E60 · 5 Series

What the E60 Chassis Is

The BMW E60 is the fifth-generation 5 Series sedan sold in the United States from 2007 through 2010. Designed under Chris Bangle's controversial styling direction, the E60 marked a technological leap for the midsize BMW, introducing widespread use of iDrive, active steering, and aluminum front-end construction. It slotted above the 3 Series and below the 7 Series flagships like the E65 and E66, sharing design language with the era's larger coupes. You can confirm any car's exact build details with our VIN decoder.

The Models & Body Styles in This Generation

In the US market, the E60 was offered exclusively as a four-door sedan across 12 configurations. Rear- and all-wheel-drive (xDrive) variants covered a wide spread of performance and luxury:

• 525i / 525xi — entry inline-six models
• 528i / 528i xDrive / 528xi — the volume sellers
• 530i / 530xi — mid-range six-cylinder trims
• 535i / 535i xDrive / 535xi — twin-turbo performance sedans
• 550i — V8 flagship
• M5 — the S85 V10 super sedan

Wagon buyers looked to the related E61 Touring, while the coupe and convertible siblings lived in the E63 and E64 6 Series lines.

Engines & Drivetrains Offered

The E60's powertrain range is a highlight of BMW's engineering during this period. The 525i and 528i models used the magnesium-aluminum N52 inline-six, with the 530i offering a higher-output tune. The 535i introduced the twin-turbocharged N54, one of BMW's most celebrated modern sixes. The 550i carried a N62 V8, while the M5 was crowned by the extraordinary S85 5.0-liter V10, revving to 8,250 rpm and paired with the SMG transmission. Learn how these engine families connect across generations in our BMW DNA guide.

Notable Strengths and Known Weak Points

The E60 delivers a compelling blend of refinement, chassis balance, and straight-line pace—particularly the N54-powered 535i, which responds strongly to tuning. Owners praise the interior comfort and the analog-yet-modern driving feel.

Prospective buyers should budget for age-related maintenance. Cooling system components, electronic modules, and the complex iDrive-era electronics deserve inspection. N54 cars can require attention to fuel injectors and the high-pressure fuel pump, while the V10 M5 demands specialist care for its rod bearings and SMG hardware. A well-documented service history is essential on any E60 purchase.