2006 BMW M5 with Dinan upgrades

I want to start out by saying that the E39 M5 is one of my all-time favorite BMWs and in my opinion the best looking four dour sedan to ever grace the earth (sorry Nate, no offense to your E28). Having said that, the succeeding E60 M5 is undoubtedly faster, quicker, better handling and arguably…better sounding. “Blasphemy!” they cry. I most likely would have chimed in with everyone a few years ago but with the release of the fake engine noise pumping F10 M5 my outlook on the E60 has drastically improved.

Volkswagen broke new ground by putting a V10 into their luxo-Phaeton back in 2003 but it wasn’t until 2005 when BMW took sedan performance to a Ferrari-rivaling level by dropping their S85 V10 into the E60. The S85 was inspired by the V10 Formula-1 engines that BMW developed from 2000 to 2005. In fact, both engines’ major casting were done at the same plant.

These E60s are dropping in price thanks to the new M5 and their “only a mother could love” looks. I found this low mileage, cared for 2006 model with some lovely upgrades in the low $30K range. Let’s have a look.

Year: 2006
Model: M5
Engine: V10
Transmission: 7-speed Auto
Mileage: 42,343
Price: $32,900 NR, BIN $41,900

2006 BMW M5 on eBay

In addition to the standard options, this M5 has the following:

-Sirius Satellite Radio
-Heads Up Display (HUD)
-Comfort Access (Never have to take the key out of your pocket!)
-Full Merino Perforated Leather Seats
-Everything wrapped in Merino Leather, including doors, dash, etc. with hand stitching in traditional M colors.
-Alcantara Suede Headliner
-M Multifunction Seats with Active Width Adjustment
(Active Seat Technology)
-Heated and Cooled/Ventilated Seats
-Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) Transmission with Drivelogic
-Paddle Shifters (Downshifting with Rev Match is amazing)
-Adaptive Headlight Technology
-Harmon Kardon Logic 7 Sound System
-Six CD Changer
-Navigation (which I think is standard)
-18-way Multi-Function Seats

In addition to all of these options, this M5 was sent to BMW of Portland (where it lived most of it’s life) to have some Dinan performance modifications done. The total invoice after the upgrades was over $23,000.00 and was completed in 2010. These upgrades greatly improve the performance of this already amazing M5. The only change in appearance you can see from the outside is the exhaust system, which is great because it isn’t too showy or race car looking, and is what I like to call a “sleeper.”

Dinan Stage III upgrades:

-Free Flow Exhaust
-High Flow Throttle Bodies
-3.91 Limited Slip Differential
-Stage 3 Engine Software
-Carbon Fiber High Flow Intake
-Stage 3 Suspension System

With the aforementioned Dinan upgrades this thing undoubtedly rips and has the sound to make the hair on your neck stand up. At $33K it’s definitely not the bargain of the century but certainly a fair price given it’s condition and tasteful Dinan upgrades. While the E60 lacks the soul of an E30, the character of an E28 or the handsome looks of the E38 or E39, it does bring it’s unique V10 hoonmobile attitude that I have come to appreciate and admire.

-Ben