The BMW 5 Series History. The 5th Generation. (E60)

Jason · 01-30-2017, 10:56 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

22
COMMENTS

With the 5th Generation 5 Series, BMW presented once again a bearer of technology. Besides new engines and further development in the chassis, this generation offers for the first time the Head Up Display, Active Steering or the iDrive.

These are just a few of many examples. Another highlight is “EfficientDynamics.” Since 2007 BMW is using this technology in its 5 Series. Take a look behind the scenes with BMW insiders.

See the previous generation features:
4th generation (E39) - http://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1347271
3rd generation (E34) - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1339940
2nd generation (E28) - http://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1338902
1st generation (E12) - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1338348

3M TAPE · 01-30-2017, 11:45 AM

This generation had more character than the F10 IMO.

sygazelle · 01-30-2017, 11:59 AM

Nothing polarized the BMW loyal like the E60. Some called it amazingly fresh and bold. Others called it fugly.

Personally I hated the look. To me, BMW design had always been about evolution, not revolution. Its just my opinion, but I think Bangle threw that tradition out the window and used the E60 to make a name for himself in the auto design world. Like him or not, Bangle got everyone's attention.

The E60 sold well so what do I know.

Isn't he designing appliances for Samsung or something.

Rschin2 · 01-30-2017, 12:07 PM

this generation took a while to grow on me. It did look much better after the 2008 refresh. A blacked out 535i with sport package looked very nice

goj · 01-30-2017, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3M TAPE

This generation had more character than the F10 IMO.

Pre LCI this car was fairly lame and awkward. The LCI made the car worlds better looking

NYAWE60 · 01-30-2017, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goj

Pre LCI this car was fairly lame and awkward. The LCI made the car worlds better looking

Its so funny how the minor updates in 2010 on the outside made such a huge difference. The interior was significantly updated too with materials and feel, especially the door panels. I had a 2008 535i RWD Sport and it was a fantastic car. I actually found it quite beautiful, it drove amazing and it seemed like the faster it went the more it shrunk. It really was the perfect size IMO.

scoale · 01-30-2017, 01:33 PM

I did NOT like the E60 when it launched....at all.

Today I have a 2010 535 M sport sitting in the driveway

So yeah, the car grew on me. And the drivetrain, handling, and hydraulic steering are outstanding - and very little curb weight penalty versus 335.

Great car.

goj · 01-30-2017, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYAWE60

Quote:

Originally Posted by goj

Pre LCI this car was fairly lame and awkward. The LCI made the car worlds better looking

Its so funny how the minor updates in 2010 on the outside made such a huge difference. The interior was significantly updated too with materials and feel, especially the door panels. I had a 2008 535i RWD Sport and it was a fantastic car. I actually found it quite beautiful, it drove amazing and it seemed like the faster it went the more it shrunk. It really was the perfect size IMO.

I agree. The later models of e60 I found attractive. Especially the M sport package on the LCI 550. That was my favorite

AntDX316 · 01-30-2017, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3M TAPE

This generation had more character than the F10 IMO.

nah, the F10 550xi with the M Sport package is farrr better than the E60 545i.

dr.mba · 01-30-2017, 02:19 PM

Design aside (I had one myself and know people either loved or hated it) that car drove like an ultimate machine. The steering was perfect, it was planted to the ground and felt like it was riding on steel racks and felt very confident in high speeds. I remember this even though I sold mine in 2010!

M

Eddien123 · 01-30-2017, 04:20 PM

The e60 is more desirable to me now than it was 6 years ago. But it also helps that it had the most insane M5 of any generation.

Germanauto · 01-30-2017, 05:15 PM

Of all of Bangle's designs, I feel this one has aged the poorest. It still looks good with the right wheels, but there's no denying that it's a bit of a mish-mash of traditional BMW styling elements on an overly-curvaceous body.

Still, it looks more "modern" inside and out compared to the E39. Sit in one today and it won't feel ancient like the E39 does.

Germanauto · 01-30-2017, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntDX316

nah, the F10 550xi with the M Sport package is farrr better than the E60 545i.

It's too bad the F10 has the driving dynamics of a wet paper bag.

WWM3 · 01-30-2017, 07:32 PM

E60>F10

DGod · 01-30-2017, 10:29 PM

I sold my '12 F10 M5 for a '09 E60 M5 and never looked back. For me it still is the best super saloon ever made. I plan on keeping it forever, even if I had the G30. F10 has no place in history despite being an amazing car. Wasn't a game changer...

Chihuahua · 01-31-2017, 07:19 AM

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-e60-5-se...are-1791797679

Thought I'd post this article from Jalopnik. I share the authors sentiments. I completely love my E60, it is the best 5er of the whole bunch IMO.

raysspl · 01-31-2017, 05:44 PM

Undeniably one of the best looking 5 series gen. I too prefer this look over the F10, at least in terms of personality & looks

AntDX316 · 01-31-2017, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Germanauto

It's too bad the F10 has the driving dynamics of a wet paper bag.

was it?

mweine · 01-31-2017, 10:22 PM

The E60 was the only 5 series that was available both with AWD and a manual transmission. I still have my E60 LCI 535 XDrive Msport with a manual transmission. It is alot of fun to drive. I cant find any new BMW that can replace it.

JMD · 01-31-2017, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rschin2

this generation took a while to grow on me. It did look much better after the 2008 refresh. A blacked out 535i with sport package looked very nice

Heck,....I'm considering an E60 535ix as a daily driver!,...looking at 2010 MY.

JMD · 01-31-2017, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mweine

The E60 was the only 5 series that was available both with AWD and a manual transmission. I still have my E60 LCI 535 XDrive Msport with a manual transmission. It is alot of fun to drive. I cant find any new BMW that can replace it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle B

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-e60-5-se...are-1791797679

Thought I'd post this article from Jalopnik. I share the authors sentiments. I completely love my E60, it is the best 5er of the whole bunch IMO.

Hmm,...I'd beg to differ! The E60 is nice,...but the F10 is the best I'd say since the E39! But to each their own!!

Deluxx3 · 01-31-2017, 11:16 PM

It's 2017, and this design still is doing its best to 'grow on me'

The only variant that I found to be 'attractive' was the M5 and even that was still ehh. I guess it's the fairy looking headlights and tail lights. The interior is also odd looking with those climate control dials straight out of 90's.

Same for the previous gen 6 series which looks like a fish going through a midlife crisis. How did those designs pass, I dunno

01-30-2017, 10:56 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 43708 Rep 21,325 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	The BMW 5 Series History. The 5th Generation. (E60) BIMMERPOST NEWS The BMW 5 Series History. The 5th Generation. (E60) 22 COMMENTS Tweet With the 5th Generation 5 Series, BMW presented once again a bearer of technology. Besides new engines and further development in the chassis, this generation offers for the first time the Head Up Display, Active Steering or the iDrive. These are just a few of many examples. Another highlight is “EfficientDynamics.” Since 2007 BMW is using this technology in its 5 Series. Take a look behind the scenes with BMW insiders. See the previous generation features: 4th generation (E39) - http://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1347271 3rd generation (E34) - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1339940 2nd generation (E28) - http://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1338902 1st generation (E12) - http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1338348 __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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01-30-2017, 11:45 AM	#2
3M TAPE Banned 350 Rep 1,225 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: States iTrader: (0)	This generation had more character than the F10 IMO.
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01-30-2017, 11:59 AM	#3
sygazelle Brigadier General 13477 Rep 3,452 Posts Drives: 2014 328i M-Sport, 2019 X5 40i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Nothing polarized the BMW loyal like the E60. Some called it amazingly fresh and bold. Others called it fugly. Personally I hated the look. To me, BMW design had always been about evolution, not revolution. Its just my opinion, but I think Bangle threw that tradition out the window and used the E60 to make a name for himself in the auto design world. Like him or not, Bangle got everyone's attention. The E60 sold well so what do I know. Isn't he designing appliances for Samsung or something.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2017, 12:07 PM	#4
Rschin2 Private First Class 176 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mandeville, LA iTrader: (0)	this generation took a while to grow on me. It did look much better after the 2008 refresh. A blacked out 535i with sport package looked very nice __________________ previous vehicle: 2014 335i current: 2017 F80 M3
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01-30-2017, 01:33 PM	#7
scoale Captain 684 Rep 749 Posts Drives: M3 /M2C/540 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 [10.00] 2018 BMW 540 [0.00] 2013 Porsche Boxster S [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	I did NOT like the E60 when it launched....at all. Today I have a 2010 535 M sport sitting in the driveway So yeah, the car grew on me. And the drivetrain, handling, and hydraulic steering are outstanding - and very little curb weight penalty versus 335. Great car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2017, 02:19 PM	#10
dr.mba Captain 278 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 2017 F. Grey M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Design aside (I had one myself and know people either loved or hated it) that car drove like an ultimate machine. The steering was perfect, it was planted to the ground and felt like it was riding on steel racks and felt very confident in high speeds. I remember this even though I sold mine in 2010! M
	Appreciate 1 Germanauto9843.50 Quote

01-30-2017, 04:20 PM	#11
Eddien123 Colonel 1867 Rep 2,556 Posts Drives: F30 335 6MT Join Date: May 2013 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	The e60 is more desirable to me now than it was 6 years ago. But it also helps that it had the most insane M5 of any generation.
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01-30-2017, 05:15 PM	#12
Germanauto Major General 9844 Rep 6,144 Posts Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Of all of Bangle's designs, I feel this one has aged the poorest. It still looks good with the right wheels, but there's no denying that it's a bit of a mish-mash of traditional BMW styling elements on an overly-curvaceous body. Still, it looks more "modern" inside and out compared to the E39. Sit in one today and it won't feel ancient like the E39 does.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2017, 07:32 PM	#14
WWM3 Colonel 1156 Rep 2,046 Posts Drives: 2018 GT3, F80 CS Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	E60>F10 __________________ Past: 1999 M3 2003 M5 2006 330i 2007 335i 2009 M3 2013 M3 2018 M3
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01-30-2017, 10:29 PM	#15
DGod Enlisted Member 39 Rep 46 Posts Drives: BMW M5 E60, BMW 1M E82 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Portugal iTrader: (0)	I sold my '12 F10 M5 for a '09 E60 M5 and never looked back. For me it still is the best super saloon ever made. I plan on keeping it forever, even if I had the G30. F10 has no place in history despite being an amazing car. Wasn't a game changer...
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01-31-2017, 07:19 AM	#16
Chihuahua Brigadier General 4479 Rep 3,366 Posts Drives: E30 329iS, E65 Alpina B7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: TBD iTrader: (0)	http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-e60-5-se...are-1791797679 Thought I'd post this article from Jalopnik. I share the authors sentiments. I completely love my E60, it is the best 5er of the whole bunch IMO.
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01-31-2017, 05:44 PM	#17
raysspl Brigadier General 992 Rep 3,000 Posts Drives: walking, bicycle, & bus Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Undeniably one of the best looking 5 series gen. I too prefer this look over the F10, at least in terms of personality & looks __________________ re
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01-31-2017, 10:22 PM	#19
mweine Work Hard! Play Harder!! 47 Rep 193 Posts Drives: BMW 1M, BMW M3 CS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (1) Garage List 1989 BMW M3 [0.00]	The E60 was the only 5 series that was available both with AWD and a manual transmission. I still have my E60 LCI 535 XDrive Msport with a manual transmission. It is alot of fun to drive. I cant find any new BMW that can replace it.
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01-31-2017, 11:16 PM	#22
Deluxx3 Captain 201 Rep 686 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 335i Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: For Wayne IN iTrader: (0)	It's 2017, and this design still is doing its best to 'grow on me' The only variant that I found to be 'attractive' was the M5 and even that was still ehh. I guess it's the fairy looking headlights and tail lights. The interior is also odd looking with those climate control dials straight out of 90's. Same for the previous gen 6 series which looks like a fish going through a midlife crisis. How did those designs pass, I dunno
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