2005 BMW (E60) M5

This 2005 BMW M5 is a highly original and eminently useable example of the German brand’s fourth-generation super saloon. Arriving during what is perhaps the high watermark for large displacement super saloons in the mid noughties, the M5 distinguished itself from its competitors with a 500bhp naturally aspirated V10 engine, driving the rear wheels via a seven-speed SMG automated manual transmission. The odometer shows just 44,723 miles from new.

A genuine UK-market example, this M5 was first registered on 30 June 2005 and has just one previous keeper on the V5C. It has been in the hands of the vendor for the past 11 years, and remains in original condition throughout, with comprehensive maintenance history.

Finished in a subtle shade of metallic black, this M5 remains in good order for its age, with a few bodywork marks as you would expect from a 15-year-old car. Very fine scratches are visible on all four corners of each bumper, with the vendor adding that these will be polished out prior to sale. In addition, some stone chips are visible on the bonnet and lower edges of the front bumper. A chip is also visible on the side skirt under the driver’s door.

The BMW’s headlights, taillights and badging remain in good order, with no damage to be seen to the glasswork. This example retains its original fitment ‘Style 166’ alloy wheels, which could benefit from refurbishment due to a number of kerbing marks and scratches.

Inside, the E60’s interior design has aged well. Its light grey leather seats are free of rips and tears, though show minor signs of discolouration and bolster wear to the driver’s seat in particular. The car was specified with the optional 16-way adjustable front seats with adaptive bolsters, which are also heated and have memory settings on both sides. The M-branded sill kick plates show varying levels of scuffing, especially so on the driver’s side.

As the flagship of the E60-generation, the M5 features technologies including dual-zone climate control, adaptive xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a head-up display. It was also ordered with the sunroof, folding rear seats with through-loading function, DVD player, and TV capability. The interior switchgear and iDrive system remain in fully operational order, with the vendor adding that both the original 2005 and updated 2017 sat-nav DVD discs will come with the car.

This M5 was most recently serviced in January 2021 at 44,723 miles by renowned marque specialist Munich Legends. This was an oil change service with new pollen and oil filters fitted. In November 2019, the differential oil and engine oil were also changed, with this work also carried out by Munich Legends. A summary of the service history is included below.

The vendor states that Munich Legends is currently replacing the sliding sunroof frame, sticky driver’s cupholder and rear PDC parking sensors. Earlier in 2021, the engine thermostat, connecting pipework and coolant temperature sensor were also all replaced. The interior also benefited from a replacement passenger front cupholder and rear central air vent.

The most recent MOT test was on 15 April 2020 at 44,048 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. The vendor also advises that a fresh MOT will be provided prior to sale for the next buyer. Wearing a pair of Continental SportContact 2 tyres on the front axle and SportContact 6 on the rear, these remain in good order with no visible damage. The fronts are estimated to have approximately 7mm of tread remaining, while the rears have 5mm.

This BMW M5 is a highly original example of the brand’s high-performance thoroughbred saloon. Offering a truly unique aural experience with day-to-day practicality, it would be a stylish and sophisticated daily driver, or perhaps something to savour on high days and holidays as part of a wider collection.

Summary of service history

• 28/07/05 - 1,327mi - Cotswold Hereford
• 05/06/07 - 8,015mi - Cotswold Hereford
• 30/01/08 - 9,333mi - Cotswold Hereford
• 14/09/09 - 15,169mi - Elms BMW
• 09/09/10 - 17,765mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 08/04/11 - 20,723mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 28/12/11 - 22,411mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 27/03/12 - 23,725mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 02/04/14 - 30,088mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 07/04/15 - 31,734mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 01/04/16 - 36,266mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 11/05/17 - 40,273mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 20/02/18 - 41,631mi - Cooper Cobham BMW
• 21/11/19 - 43,578mi - Munich Legends
• 13/01/21 - 44,723mi - Munich Legends

Summary of maintenance

• Work underway - Munich Legends: Sliding sunroof frame, centre/driver’s cup holder, and rear PDC parking sensor all replaced
• 13/01/21 - 43,587mi - Munich Legends: Engine thermostat, connecting pipes, coolant temperature sensor, faulty low horn unit, passenger side front cup holder, rear centre air vent, & rear M badge all replaced
• 21/11/19 - unknown miles - Munich Legends: Telephone control unit bypassed (original BMW-supplied phone not provided to vendor upon purchase), iDrive controller replaced and coded, previously replaced rear shocks plugged into control unit & re-calibrated, rear floor mats replaced, battery replaced & coded in
• Rear shock absorbers have both been replaced between 2017 & 2019
• 24/01/19 - 42,974mi - Car Serve: Bonnet strut & idle actuator replaced
• 26/02/18 - 41,650mi - Car Serve: Rear shock absorber replaced
• 23/06/17 - 40,273mi - Cooper Cobham: BMW VANOS solenoid valves replaced, fuel pump & EKP control unit replaced
• 22/03/13 - 26,999mi - Cooper Cobham: BMW New rear windscreen due to central locking issue

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.