BMW M5

BMW M5
Manufacturer BMW M GmbH
Production 1985–present
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 executive car built by the Motorsport division of BMW. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the first incarnation of the M5 was hand-built utilizing the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine, being the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its introduction.[1] Subsequent iterations of the M5 have been built from each generation of the 5-Series platform, including the E34, E39 and most recently the E60/E61. The next generation of the M5 is expected in 2011 and will be based on the BMW F10.

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, despite competition from Mercedes-AMG and Audi quattro GmbH. Mercedes-Benz's direct competition were several incarnations of the E-Class; the E60 AMG, E55 AMG, and currently the E63 AMG. The Audi S6 was the marque's highest performing executive car in North America, as the top-of-the-line Audi RS6 was only offered in Europe.

Contents

History of Development

The M5 was preceded in 1980 by the M535i, the third road-going automobile to emerge from the BMW Motorsport workshop. While the BMW 3.0 CSL and M1 had been limited-production, purpose-built sports cars, the M535i was a reworked 5-series sedan fitted with the powerful BMW M30B35 engine. This vehicle marked the beginning of 5-series modification by the M division, which would become more comprehensive with each iteration.

E28 M5 (1985–1988)

BMW E28 M5
1988 US-Spec M5 with European-Spec headlights
Production

1985–1988

2,191 produced
Assembly Garching, Germany
Rosslyn, South Africa
Successor E34 M5
Body style(s) 4-door saloon/sedan
Engine(s) 3.5 L I6 petrol engine
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
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)
Curb weight 1,550 kg (3,417 lb)
Related BMW 5-Series

The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. 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 utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from the BMW M1. At its launch, the E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.[1]

The first generation M5 was hand-built in Preußenstrasse/Munich prior to the 1986 Motorsport factory summer vacation. Thereafter, M5 production was moved to Daimlerstraße in Garching where the remainder were built by hand. In May 1987, the keys to the 1000th car were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Krampertz from Eichenau near Munich by Wolfgang Peter Flohr, the director of BMW Motorsport GmbH. 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 M5 was produced in four different versions based on intended export locations. These were the left-hand drive (LHD) Euro spec, the right-hand drive (RHD) UK spec, the LHD North American (NA) spec for the United States and Canada, and the RHD South African (ZA) spec.

The LHD, RHD Euro Spec M5s and the ZA spec M5s had the M88/3 powerplant which delivered 286 bhp (213 kW) DIN (210 kW) whereas the North American 1988 M5 was equipped with a variant of the M88/3 called the S38 B35 which was equipped with a catalytic converter, which, combined with slightly lower compression of 9.8:1 versus 10.5:1 for the M88/3 reduced the power output to 256 PS (188 kW; 252 hp). The S38 also differed from the M88/3 in that it had a dual-row timing chain as compared to the M88/3's single row timing chain. The S38 B35 was used in the NA-Spec E28 M5 and E24 M6. Late production catalyst equipped versions (117 examples) of the European M635CSi were also equipped with the S38 B35. 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 units, 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).

Specification

Performance

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

M88/3 engine from 1985 E28 M5

Tuners

E34 M5 (1989–1995)

BMW E34 M5
BMW E34 M5 saloon (US)
Production 1989–1995
Assembly Garching, Germany
Predecessor E28 M5
Successor E39 M5
Body style(s) 4-door saloon/sedan,
5-door estate/wagon
Engine(s) 3.6 L I6
3.8 L I6
Transmission(s) 5-speed and 6-speed manual
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)
Related BMW 5-Series

The E34 M5 is a continuation of BMW's M5 series of sports sedans, based on the 5-series. It was produced from 1988 to 1995, although sales in North America started in 1990 and ended in 1993. It was produced at BMW M GmbH in Garching, Germany and like the previous M5, was entirely hand-built. It utilized 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 rumored that the test drivers of the E34 M5 could determine who or what team made each specific M5, due to characteristic quirks of the handbuilt nature of the E34 M5. The engines were also built by hand by BMW M technicians. All of the E34 M5 powerplants were built to 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 ft·lbf) 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, because that one had emission controls fitted. 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 wheel design. From 1988-1992 the M5 featured the M-System wheels. These wheels were 8x17J, but came with directional bolted-on wheel covers. 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" tires. 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

Performance

* (available only with 6-speed manual transmission)

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.

E34 M5 Cecotto Edition

In 1991, BMW asked two racing drivers to design their "ideal" version of the E34 M5. Johnny Cecotto was one of the drivers and he wanted a host of luxury items fitted on the M5. Including Nappa leather trim for the steering wheel and heated seats. A total of 22 Cecotto E34 M5s were produced with options of having either Lagoon Green metallic (266) and Mauritius Blue metallic paint (287).

E34 M5 Winkelhock Edition

The other racing driver was touring car ace Joachim Winkelhock. He wanted a lightweight E34 M5 and so some luxury items were removed. His ideal lightweight version M5 featured a smaller battery and the US-spec 81L fuel tank as well as reduced sound deadening and the deletion of some non essential interior items such as rear head rests and vanity mirrors. Recaro front seats and a suede 385 mm M-Technic II steering wheel, shift knob & parking brake lever. The seat design, suede-covered appointments & red seatbelts were similar to those on the Sport Evo E30 M3. 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).

E34 M5 20 Jahre Motorsport Edition

To celebrate BMW Motorsport 20th anniversary, BMW had built 20 specially equipped Euro-spec M5s in late 1992. These, based on the 3.8 L engine were only in Mugello Red (274) and had a number of aesthetic trim upgrades such as carbon fiber dash panels and special rear view mirrors. Unique seat center & door trim fabric was matched with Alcantara. Alcantara was also used on the steering wheel, shift lever & parking brake lever. Red seatbelts with "BMW Motorsport" were also included.

E34 M5 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 in one of two unique color and trim combinations: Rosso Red metallic (369) with a Champagne extended leather interior and natural poplar wood trim (15 built) or Orinoco metallic (406) with a Bicolor Petrol and Mint extended leather interior and graphite bird's-eye maple wood trim (35 built). Each E34 M5 Limited Edition is equipped with the three-spoke sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim, power sunroof, power front seats, headlight washers and manual air conditioning. A numbered plaque appears on the center console. (Source: bmwmregistry)

Additionally, 20 M5 Touring models 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.

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.

Motorsport

The M5 has never been a popular choice for motorsport due to its size and weight. However, VDS Racing Adventures[2] have 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 350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS). 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.

E39 M5 (1998–2003)

BMW E39 M5
M5 E39 Terabass-2.jpg
Production 1998–2003
Assembly Dingolfing, Germany
Predecessor E34 M5
Successor E60 M5
Body style(s) 4-door saloon/sedan
Engine(s) 4.94L 90° V8
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual
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)
Related BMW 5-Series
BMW X5
2003 BMW M5 Interior (US spec)

Unlike its predecessors, the E39 M5 was not handbuilt at the BMW M GmbH factory; in order to increase production, 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:

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:

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)[3], 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[4]. 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[5]

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
HK - BMW M5.jpg
Production

2005–2010

19,523 saloons produced

1,025 estates produced
Assembly Dingolfing, Germany
Predecessor E39 M5
Successor F10 M5
Body style(s) 4-door saloon/sedan,
5-door Touring (estate/wagon)
Engine(s) 5.0L V10 petrol engine
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual
7-speed SMG
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)
Related BMW 5-Series
BMW M6
Designer Chris Bangle

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 507 bhp (378 kW; 514 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 aluminum chassis and a 7-speed SMG III sequential manual gearbox, also known as a single-clutch automated manual transmission. Front fog lights are unavailable for the 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.

Despite the criticism of the Chris Bangle-designed chassis, the difficult iDrive interface, and the lack of smoothness of the SMG III transmission, the E60 M5 was the most successful M5, despite being on the market for one year shorter than the E39 M5. During its five year run, 20,548 units were built composing of 19,523 saloons and 1025 wagons. 8800 were sold in the U.S., all of the sedan variety. Great Britain and Ireland claimed 1776 examples, followed by BMW's home market of Germany with 1647 units, and 1357 were sold in Japan. Italian enthusiasts claimed 512 units, and 339 examples were sold in Australia.[6]

Powertrain

The BMW M5, along with the E63/64 BMW M6, were designed to use the new Getrag SMG III single-clutch semi-automatic transmission. Gerd Richter, the head of BMW M, defended the decision to use a single-clutch sequential manual gearbox rather than a twin-clutch unit, saying "True, the dual-clutch system has a smoother automatic mode, and it performs seamless upshifts. For a 7-series, this may be the way to go. But an M car should always combine efficiency with emotion. That's why there are six shift speeds to choose from, from velvet glove to iron fist. That's why we cut the torque into seven slices. That's why we added special 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."[7] The SMG III transmission, while responsive at the track, has been criticized for its general lack of smoothness in everyday driving, and by 2010 it was considered outdated as most manufacturers were using dual clutch transmissions instead.[8] Based on suggestions from the motoring press, BMW announced in October 2006 that a 6-speed conventional manual transmission would be available in North America, this became the base transmission in these markets while SMG III is an option. The 6-speed manual M5 was marginally slower, since the dynamic stability control cannot be disengaged unlike SMG version.[8] The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced RPM to prevent vehicle damage and abuse.

The M5 features several Formula One inspired engine and transmission controls. 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 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.

E60 BMW M5 V10 engine

Performance

The E60 M5 took the title of the most powerful midsize sport sedan when released, Along with direct competitors, the Audi RS6 (C5) and the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, all three vehicles are quoted by their manufacturers to reach 0-to-62-mph in a time of 4.7 seconds.[9]

The M5 has since then been overtaken by several more powerful rivals, specifically the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (507 bhp (378 kW; 514 PS)), Audi RS6 (C6) (426 kW (579 PS; 571 bhp))[10], and the second generation Cadillac CTS-V (556 bhp (415 kW; 564 PS)) which bested the M5's Nürburgring lap time.[11]

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.

F10 M5 (2011 -)

BMW F10 M5
Production 2011–
Predecessor E60 M5
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Engine(s) 4.4 Litre V8 Twin Turbo
Transmission(s) 7-speed dual clutch transmission
Related BMW 5-Series
Designer Adrian van Hooydonk

The F10 M5 is set to be first released to the public at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[14]

The new M5 utilizes the twin turbocharged 4.4 Litre V8 that was first created for the BMW X5 M. 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%.[14]

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[15] 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.[14] 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.[14]

See also

Notes

References

External links