Looking back on the history of the M5, considered the best in breed, is a celebration of sorts. It is also a commemoration of a true iconic racing machine and a nod to a vehicle that has set standards by and large of what a true performance sedan should be. The M5 holds the designation of the world’s most successful high-performance sedan and is what results when a dynamic sports car is combined with a luxury saloon rooted in comfort.
A look back….
It was the 1980 E12 M535i four-door saloon that marked the beginnings of the M5’s history. This “greenhouse-style” saloon, which followed the Neue Klasse 5-series, was fitted with the M30 12-valve single cam 3.5-litre straight-six, which marked the biggest ever produced by BMW. This was BMW’s Motorsport’s second-ever road car after the M1 supercar. It was this 215 bhp road rocket that truly paved the way for the first-ever M5.
The M5’s first hand-built model was born in 1985 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1. This resulted in it being touted as the fastest production sedan at that time. Even earlier, although not seen on U.S. shores, the M5’s precursor was based in large part on the 1979’s E12 chassis, the very first 5 Series.
But production of the first ever M5 was in 1984 with the BMW M5 (E28), a four-door sedan with a 3.5 liter, 24-valve BMW M1 engine. It had mechanical throttle bodies for each cylinder, and was operated by a series of rods and bell cranks.This first production sold 2,700 units in the first year, confirming what BMW already knew — it had a success on its hands! While European models of this sold as the M535i made 286 bhp, U.S. models were detuned to a still-impressive 256 bhp. Performance was a top speed of 152 mph with 0-62 mph in just 6.5 seconds. This was bold enough to be on par with a Porsche 928 S at that time.
Following the E28 was the 1991 BMW M5 E34 chassis, presenting an even stronger vehicle, but with a more modern body shell. This second generation realized the most changes within the series. This 3535-cc straight-6 was now presented with 310 bhp with a curb weight that had risen to 3950 lb. Most notable with this version was an acceleration at that time of 6.4 seconds to 60 mph and 15 seconds flat in the quarter mile. This was all about confidence when it came to performance. Aesthetically, there were some questions about the odd aluminum/magnesium wheels, which had thick rim flanges that gave the tires the appearance of being whitewalls.
In 1999 came the E39 chassis with the BMW M5 changing into what many dubbed the cleanest body style ever made and plugged into a V-8 engine. This 4-cam 4941-cc prize produced 400 horsepower and revved to 7000 rpm. Individual throttles remained, but were hidden in a massive carbon-fiber plenum spanning the cylinder banks. This model’s curb weight still hovered around the 2-ton mark, but this model’s top power-to-weight ratio enabled a 0-60 Sturm of 5.0 seconds and a quarter-mile pass of 13.4.
An E60 Chassis was linked to a 2005 version of the M5, and this model surely delivered when it came to engine power! It boasted a 500-bhp V-10 engine with an impressive 4.1 second 0-60 spring and a drag strip E.T. of 12.4 seconds. This E60 also signified the first M5 that was not available with a conventional manual transmission. The 7-speed paddle-shift Sequential Manual Gearbox was standard, with 11 selectable shift profiles. Following some outcry, BMW eventually offered the car with a 6-speed manual in the United States. This fourth-generation M5 was packed with technology and driving excitement and was a celebration of BMW’s Formula One involvement. The E60 also saw the reintroduction of the Touring derivative and of the 20,589 models produced in total, 1,025 were estates.
It was in 2011 that the BMW M5 F10M was born. First seen as a concept at the 2010 Shanghai Motor Show, the fifth generation realized the reintroduction of a V8 engine, the 522 bhp, 4.4-litre twin turbo engine which gave an unrestricted top speed of a whopping 190 mph and 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds. This model featured the introduction of a seven-speed double clutch transmission, with BMW also offering a Competition Package in 2013 that was power packed. It boasted an increase of power to 567 bhp, with uprated suspension, quicker steering rack and 20-inch wheels. This edition saw the production of 19,533 vehicles.
Changing times were truly evident in 2017 when BMW unveiled the M5 F90, the first to have an all-wheel-drive system as well as holding the designation of the only M5 to have no manual option. This was also the first of the non-SUV M models. This system featured 591 bhp and 553 lb ft of torque. It also gave drivers the ability to switch from an all-wheel-drive mode to an all-wheel-drive sport mode where more power was sent to the rear wheels, and a two-wheel drive mode where all power was sent to the rear wheels. This car is also offered with semi-autonomous driver assists found in regular 5 Series models.
The celebration continues….35 years later!
To mark the 35th anniversary of the high-performance M5, BMW has created a special edition — the M5 Edition 35 Jahre. It features the most powerful engine in the model’s history! That power is coupled with a range of exciting design and equipment features that are presented in this limited series of 350 units available worldwide as of this summer.
This special edition is extremely agile, and that is the result of constant engine power delivery across a wide engine speed range. It boasts a potent 4.4-liter BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine that generates an unstoppable and incredible 617 hp to provide launches from 0-60 mph in an adrenaline rushed 3.1 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system of this edition offers adjustable 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD modes made to customize your ride.
Quick shifts are realized and enjoyed through the use of the 8-speed M STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Drivelogic and improved performance from the quad-tailpipe M Sport Exhaust System.
It also is rooted in style and brings forth thrilling driving dynamics!
The 35 Jahre has a V8 M TwinPower Turbo Technology engine with 460 kW/625 hp; and is presented in a special finish of Frozen Dark Grey metallic, which features a special pigmentation to create a silk matte surface. It is a true showstopper and makes for a dramatic exterior that will demand attention on the road!
Twenty-inch specially designed M light alloy wheels with Y spoke design in Graphite Grey and special “M5 Edition 35 Jahre” interior inscriptions giving a truly exclusive flair are just several of the special touches that make this vehicle so unique. These inscriptions are found under the door sill and on the cupholder cover in the center console. If that is not enough luxury and distinction in every detail, for the first time, interior trim is presented in aluminum carbon structure gold anodized. These finely structured, shimmering surfaces are displayed on the instrument panel, the door trim sections and the centre console. There is also high-gloss black finished calipers of the standard M Compound brake system. In addition to the M multifunction seats and the BMW Individual Merino full leather trim in black and beige contrasting seams, special highlights abound in this edition.
Though much has changed through the history of the M5, so much has stayed the same for this high-performance sedan. An iconic vehicle that has taken each generation by storm, the M5 is pure greatness. Maximum performance; exclusive style — this sports car has it all!
