You know the way each automotive fanatic has that one automotive they remorse not shopping for? For me, that automotive would possibly simply be the six-speed guide F10 BMW M5. I had an opportunity to drive on the long-lasting Laguna Seca in 2012 and that reminiscence continues to be imprinted in my thoughts. Now in case you’ve by no means seemed into this F10 M5, you may be lacking out on considered one of BMW M’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Let me clarify.
This automotive got here at an odd time in BMW M historical past. It adopted the high-revving, F1-sounding E60 M5 with its screaming V10 and single-clutch SMG. That automotive was wild—but in addition temperamental and form of a ache to reside with. Then got here the F10: greater, quieter, turbocharged. On the floor, it appeared like BMW had gone mushy. A turbo engine?! Blasphemy, the neighborhood shouted.
Six-Pace Handbook, 560 HP
However then, in case you have been one of many fortunate few within the U.S., you might spec it with a guide gearbox. And never simply any guide. A correct six-speed, mated to a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 throwing down 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque—all to the rear wheels. No xDrive, no traction security web. Simply you, the street, and a drivetrain that’ll fortunately chew by tires in case you’re not paying consideration.
It was the final M5 with a guide. Ever. And BMW solely bought 577 of them in North America. That’s not simply uncommon—that’s unicorn territory.
A Distinctive Driving Expertise
Driving one is… an expertise. It’s not excellent. The gear ratios are lengthy, and it’s not as sharp as a smaller M automotive. However rattling, does it really feel alive. You’re continually working—shifting, managing enhance, protecting it pointed straight—and that’s what makes it enjoyable. It’s the form of automotive that punishes lazy inputs and rewards precision. No filters, no pretense. Simply uncooked muscle in a gentleman’s swimsuit.
I’ll be trustworthy, vehicles like this don’t get made anymore. All the pieces’s all-wheel drive, computerized, hybridized, or on the way in which to full EV. And yeah, the brand new M5 is technically higher in virtually each measurable method. However it’s no more enjoyable essentially—not in the identical method. The F10 M5 guide is the final stand. It’s imperfect, somewhat harmful, and all of the extra lovable for it.
When you’ve ever dreamed of proudly owning a correct, analog M automotive with massive energy and even greater character, that is the one. Simply don’t wait too lengthy. As a result of as soon as individuals catch on, the key’s out—and these received’t keep reasonably priced ceaselessly.
