BMW 5 Series (E60)


The fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series consists of the BMW E60 and BMW E61 executive cars. The E60/E61 generation was produced from 2003 to 2010 and is often collectively referred to as the E60.
The E60 generation introduced various new electronic features, including the iDrive infotainment system, head-up display, active cruise control, active steering, adaptive headlights, night vision, lane departure warning and voice control. The E60 was the first 5 Series to be available with a turbocharged petrol engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and regenerative braking.
The M5 model was introduced in 2005 and is powered by the BMW S85 V10 engine. It was sold in the sedan and wagon body styles, with most cars using the 7-speed SMG III transmission. It was the first and only M5 model to be sold with a V10 engine.
In January 2010, the BMW 5 Series began production as the successor to the E60.

Development and launch

The development programme for the E60 began in 1997, concluding in 2002. The lead designer was Boyke Boyer. The final design, developed by Davide Arcangeli under BMW Design Director Chris Bangle, was approved in 2000 and German design patents filed on 16 April 2002.
The sedan was launched on 5 July 2003 in Europe and in October 2003 in North America. In late 2004, the Touring models were introduced.

Body styles

The body of the E60 was made using aluminium for the front of the car, and steel for the passenger cabin and rear. Kerb weights are for the sedan and for the wagon. The weight distribution of the sedan models was 50:50.

Interior / Equipment

The iDrive infotainment system— first introduced in the E65 7 Series— was fitted to all E60 models. The standard iDrive system included a 6.5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth audio for phone calls, voice control, and vehicle settings. Optional features included an 8-inch LCD screen, satellite navigation and DVD video playback.
An emergency hotline feature was also available for the E60. The BMW Assist system could also use the phone network to notify the driver and their preferred BMW dealership when servicing was due.
Other features available in the E60 initially included active cruise control, Bi-Xenon headlights, run-flat tyres, active anti-roll bars, head-up display and active steering. Safety-related items include Dynamic Stability Control, adaptive headlights and night vision.
Over the E60's lifespan, the following features were added: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, keyless entry, LED taillights, Lane Departure Warning and Brake Force Display.
The E60 was the first 5 Series in 22 years where the centre console was not angled towards the driver, however the E60's successor returned to angling the centre console towards the driver.
In 2003 a 6-speed SMG-II gearbox was offered as an option on the 525i, 530i, 545i and 550i in some markets.

Engines

Petrol

Diesel

Transmissions

Available transmissions are:
The M5 model of the E60 generation was introduced in 2005 and produced in sedan and wagon body styles. The E60 M5 is powered by the BMW S85 V10 engine, which produces at 7,750 rpm, at 6,100 rpm and has a redline of 8,250 rpm. The acceleration time is 4.7 seconds.
The majority of M5s were sold with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, however a 6-speed manual was also available in some markets.
Total production of the M5 was 20,548 units, consisting of 19,523 sedans and 1,025 wagons.

Special models

Alpina B5

Introduced in February 2005, the Alpina B5 and Alpina B5 S were built in sedan and wagon body styles and powered by the BMW N62 petrol V8 engine with the addition of a centrifugal supercharger. The rated power outputs are for the B5 and for the B5 S. Both models used the ZF 6HP26 6-speed hydraulic automatic transmission shared with the regular E60 models.

BMW 5 Series Security

The E60 was available as 'Security' models, a factory armoured version which was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Built with ballistic steel, aramid, polyethylene and 21mm polycarbonate layered glass it was certified at VR4 level of VPAM's Bullet Resistant Vehicle guidelines. The armoured areas include the entire passenger cell, battery terminals and Engine Control Unit. As standard they included an intercom system and panic alarm.
The Security models were built using the mechanicals of the 530i or the 550i, with upgraded suspension and braking systems. Production of the Security models began alongside the series model at BMW's Dingolfing plant, with armouring prepared before being shipped to a specialist facility in Toluca, Mexico, where the vehicles complete the final assembly stage.

Long-wheelbase sedan (China only)

A long-wheelbase version of the E60 5 Series was offered in China. Models included the 520Li, 523Li, 525Li, and 530Li. The wheelbase was increased to.

BMW 5 Series Authority Vehicle

The 5 Series Authority Vehicle is designed for police forces, fire services, and emergency rescue services. It has a firearm bracket in the rear center armrest.

Safety

Initially the 5 Series received a three-star rating for adult occupants. However changes were made to the steering column, footrest, door trims, door latch, airbags and electronic software and the car was retested achieving its four-star rating. BMW claims the modifications improved the car's EuroNCAP score, not the vehicle's safety; consequently BMW chose not to recall the earlier-built cars.
The American Insurance Institute of Highways Safety gives the 5 Series a "Good" overall rating in frontal collisions but a "Marginal" overall rating for side impact collisions. The IIHS reported their side impact test would likely cause driver related rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries. The IIHS tests were conducted on models built after May 2007; these models had modifications to improve side impact safety.
Adult Occupant:
Child Occupant:
Pedestrian:

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

2007 facelift

The 'Life Cycle impulse' models were introduced in September 2007. Styling changes were relatively subtle, and included revised headlights, tail lights and front bumper. The interior was significantly revised. The iDrive system was upgraded with programmable "favourite" shortcut buttons, a revised menu system, preset buttons for the audio system and the switch from DVD to hard disk based storage.
Mechanically, the 5 Series gained the new engines and transmissions from the E70 X5. On automatic transmission models, a shift by wire shifter replaced the mechanical version and shift paddles were available for the first time on a 5 Series model besides the M5.
The active cruise control was upgraded to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and accelerate from stationary. Other changes include adaptive headlights, LED rear lights, Lane Departure Warning, night vision and Brake Force Display. The E60 LCI was the first BMW to feature regenerative braking.

Production

Production of the E60/E61 occurred at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany and at the BMW Brilliance plant in China.
Complete knock-down assembly of German-produced kits took place in Thailand, Egypt, Russia and Malaysia.
YearTotalSedanTouringNotes
200370,52270,522-Sedan launched in July.
2004229,598191,36131,342Touring model launched in May.
2005228,389177,71950,670
2006232,193182,53949,654
2007230,845181,53449,311
2008202,287156,82545,462
2009175,983135,94436,987
Total1,369,8171,096,444263,426