BMW M5

The BMW M5 is the high-performance version of the BMW 5-Series automobile made by BMW Motorsport. M5 versions of the E28, E34, E39 and E60 5-Series have been made.

E28 M5 (1984-1987)

File:E28m5.jpg

BMW M5 (E28)

The first M5, 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 utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from the BMW M1. The M5 was handbuilt by Motorsport technicians and at its launch 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) Euro Spec M5. The second version was the Right Hand Drive (RHD) 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.

The LHD, RHD Euro Spec M5s and the ZA spec M5s had the M88/3 powerplant which delivered 286 bhp DIN (210 kW) whereas the North American 1988 M5 was equipped with a catalytic converter, which reduced the power output to 256 bhp DIN (191 kW).

E28 M5 VINs

Euro Spec E28 M5 LHD Code DC91 286HP M88 Engine without cat.

Format is VIN range : Built

• 1 018 001 - 1 018 005 : 10.84
• 1 018 006 - 1 018 014 : 11.84
• 1 018 015 - 1 018 025 : 12.84
• 1 018 026 - 1 018 026 : 01.85
• 1 018 027 - 1 018 050 : 02.85
• 1 018 051 - 1 018 069 : 03.85
• 1 018 070 - 1 018 105 : 04.85
• 1 018 106 - 1 018 130 : 05.85
• 1 018 131 - 1 018 154 : 06.85
• 1 018 155 - 1 018 194 : 07.85
• 1 018 195 - 1 018 196 : 08.85
• 1 018 197 - 1 018 225 : 09.85
• 1 018 226 - 1 018 258 : 10.85
• 1 018 259 - 1 018 287 : 11.85
• 1 018 288 - 1 018 292 : 12.85
• 1 018 293 - 1 018 327 : 01.86
• 1 018 328 - 1 018 381 : 02.86
• 1 018 382 - 1 018 429 : 03.86
• 1 018 430 - 1 018 472 : 04.86
• 1 018 473 - 1 018 501 : 05.86
• 1 018 502 - 1 018 503 : 06.86
• 1 018 504 - 1 018 532 : 07.86
• 1 018 533 - 1 018 572 : 10.86
• 1 018 573 - 1 018 573 : 11.86
• 1 018 574 - 1 018 575 : 01.87
• 1 018 576 - 1 018 577 : 02.87
• 1 018 578 - 1 018 578 : 03.87
• 1 018 579 - 1 018 582 : 04.87
• 1 018 583 - 1 018 586 : 07.87
• 1 018 587 - 1 018 588 : 09.87 = Total 588 cars

Euro Spec E28 M5 RHD Code DC92 286HP M88 Engine without cat

Format is VIN range : Built

• 1 679 001 - 1 679 001 : 03.86
• 1 679 002 - 1 679 002 : 04.86
• 1 679 003 - 1 679 017 : 05.86
• 1 679 018 - 1 679 053 : 06.86
• 1 679 054 - 1 679 077 : 07.86
• 1 679 078 - 1 679 101 : 09.86
• 1 679 102 - 1 679 110 : 10.86
• 1 679 111 - 1 679 111 : 11.86
• 1 679 112 - 1 679 115 : 12.86
• 1 679 116 - 1 679 125 : 01.87
• 1 679 126 - 1 679 139 : 02.87
• 1 679 140 - 1 679 147 : 03.87
• 1 679 148 - 1 679 155 : 04.87
• 1 679 156 - 1 679 161 : 05.87
• 1 679 162 - 1 679 176 : 06.87
• 1 679 177 - 1 679 181 : 07.87
• 1 679 182 - 1 679 186 : 09.87
• 1 679 187 - 1 679 187 : 11.87 = Total 187 cars

Euro models produced during and after 10.86 received uprated suspension from the factory - the same components as E24 M635csi were then used. The US Spec cars received the M635csi suspension from day 1.

US Spec E28 M5 LHD Code DC93 M5 E28 256HP S38/B35 Engine with cat

Format is VIN range : Built

• 2 791 001 - 2 791 999 : 11/86 to 10/87
• 2 875 001 - 2 875 370 : 10/87 to 11/87 = Total 1369 US Spec cars

Specification

• (Euro) - 286 bhp
• (USA) - 256 bhp

Performance

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

• (Euro) - 286 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.2 s. Top Speed: 153 mph
• (USA) - 256 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.5 s. Top Speed: 148 mph

Special versions (Hartge)

Whilst BMW Motorsport GmbH did not built any special versions of the E28 M5, private German tuner Hartge did produce a 330BHP version of the E28 M5. Alpina limited their tuning efforts to the older M30 engine powered models.

E34 M5 (1989-1995)

File:Bmwm5e34 1.jpg

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 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 I6 found in the E28 M5 and E24 M635CSi/M6. Designated S38B36, the engine technically remains a 3.5 L, with a bore of 93.4 mm and stroke of 86 mm for a total capacity of 3535 cc. The added stroke is due to a new forged steel crankshaft, though the camshafts were also changed. Compression was up slightly (10:1 versus 9.8:1). Other adjustments made included an electronically controlled butterfly valve which provided better low rpm and mid-range power. The engine also featured an improved flywheel, Bosch Motronic fuel injection, equal length stainless steel headers and three way ceramic catalysts.

The E34 M5 had a highly-tuned I6 engine called the S38B36. Originally it had a displacement of 3.6 L and produced 315 bhp (235 kW), and 266 lb·ft @ 4750 RPM. Cars sold in North America and Switzerland which, due to a different catalytic converter, produced 310 bhp (229 kW).

All E34 M5s built before May, 1994 had a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox with the following gearing ratios:

3.51 (1), 2.08 (2), 1.35 (3), 1.00 (4), 0.81 (5)

These cars have a 3.91:1 final drive while the North American specification models have a taller 3.73:1 final drive for better fuel economy.

As of May 1994 production, the five-speed was replaced with a Getrag Type D six-speed manual box with the following ratios:

4.23 (1), 2.52 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.22 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6)

A taller 3.23:1 final drive was fitted at this time. All E34 M5s had a standard limited slip differential with a maximum locking of 25 percent.

In 1992, the engine displacement was increased to 3.8 L with the S38B36, except in North America, which continued with the 3.6 L engine. Power was now increased to 340 hp (250 kW) DIN. Also in 1992, a Touring version was introduced in LHD form only.

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 a bolted-on wheel cover. Under the cover was a black 5-spoke alloy wheel. The press was critical of the design, often claming 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 late 1994, the M5 came with M Parallel wheels that did away with the cover.

Specification

• 89-92 (Euro) I6-24v 3.6 L - 232 kW/315 bhp (only available with 5-speed manual transmission)
• 92-95 (Euro) I6-24v 3.8 L - 250 kW/340 bhp (also available with 6-speed manual transmission)
• 91-93 (USA) I6-24v 3.6 L - 229 kW/310 bhp (only available with 5-speed manual transmission)
• 89-95 (EU/USA) - (no automatic transmission available)

Performance (E34 M5)

• 89-92 (Euro) I6-24v 3.6 L - 232 kW/315 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.3 s. Top speed: 155 mph (electronic limited)
• 92-95 (Euro) I6-24v 3.8 L - 250 kW/340 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.9/5.7 sec*. Top speed: 155 mph (electronic limited)
• 91-93 (USA) I6-24v 3.6 L - 229kW/311 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.4 s. Top speed: 155 mph (electronic limited)

^* (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. These included:

• Full bi-color Nappa leather, included the steering wheel hub, column and horn pad.
• Wood trim
• Heated front seats with driver's memory
• Heated rear seats with power headrests
• Headlight washers
• Special leather service book pouch, key holder and gold pin
• Power sunroof
• Servotronic power steering

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 most of the luxury items were removed. His ideal lightweight version M5 featured:

• Smaller battery (66v versus standard 85v)
• Smaller gas tank (80 L)
• Reduced sound deadening materials
• Wider 255/40ZR17 rear tires on 9x17 M System I alloy wheels
• Deletion of rear power windows, rear headrests, fog lights, headlight washers and vanity mirrors
• Suede-covered steering wheel, shift knob, shift truck and brake handle
• Evolution front sport seats in M cloth with Anthracite leather bolsters
• Red seat belts front and rear
• Special leather service book pouch, key holder and gold pin

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 the following equipment:

• Nurburgring package
• M Technic rearview mirrors
• Contrasting M lower body panels in Jet Black (668)
• Shadow line trim
• M System II wheels with black painted "throwing stars" centers
• Front door handles embossed with "BMW Motorsport" lettering
• Recaro SR Sport seats in special M cloth and Anthracite suede bolsters
• Suede-covered steering wheel, shift knob, shift trunk and park brake handle with red stitching
• Carbon fiber trim on dash and door panels

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 of 1995 in one of two unique color and trim conbinations: 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 Editon 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)

E39 M5 (1998-2003)

File:Redm5.JPG

2003 BMW M5 (E39)

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.

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 1998 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 L and produced 400 bhp (294 kW). 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 with the following gearing ratios:

4.23(1), 2.54(2), 1.62(3), 1.23(4), 1.00(5), 0.83(6)

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 utilizing 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 E39 5 series. However, several changes were made by BMW M. Reduced spring height, 0.9 inch (23 mm) lower. A specific shock valving, thicker front and rear anti-roll bars, polyurethane auxilliary 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 that provides two levels of resistance controlled via console mounted Sport button. The E39 M5 is equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes measuring 13.6" in diameter in front and 12.9" in diameter in the rear. On European-specification models, the front rotors are of a "floating" two-piece design for better heat dissipation. Anti-lock brakes were standard.

During its 5 years in production, there were some cosmetic changes, these include:

• Revised headlight design incorporating illuminated "Angel Eye" rings
• Jeweled 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
• Rear head protection airbags added
• Second-generation M Mobility tire 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 E39 M5 is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds* and electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph*, making it the fastest 4-door sedan in the world at that time.

^* (factory sheet)

Specification

• (Euro) 5.0 L V8-32 - 294 kW (400 bhp)
• (USA) 5.0 L V8-32 - 290 kW (394bhp)

Performance (E39 M5)

• 294 kW (400 bhp) 0-60 mph - 5.3 s. Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronic limited), 300 km/h (185 mph) (without electronic limiter)

E60 M5 (2004-

The E60 M5 was introduced in 2004. It has a naturally aspirated 5.0 L BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 RPM and developing a peak output of 507 PS (373 kW, 500 SAE hp). Other key features include a stiffened aluminum chassis and a 7-speed SMG III manual transmission. The car weighed the same as the E39 of 1800 kg.

The BMW M5, along with the new M6, were designed to use the new SMG III electrohydraulic manual transmission. Therefore, they will initially only be offered with this new transmission. There was a relative uproar amongst the fans and buyer-base when this was announced—however, BMW announced the eventual availability of a manual transmission in North American markets.

Specification

• 5.0 L 40v V10 - 373 kW (507 PS)

Performance (E60 M5)

• 373 kW (507 PS) 0-60 mph - 4.7 s. Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronic limited), 330 km/h (205 mph) (without electronic limiter)

External links

• BMW Do It Yourself provides BMW DIY articles for the home mechanic.
• m5board.com BMW M5 community board
• United Bimmer - A growing BMW community offering tech support forums, a DIY (Do It Yourself) knowledge base, a wallpaper gallery, a Rate-My-Car system, and other resources for BMW enthusiasts.