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BMW M5

BMW M5
BMW M5
It has been 20 years since the launch of the first BMW M5. After three generations, more the 35,000 sales and countless attempts by competitors to emulate its performance and success, the BMW M5 still makes its position as the benchmark. Each successive generation has extended the bounds of both performance and luxury. The last generation M5, the most successful ever, significantly pushed the performance envelope with the first V8 from BMW M, mated to a six-speed transmission.
The all-new fourth generation M5 pushes that envelope even further with the first V10 engine to power a production sedan. The new V10 produces 507 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque by European measure. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission. With this new powertrain the M5 offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. In the tradition of BMW M, the chassis has been engineered to keep up with the power while the exterior treatment is subtle, yet distinctive.

First high-revving engine to be featured in a production sedan

This is the first application of a V10 engine in a regular production sedan, if it's possible to call any product from BMW M 'regular.' It once again sets the benchmark in its class. This engine was engineered to rev, with a redline of 8,250. With 25 percent more power than the previous M5's V8, this new engine offers 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, pure race car territory. The 90o V10 is designed for maximum stiffness and minimum vibration.

The new V10 features double-VANOS variable valve timing. Each cylinder has its own electronically controlled throttle butterfly. The new MS S65 engine management system uses the most powerful processors currently approved for use in automobiles. It has been designed specifically to deal with the V10's high output and high revs as well as the comprehensive controls that are required.

Seven-speed SMG gearbox features Drivelogic

The driver of the new M5 is able to maximize the potential of the new V10 engine with a seven-speed SMG gearbox. Like other BMW SMG gearboxes shifts can be made from either the lever on the center console or the paddles on the steering wheel. Compared to the previous SMG, gear changes happen 20 percent faster with this latest generation SMG, making for smooth, crisp shifts.

With Drivelogic, at the driver's disposal are eleven program options. This enables the SMG's shift characteristics to be tailored to suit the driving situation and the mood. Six of these programs can be selected in the sequential manual gearbox mode (S mode). These programs adjust shifting speed and style because, in the S mode, the driver does all the shifting. In the Drive (D mode) the transmission shifts automatically, depending on which of the five programs is selected, the driving situation, the road speed and the position of the accelerator pedal.

Taken together the drivetrain of the new M5 provides truly awe inspiring performance. From rest 60 miles per hour will be reached in well under five seconds. The rush of acceleration never lets up until the electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. The top speed may be limited but with the speedometer reaching all the way to 205 mph, the mind conjures intriguing possibilities.

The perfect blend of ride comfort and agility

The M5 has long been known for handling that matches its performance, carefully blended with impressive ride comfort. More than just a 'tuned' 5 Series suspension, the aluminum suspension on the M5 has been engineered to match its performance. The suspension is mated to 19-inch wheels with performance tires. Keeping power on the road is critical, so the M5 features the Variable M differential lock. By constantly monitoring and comparing the speed of the rear wheels, the Variable M differential lock can ensure that power gets to the drive wheel with the most traction even in extreme driving situations. Its benefits are particularly apparent when accelerating out of a corner.

The Dynamic Stability Control system in the M5 has been designed to suit its performance. Of course, the DSC can be deactivated at the push of a button. The M5's DSC also offers the choice of two driving dynamics programs. One allows DSC to function the way it always has. At the touch of a button, the M Dynamic Mode is engaged which lets DSC facilitate more spirited driving.

To ensure that this level of handling does not compromise ride quality, the new M5 features Electronic Damping Control, with three program modes (comfort, normal, sport). EDC constantly adjusts the suspension to suit the driving conditions.

To complement its performance potential, the M5 is equipped with generously sized high performance brakes with perforated compound brake discs. The aluminum twin-piston brake calipers have been designed for minimum unsprung weight and maximum stiffness. They will haul the new M5 to a stop from 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 120 feet and from 124 mph (200 km/h) in just under 460 feet.

Styling is subtle but purposeful

In the tradition of BMW M, the exterior styling of the new M5 follows the 'wolf in sheep's clothing' philosophy. The casual observer may not, at first glance, recognize the M5's performance potential. The less casual observer instantly will. The modified front spoiler and rear apron are instant giveaways. So too are the modified side sills. The wheel arches are more prominent in order to house the generous wheel and tire package. Following BMW M's recent traditions, the new M5 has more aerodynamic exterior mirrors, four tailpipes and exclusive wheels. Similar to the latest M3, the M5 features exclusive gills incorporated into the front fenders.

The exclusive leather interior features sports seats. Other styling touches, from the instrument cluster to the center console and the steering wheel are all unique to the M5. Even the optional head-up display is M-specific.

The all-new BMW M5 once again combines the comfort and amenities one expects of a luxury sedan with the performance capability and driving experience that can be provided by few cars of any type.

Source - BMW

BMW M5
BMW M5
BMW M5
BMW M5
BMW E39 M5
BMW M5 E39
The BMW M5 is a performance version of BMW's 5-Series and created by BMW Motorsports. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the M5 has been made from various 5-Series versions throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39 and E60. Originally, the M5 was hand-built utilizing the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine. When introduced, it was the fastest production saloon car in the world.

In 1984 BMW offered multiple versions of the M5 to accommodate the different markets and the rules that governed the production of vehicles in each of those areas. There were Left Hand Drives, Right Hand Drives, Euro Specs, North American Spec (NA), and South African (ZA) Spec M5. The North American M5 versions were equipped with a catalytic converter which degraded the horsepower from 286 to 256. With the 286 horsepower engine, the Euro spec M5's could race from zero to sixty in just 6.2 seconds. The North American specs accomplished the sixty-mile-an-hour run in 6.5 seconds.

The production of the M5 on the E28 series platform lasted from 1984 through 1986. From 1989 through 1995 the M5 was produced on the E34 platform. For the North American market, production of the E34 M5 was from 1991 through 1993 and continued the tradition of being hand built usually in teams and transpiring over a two week time period.

Under the hood was a modified inline-six cylinder engine from the E28 M5 and the E24 M635CSi. The bore and stroke were enlarged to a total capacity of 3535 cc and a compression of 10:1. Unique to the M5 engine were a new forged steel crankshaft, camshafts, and electronically controlled butterfly valve. The result was 3.6 liters and 315 horsepower. The US and Switzerland versions received catalytic converters and a lower horsepower rating, 310. Power was dispersed to the rear wheels with the help of a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual transmission. Standard was a limited slip differential with a maximum locking of twenty-five percent.

The engine was further modified in 1992 to 3.8 liters, except for the North American market which retained the 3.6 liter unit. Power rose to a respectable 340 horsepower for the Euro Spec engines. A six-speed Getrag gearbox, introduced in 1992 for the Euro Spec M5, continued to improve the performance of the M5.

Four specialty packages of the E34 M5 were produced with the Cecotto Edition being the most exclusive with only twenty-two examples created. BMW approached two racing individuals, Joachim Winkelhock and Johnny Cecotto, for their input on the production of the M5. Cecotto requested luxury items while Winkelhock requested a lightweight version of the M5. Cecotto's versions was adorned in luxury items such as leather heated seats, wood trim, power sunroof, servotronic power steering, headlight washers, power headrests, and more. The Winkelhock Edition, of which there were only 51 examples produced, were void of luxury items in favor of a lighter vehicle. The batter and gas tank were reduced in size, and there was less sound deadening materials. The rear power windows, fog lights, headlight washers, vanity mirrors, and rear headrests were all removed. Wider tires and alloy wheels were added to the vehicle to amplify the handling. The front seats were replaced in favor of a stiffer sport seat that could hold the driver in place while accelerating through corners. All fifty one examples were painted Jet Black wth Sterling Silver metallic lower body panels.

The Jahre Motorsport Edition was built to celebrate BMW Motorsports 20th anniversary. Only twenty were created in 1992, all with European-specs. The Jahre Edition's were outfitted with the Nurburgring package and Recaro SR Sport seats adorned in special M cloth. The dash and door panels were constructed of Carbon fibre resulting in a lower overall weight. The wheels were M System II and the rear view mirror was an M Technic unit. The door handles were highlighted with 'BMW Motorsport' lettering. All of the Jahre Edition vehicles were pained in Mugello Red.

The final special edition M5 built on the E34 platform was the UK Limited Edition which celebrated the end of right-hand drive M5 production. Fifty examples were created in the early part of 1995 and offered in two colors including Rosso Red metallic and Orinoco metallic. The interior of the Rosso Red metallic versions were given natural poplar wood trim while the Orinoco metallic versions had maple wood trim inteior. Fifteen of the Rosso Red metallic were created and 35 with the Orinco metallic. The interior of the Limited Edition was outfitted with power sunroof, power front seats, headlight washers and air conditioning.

In 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the E39 M5 which stayed in production until 2003. It was built at the Dingolfing factory located in Germany and unlike it E34 version, was not hand built but rather, constructed in an assembly line. This resulted in 20,482 examples of the E39 being created.

There were three versions of the M5, the European Left and Right Hand Drive versions and the North American version. Under the hood was a 4.9 liter eight-cylinder engine producing 400 horsepower for the Euro Spec and 394 for US variants. The response time of the engine was greatly improved though the incorporation of Double-VANOS technology which varies the intake and exhaust valves for the two cylinder banks. It also allows for individual throttle butterflies for each cylinder.

Standard was a twenty-five percent maximum locking limited slip differential, a six-speed manual Getrag Type D gearbox and a reinforced clutch. The Motorsports department modified the 5-series suspension, reducing the spring hight and applying thicker anti-roll bars. Other improvements meant a stiffer ride for the occupants but less body-roll for the vehicle as it was attacking corners. Large ventilated disc brakes on all four corners meant excellent stopping power. The recirculating-ball steering system was improved, lowering its overall steering ratio and allowing for quicker response times.

Throughout its five year production lifespan, the E39 received updates both aesthetically and mechanically. Performance was rated at 5.3 seconds for the zero-to-sixty run with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. At the time, it once again captured the title of fastest production four-door sedan in the world.

In 2004 BMW introduced the E60 M5. This highly anticipated version continued BMW's tradition of performance style, and luxury with its 5 liter ten-cylinder engine producing 500 horsepower. A seven-speed SMG III electrohydraulic manual gearbox was a perfect match for the V10 engine, offering quick shifting and performance on demand. The weight of the vehicle was reduced through the use of an aluminum chassis, greatly increasing the power-to-weight ratio.

Without the electronically limited top speed, it is reported that the vehicle is able to reach 205 mph. The zero-to-sixty time of 4.7 second is equally as impressive.

The M series of BMW is truly the pinnacle of luxury and performance that can be ascertained from a sedan. The M5, with its four-doors, lightweight shell, modified suspension, brakes, steering, and mechanics is the reason the vehicle has continued to be successful in the marketplace.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012

BMW M5
BMW M5
BMW M5 E28
This first generation M5 was introduced in the mid-1980's as an answer to those who needed the practicality of four doors and the performance only a BMW Motorsport car could offer. The car was built by hand, one at a time, at BMW motorsport using the standard BMW 5 Series body shell. From this shell, special equipment including the M1 derived engine, heavy duty transmission, lightweight suspension parts, larger high performance tires, M sport seats, and extended leather interior were built into the car.

The M5 was a one-of-a-kind vehicle. It was never officially made into a race car although, had there been some sedan competition, surely would have been a winner. Today, first generation M5's are becoming collector items for those who enjoy the combination of a roomy interior and quintessential BMW performance.The BMW M5 is a performance version of BMW's 5-Series and created by BMW Motorsports. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the M5 has been made from various 5-Series versions throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39 and E60. Originally, the M5 was hand-built utilizing the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine. When introduced, it was the fastest production saloon car in the world.

In 1984 BMW offered multiple versions of the M5 to accommodate the different markets and the rules that governed the production of vehicles in each of those areas. There were Left Hand Drives, Right Hand Drives, Euro Specs, North American Spec (NA), and South African (ZA) Spec M5. The North American M5 versions were equipped with a catalytic converter which degraded the horsepower from 286 to 256. With the 286 horsepower engine, the Euro spec M5's could race from zero to sixty in just 6.2 seconds. The North American specs accomplished the sixty-mile-an-hour run in 6.5 seconds.

The production of the M5 on the E28 series platform lasted from 1984 through 1986. From 1989 through 1995 the M5 was produced on the E34 platform. For the North American market, production of the E34 M5 was from 1991 through 1993 and continued the tradition of being hand built usually in teams and transpiring over a two week time period.

Under the hood was a modified inline-six cylinder engine from the E28 M5 and the E24 M635CSi. The bore and stroke were enlarged to a total capacity of 3535 cc and a compression of 10:1. Unique to the M5 engine were a new forged steel crankshaft, camshafts, and electronically controlled butterfly valve. The result was 3.6 liters and 315 horsepower. The US and Switzerland versions received catalytic converters and a lower horsepower rating, 310. Power was dispersed to the rear wheels with the help of a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual transmission. Standard was a limited slip differential with a maximum locking of twenty-five percent.

The engine was further modified in 1992 to 3.8 liters, except for the North American market which retained the 3.6 liter unit. Power rose to a respectable 340 horsepower for the Euro Spec engines. A six-speed Getrag gearbox, introduced in 1992 for the Euro Spec M5, continued to improve the performance of the M5.

Four specialty packages of the E34 M5 were produced with the Cecotto Edition being the most exclusive with only twenty-two examples created. BMW approached two racing individuals, Joachim Winkelhock and Johnny Cecotto, for their input on the production of the M5. Cecotto requested luxury items while Winkelhock requested a lightweight version of the M5. Cecotto's versions was adorned in luxury items such as leather heated seats, wood trim, power sunroof, servotronic power steering, headlight washers, power headrests, and more. The Winkelhock Edition, of which there were only 51 examples produced, were void of luxury items in favor of a lighter vehicle. The batter and gas tank were reduced in size, and there was less sound deadening materials. The rear power windows, fog lights, headlight washers, vanity mirrors, and rear headrests were all removed. Wider tires and alloy wheels were added to the vehicle to amplify the handling. The front seats were replaced in favor of a stiffer sport seat that could hold the driver in place while accelerating through corners. All fifty one examples were painted Jet Black wth Sterling Silver metallic lower body panels.

The Jahre Motorsport Edition was built to celebrate BMW Motorsports 20th anniversary. Only twenty were created in 1992, all with European-specs. The Jahre Edition's were outfitted with the Nurburgring package and Recaro SR Sport seats adorned in special M cloth. The dash and door panels were constructed of Carbon fibre resulting in a lower overall weight. The wheels were M System II and the rear view mirror was an M Technic unit. The door handles were highlighted with 'BMW Motorsport' lettering. All of the Jahre Edition vehicles were pained in Mugello Red.

The final special edition M5 built on the E34 platform was the UK Limited Edition which celebrated the end of right-hand drive M5 production. Fifty examples were created in the early part of 1995 and offered in two colors including Rosso Red metallic and Orinoco metallic. The interior of the Rosso Red metallic versions were given natural poplar wood trim while the Orinoco metallic versions had maple wood trim inteior. Fifteen of the Rosso Red metallic were created and 35 with the Orinco metallic. The interior of the Limited Edition was outfitted with power sunroof, power front seats, headlight washers and air conditioning.

In 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the E39 M5 which stayed in production until 2003. It was built at the Dingolfing factory located in Germany and unlike it E34 version, was not hand built but rather, constructed in an assembly line. This resulted in 20,482 examples of the E39 being created.

There were three versions of the M5, the European Left and Right Hand Drive versions and the North American version. Under the hood was a 4.9 liter eight-cylinder engine producing 400 horsepower for the Euro Spec and 394 for US variants. The response time of the engine was greatly improved though the incorporation of Double-VANOS technology which varies the intake and exhaust valves for the two cylinder banks. It also allows for individual throttle butterflies for each cylinder.

Standard was a twenty-five percent maximum locking limited slip differential, a six-speed manual Getrag Type D gearbox and a reinforced clutch. The Motorsports department modified the 5-series suspension, reducing the spring hight and applying thicker anti-roll bars. Other improvements meant a stiffer ride for the occupants but less body-roll for the vehicle as it was attacking corners. Large ventilated disc brakes on all four corners meant excellent stopping power. The recirculating-ball steering system was improved, lowering its overall steering ratio and allowing for quicker response times.

Throughout its five year production lifespan, the E39 received updates both aesthetically and mechanically. Performance was rated at 5.3 seconds for the zero-to-sixty run with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. At the time, it once again captured the title of fastest production four-door sedan in the world.

In 2004 BMW introduced the E60 M5. This highly anticipated version continued BMW's tradition of performance style, and luxury with its 5 liter ten-cylinder engine producing 500 horsepower. A seven-speed SMG III electrohydraulic manual gearbox was a perfect match for the V10 engine, offering quick shifting and performance on demand. The weight of the vehicle was reduced through the use of an aluminum chassis, greatly increasing the power-to-weight ratio.

Without the electronically limited top speed, it is reported that the vehicle is able to reach 205 mph. The zero-to-sixty time of 4.7 second is equally as impressive.

The M series of BMW is truly the pinnacle of luxury and performance that can be ascertained from a sedan. The M5, with its four-doors, lightweight shell, modified suspension, brakes, steering, and mechanics is the reason the vehicle has continued to be successful in the marketplace.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019

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