A lifelong obsession with the BMW M5 culminated recently when George Flowerday convinced his father to purchase a 2007 E61 M5 Touring. The story begins with a childhood fascination sparked by his father’s E39 523i and cemented by Jeremy Clarkson’s influential review of the E60 M5 on Top Gear.
Early Fascination and Influential Review
Flowerday’s initial interest in the M5 dates back to the 1998 release of the E39 version. Despite sharing brochures with friends at school, he found little enthusiasm from his peers. However, Clarkson’s review of the E60 M5 in 2004 proved decisive.
“For some reason, I really wanted the car to be good,” Flowerday recalls, highlighting the impact of Clarkson’s assessment on his desire for the vehicle.
Clarkson’s initial criticism followed by his eventual praise – declaring the M5 “the ultimate driving machine” – solidified Flowerday’s resolve to own one.
The Search and Acquisition
Years later, Flowerday actively pursued his dream, eventually locating a suitable example and convincing his father to make the purchase. The acquired vehicle is not the standard saloon but the more versatile E61 M5 Touring, finished in Interlagos Blue with well-maintained aesthetics.
Mechanical Details and Reliability Concerns
The car has 67,000 miles and benefits from a recent replacement of ACL connecting rod bearings—a known weak point in this M5 generation. The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine has been remapped to produce 565 horsepower, according to dyno tests. The single-clutch SMG automatic transmission, while somewhat rough at low speeds, has also received recent maintenance with a new clutch and pump.
This generation of M5 is notorious for its reliability issues, particularly concerning the rod bearings, which are expensive to repair. The comprehensive service history provides some reassurance, though future mechanical problems remain a possibility.
Flowerday’s persistence in pursuing his childhood dream underscores the enduring appeal of the E60/E61 M5, despite its well-documented shortcomings. The car embodies a blend of raw performance, iconic design, and the allure of a high-strung V10 engine, making it a desirable but potentially temperamental enthusiast’s choice.
