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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  Dont Make the Same Mistake! - 2006 BMW M5
  By brandon54 - December 21 - 11:34 pm

  I bought an 06 BMW M5 in May with 68,000 miles. On the drive home, the oil cooler broke and started leaking oil. That was a $1500 repair, an addition to the money I just spent purchasing the car and approximately $1000 in taxes. A few weeks later, the passenger restraint malfunction showed up. The battery cable had to be replaced. I spent nearly $1000 on that particular issue, maybe more. Shortly after, I began to get transmission malfunctions, as well as engine malfunctions which placed the car in limp mode. I spent $7000 fixing the transmission problems and just a few months later, Im having problems again. Ive lost $15,000 this year because of the M5 and Im done.

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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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  M5 rules - 2006 BMW M5
  By Mach 5 - July 14 - 5:02 pm

  I studied and drove everything available in the 50-60K range. This car has everything you need and more power. The performance is outstanding. The exhaust sound has improved with mileage. Now it sounds WONDERFUL!

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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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  M5 rides again - 2006 BMW M5
  By MacinTosh - August 1 - 10:43 am

  I have owned a 2000 M5 and 2003 M5 and they were exceptional vehicles. I purchased my 06 M5 and was totally blown away. I even race at the Super Speedway and with 4 people I can hang with the Z06s and other modified models. It is a smooth and refined vehicle.

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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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  Mighty M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By pgrantsr - March 23 - 1:43 pm

  Ive only had my M5 for a month but in that time I have come to appreciate the beauty of this car. Sport car performance in a four door sedan. Engine that sings a beautiful song and has performance to match. Handling almost as good as my S2000 but without the harshness. Interior amenities to match any other manufacturer. The only downside is the poor gas mileage, but that is not the reason I bought this car.