One of these days, I just came up with a question: when BMW engineers designed the E60 body originally, which engine did they keep in mind the most? 545 or M5? Since essentially, all E60s have the same body (minus minor mods for M5), then obviously the body can handle all engines from 525 to M5, but which one was "meant" by the engineers during the original design?

Any ideas?

 

All of the available ones.

The E60 is a designation for a "platform" which is not specific to any engine. As far as I know, they design the platform knowing that they'll be utilizing more than one engine/drivetrain configuration.

Future engines can be designed around the platform as long as the mounts are compatible with whatever standard they use.

 

i suspect that since they had to design the chassis to cope with engines ranging from 2.2 up to 5 litres, the best "fit" for the car, engine-wise, would probably be the mid-range engine, ie the 530i.

when i say "fit" i dont mean the physical ability to accomodate the engine. rather, am referring to weight distribution, performance/economy balance, etc.