Diesel Power: Old BMW 5-Series Takes On More Powerful Cars At The Drag Strip

BY Cristian Gnaticov | Posted on

The BMW 5-Series E60 isn’t the best-looking generation of the executive car. However, in its most potent form, it featured something truly amazing: a V10 engine, the only one used in an M5.

Shared with the M6 models of the era, the 5.0-liter unit put out 507 PS (500 hp / 373 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. That’s enough to get you to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, and up to a top speed limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Now, the example that you’re about to see in action on film below isn’t an M5, but rather a 535d, powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel. Back when it first came out, the mill produced 272 (268 hp / 200 kW) and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque, and 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque in the facelifted variant.

That’s not bad at all for an old diesel-powered car, especially since this particular one has overcome its initial status with a few power upgrades. While we don’t know exactly what these are, so-called Stage 3 mods have allegedly lifted the engine’s output to in excess of 440 PS (434 hp / 324 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque.

With its pedal to the metal, the oil-burner took on some newer and much more powerful machines at the drag strip, among them the new F90 BMW M5, as well as the Tesla Model S Shooting Brake.

 

2019 Ford Ranger 2WD Is More Economical Than All Gas-Powered Rivals

A leaked window sticker reveals the fuel economy ratings of the midsize truck in 2WD guise.
Diesel Power: Old BMW 5-Series Takes On More Powerful Cars At The Drag Strip

This BMW 535d E60 allegedly has more than 440 PS and 900 Nm of torque to play with.
Rivian Unveils R1T Fully-Electric Pickup: 0-60 In 3 Sec, 11,000 Lbs Tow Rating

Rivian’s R1T electric pickup can provide over 400 miles of range and is priced from $61,500.
2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Dubbed A “Glorious Machine” During In-Depth Review

The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a good alternative to diesel as long as you use it properly.
2019 European Car Of The Year Shortlist Announced, Can You Pick The Winner?

The 2019 ECOTY winner will be announced on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, on March 4, next year.
Audi RS6+ Nogaro Edition Tuned By ABT Comes With An Impressive 735 PS

The super estate gets an extra 130 PS compared to the stock version and hits 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.
The ‘Norwegian Bliss’ Cruise Ship Features A Two-Level Go Kart Track

If karting’s not your thing, perhaps you’d like the laser tag course that mimics an abandoned space station filled with aliens.
Watch The SSC Tuatara’s 1750 HP V8 Getting Bench-Tested

SSC says that, once launched, the Tuatara will become the world’s fastest production car.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Vs Porsche Macan Turbo In Battle Of The Uber-SUVs

Both German premium SUVs are very fast, but in this drag race one is the undisputed king.
Matt Farah Goes Canyon Carving With The Aston Martin Vantage

The first Vantage he drove was marred by faults, so Aston sent him another.