It’s a recognized incontrovertible fact that Chris Harris has a comfortable spot for BMWs. He has owned many automobiles with the well-known roundel through the years, together with an M5 E28, an M2 CS, and an unofficial M5 Touring E34 constructed from a 525i SE. His newest buy additionally comes from Munich, and sure, it’s one other wagon. A few months in the past, he purchased a comparatively uncommon M5 Touring E61 – one of many just one,009 items made.

Painted in Indianapolis Purple and with round 128,000 miles (about 206,000 kilometers) on the clock, the long-roof M5 was by no means concerned in a crash and appears greater than first rate given its venerable age. Chris Harris spent £24,750 on his V10 efficiency property. The electrical seats and tailgate nonetheless work as marketed however the sporty E61 wants a contemporary set of tires, brakes, and probably a clutch alternative. What issues extra is that the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine with its mighty 500 horsepower has been correctly serviced.

We’re not shocked this M5 Touring is lavishly outfitted because it was initially a press automotive. In actual fact, Chris Harris drove this exact same automotive again within the day when it got here out. He realized in regards to the automobile’s historical past after shopping for it, when somebody from BMW’s press workplace advised him why the automotive seemed acquainted. Automakers normally provide high-end variations of a automotive to journalists for check drives and this E61 was no exception again within the 2000s. It has all of the bells and whistles, together with a sunroof.

Whereas handbook gearbox swaps do exist, he intends to maintain the unique seven-speed Sequential M Gearbox (SMG). He may eliminate the shift paddles behind the steering wheel since he’s not an enormous fan of how they give the impression of being and their placement. Shortly after taking pictures the video, Chris Harris had the automotive serviced and overhauled the suspension, just for his beloved M5 Touring to interrupt down on the facet of the highway on account of a defective gearbox.

After fixing the dreaded SMG, he intends to do “one thing historic” along with his M E61, so we’ll undoubtedly hold an in depth eye on what is going to develop into of this already particular automotive.

Supply: Gathering Automobiles / YouTube