🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M5 Year: 2006 Generation: E60 M5 Codes Chassis Code: E60 Engine Code: S85B50 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 2006 BMW M5 (E60) represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering for its era, positioned as a high-performance luxury sedan targeting discerning enthusiasts who demanded exceptional power, sophisticated handling, and premium comfort. It competed directly with other top-tier performance sedans from brands like Mercedes-Benz (AMG models) and Audi (RS models). Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competitors included the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi RS6, and potentially high-performance variants of the Lexus GS and Cadillac CTS. The M5 distinguished itself with its groundbreaking V10 engine and advanced electronic driver aids, setting a benchmark for naturally aspirated supercar-level performance in a sedan chassis. Key Features Key Features: Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine, SMG III sequential manual gearbox, adaptive M suspension, M-specific aerodynamic styling, powerful braking system, iDrive infotainment system, and luxurious interior appointments. The manual provides essential guidance on understanding and utilizing these advanced features. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Coverage Areas: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories Format Page Count: Not Specified (PDF implies comprehensive content) Manual Type: Owner's Manual Format: PDF Language Language: English 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Systems Covered: Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical Systems, Infotainment, Climate Control, Safety Restraints, Lighting, Driver Assistance Features, Security Systems Procedures Procedures Included: Basic operation, instrument cluster interpretation, climate control usage, lighting functions, driver controls, lock and security system operation, seating and restraint adjustment, driving techniques, customer assistance procedures, cleaning recommendations, routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks and refills, part identification, accessory installation guidance Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, basic maintenance, and general care. Not a full service or repair manual, but provides essential user information for maintaining and understanding the vehicle's features and functions. 📊 Manual Specifications File Properties File Format: Portable Document Format (PDF) Print Quality Print Quality: Printable pages with pictures and diagrams. Quality dependent on PDF source and user's printer. Binding Type Binding Type: Digital (No physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) Accessibility Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader Delivery Downloadable: YES (Instant Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V10 Displacement: 4,999 cc (5.0 Liters) Performance Horsepower: 500 hp @ 7,750 rpm Torque: 383 lb-ft @ 6,100 rpm Fuel System Fuel Induction: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Requirement: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Lubrication Oil Type Specification: BMW Longlife-01 or BMW Longlife-04 (check specific manual for exact applicability) Oil Capacity: Approx. 8.3 Liters (8.8 US Quarts) - Check Manual for Exact Capacity Cooling Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol Based Coolant (BMW Blue or compatible) Coolant Capacity: Approx. 12.2 Liters (12.9 US Quarts) - Check Manual for Exact Capacity 🔧 Transmission Primary Transmission Standard Transmission: 7-Speed SMG III (Sequential Manual Gearbox) Optional Transmission Optional Transmission: None (SMG III was standard for E60 M5) Features Transmission Features: Variable shift characteristics (P400, P500, P500 Sport settings), manual shifting via paddles or gear selector, launch control, clutchless operation. Fluid Transmission Fluid Type: Specific SMG Fluid (refer to manual for BMW part number or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Capacity: Not user serviceable in the same manner as traditional automatics. Consult manual or specialist for SMG hydraulic system fluid level checks. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4,846 mm (190.8 inches) Width: Approx. 1,846 mm (72.7 inches) Height: Approx. 1,469 mm (57.8 inches) Wheelbase: Approx. 2,889 mm (113.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,755 kg (3,869 lbs) Cargo Cargo Volume: Approx. 500 Liters (17.7 cubic feet) - Check Manual for Specifics 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: While specific NHTSA ratings for the 2006 E60 M5 are not universally published, the standard E60 platform generally received good ratings in frontal and side impact tests for its time. Advanced safety features were standard. Active Features Active Safety Features: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Adaptive Headlights. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain head airbags, active front head restraints, reinforced safety cell construction, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: BMW iDrive System (Professional Navigation System optional) Audio System: Standard HiFi system, optional Logic 7 premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Parking Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, cruise control, optional adaptive cruise control (Active Cruise Control). Connectivity Connectivity Features: Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (with compatible phone), USB/Auxiliary audio input. Other Tech Other Technology: Head-Up Display (HUD) optional,...
The 2006 BMW M5 (E60) represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering for its era, positioned as a high-performance luxury sedan targeting discerning enthusiasts who demanded exceptional power, sophisticated handling, and premium comfort. It competed directly with other top-tier performance sedans from brands like Mercedes-Benz (AMG models) and Audi (RS models).
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competitors included the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi RS6, and potentially high-performance variants of the Lexus GS and Cadillac CTS. The M5 distinguished itself with its groundbreaking V10 engine and advanced electronic driver aids, setting a benchmark for naturally aspirated supercar-level performance in a sedan chassis.
Key Features
Key Features:
Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine, SMG III sequential manual gearbox, adaptive M suspension, M-specific aerodynamic styling, powerful braking system, iDrive infotainment system, and luxurious interior appointments. The manual provides essential guidance on understanding and utilizing these advanced features.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage
Coverage Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Basic operation, instrument cluster interpretation, climate control usage, lighting functions, driver controls, lock and security system operation, seating and restraint adjustment, driving techniques, customer assistance procedures, cleaning recommendations, routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks and refills, part identification, accessory installation guidance
Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, basic maintenance, and general care. Not a full service or repair manual, but provides essential user information for maintaining and understanding the vehicle's features and functions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Properties
File Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Printable pages with pictures and diagrams. Quality dependent on PDF source and user's printer.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital (No physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Accessibility
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Delivery
Downloadable:
YES (Instant Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V10
Displacement:
4,999 cc (5.0 Liters)
Performance
Horsepower:
500 hp @ 7,750 rpm
Torque:
383 lb-ft @ 6,100 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Lubrication
Oil Type Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 or BMW Longlife-04 (check specific manual for exact applicability)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.3 Liters (8.8 US Quarts) - Check Manual for Exact Capacity
Cooling
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Based Coolant (BMW Blue or compatible)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.2 Liters (12.9 US Quarts) - Check Manual for Exact Capacity
🔧 Transmission
Primary Transmission
Standard Transmission:
7-Speed SMG III (Sequential Manual Gearbox)
Optional Transmission
Optional Transmission:
None (SMG III was standard for E60 M5)
Features
Transmission Features:
Variable shift characteristics (P400, P500, P500 Sport settings), manual shifting via paddles or gear selector, launch control, clutchless operation.
Fluid
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific SMG Fluid (refer to manual for BMW part number or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Not user serviceable in the same manner as traditional automatics. Consult manual or specialist for SMG hydraulic system fluid level checks.
While specific NHTSA ratings for the 2006 E60 M5 are not universally published, the standard E60 platform generally received good ratings in frontal and side impact tests for its time. Advanced safety features were standard.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Adaptive Headlights.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain head airbags, active front head restraints, reinforced safety cell construction, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive System (Professional Navigation System optional)
Audio System:
Standard HiFi system, optional Logic 7 premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Parking Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, cruise control, optional adaptive cruise control (Active Cruise Control).
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (with compatible phone), USB/Auxiliary audio input.
Other Tech
Other Technology:
Head-Up Display (HUD) optional, Adaptive Headlights, Electronic Damper Control (EDC) for suspension.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Check manual for specific guidance.
Major Service Interval:
Major inspections and component checks (e.g., spark plugs, brakes, suspension) typically recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles. Consult the manual for detailed service plans.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW specification)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (check manual)
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-140 (check manual for specific part number)
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Rod bearing wear (especially if maintenance is neglected), S85 engine oil consumption, SMG hydraulic pump/actuator issues, clutch wear, throttle actuator failures, fuel pump issues, VANOS solenoid failures, water pump leaks. Regular maintenance as per the manual is crucial.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example: 11 42 7 500 477 (Mann-Filter HU 821 y or equivalent BMW OE)
Air Filter Part Number:
Example: 13 72 7 516 544 (Left bank) & 13 72 7 516 545 (Right bank) (Mann-Filter C 30 145/2 or equivalent BMW OE)
Cabin Filter Part Number:
Example: 64 11 6 99 1 476 (Contains both particle and activated carbon filters)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles, particularly with its 'M' division. The M5 model lineage represents the ultimate expression of BMW's sedan capabilities, blending everyday usability with track-inspired performance.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E60 M5, introduced for the 2005 model year in Europe and 2006 in North America, marked a significant technological leap with its V10 engine derived from BMW's Formula 1 program. It was the first M5 to feature a V10, replacing the V8 of the E39 generation, and introduced the SMG III transmission as standard.
Production
Production Years:
2005-2010 (E60/E61 platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The E60 M5 was widely praised by automotive journalists for its extraordinary V10 engine and performance capabilities. While specific 'awards' for owner's manuals are uncommon, the comprehensive nature of BMW's documentation is generally well-regarded for providing crucial operational and maintenance information.
Ratings
Road And Track Engine Of The Year:
The S85 V10 engine received a 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' award in 2006 and 2007.