2002 BMW M5

The 2002 BMW M5 was powered by a 4.9-liter V8 engine mated to a manual transmission. It was the companies top performance sedan which, for the 2002 season, received new exterior colors and rear side-impact airbags (offered at a no-charge option rather than standard equipment).

The bore and stroke of the BMW 540i's 4.4-liter block were increased to a displacement size of 5.0 liters and given a compression of 11.1. The cylinder heads were redesigned to offer greater crossflow cooling. The nearly-400 horsepower engine was given the double-VANOS variable valve-timing system common to the BMW model. Zero-to-sixty took just five seconds of the 3,800-pound curb weight vehicle. The only transmission choice available was a six-speed manual.

BMW made other modifications to the 540i, other than the engine, to transform it into the performance-oriented M5. The ride height was lowered, aluminum suspension pieces installed and was fitted with stiffer springs and shock rates. 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires could be found at all four corners. A sport mode switch was placed on the center console which, when activated, recalibrated the variable-assist power steering for increased performance and a better throttle response. Traction control and electronic stability control system kept the vehicle in the driver's control.

Standard features on the M5 include dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats with leather inserts, and eight-way power adjustments. They had power headrests, a GPS navigation system, a 10-speaker sound system, one-touch power windows, and rain-sensing wipers.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011