago. Father and Son loading bikes into the back of it. It was the same colour and interior at least!
I think part of the reason I have always appreciated Chris over Clarkson types is he is a proper car nerd. It came out in topgear, it shines on youtube
You're a lucky boy -- I've been watching this (for me) dream spec E61 M5 since it was for sale at Munich Legends back in 2017 or so and have wanted it every since. You will be mine, oh yes, you will be mine!
S everal M ore G rand for a swap! 14 years and 192,000 miles on my Dinan S2 6 speed e60 m5. The car is only a money pit if YOU have no money 🤣😂🤣 for proper maintenance. Lots of broke “Ballers on Beer budgets” picked up these cars and couldn’t afford proper maintenance. Drove them into the ground and unloaded them with a mountain of deferred maintenance to the next mini-Baller. Only now, these cars are being saved by the enthusiasts. Mine still sees track days and 1000+ mile road trips - even though we own other track cars, race cars, and daily drivers. There is something mental about turning laps in a 4door v10 saloon with a baby seat in the back! The induction sound of a v10 through my carbon airbox and wail of my titanium exhaust at the track is addictive. Granted, I might have an upgraded diff and 3.91, plus upgraded MCS motorsport suspension, much lighter than OEM wheels and brakes, and a full lightweight titanium exhaust system - but items wear (including RBs and TAs) out and need replacement after 14 years and 192,000 miles. Why not upgrade with better-than-OEM parts? I have to laugh, every time I hear, “the s85 was designed for the SMG”. The s85 does not care what gear ratios are bolted up to it. It was the 3.62 gearing shared between the 7 speed SMG and 6 Speed transmission, which was mismatched as an afterthought by the bean counters. Bean counters shared the 3.62 for the 7 Speed SMG and the 6 Speed to cut costs. The 6 speed didn’t have the best gear ratios, when mated to the shared 3.62 - optimized for MPG with 7 gears. While a 3.91 or 4.10, with 6 gears, optimized the torque curve of the s85. LOL the engine doesn’t care what transmission is bolted up to it. 😂😂. I run a 4.10 in my stroker e28m5 and OMG is it fun!!!
First Chris makes never want to part with my E24 after watching him slide about with his E28, now he's gone and done the same thing with an E61, makes me appreciate my 535Xi/6MT M-sport all the more! To the point of not swapping it because the gearbox suits the engine, I agree and have the same sentiment towards my A3 3.2 Quattro DSG, the shifts are quick and the ratios short paired with a higher compression engine it just feels right.
Makes me feel warm and fuzzy to see Chris giving praise to the masterpiece that is E6x M5 and S85! I'm deeply in love with mine. Despite common lore, the S85 is a robust engine. The recipe is BE bearings to resolve the rod bearing issue, and Jason's throttle actuator upgrade, and that engine is golden. My 6-speed chariot is at 166k miles, still puts down over 500 hp, and goes over 200 mph on the Autobahn. I adore driving it. The carbon fiber intake plenum should be mandatory, the intake noise is biblical and makes the V10 experience even more visceral.
Your E60 M5 video series is the main reason I’m considering an E60 M5 as a baby hauler. 🙌
Seriously, Chris just needs to ship this car to you for a go over, youtube colab is a go.
Thanks Sreten.
Totally remember when Project Raleigh hit m5board. What a great journey for your 6 speed! These s85s are robust if they are maintained properly. 14 years and 192,000 miles on my 6 speed e60 m5.
Top tip, you shouldnt NEED to rebuild the engine yourself to keep it from coming apart, especially on an 80 thousand dollar plus sports saloon turned into a wagon, the thing should have been fixed within 6 months from it leaving the factory with a mass recall, not damn near 20 years on by a specialist such as yourself, hell your the only one crazy enough to know what's wrong with it, let alone fix it properly like you did like with that 850 I where they just took the electronics, doubled them, and then set up a really lousy system to syncrhonise the stupid thing that doesnt even isolate the computer properly if you have to jump it off
as I call them Broken Motor Werkes for a reason, worst part is I think you'd honestly be better off running one of their world war 2 jet fighter engines that barely lasted 50 hours of flight time over one of these
either that or start a separate factory called Fixed Motor Werkes where you go through every BMW made since the early 2000's that doesnt use an inline 6 and just fix them all in one go
and sell them back to us at a Premium, like their doing with Singers and the like, as I certainly wouldnt mind a BMW that actually works at 30K with you doing 15 grand of the work on a 5K car
that way you actually get something quality back that's worth a damn that you can keep running for another 20 odd years on
like people are doing with the ones from the 80's, and that really crazy Alpine one I got down the street from me
that is literally painted puke yellow with blue and green graphics, A B6 would you believe, like no wonder the guy in norway painted the damn thing white before the guy found it, brought it back and restored it to its
worse than factory normal condition
Chris: "I want the problems." BMW: "Wish granted!"
Buy an alfa, you'll definitely get one.
Haha that was awesome !
BMW: "You've come to the right place!"
The ultimate leaking machine.
@@DL.jused all your effort to get that cliché off the shelf, did you?
In 2007 I had a bit of money after working my ass off and building a small business… I was all set to buy a manual 550i in white on black… Then I saw the white E60 M5 on the showroom floor and I had to have it. Driving it off the showroom floor then redlining it down the street as the incredible sound of the v10 ringing was glorious. One of the best moments of my life. Do I regret spending that much on it. Not ever for a second ..
Going on my tenth year of ownership of an E60 M5 and I have to say I agree. I just can't seem to let it go. The SMG 3 really suits this car. Even after spending more than the cars value in maintenance I can’t seem to break away from it. It is a special car that will remain in my collection forever.
You could alway throw a manual box in
Bought mine in 2011. You're right, I'll never sell it. I still find excuses to go for a drive. £1.78/L did make me wince today though.
Yes. Also have one for 5 years and the car has been perfect in every way.
Why ruin the car… manual should have never been offered in this car period… sure you’ll have bragging rights, but that’s it as you’ve ruined the car….
Going on 16yrs on my ‘08 and has been one of the more reliable high strung cars I’ve owned. 95% of the buyers should have never owned… keep proper maintenance and proper warm up and it’s a happy car. Treat it like a normal commuter car and it’ll treat you as you should be treated….
This is why we can’t have nice things as majority of consumer and most so called car people actually are just fan boys that don’t appreciate the engineering and balls that it took to pull this type of car off….
"I want the problems." I totally get this comment from Chris. Old cars have problems we fix. That just makes us love them more.
What Chris is doing used to be called "whistling past the cemetery."
Sreten's @ M539 Reatorations E60 manual has been over 200 mph on the Autobaun! What a wonderful build he has done & so worth a look! Chris, You should plan on giving him a visit!
The chemistry would be amazing! Both quick witted & have attention to detail! It's been a love affair with this beast ever since he put project Raleigh back on the road! Great work as always!
& that sound!!!
That would be a godsend
Wasn't his the US-DM 6 speed manual one?
yes it is @@nabahmadi5012
The US manual is gearing limit (with stock redline) to somewhere just short of 200 I think. Maybe a redline lift and some tuning gets you there. The SMG could make it there stock once the speed limiter (if any) is removed.
That’s a collab I would watch!
Dude. You’re an absolute legend. Plain and simple.
Dude?
@@neilrafferty2097
Dude indeed.
@M539Restorations and this car would be *chefs kiss*
Oh yes please 🤩
No slick top. He would never stop yelling
Standard BMW ownership experience: It breaks down with ALARMING FREQUENCY, causing no end of frustration and stress and anger - but then you get it fixed and go for a drive to find someplace to take photos for the classified ad you're definitely going to make, and you fall right back into love with it and decide to keep it.
No it won't if you maintain it. People drive them hard and don't look after it. This car is different. It was amazing and awful at the same time.
Currently on my 9th BMW, and the only one that ever "broke down" was a 12 year old e36 M3 track car, and the problem was a cracked prong on an aftermarket DME chip. I also worked for BMW service for 9 years, and actual break downs were not common. Perhaps with the exception of the early N54 DFI cars. But that was also the first mass produced direct injection engine, so you have to kind of give them a bit of a pass on that one.
@maxmoser412 16 for me and only one car that has gone on me is f31 320d. Engine blew out for no reason and I got a new one from BMW. Service it every 8-10 k, warm it up before and cool it down after trashing and nothing will go wrong. For God's sake, TOYOTA is using BMW engines.
Basically a kind of toxic relationship, hahahahahah ... Still totally worth it
Using capital letters doesn’t help you get your point across any better.
The only car I’ve owned that I’ve liked more and more the longer I’ve owned it. Very reliable if looked after properly
Yep - this is the life for any car enthusiast. About to get the bloody TVR ready for spring tonight. Nothing better than big engines and long roads. Thanks Chris Harris
08:20 "I don't want peace, I want problems always"
If you can manage the maintenance, compared to a new BMWs there is so much to love about the older ones; the tactile hydraulic steering, the timeless looks, N/A engine, the tasteful rim designs, the overall size etc etc...
The E chassis cars have my heart
Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love this car, but would struggle to call the looks timeless!
Well said
A good car will always be a good car. This one is a great car.
Hello Jay, you made a very good video about this! The M5 for me is to expensive and troublesome. But my E61 - 550i M-Sport Lci is the next best thing. Especially with some upgrades like Bilsteins, a tune of the gearbox, remap of the engine etc. It even makes more torque (531NM) now then the M5 (520NM).
An unreliable car can never be a great car.
@@johntechwriter nope
@@johntechwriteryou sound like a proper ninny. Show me a Honda or Toyota touring car that sounds like that and has those driving dynamics. Oh wait, you can't.
Congrats on swallowing the brave pill, what a stunning M5 and in the only shape that matter, in touring !
I dont think ive ever seen an E61 M5 Touring in that red... looks smart and perfect with those wheels 👌
It's not red
@@Birmingham_racing I'm talking about the car buddy... definitely red to my eyes
@@Birmingham_racing it's called Indianapolis Red 🤔🤷♂️
@@Birmingham_racing colour blind?
Congratulations. Delta, Mondial and this v10. Please continue and never stop. We need to preserve (and drive) such diamonds. We must ensure this passion for younger generations. Your faithful follower.
I'm not into BMWs at all but I'll watch any video with Chris getting excited and nerding out on them. Great to watch.
Agree RE the SMG transmission. I personally love it and think like you that it suits the car perfectly
I was on the motorway once. Doing a merry 160 km/h. One of these came along, at similar speed and then booted it. The way it picked up is one of the most impressive things I've ever seen.
I loved my M5 Touring - when it worked.....managed just over 11,000 miles in it over 10 months during 2012/13, in that time it cost BMW £12.2k in warranty claims (water in wheel well in boot where there is no wheel but lots of electronics bits & ecu's live, fuel pumps etc etc) & me over £5k (ate it's clutch en route to Nurburgring & needed discs & pads all round). Best seats in any car I've owned (including Recaro's in R8 although they're a close second).
It managed an overall total of 12.1 mpg during my time, in one memorable run managing 121 miles from full tank to fuel warning light coming on.
I sold it as I just didn't trust in anymore, subsequent owner did 44k miles with it & only blew a headlight bulb. We live & learn.....
what a load of trollox
Trollox? What a worthy reply from such an eloquent fan. I am truly blessed :)
I had an approved used saloon from Sytner about 10 years ago. Had a lame New Year’s Eve on year so my partner and I got up early New Year’s Day and blasted down to the tunnel. What followed was the best drive ever down to Paris for lunch and back in the day. Drank some fuel (to say the least) but howled down there and not a single French cop on the roads. The thing was and remains my favourite ever car. Renewal of warranty was about £650 a year! Epic machine. Didn’t lunch anything on me over three years. I was lucky it it was serviced on the button and I had the comfort of that full warranty. Had a special bond with that 🙌
bull
Had my E60 M5 for 3 years and loved it. And I agree some of the best standard alloys fitted to any M car. Congrats.
Peak Harris. I’m glad you had the TG opportunity and you did a fantastic job with it, but we always loved this sort of content so it’s nice to see you back at it.
The fact you've rekindled an old 'fleeting relationship' and now own the csr you once drove upon its press release days is incredible all in its self!
Look after her, cherish her, love her! One of the greatest cars of all time, the E60/61 M5! You just can't beat that noise and they now look even better when they launched.
Chris Bangle got some grief for his designs but these are bob on!
This might be one of the nicest videos you´ve made Chris. This chapter of romance you´re living, comes across in the video. And I find it all very inspiring. All my love from Spain.
My 2008 6-speed S85 E60 has 183000 miles and is going strong, watching this video gives me the warm fuzzies.
This really feels like the Chris and Neil films we grew up with! Something different and special about when people like Chris talk about their own cars and share their world with the audience like this. Superb.
My old man had the saloon version of this brand new in 2005. Still to this day one of the best cars I’ve ever been in. I can still remember the number plate but I think that’s got something to do with it starting with BJ55
What an awesome vid. It’s so true that the older stuff is somehow more interesting. I’d go as far as saying this is one of if not my favourite car of all time. Bring on more content!
I love how the one you shouldnt get is now the only M5 everyone wants now
4 years of wonderful ownership, highs and lows
but the memories keep coming , ive owned lots of cars but nothing has made me feel so happy to drive
dont manual swap it the smg is a big part of the v10 character, cars are allowed to have flaws and quirks
Fit a full supersprint exhaust and change the intakes and love it, just uncorking the exhaust allows it to breath so much better.
The swap makes the car so much more reliable - and I think so much more fun. You lose a little bit of acceleration but if your not tracking it for times manual is the way to go.
Look at you, continuing to roll out epic machines of the recent past. Well done Chris. This is fun for you, fun for us, and the subject matter is endless. Keep 'em coming!!
Chris my friend when it comes to car vids you are the GOAT...loved this and what a car ...
My father had the E63 M6 back in the day-makes me smile to hear that exhaust note once again. Thanks for this!
I briefly met Chris at Bicester in January as he signed his book for me. He’d not long bought this M5 and he quickly pointed it out to me a short distance away. It looks fab; something we will never see again.
We’re both E28 M5 owners and I’m really hoping for more E28 content from him at some point….please - it’s been too long!!
You sir, are a major influence in me putting my version of full effort into pursuing a career in cars. Your authentic passion for discovering a vehicle's personality is both contagious and addictive. From first seeing you test the 9ff way back in 2008 I thought "right I'd like to be like this guy and put my honest perspective into contributing to the automotive world." Cheers and thank you for many years of entertainment and education.
Fantastic as always, and spot on. I’ve had 3 BMWs, my current E36 M3 is my daily, ends up in the shop without fail every couple months, I’ve listed it for sale twice (CEL actually came on the night before its auction ended) but I’m now at peace with it staying with me forever. Brilliant cars.
Yesss, these are the reviews that everyone should look and give importance to, real car enjoying people.
Chris, I just love your dedication to the fun. Respect man
The E60 M5 has always been the "practical" part of my dream 3 car garage. Back in the era I lived on a straight road that had a supermarket at one end and a BMW dealership at the other: Hearing the V10 wail down the road as (presumably) the salesmen went to get their lunch sold me completely on this car. And I love the styling too!
Love your taste in cars, your collection is superb and I’m chuffed to know theirs others out there with my out look on cars.
Smashing! What really impressed me is that your two slides onto the Hanger Straight were on precisely the same line - look at the rubber left on the road during the slo-mo shot to compare the lines. Nice one
Chris… you have restored my faith in the “motor journalist” .. let me tell you why: the normal man on the street can not afford a GT3 RS or a M4 CSL, its all well and good watching these cars on the TV but in reality we will never get to drive them. I have owned F10 m5’s an F80 m4 but now I drive an e93 M3, I do most of the work on the car myself and LOVE driving the howling N/A V8. To see you (a “fairly” famous journalist) lol.. be so passionate about a v10 m5 is really what us petrol head viewers want to see. The majority of us are not rich pompous supercar owners. Looking forward to more content like this hopefully!
I had the 2000 E46, all the options as it was a demo car, brand new with 300 miles, yeah. But I never had one thing go wrong in 4 years except I always needed rear taillight bulbs replaced. The M5 was the dream car at the time. My buddy's M5 was in the shop every two weeks. I felt quite good about my basic 328i's reliability. But my buddy still talks that M5 like his one true love. Romance of the car with personality and drama. I really get it now.
Congrats Chris. Apart from the LFA it’s my favourite engine sound from that era 👌🤩🔥
Some beautiful skids Mr Harris. Bravo.
Completely vibing with this one. just went back to a 2012 c63 for similar reasons, new enough to have some creature comforts but old enough thats its still a raw exerience.
I had one for eight years. Loved every minute of ownership. Eisenmann Race exhaust on it and it sounded glorious. Changed it to an F06 M6 GC but the E60 despite being slower was more exciting to drive by quite some main. I do miss it.
I had one. 2012 to 2014. Best car I ever had. It was unlocked. 320kph on the clock, eismann exhaust, special edition. Fun part is, I saved money for a few years and bought it. Why? Becausee jeremy clarkson said it was a great car! (I did 20k km with 6000 eu on fuel. Epic car. Thnx Chris for reviewing it. 💯❤️
As an owner of a 2006 M6 for 6 years plus I can say its an amazing vehicle if you understand it. Did rod bearings and it has been a hella of a ride.
I know my car not a M5, but have had a e61 M sport 530d for going on seven years now.. Had it throwing up some interesting problems now and then some I been able to sort out my self and others with Indy BMW garages. Think the shape as aged really well and there's something about it that I cannot see what I would replace it with.. It maybe a oil burner my one but it's got me by the heart strings..
Great clip Chris and we pop back to see up dates. 👍👍
I love what you guys do and these videos are truly a great watch.
Love the light in this film.
I’m so happy he mentioned the seats that have the extra adjustment halfway up the back. Such a game changer!
What a car. Loads of room and a 500hp na v10 what more could you want or need. Love it ❤
Owned one of these beauties in 2011 having owned x2 P1’s and one of the 1st Evo 7’s in the country, along with the Evo I would have my M5 touring back in a heartbeat….. driving one was complete theatre 👌
Chris, for the sake of your modules at the rear of the car, please keep the sunroof drains clear! Great car. I’d like to make one here in the states (and an e91. M3). Love it
The magic BMW puts into its products makes people want to spend money and time to squeeze every last ounce of joy it gives you in all aspects of the driving experience.
And this why Chris Harris is the Goat of Car Journalists.
Problems aside, glad you adore it, that’s the main thing. Also love to see someone brave enough and financially strong enough to take a proper punt on one. They should be enjoyed because they are a mega mega car! Imagine having one new in 2007, 500+ bhp super saloon that can still hold its own today corrrrrr 👌🏽
I'm on my second E6x. Not M5s, can't afford the running costs of that, actually can barely afford the running costs of the 3L I6. But it just feels like a car made for me. This is a fabulous platform and puts a smile on my face every, time, I drive it. Except those times when it breaks, or makes weird noises.
Bournemouth retirement red. Haha, such a perfect colour description !
I miss my E60 M5 very much. A stunning , one of a kind car
My BMW ownership experience: very reliable, comfortable, handles great.
coolest wagon I know of having that V-10. A station wagon that can hit 190+ MPH is a dream come true. The car has few competitors in this class, size, and performance. I love sports wagons the perfect vehicle.
Stunning colour too! You can get those torso hugging seats in lower models... my E61 520d has them (although it is a Sport).. when you start the car the side bolsters grip you pretty tightly! Get those rod bearings replaced Chris.. the well known S85 achillies heel! :-) Have to say even in agricultural diesel form, there's something kind of special about the E60/E61.. I've just moved up to a nearly 10 year newer car and am seriously starting to think about flogging it and getting my E61 overhauled to fix all the issues, and keep running it.
Having owned an E60 M5 for 4 years, and keeping it in mint condition, almost got the best of me. However, every time I took the straight piped beast to its 8.250 it made me feel happier than any other machine has. I sold it to buy my current E92 M3. Although I love the M3, I miss my V10 every single day..
So excited for what's coming up next to the M5! What a special car!
This is the content we all always wanted
Chris, I absolutely bloody love this kind of content 👏🏽
I put 36,000 miles on my 08 Monaco Blue E60 M5. I miss it all the time. Such a great car.
I do hope you find a way back on the maintream tele Chris, such a natural at it.
This reminds me of my E39 528, god i loved it so much, but it was (surprisingly) fragile and bits always going wrong on it.
The noise from the rear whilst it’s cold is the rear differential. It takes a bit of time for the gear oil to work its way through all the friction plates of the LSD (limited slip differential).
It takes some time to warm up, but then so does the v10 engine and SMG. Drive it gently for the first 5/10 mins 👍
The first BMW I ever drove was an E60 M5, Chris is spot on when he says there's a certain romance about these things:)
Awesome stuff, great to see one of these on the channel! I've just undergone a very expensive rebuild, but when you hear that v10 screaming, it's worth every $. Keep it as SMG, it suits the car. Stock wheels are perfect.
V10 M5 touring has to be the ultimate sleeper.
One day I will own one of these beasts.
Many thanks for the review
I had an E60 M5 SMG and despite its Dame Edna face ... I really do miss that thing. Well done, Chris on acquiring the grocery getter version of this beast.
Dame Edna face 😂
I’ve owned my US manual E60 M5 for nearly 13 years. I’ve had a few issues but not one that left me stranded. If you consider the exotic nature of the car’s mechanicals, the maintenance isn’t a big deal. Clarkson said it was as good as a F430 when it came out. How much would you have spent maintaining that for over 100k? It doesn’t get driven as much as it deserves to anymore as I have other cars but there’s nothing else like this out there, new or used, so mine is never leaving.
Thank you for loving cars like you do!
I agree, those wheels are great, always have been. The design matches that lovely body perfectly.
I just seen this car parked up in a street, I was having a good look round it thinking "wow, a super rare M5 V10 estate - with dog bed on back seat and obligatory missing front tow hook cover!" I was hoping the owner might come out and we could have a chat then I see this video when I get home, cracking car Chris..
Great video Chris really great words. I feel exactly the same about my e90 m3 and w204 c63 you can’t replace the historic nostalgia! Drive safe god bless!
It’s pretty impressive that you slid two laps in precisely the same tire tracks on corner exit. Well done!
I'm happy to see you have an E61 M5. Great choice
Have my e63 M6 9 years today! There’s been a few cars added to the stable since but this one is going nowhere.
I’m glad to hear your assessment on SMG, it does suit the car!
I’m privileged to have a DCT and a PDK car as well, the SMG is primitive in comparison, but when you’re on it, the thing just feels so mechanical!
Will be watching this saga closely with interest!
Real pleasure to watch this one, Chris. She's a beauty.
*A special bit of kit and great that it's a wagon, I also love the fact that these things were built in the first place. Can you imagine anything like that going on sale now?*
Congrats Chris on this car! Looks fantastic. Looking forward to seeing more videos about it. Just picked up a Merc E350 estate myself :D
Great content, more of this please.
This very much reminds me of a recent adventure I took to acquire a bit of a dream car of mine. A 2004 Volvo S60R. It's not perfect by any means, 239k miles when I bought it. It's a 6 speed, Atacama interior that's reasonably worn in. The drive line needs a good refresh, until the haldex is warmed up I can hear the center support bearing (also a rear engine mount) Everything works, although my immobilizer sometimes thinks I'm stealing the car. Other than that, perfect purchase 7k miles later besides the immobilizer, car has been stellar. Never looking back. Thinking about getting another as a spares car
I’ve had a US spec e60 M5 w/ 6spd manual since new in 2010. It has been bulletproof. The SMG transmission is the cause of most of the headaches when it comes to maintenance. The engines are great if maintained properly. The fuel pump and throttle bodies are weak points and I’ve replaced each once (currently at 105k miles) and I had the rod bearings serviced at 95k miles. The clutch lasted 92k miles and I do not baby this car. I absolutely love the way the 6 speed fits with this car. The steering is still lively and it feels like a sporty experience. I do agree that the F10 didn’t make a lot of sense with a 6 speed but I am very curious what you thought about that manual swapped car you drove.
I’m pretty sure I saw this at Rogate Bike Park in West Sussex not long ago. Father and Son loading bikes into the back of it. It was the same colour and interior at least!
No E61 M5's here in the USA. We did get the N54 535xi wagon with a manual. I miss mine, but my wife doesn't miss it on jackstands in our garage.
Had a 2009 e90 coupe 335i. But man. The amount of time it spent in the shop… this video reminds me of that.
I think part of the reason I have always appreciated Chris over Clarkson types is he is a proper car nerd. It came out in topgear, it shines on youtube
the truth about any relationship is the bickering, annoyances and even arguments are there to make the love and passion feel even stronger...
You're a lucky boy -- I've been watching this (for me) dream spec E61 M5 since it was for sale at Munich Legends back in 2017 or so and have wanted it every since. You will be mine, oh yes, you will be mine!
just been out in my 08 335i convertable first time with the roof down this year, just love the old girl.
I have an 08 335i E92 coupe. Cant take the roof off but its always a wonderful drive.
S everal
M ore
G rand for a swap!
14 years and 192,000 miles on my Dinan S2 6 speed e60 m5.
The car is only a money pit if YOU have no money 🤣😂🤣 for proper maintenance. Lots of broke “Ballers on Beer budgets” picked up these cars and couldn’t afford proper maintenance. Drove them into the ground and unloaded them with a mountain of deferred maintenance to the next mini-Baller. Only now, these cars are being saved by the enthusiasts.
Mine still sees track days and 1000+ mile road trips - even though we own other track cars, race cars, and daily drivers. There is something mental about turning laps in a 4door v10 saloon with a baby seat in the back! The induction sound of a v10 through my carbon airbox and wail of my titanium exhaust at the track is addictive.
Granted, I might have an upgraded diff and 3.91, plus upgraded MCS motorsport suspension, much lighter than OEM wheels and brakes, and a full lightweight titanium exhaust system - but items wear (including RBs and TAs) out and need replacement after 14 years and 192,000 miles. Why not upgrade with better-than-OEM parts?
I have to laugh, every time I hear, “the s85 was designed for the SMG”. The s85 does not care what gear ratios are bolted up to it. It was the 3.62 gearing shared between the 7 speed SMG and 6 Speed transmission, which was mismatched as an afterthought by the bean counters.
Bean counters shared the 3.62 for the 7 Speed SMG and the 6 Speed to cut costs. The 6 speed didn’t have the best gear ratios, when mated to the shared 3.62 - optimized for MPG with 7 gears.
While a 3.91 or 4.10, with 6 gears, optimized the torque curve of the s85. LOL the engine doesn’t care what transmission is bolted up to it. 😂😂. I run a 4.10 in my stroker e28m5 and OMG is it fun!!!
First Chris makes never want to part with my E24 after watching him slide about with his E28, now he's gone and done the same thing with an E61, makes me appreciate my 535Xi/6MT M-sport all the more!
To the point of not swapping it because the gearbox suits the engine, I agree and have the same sentiment towards my A3 3.2 Quattro DSG, the shifts are quick and the ratios short paired with a higher compression engine it just feels right.