2008 BMW M5
The 2008 BMW M5 is a sedan. It has a 5.0-litre ten-cylinder engine producing 500 hp (373 kW), with a 7-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 4.7 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2008 BMW M5
The 2008 BMW M5 is the high-performance version of the fifth-generation 5 Series saloon (E60), powered by a 5.0-litre V10 producing 500 hp and 383 lb-ft and driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the seven-speed SMG automated manual; a six-speed manual was also offered to US buyers from 2007.
Formula One inspiration
The S85 V10 revs to well over 8,000 rpm and was developed with lessons from BMW’s Formula One programme at the time. By 2008 the E60 M5 was in the middle of its production run, which ended in 2010. Visually it is set apart by its own bumpers, front wing vents, quad exhausts and wider tyres.
What it is like
The M5 can feel two-sided: by default it runs at a restricted 400 hp setting, with the full output unlocked via the “Power” button or an M Drive setting. The SMG gearbox is quick at full throttle but jerky in slow traffic, which is why many buyers seek out the manual.
Buying one today
The E60 M5 is widely known as an expensive car to keep. Commonly reported weak points include rod bearing wear on the V10, throttle actuator failures, SMG pump problems, and high consumption of oil and fuel. A specialist inspection is strongly recommended.
Rivals
The M5’s rivals in 2008 included the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi S6 V10, Jaguar XJR and Maserati Quattroporte.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | M5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2008 | Version / Trim | BMW 2008 M5 |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Silverstone II Metallic, Interlagos Blue Metallic, Indianapolis Red Metallic, Sepang Bronze Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Sparkling Graphite Metallic, Individual Colours available |
| 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 2008 SEDANS
Compared with other 2008 sedans in our database, its 500 hp is 84% more than the average 2008 sedan (272 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.5 seconds quicker than average, and it is 10% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2008 BMW M5 | Average 2008 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 500 hp | 272 hp (99 cars) | +84% |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 336 Nm (99 cars) | +55% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 s | 7.2 s (98 cars) | -34% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 136 mph (98 cars) | +14% |
| Kerb weight | 1,755 kg | 1,602 kg (117 cars) | +10% |
| Engine size | 5,000 cc | 3,309 cc (117 cars) | +51% |
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 2008 sedans with similar power to the 2008 BMW M5.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW M5 | 500 hp | 4.7 s | 1,755 kg |
| 2008 Audi S8 | 520 hp | — | 2,045 kg |
| 2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti | 533 hp | 4.0 s | 1,840 kg |
| 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB | 453 hp | 5.4 s | 2,710 kg |
| 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur | 552 hp | 5.2 s | 2,550 kg |