A Rare Manual V10 BMW M5 Wagon Hits the Auction Block
A truly bespoke automotive creation has emerged, offering a singular chance to acquire a unique blend of power and practicality: a handmade E61 BMW M5 Touring. While American enthusiasts traditionally missed out on the factory M5 wagon during the E60 era, receiving only the manual sedan, a dedicated builder has filled this void. This exceptional vehicle, constructed from a 2009 BMW 535Xi, integrates a potent V10 engine and a manual gearbox, a combination not found in the newly released G99 M5 Touring, which lacks both a stick shift and a naturally aspirated powerplant. This rare gem is now available for bids on Cars & Bids, presenting an attractive opportunity at a price point significantly below a brand-new M5 Touring.
The meticulous transformation of this 535Xi into a high-performance M5 Touring involved extensive modifications. The original 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine was replaced with a formidable S85 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10. Furthermore, the automatic transmission was swapped for a six-speed manual gearbox sourced from an E6X M5, and the all-wheel-drive system was removed to direct power exclusively to the rear wheels, enhanced by an M5 limited-slip differential. Even the M5's electronic damping control suspension system was integrated, and the vehicle’s various systems, including a retrofitted night vision system, are reported to be in excellent operational condition. Aesthetic upgrades include 19-inch Style 166M wheels and authentic M5 bodywork, all painted in the 535Xi's original Deep Green Metallic, though the brakes are a nod to the F87 BMW M2. The interior maintains a sophisticated ambiance with black leather and Carrara wood trim, complemented by an M5 gauge cluster and a color-matched steering wheel.
Prospective buyers should be aware of a few considerations; the odometer currently displays 65,300 miles due to the M5 cluster installation, making the true mileage of the chassis and engine uncertain. Minor cosmetic flaws include stone chips, misaligned exhaust tips, and some wear on the wheels and interior. Despite these minor imperfections, the vehicle has undergone extensive maintenance, with recent replacements including the clutch, thermostat, spark plugs, wheel bearings, control arms, tires, and rear shock absorbers, along with fluid changes for the transmission and coolant systems. While acquiring a custom project always carries a degree of risk, the chance to own a V10 manual M5 wagon at a fraction of the cost of a new M5 Touring, which can exceed $120,000, makes this offering incredibly compelling for enthusiasts seeking a truly distinctive driving machine.
This unique creation serves as a testament to the ingenuity and passion within the automotive community, showcasing how vision and dedication can bring extraordinary concepts to life. It reminds us that true innovation often stems from a desire to transcend conventional boundaries, transforming what is into what could be. Such endeavors not only fulfill individual aspirations but also enrich the broader landscape of automotive culture, inspiring others to pursue their own visions of excellence and personal achievement.