It may not have been the most mesmerizing BMW M5, but the E60 was the only one offered with a V10 under the bonnet.

The naturally aspirated engine, which was shared with the M6, had 5.0 liters in displacement and made a stunning 507 PS (500 hp / 373 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque.

Remember that this was before the insanely powerful twin-turbocharged V8s that all the rage today, and for a car that broke cover 13 years ago, it was capable of some very impressive performance. The naught to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration took 4.7 seconds, while top speed was electronically capped at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Those who opted for the M5 E60 had to choose between two body styles: saloon and estate (Touring in BMW-speak). And if they lived in the United States, they also had the option of a six-speed manual gearbox, whereas other markets had to make do solely with a seven-speed automated manual.

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Except for the weird styling, which has nothing to do with the E39 or newer F10, everything else was dreamy about the BMW M5 E60. And while it’s still not a proper head-turner, it definitely looks the part.

Despite the German car firm having since launched two newer generations, some BMW fanatics continue to hold on to their rides. Which, given that sonorous, rev-happy V10 under the bonnet, is understandable.

As for the example depicted on film below, it had its V10 engine tuned to 561 PS (553 hp / 413 kW) and 576 Nm (425 lb-ft) of torque. Moreover, it had an aftermarket exhaust system fitted – and then there’s the new matte finish, which its owner felt improved the looks of his super saloon.