The BMW M5 Touring (E61 LCI), specifically the facelift model produced from March 2007 to July 2010, represents a unique and highly sought-after variant of BMW’s iconic high-performance sedan. This model combined the practicality of a station wagon (estate) body style with the ferocious power of BMW’s naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine, designated the S85B50A. The “LCI” (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift brought subtle styling revisions and refinements to the E61 M5, solidifying its position as a performance benchmark in the luxury wagon segment. It was built on the E60/E61 5 Series platform, and remains the only M5 Touring ever produced by BMW, adding to its collectibility.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | M5 |
| Generation | M5 Touring (E61 LCI, facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V10 (507 Hp) SMG |
| Start of production | March, 2007 |
| End of production | July, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 21.7 l/100 km (10.8 US mpg, 13 UK mpg, 4.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg, 26.9 UK mpg, 9.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 14.6 l/100 km (16.1 US mpg, 19.3 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 348 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.7 kg/Hp, 269.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm, 276.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 507 Hp @ 7750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 101.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 520 Nm @ 6100 rpm (383.53 lb.-ft. @ 6100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | S85B50A |
| Engine displacement | 4999 cm3 (305.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 10 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.2 mm (2.96 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.3 l (9.83 US qt | 8.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2415 kg (5324.16 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1650 l (58.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4855 mm (191.14 in.) |
| Width | 1846 mm (72.68 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2037 mm (80.2 in.) |
| Height | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2880 mm (113.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Front overhang | 864 mm (34.02 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1111 mm (43.74 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission SMG |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 255/40 R19 Rear wheel tires: 275/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 19 Rear wheel rims: 9J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E61 M5 LCI is the S85B50A 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. Derived from the engine initially used in the E60 M5 sedan, this powerplant produced 507 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm. The engine features individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, a high-revving nature, and a distinctive exhaust note. It utilizes double-VANOS (variable valve timing) and variable valve lift to optimize performance across the rev range. Fuel is delivered via a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed Single Clutch Transmission (SMG) automated manual gearbox. This transmission, while offering quick shifts, was often criticized for its sometimes jerky low-speed behavior compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 507 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, combined with the rear-wheel-drive layout, resulted in exhilarating performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 4.6 seconds, and the car was electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The SMG transmission, while capable of rapid shifts, didn’t offer the smoothness of a conventional automatic. Gear ratios were tuned for performance, prioritizing acceleration over fuel economy. Compared to the standard E61 5 Series models, the M5 Touring offered significantly sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience, though the added weight of the wagon body did slightly diminish the agility compared to the sedan.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The M5 Touring LCI came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included sport seats upholstered in Merino leather, a high-fidelity sound system, automatic climate control, and a navigation system. Exterior features included M-specific aerodynamic enhancements, quad exhaust outlets, and unique alloy wheels. Optional extras included carbon fiber interior trim, upgraded audio systems, and a driver assistance package. The LCI facelift brought minor interior revisions, including updated iDrive controls and improved materials.
Chassis & Braking
The E61 M5 Touring featured a reinforced chassis and a specially tuned suspension to handle the increased power and performance. The front suspension utilized a spring strut design with a transverse stabilizer, while the rear suspension employed an independent multi-link setup, also with a transverse stabilizer. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The ABS (Anti-lock braking system) was standard, enhancing safety and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The M5 Touring LCI was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its performance, handling, and practicality. However, the SMG transmission was a point of contention for some reviewers. Compared to other high-performance wagons of the time, such as the Audi RS6 Avant, the M5 Touring offered a more focused driving experience, prioritizing performance over outright luxury. Fuel economy was predictably poor, averaging around 16 mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although the complex engine and transmission required diligent maintenance.
Legacy
The BMW M5 Touring (E61 LCI) remains a highly desirable and collectible vehicle. Its unique combination of performance, practicality, and exclusivity has ensured its enduring appeal. The S85B50A V10 engine is considered a masterpiece of engineering, and the car’s driving dynamics continue to impress. While maintenance costs can be significant due to the engine’s complexity, well-maintained examples command premium prices in the used car market. It stands as the only factory-produced M5 Touring, cementing its place in automotive history.
