The broad audience first saw the BMW 5 Series E60 in 2003. The sedan was introduced at the beginning, followed by the touring version during the year. Let's be direct, the BMW 5 Series E60 and E61 did not manage to reach the same level of popularity as the BMW E39.
However, their predecessor was considered the best car in the batch. For this reason, after some time, the BMW 5 Series E60 rightfully earned its place on the list of Bavarian manufacturer's sedans. By 2010, when it rolled off the production line, approximately 1.5 million cars had been manufactured.
Exterior of BMW 5 E60
Perhaps no other model has stirred up as much controversy as the BMW 5 E60 of 2004. The design of the car did not appeal to everyone. After the sedan's presentation, designer C. Bangle faced strong criticism from journalists.
The design decisions were specific, and even now, 15 years later, the vehicle looks unique. It is possible that the journalists simply did not grasp the intentions of the corporation's professional designer.
After a few months, opinions about the car changed, with many acknowledging the bold step taken by the designer. In short, the newly minted BMW 5 Series cars were met with mixed reviews. Whether the BMW 5 E60 appeals to you or not, judge for yourself from the photo.
At the front, a prominent hood greets you. Lines are visible along its edges. The radiator grille is based on the corporation's specialized style. Beneath the headlamps of the BMW E60 are the angel eyes optics.
The shiny air intake has a rectangular shape and is located in the bumper. Similar to the F10 model, there are fog lights on the edges of the front, just like on the BMW E60. Many wonder which lamp is used for low beam? It is the xenon D1s lamp.
Looking at the profile of the sedan, the tire arches catch the eye, or more precisely, their indentations. They are large and connected by a stamping line at the bottom near the threshold. The attractive top of this element merges with the front optics. Another component of the profile, the windows, is surrounded by chrome.
All discussions about the exterior focused on the front of the sedan. However, no one had any complaints about the rear of the car. According to the recommendations of most authoritative critics, it was beautifully designed.
The rear lights of the BMW E60 are considered a distinctive feature. The car's aerodynamics were improved with the help of the duckbill trunk lid. The substantial bumper is equipped with reflectors, which redirect light towards the source.
Directly below it is the exhaust system. We should also mention the specifications of the BMW E60 wheels. They also contribute significantly to the car's appearance. Besides the aesthetic role, this component of the car can also enhance or reduce its controllability.
All modifications are based on R16. Depending on the variation, the size of the BMW E60 wheels can range from R17 to R20.
«In function, the 2008 BMW 5 Series E60 sedan is equipped with a ski hatch and LED headlights with a visibility range of up to 0.5 kilometers. If you are not satisfied with BMW's optics, you can install Hella or Depo headlights. The unique lighting technology enhances the comfort of travel, increases safety, and creates an original style for the car.»
Concluding the examination of the exterior, let's consider the dimensions. The standard dimensions include the width (1846 millimeters) of the sedan, its wheelbase (2888), and ground clearance (142). Depending on the model, the length of the car ranges from 4841 to 4843, the «Bavarian's» height from 1468 to 1491, and its weight from 1535 to 1835 kilograms.
Hood
The hood features reliefs, which not only give the car a more aggressive look but are also mechanisms designed by specialists to enhance safety. Under these irregularities are hidden stiffening ribs that help reduce the chance of major damage in a frontal collision with an obstacle or another vehicle.
Bumper
The low overhangs of the front part not only help normalize the modern design of the car but also ensure better control, especially at high speeds. This is done to create the maximum downforce when the car undergoes sudden turns on poorly paved roads.
Fog Lights
Fog lamps, included in the standard equipment of the model, compensate for the shortcomings of the manufacturer's standard optics. The car ensures quality lighting regardless of the speed of travel and provides the widest angles of view during movement in conditions of poor visibility. Everything in this car is aimed at maximizing travel safety.
Design of BMW 5 E60
Even now, in 2018, everything in the car's interior looks excellent. This is because the BMW 5 E60 car interior is crafted from durable and reliable materials. The front seats are made of leather and are thick. They come with heating and various electric adjustments.
In the comfortable sofa at the back, three passengers with heating will feel comfortable. There is enough legroom and headroom.
The active leather steering wheel of the BMW 5 E60 looks simple. It is equipped with a modest number of buttons. It allows control of cruise control and the audio system. The highlight is the paddle shifters, which enable manual gear shifting.
The car steering wheel can be adjusted for reach and height. In expensive variations, there are headrests, massage function, and lateral support that can be adjusted.
The instrument panel is ordinary, but according to BMW E60 owners, most of them liked it. Perhaps, it's due to the beautiful orange backlight in the dark. It features two analog gauges with chrome accents. Through the onboard computer, which alerts the car owner about emerging issues in the management system, adjustments can be made.
The function will automatically adjust the screen brightness when the driver turns on the parking lights. A miniature navigation and multimedia screen is placed on the dashboard. Below the reflectors are three buttons. This is a device that controls the car's climate control system. Beneath is a seat heater adjustment.
On the center console, partially made of wood, is the gear lever, with a parking spot button on it. Nearby are buttons for sport mode and multimedia control.
The final component of the console is the armrest, where you can store a mobile phone or other items. Of course, more advanced cars have many more buttons, but remember that this design was introduced fifteen years ago.
A similar situation occurred with the 177-horsepower N52 assembly. From 2007,
The «base» engine is a two-liter N47D20 with 190 horsepower and precise diesel injection. It consumes only 7/5 liters in the city/on the highway, reaches a top speed of 228 kilometers per hour, and accelerates to a hundred in 7.5 seconds.
A bit faster (6.8 seconds) is the BMW 5 E60 3.0d with a 235-horsepower engine, but fuel consumption is slightly higher at 9/6 in the city/on the highway. The maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour.
For the BMW, a 3.0 engine is required. This is a 286-horsepower M57D30 engine, which accelerates the car in 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 9/6 in the city/on the highway.
Lastly, the best diesel variant, the 535d, came with a 272-horsepower six-cylinder M57 engine, which was later upgraded to 287 horsepower.
It's up to consumers to decide whether to choose diesel or petrol.
The BMW E60 comes with a choice of two gearboxes: manual and automatic. The manual transmission is the most reliable in use, while the automatic transmission is convenient.
The car's suspension is entirely independent. The chassis of the car is equipped with Dynamic Drive regulators and offers adjustments to the driving style of the vehicle.
Equipment of BMW 5 E60
The 520i model was introduced with the six-cylinder M54 engine, producing 170 horsepower. After the end of 2007, when the BMW 5 Series E60 and E61 felt the restyling effect, this engine was replaced by the four-cylinder N43 with similar power.
A similar situation occurred with the 177-horsepower N52 assembly. From 2007,
The engines of the BMW 5 E60 are of high quality, but they require high-quality fuel and careful operation. Regular maintenance, replacement of consumables, and troubleshooting are necessary. It is also essential to maintain the BMW E60 with the correct level of motor oil.
The base petrol engine is a two-liter naturally aspirated engine. It has a power output of 156 horsepower and sixteen valves. The sedan's maximum speed with this engine is 219 kilometers per hour, but it takes 9.6 seconds to reach the first «hundred.»
Driving in the city can be leisurely, but fuel consumption is high, twelve liters per one hundred kilometers. On the highway, it is half that, but it is still a significant fuel consumption figure.
The second engine has more advanced technological features. It has a slightly larger capacity and sixty-two more horsepower. This allows the BMW E60 sedan to accelerate in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed that is 23 kilometers per hour higher.
Regarding fuel consumption, it uses 2/1 liters more in the city/on the highway. The parameters of the third petrol engine, the BMW E60 3.0, are even more significant. The 272 horsepower engine allows the sedan to accelerate in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, and fuel consumption of 14 liters.
Lastly, the most powerful naturally aspirated petrol engine, the N62B40 V8, is a calculated four-liter direct-injection engine. It produces 306 horsepower. The acceleration to a hundred is 6.1 seconds, and the top speed is 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption ranges from sixteen liters. For those looking for fuel efficiency, diesel engines are an option.
The «base» engine is a two-liter N47D20 with 190 horsepower and precise diesel injection. It consumes only 7/5 liters in the city/on the highway, reaches a top speed of 228 kilometers per hour, and accelerates to a hundred in 7.5 seconds.
A bit faster (6.8 seconds) is the BMW 5 E60 3.0d with a 235-horsepower engine, but fuel consumption is slightly higher at 9/6 in the city/on the highway. The maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour.
For the BMW, a 3.0 engine is required. This is a 286-horsepower M57D30 engine, which accelerates the car in 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 9/6 in the city/on the highway.
Lastly, the best diesel variant, the 535d, came with a 272-horsepower six-cylinder M57 engine, which was later upgraded to 287 horsepower.
It's up to consumers to decide whether to choose diesel or petrol.
The BMW E60 comes with a choice of two gearboxes: manual and automatic. The manual transmission is the most reliable in use, while the automatic transmission is convenient.
The car's suspension is entirely independent. The chassis of the car is equipped with Dynamic Drive regulators and offers adjustments to the driving style of the vehicle.
Equipment of BMW 5 E60
The 520i model was introduced with the six-cylinder M54 engine, producing 170 horsepower. After the end of 2007, when the BMW 5 Series E60 and E61 felt the restyling effect, this engine was replaced by the four-cylinder N43 with similar power.
A similar situation occurred with the 177-horsepower N52 assembly. From 2007,
The engines of the BMW 5 E60 are of high quality, but they require high-quality fuel and careful operation. Regular maintenance, replacement of consumables, and troubleshooting are necessary. It is also essential to maintain the BMW E60 with the correct level of motor oil.
The base petrol engine is a two-liter naturally aspirated engine. It has a power output of 156 horsepower and sixteen valves. The sedan's maximum speed with this engine is 219 kilometers per hour, but it takes 9.6 seconds to reach the first «hundred.»
Driving in the city can be leisurely, but fuel consumption is high, twelve liters per one hundred kilometers. On the highway, it is half that, but it is still a significant fuel consumption figure.
The second engine has more advanced technological features. It has a slightly larger capacity and sixty-two more horsepower. This allows the BMW E60 sedan to accelerate in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed that is 23 kilometers per hour higher.
Regarding fuel consumption, it uses 2/1 liters more in the city/on the highway. The parameters of the third petrol engine, the BMW E60 3.0, are even more significant. The 272 horsepower engine allows the sedan to accelerate in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, and fuel consumption of 14 liters.
Lastly, the most powerful naturally aspirated petrol engine, the N62B40 V8, is a calculated four-liter direct-injection engine. It produces 306 horsepower. The acceleration to a hundred is 6.1 seconds, and the top speed is 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption ranges from sixteen liters. For those looking for fuel efficiency, diesel engines are an option.
The «base» engine is a two-liter N47D20 with 190 horsepower and precise diesel injection. It consumes only 7/5 liters in the city/on the highway, reaches a top speed of 228 kilometers per hour, and accelerates to a hundred in 7.5 seconds.
A bit faster (6.8 seconds) is the BMW 5 E60 3.0d with a 235-horsepower engine, but fuel consumption is slightly higher at 9/6 in the city/on the highway. The maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour.
For the BMW, a 3.0 engine is required. This is a 286-horsepower M57D30 engine, which accelerates the car in 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 9/6 in the city/on the highway.
Lastly, the best diesel variant, the 535d, came with a 272-horsepower six-cylinder M57 engine, which was later upgraded to 287 horsepower.
It's up to consumers to decide whether to choose diesel or petrol.
The BMW E60 comes with a choice of two gearboxes: manual and automatic. The manual transmission is the most reliable in use, while the automatic transmission is convenient.
The car's suspension is entirely independent. The chassis of the car is equipped with Dynamic Drive regulators and offers adjustments to the driving style of the vehicle.
Equipment of BMW 5 E60
The 520i model was introduced with the six-cylinder M54 engine, producing 170 horsepower. After the end of 2007, when the BMW 5 Series E60 and E61 felt the restyling effect, this engine was replaced by the four-cylinder N43 with similar power.
A similar situation occurred with the 177-horsepower N52 assembly. From 2007,
«It is possible to install the CIC system on the BMW E60. It includes an 80 GB hard drive, an 8.8-inch monitor, a new controller, and a USB port. You can watch DVD movies in high quality and enhance iPhone capabilities.»
For an additional cost, the BMW E60 can be equipped with a CCC rearview camera, and speedometer data will be displayed on the windshield. A dedicated message projector will be installed on the car, which will display signs, numbers, and slogans in orange hues on the front windshield.
All this will not obstruct the driver's view of the road. Interestingly, passengers will not notice this, as the data is visible from a different viewing angle.
As of function, the 2005 BMW 5 Series E60 sedan is equipped with a foldable rear seat back.
The car's trunk has a good volume of 520 liters. Interestingly, for the E61 touring model, it is similar. This is surprising, as the touring model's trunk space is usually larger than that of the sedan.
Auto Electronics and Safety of BMW 5 E60
The components of the proprietary safety system are based on intelligence. Primarily, it is essential to highlight the effective brake system. For protection against frontal/side impacts, the car is equipped with airbags that have a tubular structure.
In the event of a collision with various obstacles, the headrests move forward instantly, protecting the neck and preventing sudden head movements.
The adaptive headlights prevent the car's lights from dimming during turns. By turning with the car, the optics adjust the lighting towards the road ahead.
The car is equipped with an active power steering system. It features disc brakes on each wheel (front with cooling) with ABS/EBD modes.
Technical Specifications of BMW 5 E60
Let's start with the engines' inspection for the BMW E60. They are equipped with the Valvetronic system (stepless valve lift regulation).
All power units from the Bavarian company are equipped with their own development, the Double Vanos system. It adjusts valve timing, increases the car's power, and makes fuel consumption more efficient. The final coefficient is so low that this characteristic of the BMW E60 2.5 is equivalent to the worldwide ULEV II standard.
Nineteen types of devices are installed on the cars. Let's analyze some of them.
The engines of the BMW 5 E60 are of high quality, but they require high-quality fuel and careful operation. Regular maintenance, replacement of consumables, and troubleshooting are necessary. It is also essential to maintain the BMW E60 with the correct level of motor oil.
The base petrol engine is a two-liter naturally aspirated engine. It has a power output of 156 horsepower and sixteen valves. The sedan's maximum speed with this engine is 219 kilometers per hour, but it takes 9.6 seconds to reach the first «hundred.»
Driving in the city can be leisurely, but fuel consumption is high, twelve liters per one hundred kilometers. On the highway, it is half that, but it is still a significant fuel consumption figure.
The second engine has more advanced technological features. It has a slightly larger capacity and sixty-two more horsepower. This allows the BMW E60 sedan to accelerate in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed that is 23 kilometers per hour higher.
Regarding fuel consumption, it uses 2/1 liters more in the city/on the highway. The parameters of the third petrol engine, the BMW E60 3.0, are even more significant. The 272 horsepower engine allows the sedan to accelerate in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, and fuel consumption of 14 liters.
Lastly, the most powerful naturally aspirated petrol engine, the N62B40 V8, is a calculated four-liter direct-injection engine. It produces 306 horsepower. The acceleration to a hundred is 6.1 seconds, and the top speed is 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption ranges from sixteen liters. For those looking for fuel efficiency, diesel engines are an option.
The «base» engine is a two-liter N47D20 with 190 horsepower and precise diesel injection. It consumes only 7/5 liters in the city/on the highway, reaches a top speed of 228 kilometers per hour, and accelerates to a hundred in 7.5 seconds.
A bit faster (6.8 seconds) is the BMW 5 E60 3.0d with a 235-horsepower engine, but fuel consumption is slightly higher at 9/6 in the city/on the highway. The maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour.
For the BMW, a 3.0 engine is required. This is a 286-horsepower M57D30 engine, which accelerates the car in 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 9/6 in the city/on the highway.
Lastly, the best diesel variant, the 535d, came with a 272-horsepower six-cylinder M57 engine, which was later upgraded to 287 horsepower.
It's up to consumers to decide whether to choose diesel or petrol.
The BMW E60 comes with a choice of two gearboxes: manual and automatic. The manual transmission is the most reliable in use, while the automatic transmission is convenient.
The car's suspension is entirely independent. The chassis of the car is equipped with Dynamic Drive regulators and offers adjustments to the driving style of the vehicle.
Equipment of BMW 5 E60
The 520i model was introduced with the six-cylinder M54 engine, producing 170 horsepower. After the end of 2007, when the BMW 5 Series E60 and E61 felt the restyling effect, this engine was replaced by the four-cylinder N43 with similar power.
A similar situation occurred with the 177-horsepower N52 assembly. From 2007,
