BMW M5

Specifications

The 3.5 L M88/3 engine

European models European-Spec M5s were available with some options unavailable on US-Spec M5s, such as Water Buffalo leather and a Glass Moonroof. Left-hand drive (LHD) cars were equipped with 185TR390 metric alloy wheels, while right-hand drive (RHD) cars used 16x7.5 alloy wheels. Very early European-Spec LHD M5s had VINs that started with "WBA" instead of the "WBS" designation to indicate BMW Motorsport. It is estimated that no more than 15 M5s were produced with a "WBA" VIN.

United States/Canada models US-Specification M5s were comprehensively optioned: Leather Door Panels, Leather Center Console, Full Trunk Carpeting, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Power Seats, Cruise Control, On-Board Computer, Central Locking and Shadow-line Trim were standard. The United States/Canada Left-hand drive (LHD) cars were equipped with 16x7.5 alloy wheels. The only option on a US-Specification M5 was electrically heated front seats which were standard equipment on Canadian-Market cars. The only paint colour available was "jet black".

Wheels

The M5 came with an unusual wheel design. From 1988–1992 the M5 featured the three-piece Style 20 "M-System" wheels, which consisted of directional bolted-on wheel covers and fin assembly in front of the wheel itself. The wheel was a forged, black 5-spoke alloy, offered either as square 17x8 et20 setup or staggered with 9-inch wide wheels to the rear as an option. The intent of the M-System cover was to divert heat from the brake assembly to increase cooling. In 1992 BMW changed the design to the "M-System II" (nicknamed "throwing stars") which improved brake cooling from the combination of the larger openings and fins placed in the driving direction.^[13] In May 1994, the M5 switched to 18-inch Style 37 "M Parallel" wheels that did away with the cover entirely.^[7]

Performance

The 3.8 L S38B38 inline-6 engine

• 89–92 (Euro) I6-24v 3.6 L
  • 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.3 s*^[9]
  • Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)
• 92–95 (Euro) I6-24v 3.8 L
  • 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 5.9 s*^[14]
  • Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)
• 91–93 (US) I6-24v 3.6 L
  • 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.1 s*^[15]
  • Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)

^* (Manufacturer claimed)

Special versions

There were four special editions of the E34 M5. The Cecotto, Winkelhock and 20 Jahre editions which were offered as LHD Euro specification models while the RHD UK Limited edition was only sold in the United Kingdom.^[7]

Convertible

An M5 convertible variant was considered by executives at BMW M and keeping that in view, a fully functioning prototype was constructed. The prototype featured the 3.5 litre S38B36 straight-six engine, a 2,761 mm (109 in) long wheelbase and a slightly raked windshield than that of a normal M5. Due to an apparent lack of structural rigidity caused by the removal of the roof, steel reinforcements were added under both side valance panels. The car also featured a power-operated cloth roof, which was said to increase the curb weight by roughly 100 kg (220 lb), and front seats with integrated seatbelts were borrowed from the E31 8 Series. The prototype was never given the green light or production due to financial considerations.^[7]

Motorsport

VDS Racing Adventures^[18] has used an E34 M5 in endurance racing, where weight and nimbleness is less important than in sprint racing. The car features many one-off components, including a wide-arch fibreglass bodykit, but the engine is based on the 3.8-litre S38 straight-six and is almost standard, producing approximately 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp). It has also raced in the Belgium Belcar Championship, where it was runner up in 2001.

An E34 M5 was raced in the Australian 1992 Bathurst 12 Hour Production Car endurance race, placing 2nd overall, and 1st in its class. It was driven by former F1 champion Alan Jones, Neville Crichton, and BMW Touring car driver Tony Longhurst.

Powertrain

The E39 M5 utilises the S62 V8 engine also shared with the Z8, which produces 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) at 6,600 rpm and 500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,800 rpm.^[20]

All E39 M5s came equipped with a Getrag type D six-speed manual transmission which provides the following gearing ratios:^[20]

The E39 M5 utilises the same transmission as the E39 540i, but with some changes to cope with the extra power produced by the S62 engine. The differences consist of a reinforced clutch, a rear differential utilising a shorter 3.15:1 ratio, and a limited slip differential with 25% maximum locking.

Chassis

The E39 M5's suspension shared its basic aluminium-intensive MacPherson strut/multi-link design of the V8 engined E39 5 series. However, several changes were made by BMW M. Reduced spring height, 23 mm (0.9 in) lower. A specific shock valving, thicker front and rear anti-roll bars, polyurethane auxiliary springs, and steel balljoints.

Although the six-cylinder E39 models use rack-and-pinion steering, the M5 (and other V8 models) retains the recirculating ball steering system, as used by previous generations of M5. A quicker steering ratio of 14.7 was used, compared with 17.9 for other V8 models.^[21] It featured a Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist which provides two levels of resistance controlled via console mounted Sport button. The Sport button also adjusted the electronic throttle butterflies for more sensitive response. The E39 M5 is equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes measuring 345 mm (13.58 in) in diameter in front and 328 mm (12.91 in) in diameter in the rear.^[20] On European-specification models, the rotors are of a "floating" two-piece design for reduced risk of cone distortion. Their lower unsprung weight improves ride quality and traction on bumpy surfaces as well. Anti-lock brakes, EML (fly-by-wire) throttle control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) were standard.

Updates

During its five years in production, there were some cosmetic changes in 2001 to include:^[22]

• Revised headlights incorporating illuminated "Corona Ring" design (incandescent plastic rings surrounding the headlights, often referred to as "Angel Eyes").
• Jewel tone Celis tail light design
• Park Distance Control sensors in the front bumper (previously in rear only)
• Thicker three-spoke M steering wheel identical to the one fitted to the E46 M3
• Grey instrument panel
• Wireless carphone with new design (previously with cable connection only)
• Improved solar sensor for standard automatic climate control
• Revised navigation/audio unit with larger (6.5-inch) monitor (Standard on US Spec 2001–2003)
• Rear head protection airbags added
• Second-generation M Mobility tyre repair system in place of earlier version
• Available M Audio System with special tweeters, Kevlar/carbon coaxial speakers and two subwoofers behind the rear console
• Alcantara headliner included with Extended Leather interior (previously only included with Complete Leather)

For the subsequent two model years, changes were limited to the addition of new exterior colors (from 9/01 production) and the upgrade to a DVD-based navigation system (from 9/02 production).

In NA, 2002 and 2003 models have the 'Auto Headlamps' feature as standard, they were previously optional..

Performance

The official BMW of North America statement (mentioned in the 2003 brochure) for the acceleration time from 0–60 mph is 4.8 seconds. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).^[23][24]

Unrestricted the E39 M5 has in some testing reached a top speed in excess of 300 km/h (186 mph).^[25]

The E39 M5 recorded a Nurburgring lap time of 8:20^[23] and a Top Gear power lap of 1:27.0.

E39 M5 Touring

Although an E39 M5 Touring was considered, and at least one prototype was constructed (in Titanium Silver with a Black Exclusive leather interior), BMW M decided not to produce an E39 M5 Touring due to financial considerations. In February 2010, as part of BMW's 25th Anniversary of the M5, they revealed this prototype M5 touring^[26] along with an E34 M5 Cabriolet,^[27] which also was never produced (a Cabriolet model would be spun off as part of the E63/64 6 Series and M6 for the next generation of the 5 Series and M5).

Powertrain

The E60 uses an odd firing V10 which has won multiple World Engine of the Year awards, S85 engine produces 373 kW (507 PS; 500 bhp) at 7,750 rpm^[31] and 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6,100 rpm. The engine and transmission were designed from scratch for this particular model; they are not based on or feature on any other models with the exception of the E63/64 M6.

The BMW M5, along with the E63/64 BMW M6, were designed to use the new Getrag SMG III single-clutch seven-speed semi-automatic transmission, that performs gear shift in 65 milliseconds. The SMG III sequential manual includes features like a hill holder, a designated drive program for steep climbs and descents, and a downshift assistant, which briefly dips the clutch to avoid destabilizing wheel spin as well as a pseudo-automatic mode.^[32] However, many reviews have observed the automatic mode of the transmission at low or frequent stop start speeds as being less smooth than that of a conventional automatic transmission.^{[33][34][35][36][37][38]}

Based on North American demand, BMW announced in October 2006 that a six-speed conventional manual transmission would be available in North America; this became the base transmission in these markets while SMG III was available as an option.^[39] The six-speed manual M5 was marginally slower in certain tests, as the dynamic stability control could not be disengaged unlike the SMG version.^[40] The release of a Service Bulletin in November 2007 for a retrofit allowed DSC to be disabled as well as the function being implemented into the introduction of the 2008 model year M5 as well as the M6.^[41] The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced launch control of 1500 rpm instead of the 4000 rpm that the European models received.

The M5 features several Formula One-inspired engine and transmission controls.^[19] There is launch control, which allows maximum performance standing starts automatically. The Getrag SMG III single-clutch semi-automatic transmission has the option of changing to either automated or manual, as well as the speed at which shifts are completed (there are 11 shift programmes in total, forming what BMW calls Drivelogic). Manual shifting can be done with either a console shifter, or the steering wheel mounted shift paddles, both of which are fitted to all SMG M5s. The console shifter is the type used on manumatic transmissions; tipping it backward (toward the "+") shifts up, while a forward tip (toward the "-") shifts down. The shifter can be moved to the left to access neutral and reverse. The car also features a "power" button on the navigation panel (labeled "M") which offers access to three modes: P400 (limiting the engine to 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) for daily driving use), P500 (unleashes the full 373 kW (507 PS; 500 bhp), and P500 S (for full power and sharper throttle response, selectable only from the "M Drive Settings" in the iDrive menu). P400 is the default start-up mode, the P500 modes are preselected using iDrive and then activated from P500 S using the "M" button.

Performance

BMW stated the car to reach 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in a time of 4.2 seconds and an absolute (de-limited) top speed of 328 km/h (204 mph) Motor Trend's comparison test found that while the E55 AMG had recorded a faster 0–60 mph time of 4.2 seconds versus the (inhibited) US-launch control equipped M5's 4.5 seconds, the M5 had superior driving dynamics.^[42]

In the Australian publication Wheels magazine in July 2005 recorded a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of an early, 2004-built E60 M5 of 4.4 seconds. The E60 M5 Sedan shared its underpinnings with the E63 M6 Coupe, with the M6 being lower to the ground and slightly lighter with a carbon fibre roof.^[43][44]

The E60 M5 recorded an official lap time of 8:13 at the Nürburgring ^[45] and recorded a Top Gear power lap of 1:26.2.

The E60 M5 consistently was regarded as the benchmark for super high performance sedans in its class. According to Jeremy Clarkson, former presenter of BBC's Top Gear, “It’s a world of motoring perfection. If you want to take it on...don’t bother. It doesn’t matter what you’ve got. It doesn’t matter what you’ve ever driven. This is quicker, it’s faster, it’s MORE astonishing. You just can’t believe you’re in a big 4-door saloon because it goes and it feels and it SOUNDS like a Ferrari 430, and that’s about the best car I’ve ever driven. The steering, the brakes, the power. And this noise… The driving experience just dominates everything…. It’s an epic car, just brilliant.” Although he was greatly displeased with the car's exterior look and its complicated systems.

E61 M5 Touring (2007–2010)

The E61 M5 Touring was introduced in 2007, only the second M version of the 5 Series Touring after the E34. It shares the same drivetrain with its saloon sibling, and serves as a rival to the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate. The Touring was never offered for sale in North America.

E61 M5 Touring

Powertrain

The F10 M5 uses a 4395 cc variation of the S63 4.4L V8 engine called the S63B44TÜ, which produces 412 kW (560 PS; 553 bhp) at 6000 – 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft) from 1500 – 5750 rpm.^[48] A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is used, with the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox for the US market.^[49]

Handling and braking

The car features standard blue-painted brake calipers, however factory optional carbon ceramic brakes can be identified by a polished gold color paint on the caliper. 19 inch multi spoke wheels and 20 inch split 5 spoke wheels were available at launch.

In an effort to lower the curb weight of the F10 M5, which is heavier than the E60 it replaced, BMW partnered with SGL group, a carbon fiber manufacturer.^[50] Despite this, the F10 still weighs significantly more than the E60 model and has faced criticism from some quarters for this, its relative lack of engine note and lack of steering feel compared to its immediate predecessor.

Official information

On 15 June 2011, BMW released official press information about the F10 M5.^[51] Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), or 305 km/h (190 mph) with the optional M Driver's Package.^[51] The car weighs 1,945 kg (4,288 lb), which is 90 kg (198 lb) more than the previous E60/61 model. Average fuel consumption is claimed to be 9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg_‑imp; 24 mpg_‑US), which is a 31% improvement over the previous generation. An Active M-Differential provides torque vectoring between the rear wheels, while the optional 20-inch light alloy wheels are fitted with 265/35/20 front and 295/30/20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The F10 was discontinued after the 2016 model year, soon to be replaced by the upcoming F90 M5.

The F10's debut was at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and in North America at the LA Autoshow on 18 November. The 2012 BMW M5 also made an appearance before September at the M Festival at the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in Germany on 23 June, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and was shown to select members of the M Driving Experience at the Salzburg Ring in Austria. The car has a reported lap time of 7:55 around the Nürburgring race track, which is 18 seconds faster than its V10 predecessor.^[52]

Special versions

To celebrate BMW M5 30th age anniversary, BMW had built 300 special edition, named "30 Jahre BMW M5". All 300 cars came in BMW special edition paint in the Individual color shade Frozen Dark Silver metallic.

Inside, the “30 Jahre M5” lettering is embroidered on the front door sill finishers and plaque bearing “30 Jahre M5” and “1/300” inscriptions is placed on the dashboard. The “30 Jahre M5” logo is also embroidered into the backrests of all four of the high-performance sedan’s seats.

The power output of the limited edition M5 with Competition Package was raised to 441 kW (600 PS; 591 bhp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft)),^[53] allowing it to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. It is sold globally.

Reception

The car's gearbox and fuel economy cited specifically for their improvements over the previous M5, however its inferior engine note and steering feel compared to the E60 M5, as well as its additional weight, have also been noted.^[54][55]

Powertrain

The S63B44T4 twin-turbo V8 engine

In contrast to the previous generations, the M5 is available for the first time with all-wheel drive. BMW, however relies on a rear biased design that is designed exclusively for driving dynamics with a true rear wheel drive mode included in the all-wheel drive system as well.^[58] The engine is an evolution of the S63 from the previous generation.^[59] With a power of 441 kW (600 PS; 591 bhp) the new M5 has the same power as the limited edition "Competition Package" and "30 Jahre M5" models of the previous generation, while the torque has been raised to 750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft), 70 N⋅m more than the previous M5. The car is now equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the previous M5's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The F90 is the first M5 to only have an automatic transmission, which has been chosen for its durability and because shift times are not significantly slower than a DCT.^[60]

Performance

The F90 M5 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds,^[61] and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.1 seconds.^[58] The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), and the delimited top speed is 305 km/h (190 mph) with the optional M Driver's Package.^[58] Despite the heavier four-wheel drive, BMW was able to reduce the weight of the new M5 by about 40 kg (88 lb) over the outgoing model.^[62]

Competition Package

BMW M5 Competition at the 2018 Paris Motor Show

In May 2018, the M5 Competition package was announced. It retains the same powertrain as the standard M5, but total power output has been increased to 460 kW (625 PS; 617 hp) at 6,000 rpm. Torque remains the same at 750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft) between 1,800–5,800 rpm. 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time has also improved and now stands at 3.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the standard car along with 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) acceleration time improving to 10.8 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard car. The suspension system has been optimized to improve handling, lowering the car by 7mm. Other exterior changes include the addition of Frozen Dark Silver metallic body colour, new 20-inch Y-spoke bi-colour forged wheels, kidney grille, rear lip spoiler and badges in gloss black and optional "M5 Competiton Package" badges. A special M-sport exhaust system with gloss black tail pipes is standard in order to improve emissions and the car's sound track.^[63]

Drift records

The M5 has set two Guinness World Records for Longest continuous vehicle drift of 374.17 km (232.5 miles) breaking the previous record of 144.126 km (89.55 miles) and second record for Longest twin vehicle drift (water assisted) i.e. 79.26 km (49.25 miles) breaking the previous record of 28.52 km (17.72 miles).^[64]