- E60 introduced iDrive, HUD, adaptive headlights, night vision, and lane departure tech.
- M5 uses S85 V10 with 507 hp, 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
- Common issues include water pump, injectors, automatic transmission, torque converter, swirl flaps, and ignition coils.
- N47 diesel-specific flaws: intake flaps, oil pump weakness, intake-gallery defects, turbo risk.
BMW E60 represents the fifth generation of the 5 Series, marking a significant evolution in the Bavarian manufacturer’s lineup. The E60/E61 generation was produced from 2003 to 2010, encompassing the sedan (E60) and wagon (E61), quickly becoming one of the most appreciated executive sedans of the decade.
This generation introduced numerous technological innovations for its era: the iDrive infotainment system, head-up display, adaptive headlights, night vision, lane departure warning, and voice control. The E60 was the first 5 Series equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and regenerative braking.
The M5 variant, launched in 2005, remains in history as the first and only M5 equipped with a V10 engine—the legendary BMW S85. With 507 hp and a SMG III 7-speed transmission, the E60 M5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
Owner opinions on the BMW E60
Why they chose the BMW E60 520d (177 hp)?
Dumitrean Florin: “It has always been a dream and will remain my heart’s car. Since 2004 when I first saw it I knew I wanted to own one. It seems to me it has more personality than the newer ones.”
Elcean Emmanuel: “Because of the look which blends elegance with sportiness and the comfort it provides when the car is in Drive mode.”
Popa Nicolae: “I chose this model because my family will have the next 5 Series (F10) and given that the E60 is my second car, I thought it would be okay to buy a roomy car; due to my height (1.98 m), it was a choice I do not regret.”
Experience with the 520d (163 hp)
Florin Ștefan: “It’s a spacious car, comfortable and I would say it’s also sporty despite its weight and the 163 hp engine. It’s a car that doesn’t drink much considering it’s still a BMW and the N47 engine is very well done.”
Why the M5 V10?
Andreea Sandu: “I chose it for the horsepower 😄.”
Common problems the BMW E60 faces
The E60 generation exhibits some weak points well known in the automotive community, mostly related to components affected by age and technical complexity:
- Water pump - one of the most frequent issues, especially on diesel engines
- Injectors - especially on N47 engines, prone to sealing or blockage problems
- Automatic transmission - link text preserved as translated - hydraulic components can fail over time
- Torque converter - may develop vibrations or engagement issues
- Swirl flaps - can stick or break, affecting engine performance
- Ignition coils - especially on petrol engines
N47 engine-specific issues
The N47 2.0 diesel presents particular problems:
- Intake flaps that can fail
- Oil pump with insufficient pressure
- Intake gallery with structural defects
- Turbocharger that may require reconditioning
BMW E60 powertrains available
The legendary S85 V10 engine
The M5 model of the E60 generation is powered by the BMW S85 V10 engine, producing 500 hp at 7,750 RPM and 520 Nm at 6,100 RPM, with a redline of 8,250 RPM. Total production was 20,548 units: 19,523 sedans and 1,025 wagons.
Petrol engines
- 520i: 2.0L N43, 4 cylinders – 168 hp, 210 Nm
- 523i: 2.5L N53, 6 cylinders – 188 hp, 240 Nm
- 525i: 3.0L N53, 6 cylinders – 215 hp, 270 Nm
- 540i: 4.0L N62, V8 – 302 hp, 390 Nm
- 550i: 4.8L N62, V8 – 362 hp, 490 Nm
Diesel engines
- 520d: 2.0L N47, 4 cylinders – 174 hp, 350 Nm
- 525d: 3.0L M57, 6 cylinders – 194 hp, 400 Nm
- 530d: 3.0L M57, 6 cylinders – 232 hp, 500 Nm
- 535d: 3.0L M57, 6 cylinders – 282 hp, 580 Nm
Driving experience and fuel economy
Urban and long-distance behavior
Ionița Alin: “In the city it’s superb. Especially since it’s automatic. It’s pure joy to be behind the wheel on long trips. It handles the highway as well as I love it.”
Tabacaru Mihael: “In the city it’s relatively easy to drive; it’s a relatively large car, but I have no problems. On long trips it drives very well. It’s a stable, safe and comfortable car.”
Pop Florin: “In the city very easy even though it weighs 1600 kg and is 4861 mm long. The front and rear parking sensors help a lot to park the car in tight spaces. The automatic transmission adds comfort in the city and the active steering aids in excellent maneuverability.”
Real-world fuel consumption BMW E60
520d (177 hp)
Popa Nicolae:
- Urban: 11 L/100 km (sporty style)
- Extra-urban: 6.2 L/100 km (130-140 km/h)
- Average: 7.7 L/100 km
- Economy test: 4.2 L/100 km at speeds up to 90 km/h
Monu Marian:
- Urban: 8.5-10.5 L/100 km
- Extra-urban: approximately 6.5 L/100 km
525d (177 hp)
Ionița Alin:
- Urban: 10-12 L/100 km depending on traffic and style
Tabacaru Mihael:
- Urban: 10-12 L/100 km
- Extra-urban: 7-8 L/100 km
BMW E60 reliability – real experiences
Problems reported by owners
Experience with the N47 engine
Florin Ștefan: “Very unreliable, especially the N47 engine. I bought it in Germany at 280,000 km and on the way to Romania a intake flap broke off and ended up in cylinder 4. The engine was ruined. I replaced it with another engine, which after 6 months failed due to the oil pump not generating enough pressure and the bearings spun on the crank. In the meantime I had to recondition the torque converter, change the transmission oil, recondition the turbo, and replace the intake gallery.”
Positive experiences
Tuta Iulian: “It is quite reliable if you know how to maintain it. Problems I’ve had included a turbo issue that required reconditioning. I took the opportunity to replace the accessory belt, crank pulley, a bolt from the pulley, the belt tensioner, and the idler pulley.”
Andreea Sandu (M5): “The only minor problem I had was a simple gasket of insignificant value, so I can say it is very reliable.”
Problems with the 525d
Tudor Răzvan: “Major problems were not present, mainly consumables. I invested in it and in the well-known issue of the model—the glow plugs and the relay. The exhaust gallery must be replaced for now; it is another problem of the model.”
BMW E60 prices on the used market
On the secondary market, prices for the BMW E60 vary depending on year of manufacture, mileage and equipment:
- General range: 6,000 – 12,000 euros
- Example: BMW E60 520d 2.0L from 2010 with 280,000 km – about 8,000 euros
- Price-influencing factors: year, mileage, maintenance history, equipment and technical condition
Buying tips from owners
Essential checks
Monu Marian: “Be very careful when buying it, as many have not been properly maintained and it is a fairly demanding car with maintenance not cheap. First check for a good diagnosis, ensure the engine runs within parameters, look for leaks (don’t buy a washed engine that hides something), pay close attention to the transmission if it is hydraulic, check it individually.”
Dima Andrei: “First find out if you can maintain it. I recommend a cheaper-to-maintain car than a BMW E60 poorly maintained. Put a tester on it, check all electronics, modules, then injectors, high-pressure rail—in short, a thorough check.”
Financial considerations
Andreea Sandu: “As a BMW owner, I advise enthusiasts of adventure and comfort to choose this marque. When you decide to buy a BMW, you must accept all risks. In general, mileage and accidents.”
Ionița Alin: “Compared to a Logan, you notice the difference in parts prices, but it’s a car that’s worth it 100%. The consumption is higher, but when you drive a BMW 525d of five meters in length on the street, nothing else matters. Beauty, comfort, reliability and power in abundance. Be careful not to have been owned by someone under 25.”
Recommended checklist
- Comprehensive electronic diagnostic – check all modules
- Engine inspection – no leaks or signs of suspicious washing
- Transmission test – especially for hydraulic variants
- Check the injection system – injectors and high-pressure rail
- Turbo inspection – on diesel engines
- Maintenance history – preferably with complete documentation
- Extended test drive – in city and at higher speeds
BMW E60 remains an attractive choice for those seeking an executive sedan with character and advanced technology for its era, provided careful selection and rigorous maintenance.
