The BMW E60/E61 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was sold from 2003 to 2010. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the "Touring" (wagon/estate) body style introduced in 2004. The E60/E61 was replaced by the F10/F11 5 Series in 2010.
The M5 variant was released in 2005 and is powered by the S85 V10 engine. It was sold in the sedan and wagon body styles, with most cars using a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III").
Development
The development programme for the E60 began in 1997, concluding in 2003. The final design, penned by Davide Arcangeli under the directorship of Chris Bangle, was approved in 2000 and German design patents filed on April 16, 2002.
Comparison with predecessor
While its predecessor, the E39, shared many features with the 7 series, the E60 was different to other BMWs in production at the time. The E60 is longer, wider, heavier and higher than the previous model, which translates into more interior and trunk space. The E60 also introduced a different style to the 5-series line including a much rounder body, and an interior, unlike the driver-oriented E39, that is flat like the E65 7-series with an LCD display, basic buttons and iDrive system.
The E60 received much acclaim from the automotive community, prompting specialist companies to produce aftermarket parts for it, including copies of M-Sport parts. For example, Hamann, AC Schnitzer, Hartge, and Dinan flooded the market with parts for the E60 which were cheaper than the originals. Furthermore, many after market performance parts were produced for the already swift E60.
A derivative of the E60 is the E63/E64 which forms the iteration of the 6 Series coupe. A factory-stretched long-wheelbase version of the E60 5-Series was offered in China, as a response to the Audi A6 L. It offered much of the rear legroom of a large executive saloon (e.g. BMW 7-Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class), but in a cheaper, simpler model. As of 2009, trim levels included the 520Li, 523Li, 525Li, and 530Li.
Technology
The E60 body was made using aluminium for the front of the car, and steel for the passenger cabin and rear thus making 50:50 weight balance. E60 was available with BMW's xDrive system in 525xi, 528xi, 530xi, 535xi, 525xd and 530xd models.
Equipment
The iDrive system has been simplified from the system in the BMW 7 Series (E65). It can be ordered with a full array of options such as active cruise control, head-up display, active steering, and the Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo system. Other available equipment in E60 was Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Voice Control, Adaptive Headlights, BMW Night Vision, Active Headrests, Bi-Xenon headlights, Run-flat tyres and other equipment typical for luxury cars. Equipment in E60 was always upgrading, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Adaptive Headlights, LED rear lights, Lane Departure Warning, Brake Force Display was available few years after the introduction.
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 (IIHS) 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.
2007 update
The LCI (Life Cycle improvement) model was released in 2007. This LCI model included a facelift of the front and rear end of the vehicle. This update included a new front bumper, fog lights, headlights, tail lights and trunk. The interior was also slightly remodelled as well and included changes to door handles, position of power window buttons, updated iDrive with shortcut buttons(for late 2008 models), sleeker gear change lever for the auto transmission. Besides these changes, the 5 Series gained new engines, transmission and an updated iDrive from the BMW X5.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Adaptive Headlights, LED rear lights, Lane Departure Warning, Brake Force Display became available.
