Overview & Reviews

The high-performance M5 returns to the BMW lineup for 2006, this time packing a 500-horsepower V10 engine.

• Stunningly fast V10 engine, extremely well-balanced chassis, elegant driver-focused cockpit, exceptional build quality, strong resale value.

• SMG transmission not always perfectly smooth or responsive during hard driving, iDrive system still a hassle, tinny exhaust note not worthy of such a great machine.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 31.00

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  State of the art in performance - 2006 BMW M5
  By longman40 - October 27 - 9:24 pm

  Having driven BMWs for 39 years I can attest that this V10 is the state of the art in performance in a thoughtful, safe and understated sports car. Its like will not be seen again. I have had two of these - the E39 and the E60.

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  Experience with 2006 M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By rsteele - August 6 - 12:15 pm

  The new BMW M5 has a substantially different character than the previous model: less low rpm torque, but more mid and high range power. Using the SMG transmission well is like learning an action video game or how to tango with a new dance partner. Once youve got the rhythm and the timing, its a great transmission, but this may take 5,000-10,000 miles. Thats why reviewers tend not to like it. Same with iDrive. Its clunky for tuning different radio stations, but very handy otherwise, once youve learned how to use it. Unlike with the Editors M5 Review, I find the steering to be very good and much better than on my prior model M5. Whats not good: fuel economy and driving range.

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  Delayed Review - 2006 BMW M5
  By vbprof - July 13 - 2:48 am

  I have this car for about 4 years now. I am usually not an aggressive driver because I do not want to ruin the car (someone must think I am nuts to buy an M5 and drive like a grandma). I found it very powerful with the full power on. As I bought it in its first generation, I had many problems with oil leak, SMG failing, radio malfunctioning, and dead on the road (due to electronic problem in SMG). Well, after many trips to the dealership, it has been doing well recently. SMG is very sluggish between 1st and 2nd gear (it stinks especially when you are at a stop sign and want to speed up, but the car just gets "lazy"). Love the BMW full maintenance program. Love the iDrive too.

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  2006 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7A) - 2006 BMW M5
  By magiver - May 26 - 3:46 pm

  A wolf in sheeps clothing. Mild mannered driving around town and then head snapping acceleration and tight cornering is available when needed. The seats are incredibly comfortable for a tall driver. Great handling with the proper amount of feedback. Fit and finish are superb.

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  BMW M5 - World Class Fun - 2006 BMW M5
  By Jordan Lamm - May 21 - 10:16 pm

  I have owned 4 BMWs and several other cars. The 2006 M5 is the most fun, practical car on the market. The SMG transmission is a blast - very versatile, fun to shift, useful but not great in auto mode. I get comments all the time about what a great car it is. And I love the iDrive. Yes, I would do some things differently, but overall it is very easy to use. Only complaint about the car is that I would like to see the dashboard more driver oriented like the E39 was.

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  Such a fun beast to be in - 2006 BMW M5
  By TK - May 2 - 9:49 am

  Took delivery in Germany (ED program - look into it!) and received it back in the US one month later. What a fabulous car. Whether driving at sane speeds (50-80 mph) or Autobahn speeds (150+ mph) the car is very predictable and gives excellent feedback. Doesnt feel like a 4000+ lb car through the twisties. SMG is a great system, once you get used to it.

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  Ultimate revving machine - 2006 BMW M5
  By jas - September 3 - 2:35 pm

  This car absolutly owns. You will not find anyone that can put up much a race with you on the streets very often. Yet if you are talking about the comfort levels of this car, you can have 4 people soundly sleeping next to you while reaching 140 mph without feeling anything. However, still will take awhile before I get used to the smg and can fully manipulate this monster to its finest capacity.

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  My Dream Car! - 2006 BMW M5
  By russjo - August 28 - 10:12 pm

  I have been wanting this car since I first saw it in Monte Carlo in Sep 2005 while I was on a cruise. This vehicle is unbelievably awesome. The sounds, the looks, the power - it is next to impossible to put it into words. Everything about it is as close to perfect as possible. If you can afford it then definitely go for it! This car swallows gas... but I cant complain because the performance more than makes up for the stops at the fuel stations!

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  Super sedan - 2006 BMW M5
  By cq - July 28 - 11:24 am

  Traded in a 05 911 carrera S (a great car BUT not like the M5). I have no regrets. This is just a superior vehicle in so many ways. The ride is great and the performance is just outstsanding. It is my 6th BMW and absolutely the best.

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  One to stay in the garage forever - 2006 BMW M5
  By SCORPIO - July 10 - 2:27 pm

  Absolutely top quality ride - there is no substitute. 50/50 weight distribution and the understeer issue that existed with the e39 M5 has been drastically improved. Exterior still maintains the stealth look, but upon closer inspection has a more muscular stance than other 5-series and of course, the tell tale oval side mirror housings and the quad- tail pipes. Great color options (but still no BMW individuals colors for the US). Interior has improved over the previous model with more comfortable seats - you can sleep in these babies and full leather package with alcantara headliner is gorgeous. SMG is great, but takes a bit of finesse to get smooth shifting in paddle mode.