Speedbroker are delighted to offer one of the most compelling interpretations of the E61 M5 Touring we have come across.

The standard E61 M5 was already a fairly outrageous idea. A practical BMW estate, powered by the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated S85 V10 from the E60 M5, producing 507 bhp and revving beyond 8,000 rpm. It was the sort of car BMW could only really have built during that particular period.

This example takes that formula considerably further.

Finished in Alpine White and showing approximately 59,350 miles, it has been converted from SMG to a proper six-speed manual, together with a Wavetrac-equipped 4.1 differential, Eventuri carbon intake system and a substantial programme of preventative and mechanical work carried out by respected BMW M specialist Everything M.

Importantly, this isn’t simply an M5 Touring with a gearbox conversion. In February 2021 alone, more than £20,000 was invoiced by Everything M, addressing many of the areas knowledgeable S85 buyers look for first.

WHY THE E61 M5 IS SO SPECIAL

There really hasn’t been much like it before or since. At its heart is BMW’s extraordinary S85 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10, producing 507 bhp and delivering its performance in a way that feels completely different to today’s turbocharged M cars. You still get five seats, a large boot and genuine long-distance usability, but accompanied by an engine that sounds and responds more like something from an exotic sports car.

The E61 has also become increasingly appreciated because it represents a very specific moment in BMW M history:

• 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10

• 507 bhp

• Rear-wheel drive

• Over 8,000 rpm available

• Touring practicality

• Hydraulic steering

• One of the last truly high-revving naturally aspirated M cars

• A drivetrain and character unlikely ever to be repeated

And while manual E60 M5 saloons were produced for North America, BMW never offered the E61 M5 Touring as a factory manual. That makes a properly engineered manual Touring a particularly interesting proposition.

WHY THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT

The conversion and subsequent mechanical work are really what separate this car from an ordinary E61. The work was carried out by Everything M / Total Track Solutions, with a detailed invoice dated February 2021.

SIX-SPEED MANUAL CONVERSION

The original SMG system was replaced with a full manual arrangement including:

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• New clutch

• New flywheel

• Custom propshaft

• Custom manual wiring looms

• Genuine BMW clutch pedal

• Genuine hydraulic clutch assembly

• ECU coding

• Manual gearshift mechanism

• New gear linkages

• New bushes

• New gearbox bolts and associated hardware

• Gearbox springs and associated conversion components

• US-spec manual M5 gearbox undertray

This was therefore substantially more involved than simply installing a manual gearbox.

4.1 WAVETRAC DIFFERENTIAL

The car also received a custom 4.1 differential, rebuilt as part of an exchange service and incorporating:

• Wavetrac ATB differential

• 4.1 motorsport gearing

• Fully rebuilt differential assembly

• Main casing shot-blasted and refinished

• New bearings throughout

• New oil seals

The shorter 4.1 gearing is particularly well suited to the manual conversion, allowing the V10 to work through its rev range more readily.

MAJOR S85 PREVENTATIVE WORK

At the same time, Everything M addressed several of the expensive and well-known maintenance areas associated with the S85.

Engine

• ACL connecting rod bearings

• Genuine BMW connecting rod bolts

• New sump gaskets

• Castrol engine oil service

• VANOS high-pressure oil line replaced

• Complete S85 VANOS overhaul

• VANOS units stripped

• Internals ultrasonically cleaned

• VANOS solenoids cleaned

• New VANOS seals throughout

• New valve-cover gaskets

• Ten new fuel injectors fitted

For anyone familiar with these cars, rod bearings, VANOS and injectors are exactly the sort of documented work you want to see.

CHASSIS, ELECTRICAL & OTHER WORK

The same invoice also documents:

• Faulty ABS unit rebuilt

• Both front lower forward control arms replaced

• Both front lower rearward control arms replaced

• Rear lower control-arm bushes replaced

• Battery IBS sensor replaced

• Rear fuse board replaced

• Engine-bay wiring repairs

• Genuine BMW battery fitted

• All four alloy wheels refurbished back to their original colour

Taken together, it represents an unusually comprehensive programme of mechanical preparation rather than isolated repairs.

SPECIFICATION & UPGRADES

• BMW E61 M5 Touring

• 5.0-litre naturally aspirated S85 V10

• 507 bhp

• Six-speed manual conversion

• 4.1 motorsport differential

• Wavetrac ATB limited-slip differential

• Eventuri carbon intake system

• Alpine White

• Approximately 59,350 miles

• Original-style alloy wheels

• Bridgestone Potenza tyres

• Quad-exit M5 exhaust

• Full M5 Touring body specification

• Extensive Everything M mechanical history

• More than £20,000 invoiced in February 2021 alone

• Recent MOT with no advisories

WHY BUY THIS CAR?

Because an E61 M5 Touring is already one of BMW M’s most memorable cars, and this one addresses arguably the biggest reservation enthusiasts have about the standard car. The V10 finally gets a conventional manual gearbox. More importantly, the conversion hasn’t been carried out in isolation. The differential, rod bearings, VANOS system, injectors, suspension components, ABS system and various electrical items were attended to as part of a significant specialist programme.

The result is an M5 Touring that retains everything enthusiasts love about the E61, the noise, the revs, the steering, the space and the sheer absurdity of a V10 estate, while adding another level of driver involvement.

There are faster modern estates. There are certainly more economical ones. But very few offer anything approaching the character of an 8,000 rpm naturally aspirated V10 connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.

And we suspect cars like this will only become harder to replicate.

FINAL SUMMARY

For us, this is exactly the sort of modern M car worth seeking out. It is unusual, enthusiast-owned in its approach, extensively documented and has had serious money spent addressing the mechanical areas that matter. The manual conversion completely changes the character of the E61 M5, while the 4.1 Wavetrac differential and Eventuri intake complement the S85 rather than trying to turn the car into something it isn’t.

A very special example of an already very special BMW, and one we are extremely pleased to represent.

** PLEASE NOTE: THIS CAR IS LOCATED IN WARRINGTON **

Serious enquiries, inspections and viewings are welcomed through Speedbroker.

Speedbroker is a vehicle listing, sourcing and services platform offering clients a total concierge service. All vehicles listed are privately owned unless otherwise specified. We act as introducers assisting in the sales process. Transactions are made directly with vendors unless Speedbroker have authorisation to act on their behalf. Warranties are not given or implied. Should a warranty or finance be required, we can refer you to our trusted partners.

Although we conduct due diligence before listing and marketing vehicles on behalf of our clients, prospective purchasers should rely on their own searches and inspections to ensure the vehicle meets their individual requirements and expectations.

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