2006 BMW M5
The 2006 BMW M5 is a sedan. It features 5.0L 10-cyl producing 507 HP (378 kW) and a 7-Speed Automatic transmission. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with 0–60 mph in 4.7s, top speed of 155 mph.
ABOUT THE 2006 BMW M5
The 2006 BMW M5 is the launch year of the E60-generation M5 super-saloon in North America. It uses a 5.0-litre S85 V10 rated at 500 hp and 383 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the seven-speed SMG III automated manual, which was the only gearbox offered in its first US model year.
A Formula One-inspired V10
The E60 M5 broke from its predecessors by using a high-revving V10 instead of a V8, with a redline of 8,250 rpm. By default the car starts in a 400 hp mode; full output is unlocked through the M Drive settings. SMG III offers numerous shift-speed programmes and a launch control function.
What it is like
Performance is exceptional for a full-size saloon, while the five-seat cabin and large boot keep it usable every day. Adjustable dampers, a head-up display and iDrive were part of the package. The SMG gearbox can feel jerky in slow traffic, a common complaint at launch.
Buying one today
The S85 is known for rod bearing wear, throttle actuator failures and VANOS issues, and SMG hydraulic pump problems are widely reported. Servicing is costly, so a well-documented car inspected by a specialist is essential.
Rivals
Competitors included the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Audi S6 and Cadillac STS-V.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | M5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2006 | Version / Trim | BMW 2006 M5 |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Imola Red, Interlagos Blue, Azurite Black Metallic, Individual Colours available, Carbon Black Metallic, Frozen Bluestone Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Engine | 5.0L 10-cyl | Engine Size | 5,000 cc |
| Power | 500 hp / 373 kW | Torque | 520 Nm / 383 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 4.7 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 11 mpg city / 17 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,755 kg (3,869 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2006 SEDANS
Compared with other 2006 sedans in our database, its 500 hp is 100% more than the average 2006 sedan (250 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.7 seconds quicker than average, and it is 11% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2006 BMW M5 | Average 2006 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 500 hp | 250 hp (90 cars) | +100% |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 317 Nm (90 cars) | +64% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 s | 7.4 s (87 cars) | -36% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 132 mph (87 cars) | +17% |
| Kerb weight | 1,755 kg | 1,584 kg (103 cars) | +11% |
| Engine size | 5,000 cc | 3,201 cc (103 cars) | +56% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2006 sedans with similar power to the 2006 BMW M5.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW M5 | 500 hp | 4.7 s | 1,755 kg |
| 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom | 453 hp | 5.4 s | 2,710 kg |
| 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur | 552 hp | 4.9 s | 2,550 kg |
| 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | 420 hp | 6.0 s | 2,265 kg |
| 2006 Maserati Quattroporte | 400 hp | 5.6 s | 1,930 kg |