The 2007 BMW M5 is an engineering masterpiece, but its heart beats to a very specific rhythm that demands precise lubrication. Powering this sedan is the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine, codenamed S85 B50A 1. This high-revving powerplant is renowned for its smoothness and incredible power output, yet it is also sensitive to the quality of the fluids running through it. Proper lubrication is not just about keeping the engine moving; it is about managing extreme thermal loads, ensuring precise hydraulic operation for variable valve timing, and preventing wear on the delicate lifters and camshafts that define the M5’s performance character.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 10W-60 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – The ideal viscosity for the S85 V10 engine, designed specifically for high-performance European vehicles with precise synthetic blends.
- MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter – Features premium filtration media that offers superior performance and protection compared to standard OEM-branded filters.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and keeps seals soft to prevent leaks in the complex hydraulic systems of this performance sedan.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the limited-slip rear differential, offering friction modifiers and thermal runaway control.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The preferred choice for the standard rear differential, providing advanced wear protection and operating temperature control.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while ensuring shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation protecting the cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
Engine oil changes are the cornerstone of BMW M5 maintenance. The S85 V10 requires a substantial quantity of fluid to function correctly. When performing a change, the total capacity is 9.8 quarts, including the filter replacement. After refilling, it is critical to check the oil level to ensure accuracy. The engine features a complex drain plug system; depending on the specific bolt size removed, torque specifications vary significantly. The M12x1.5 bolt requires 19 ft-lbs, the M22x1.5 requires 45 ft-lbs, and the M18x1.5 requires 26 ft-lbs. Using the wrong torque can lead to stripped threads or insufficient sealing in such a high-performance application. The AMSOIL 10W-60 FS is engineered to handle the extreme heat generated by the V10, maintaining its viscosity even when the engine is pushed to its redline.
The cooling system is equally critical, given the thermal demands placed on the aluminum block and heads. The 2007 M5 holds 15.9 quarts of AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant. Owners have the option to use a pre-mixed formulation like the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant, which is a 50/50 ethylene glycol mix ready for use. Alternatively, the concentrated AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant can be mixed with distilled water for specific needs. These formulations are phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, ensuring compatibility with the cooling system materials and preventing the buildup of harmful deposits that can restrict flow in the narrow coolant passages.
Transmission and Differential Protection
Power from the V10 is transferred to the rear wheels through a sophisticated automatic transmission. While the source guide notes that specific automatic transmission fluid recommendations should be verified against the specific driving habits, the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is a robust choice for this platform. It resists sludge formation and ensures smooth shifting under high torque loads. For those preferring a more economical option that still delivers synthetic benefits, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is also suitable.
The rear differential is a crucial component for handling the M5’s immense power. For models equipped with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), specifically the 188K, 188L, and 215K variants, the application requires a high-viscosity fluid. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended specification. It contains friction modifiers essential for the clutches within the LSD and helps control thermal runaway, a common issue in high-performance differentials under track use. The capacities for these LSD units range from 2.1 to 3 pints depending on the specific axle code.
For the standard rear differential found in GLS24 equipped vehicles, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the correct choice. This fluid offers advanced protection against wear and rust while reducing operating temperatures. Capacities for the standard diffs mirror the limited slip units, with the 188K, 188L, and 215K models requiring 2.5, 2.1, and 3 pints respectively. Using the correct viscosity ensures that the gears are properly bathed in lubricant without creating excessive drag or heat.
Fluids for Safety and Maintenance
Stopping power is just as vital as acceleration. The BMW M5 requires a high-performance AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid to maintain consistent pedal feel. The vehicle specification often calls for BMW part numbers 81 22 0 142 156 or 81 22 0 142 155, which are low-viscosity DOT 4 fluids. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is an excellent substitute that provides stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring reliable ABS and traction control responsiveness. This synthetic fluid also resists moisture absorption, which can lower the boiling point and cause brake fade during spirited driving.
Power steering systems in the M5 also benefit from synthetic fluids. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is formulated to help seals remain soft, preventing the leaks that can plague aging hydraulic systems. It offers strong anti-wear protection and resists heat, extending the fluid’s life. For vehicle owners who plan to keep the car for many years, using additives like the AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help restore fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, potentially recovering horsepower and improving fuel economy, which is a smart move for maintaining the efficiency of this high-displacement engine.
Model History and Performance
The 2007 BMW M5 represents a pinnacle in automotive engineering, marking the arrival of BMW’s first naturally aspirated V10 engine in an M5 sedan. Introduced to replace the dual-cam inline-six engines of the previous E39 generation, the E60 generation M5 with the S85 engine was a revelation. This 5.0-liter powerhouse was derived from BMW’s Formula One technology, sharing many components and design philosophies with the motorsport division. It produces a peak horsepower figure that places it among the most powerful sedans of its era, offering a sound profile that screams to a redline of nearly 8,000 RPM.
Owners of this vehicle cherish it for its unique driving character. Unlike the turbocharged M5s that would follow in later years, the V10 delivers power linearly and without lag. The exhaust note is legendary, a symphony of mechanical noise that is as much a feature of the car as the steering feel. The chassis, built on the E60 platform, was widened and stiffened to handle the extra power, featuring sophisticated suspension systems that could switch between comfort and sport modes. This blend of daily usability and track-ready aggression made the E60 M5 a highly sought-after collector’s item almost immediately.
However, the complexity of the S85 engine brings specific challenges that diligent owners must manage. One known issue involves the Vanos systems, which control variable valve timing. These systems can suffer from clogging or oil sludge buildup if the engine is not maintained with high-quality synthetic oil. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are particularly effective here, as they resist thermal breakdown and sludge formation better than conventional oils, keeping the Vanos solenoids and phasers clean. This helps prevent the loss of power and the rough idle that often plagues high-mileage S85 engines.
Another potential weak point in the cooling system is the plastic water pump and thermostat housing, which can become brittle over time. While the fluid choice doesn’t directly fix this hardware issue, using a high-quality, phosphate-free antifreeze like the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant reduces the risk of corrosion and erosion in the cooling passages, extending the life of the radiator and heater cores. Additionally, the engine’s high revving nature makes the valve train components susceptible to wear if oil pressure drops or oil quality degrades quickly. The superior shear stability of AMSOIL synthetic oils ensures that the oil film remains intact, protecting the camshafts and lifters during those critical moments at the top of the rev range.
Finally, the rear differential’s limited-slip clutches require specific friction modifiers to function correctly and prevent chatter. Using a standard gear lube can lead to a “chattering” sensation during low-speed turns. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 is specifically formulated with these friction modifiers, ensuring smooth power delivery even when the car is under heavy load or being driven on the street. By addressing these specific mechanical nuances with the right lubricants, owners can enjoy the full potential of the S85 V10 for years to come.
Maintaining a 2007 BMW M5 is an investment in preserving a piece of automotive history. By selecting the correct AMSOIL synthetic lubricants for every system—from the V10 engine to the rear differential and brake lines—you ensure that the car retains its sharp handling and raw power. The combination of high-performance oil, premium filters, and robust cooling systems provides a level of protection that standard fluids cannot match, allowing the M5 to perform as the manufacturers intended, mile after mile.