BMW M5

BMW M5
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW M GmbH
Production	1985–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury car/executive car
Layout	FR layout
Related	BMW 5 Series

The BMW M5 is a high performance version of the BMW 5-Series automobile made by the M racing division of BMW. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the first incarnation of the M5 was hand-built utilising the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine, being the fastest production saloon/sedan in the world at the time of its introduction. Subsequent iterations of the M5 have been made from various 5-Series generations throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39 and most recently the E60 and E61.

Due to the longevity of its nameplate and undisputed position at the top of BMW's midsize lineup, the M5 remains one of the best known sport sedans

E28 M5 (1985–1988)

BMW E28 M5
Overview
Production	1985–1988 2,191 produced
Assembly	Garching, Germany Rosslyn, South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan
Platform	BMW E28
Related	BMW 5-Series
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L I6 petrol engine
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,624 mm (103.3 in)
Length	4,801 mm (189.0 in)
Width	1,699 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Kerb weight	1,550 kg (3,417 lb)
Chronology
Successor	E34 M5

Main article: BMW M5 (E28)

The first M5, which is based on the E28 5-Series, made its debut at the 1984 Amsterdam Motor Show. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon (sedan), but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilised the 535i chassis, and an evolution of the engine from the BMW M1. The M5 was handbuilt by Motorsport technicians and was the fastest production saloon (sedan) in the world.

The M5 was offered in four different versions. The first version was the left-hand drive (LHD) European spec M5. The second version was the right-hand drive (RHD) British spec M5. The third version was the North American spec (NA or so-called 1988) M5. The fourth version was the South African (ZA) spec M5. It is worth noting that production of the M5 continued until November 1988, well after production of the E28 chassis ended in Germany in December 1987.

The LHD and RHD Euro specifications M5s, and the ZA specifications M5s had the M88/3 powerplant which delivered 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp), whereas the North American 1988 M5 was equipped with the S38 6-cylinder engine that had a catalytic converter, which reduced the power output to 191 kW (260 PS; 256 bhp). The S38 differed from the M88/3 in that it had 9.8:1 compression versus the M88/3's 10.5:1. The S38 also used a dual-row timing chain, where the M88/1 used a single-row chain. Initially 500 were to be made for the US Market, BMW later increased production to as many as 1,370 units for the US and Canadian markets, although the generally accepted figure is 1,244 units sold.

The North American spec models are unique, in that technically they were all finished in Schwarz (Black) with Natur (Tan) interiors. The otherwise virtually identical Canadian spec M5s were also available with Black interiors as an option, however a limited number of US Models were also equipped with Black interiors

United States Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) range from 2791000-2792000 and 2875000-2875320. Car # 2791000 is not known to have been built, and not all VINs are known to have been used. The first few cars built in November and December 1986 were issued Federal compliance labels showing a 1/87 build date. As has been speculated earlier, physical confirmation of the VIN of the United States M5 kept in BMW North America's Mobile Tradition collection is a 287 series car, a later 1987 build date car.

While every North American spec E28 M5 was a 1988 model year car, production of North American specification M5s commenced in November 1986 and ended in November 1987. Excepting 96 units that were assembled in kit form at BMW's Plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, all E28 M5s were assembled by hand at BMW Motorsport in Garching, Germany.

With a total production of 2,191 the E28 M5 remains among the rarest regular production BMW Motorsport cars - after the BMW M1 (456 units), BMW E34 M5 Touring (891 units), and the BMW 850CSi (1510 units).

Performance

At the time of sale, BMW quoted the following 0-60 times to give the impression that the E28 M5 did not outperform the more expensive, heavier and top-of-the-range E24 M635csi (BMW M6).

• (Euro) - 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) 0-60 mph - 6.2 seconds. Top Speed: 246 km/h (153 mph)
• (USA) - 191 kW (260 PS; 256 bhp) 0-60 mph - 6.5 seconds. Top Speed: 238 km/h (148 mph)

Tuners

• Whilst BMW Motorsport did not build any special versions of the E28 M5, the German tuner Hartge produced the Hartge H35S-24, a 330 PS (243 kW; 325 bhp) version of the E28 M5. Main modifications over and above the standard E28 M5 were revised cams, a modified exhaust, modified Bosch Motronic ECU programming, and a revised (and lowered) suspension setup.
• Alpina limited their tuning efforts to the older M30 engine powered models. The Alpina B7 Turbo produced 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) with 0-60 mph times of 4.7 sec and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

E34 M5 (1989–1995)

BMW E34 M5
Overview
Production	1989–1995
Assembly	Garching, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan, 5-door estate/wagon
Platform	BMW E34
Related	BMW 5-Series
Powertrain
Engine	3.6 L I6 3.8 L I6
Transmission	5-speed and 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Length	4,719 mm (185.8 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,392 mm (54.8 in)
Kerb weight	1,670 kg (3,682 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	E28 M5
Successor	E39 M5

Main article: BMW M5 (E34)

The E34 M5 was produced from 1989 to 1995, although sales in North America started in 1991 and ended in 1993. It was produced at BMW M GmbH in Garching, Germany, and, like the previous M5, was entirely hand-built. It utilised the 535i chassis which was produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant. Assembly was done either by a single M employee, or a team of M employees, and generally took about two weeks. It is rumoured that the test drivers of the E34 M5 could determine who or what team made each specific M5, due to characteristic quirks of the hand built nature of the E34 M5. The engines were also built by hand by BMW M technicians. All of the E34 M5 petrol engines were built to a tolerance of within 5% of advertised output.

The early E34 M5 used an evolution of the 24-valve straight-6 found in the E28 M5 and E24 M635CSi/M6. The engine was designated S38B36, with a bore of 93.4 mm (3.677 in) and stroke of 86 mm (3.386 in) for a total capacity of 3,535 cc (215.7 cu in). The added stroke is due to a new forged steel crankshaft, though the camshafts were also changed. Compression ratio was up slightly (10:1 versus 9.8:1). Other adjustments made included an electronically controlled butterfly valve in the intake plenum, which provided better low rpm and mid-range power. The engine also featured an improved flywheel, Bosch Motronic fuel injection, equal length stainless steel exhaust headers, and three way ceramic catalysts. Originally it had a displacement of 3.5 litres, and produced 235 kW (320 PS; 315 bhp), and 361 N⋅m (266 lbf⋅ft) at 4750 rpm. Cars sold in North America and Switzerland, due to a different catalytic converter, produced 229 kW (311 PS; 307 bhp).

In second half of 1991, the engine displacement was increased to 3.8 litres with the S38B38, except in North America and South Africa, which continued with the 3.5 litre engine. Power was now increased to 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp). Also in 1992, a five-door Touring version (estate/wagon) was introduced in LHD form, with 891 cars made.

The M5 came with an unusual roadwheel design. From 1989-1992 the M5 featured the M-System wheels. These wheels were 17x8J, but came with a bolted-on wheel cover. Under the cover was a black 5-spoke alloy wheel. The press was critical of the design, often claiming it gave the M5 the appearance of having "white-wall" tyres. In 1992, BMW changed the design and a new cover was produced — the M-System II. The original intent of the M-System cover was to direct more air to the brake assembly to increase cooling. The cover actually integrated a fin assembly behind the cover. The M-System II covers, known as the "throwing stars" did not have as much capability to direct air to the brake assemblies. In May 1994, the M5 came with M Parallel wheels that did away with the cover.

Specification

• HD91 (89-92 LHD Euro) I6-24v 3.6 litre - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) (only available with 5-speed manual transmission)
• HD92 (89-91 RHD Euro) I6-24v 3.6 litre - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) (only available with 5-speed manual transmission)
• HD93 (89-93 LHD US) I6-24v 3.6 litre - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) (only available with 5-speed manual transmission)
• HD98 (90-93 RHD SA) I6-24v 3.6 litre - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) (only available with 5-speed manual transmission) made in South Africa from CKD kit supplied from Germany.

• HC91 (91-94 LHD Euro) I6-24v 3.8 litre - 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) (available with 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission)
• HC92 (92-94 RHD Euro) I6-24v 3.8 litre - 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) (available with 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission)

• HJ91 (92-94 LHD Euro Touring) I6-24v 3.8 litre - 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) (available with 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission)

• 89-95 (ECE/GB/USA) - (no automatic transmission available)

Performance

• 89-92 (Euro) I6-24v 3.6 L - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) - 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 6.3 secs. Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited)
• 92-95 (Euro) I6-24v 3.8 L - 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) - 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.9 secs. Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited), or 280 km/h (174 mph) - without electronic limiter.
• 91-93 (USA) I6-24v 3.6 L - 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) - 0-60 mph: 6.4 secs. Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited)

Special versions

• Cecotto Edition — A total of 22 Cecotto E34 M5s were produced with options of having either Lagoon Green metallic (266) and Mauritius Blue metallic paint (287).
• Winkelhock Edition — A total of 51 Winkelhock E34 M5s were produced with the options of having Jet Black (668) with contrasting lower body panels in Sterling Silver metallic paint (244), no fog lights and manual rear windows helped to lower the weight.
• 20 Jahre Motorsport Edition — To celebrate BMW Motorsport 20th anniversary, BMW had built 20 specially equipped Euro-spec M5s in late 1992.
• UK Limited Edition — To commemorate the end of right-hand drive E34 M5 production, 50 examples of the E34 M5 Limited Edition were assembled between March and June 1995.
• Elekta - 20 M5 Tourings were assembled for distribution in Italy. These were finished in either Sterling Silver over Marine Blue leather, or British Racing Green over Tobacco leather. All were made in 1995. It is debated as to whether or not these cars constitute a true special edition as they were ordered directly by a group of Italian BMW dealers.

• Source: BMW M Registry wwww.bmwmregistry.com

These are not to be confused with the Alpina B10 E34 models which are manufactured by Alpina although there are performance similarities but there are significant differences in approach. Further information can be obtained here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpina

E39 M5 (2000–2003)

BMW E39 M5
Overview
Production	1998–2003
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan
Platform	BMW E39
Related	BMW 5-Series BMW X5
Powertrain
Engine	4.94L 90° V8
Transmission	6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length	4,783 mm (188.3 in)
Width	1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,412 mm (55.6 in)
Kerb weight	1,826 kg (4,026 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	E34 M5
Successor	E60 M5

2003 BMW M5 Interior (US spec)

Unlike its predecessors, the E39 M5 was not handbuilt at the BMW M GmbH factory; it was produced on the same assembly line as the normal E39 5-series at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. In fact, the E39 M5 was almost not built at all; BMW believed that the 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) 540i was powerful enough, but when Jaguar released the 272 kW (370 PS; 365 bhp) XJR, and Mercedes-Benz introduced the W210 E55, which had over 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp) BMW responded to the competition with a 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) M5.

Introduced in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show, production did not begin until late October of that year. A total of 20,482 E39 M5s were made from 1999 to 2003. BMW M produced three versions of the E39 M5, the European LHD and RHD versions, and the North American specification version.

The E39 M5 had a highly tuned V8 engine based on the M62 engine called the S62, which displaced 4.9 litres and produced 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp). The engine featured a 7000 rpm redline, Double-VANOS, which varies the intake and exhaust valves for both cylinder banks, and individual throttle butterflies for each of the cylinders, allowing for a much faster engine response time.

All E39 M5s were equipped with a Getrag Type D six-speed manual transmission which provided the following gearing ratios:

• 1st gear: 4.23
• 2nd gear: 2.54
• 3rd gear: 1.62
• 4th gear: 1.23
• 5th gear: 1.00
• 6th gear: 0.83

It is the same transmission used in the E39 540i, but some changes were made to cope with the extra power the S62 engine produced. A reinforced clutch, rear differential utilising a shorter 3.15:1 ratio, and a limited slip differential with 25% maximum locking.

The E39 M5 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.

Like all V8-powered E39 models, the E39 M5 was equipped with a recirculating ball steering system. Overall steering ratio was reduced to 14.7 from 17.9. 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 faster throttle 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. 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 were standard.

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

• Revised headlight design incorporating illuminated "Angel Eyes" (incandescent glass rings surrounding the headlights)
• 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
• 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).

The official BMW of North America statement (mentioned in the 2003 brochure) for the acceleration time from 0-60 mph is 4.8s. Official statements from BMW are typically conservative and many reviewers claim to have achieved this under 4.5 seconds. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), making it the fastest 4-door saloon in the world at the time it was manufactured. Once delimited, top speeds of 301 km/h (187 mph) indicated and 290 km/h (180 mph) actual speed are possible.

Flexible Electronics Design

Since the start of production the entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a very flexile automotive computer system. As a result the E39 models can all be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based Navigation system, as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3s

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.

E60 M5 (2006–2010)

BMW E60 M5
Overview
Production	2005–present
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Designer	Chris Bangle
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan, 5-door Touring (estate/wagon)
Platform	BMW E60
Related	BMW 5-Series BMW M6
Powertrain
Engine	5.0L V10 petrol engine
Transmission	6-speed manual 7-speed SMG
Dimensions
Wheelbase	saloon: 2,889 mm (113.7 in), Touring: 2,880 mm (113.4 in)
Length	4,855 mm (191.1 in) 2008-present: 191.5 in (4,864 mm)
Width	1,846 mm (72.7 in)
Height	saloon: 1,469 mm (57.8 in), Touring: 1,512 mm (59.5 in)
Kerb weight	saloon: 1,820 kg (4,012 lb), Touring: 1,955 kg (4,310 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	E39 M5
Successor	F10 M5

The E60 M5 was introduced in 2005. It has a 4,999 cc (305.1 cu in) BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 rpm, and developing a peak output of 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) and 520 N⋅m (380 lb⋅ft) of torque. Unlike some other BMW engines which utilise Valvetronic to infinitely vary valve lift to eliminate the throttle plate, this engine has individual throttle bodies per cylinder.

Other key features include a stiffened aluminium chassis and a 7-speed SMG III sequential manual transmission. Front fog lights are unavailable for the E60 M5, as the amount of air required to cool the brakes under spirited driving applications requires the spaces under the bumper, normally occupied by fog lights in other E60 cars, to be reallocated for air cooling ducts.

The BMW M5, along with the new BMW M6, were designed to use the new SMG III electrohydraulic manual transmission. The transmission, while responsive at the track, has been criticized for its general lack of smoothness in everyday driving. In October 2006, BMW announced that a 6-speed manual transmission would be available in North America, based on suggestions from the motoring press. The 6-speed manual M5 was marginally slower, since the stability control cannot be disengaged as per the SMG version. The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature, which allows maximum performance standing starts automatically. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced rpm to prevent vehicle damage and abuse.

File:100 0303.jpg

E60 BMW M5 V10 engine

The M5 features several Formula One inspired engine and transmission controls, including launch control, dynamic stability control, and 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 400 PS (294 kW; 395 bhp) for daily driving use), P500 (unleashes the full 507 PS (373 kW; 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

The E60 M5 took the title of the most powerful midsize sport sedan when released in 2005 with the 5 Liter naturally aspirated V10 BMW S85 engine.

• 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 4.7s
  • (0-100 mph: 10.1s, Road & Track [2/06])
  • (0-60 mph: 3.8s, Road & Track [2/06, Dinan S3 package, Stock est. 4.5s)
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) actual (or 163 mph (262 km/h) indicated) with electronic speed limiter
• Power: 507 PS (373 kW; 500 bhp) at 7750 rpm
• Torque: 520 N⋅m (384 lbf⋅ft) at 6100 rpm

E61 M5 Touring (2007–present)

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 isn't offered for sale in North America.

F10 M5 (2011 -)

BMW F10 M5
Overview
Production	2011–
Designer	Adrian van Hooydonk
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	BMW F10
Related	BMW 5-Series
Powertrain
Engine	V8 Twin Turbo
Transmission	7-speed dual clutch transmission
Chronology
Predecessor	E60 M5

The F10 M5 is set to be first released to the public at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will include a currently unknown 8 cylinder twin turbocharged engine with torque of 680 N⋅m (502 lbf⋅ft) @ ~1500rpm, as indicated by Albert Biermann, head of BMW M GmbH. This could be boosted further by a Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS) found in Formula One racing applications. This makes it one of the most powerful engines BMW M has ever produced, rivaled only by the BMW S70/2 used in the legendary McLaren F1.

Turbocharging the M5 has not gone unnoticed, with long time fans of the M series being disappointed that BMW seems to be moving away from traditionally low displacement naturally aspirated high reving engines. Due to rising international regulations, reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are cited as the death of the current model's V10 engine. The F10 M5 will cut CO2 emissions by 20%.

The F10 M5 will be further influenced by BMW's EfficientDynamics program to lower the weight of the car. This will improve fuel consumption and (possibly more relevantly) enhance performance. BMW has recently merged with the carbon fiber manufacturers SGL group and Biermann has further speculated that carbon fiber will be employed substantially in the structure and shell to vastly reduce weight from the previous E60 model. Hybrid systems have been ruled out of the F10 M5's line up of gadgets because of the extra weight they will add to the car.

See also

• BMW M3
• BMW M535i
• BMW M6

External links

• BMW M5 Official BMW M5 Site