Performance Review: BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 - [2004]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW 5 Series Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 is the 7 speed / Semi-Auto version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 and the 2005 SSC Aero SC 8T 6.3L.This particular BMW 5 Series has a 4999cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 10 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V10's includes the 2019 Lamborghini Huracan EVO 5.2 V10

The 5 Series shares its Petrol V10 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Lamborghini Huracan EVO 5.2 V10 and the 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Performante 5.2 V10. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the 5 Series's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1830 kgs (4034 lbs) this makes the BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW 5 Series shares the same bhp with the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp)

In terms of power the 4999cc 40V V10 engine produces 500 bhp (372 kW) @ 7750 rpm similar to the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (493 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V10 throws out 384 lb-ft (520.6 Nm) @ 6100 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the BMW 5 Series you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2011 Mercedes C Class 63 AMG Coupe Black Series (298.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW 5 Series.

The BMW 5 Series has a Power to weight ratio of 273.2 bhp per ton and 209.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 5 Series competing with the 2011 Mercedes C Class 63 AMG Coupe Black Series (298.2 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Mercedes E Class 63 AMG (298.1 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the BMW 5 Series generating around 209.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1979 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 5.8 V8 (234.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 BMW Alpina B3 3.0 Bi Turbo (234.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.9 secs, this made the BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 as fast as the 2022 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo ALL4 (4.70 secs) the 2020 BMW X4 M40d 3.0 Turbo (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo AWD (4.70 secs) the or the 2020 KIA Stinger GT2 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs). This BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 is also faster than the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the and the 2017 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 (4.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 5 Series and the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124

When talking about the performance of the BMW 5 Series on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.81 secs @ 106.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124 (12.80 secs), the 2019 Toyota Supra GR RZ 3.0 Turbo (12.81 secs), and the 2017 BMW X6 xDrive50i 4.4 V8 F16 (12.81 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2004 version of the BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2004 5 Series equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2004 BMW 5 Series M5 V10 4d SMG E60 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2004 5 Series Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison