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2006 BMW M5 First Drive
FAQs and Specs

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TO THE POINT What’s New? A gigantic, 500-hp 5.0-liter V10 engine; a seven-speed, Formula 1-style Sequential Manual Gearbox; and Electronic Damping Control are just a few of the new engineering marvels that make this M5 mighty.
Selling Points: It’s the fastest, fiercest five-passenger sedan in the world and yet, at the same time, it’s a supremely comfortable cruiser.
Deal Breakers: It’s expensive and there’s a lot of technology to learn. Skip the M5 if you don’t like reading manuals.
Our Advice: If you have the means, we highly recommend the 2006 BMW M5.

MEET THE COMPETITION Cadillac STS-V
Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG

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Click to enlarge. 2006 BMW M5 FAQs and Specs The 2006 BMW M5 makes 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, weighs just over two tons, can carry 14 cubic feet of luggage in the trunk, and rips from 0-60 mph faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera.

When can I get a 2006 BMW M5? Production of the 2006 BMW M5 began at the company’s Dingolfing, Germany, factory in September, 2005. The first cars arrived in U.S. dealerships in mid-October. The automaker hopes to sell 2,000 M5s annually.

The 2006 BMW M5 already costs more than 80 grand. Are any of the options really necessary? Necessary for driving? No. Necessary for adding to your enjoyment of the vehicle and the driving experience? Absolutely. The M Multi-function Sport Seats with Active Width Adjustment ($1,900) that automatically adjust the seat bolsters to counter cornering forces are worth every penny.

Where can I learn to drive the new 2006 BMW M5 to its full potential? Included in the price of the new M5 is a one-day instruction course in advanced driving techniques at BMW’s Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. You can also pay for additional M School training classes, from beginner to advanced, that are also offered at the Spartanburg facility.

SPECIFICATIONS
Test Vehicle: 2006 BMW M5
Base Price of Test Vehicle: $81,895 (including $695 destination charge) plus $3,700 gas guzzler tax and local and federal taxes.
Engine Size and Type: 5.0-liter DOHC 40-valve V-10
Engine Horsepower: 500 at 7,750 rpm
Engine Torque: 383 lb.-ft. at 6,100 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
Curb Weight, lbs.: 4,012
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 12/18 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 17.1 mpg
Length: 191.5 inches
Width: 72.7 inches
Height: 57.8 inches
Wheelbase: 113.7 inches
Leg room (front/rear):
Head room (front/rear):
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 14 cu.-ft.
Competitors: Cadillac STS-V, Chrysler 300C SRT-8, Dodge Charger SRT-8, Jaguar XJR, Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Photos courtesy of BMW North America

 


By Neil Dunlop

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