Manufacturer	BMW
Model years	2012 – present
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body style	4-door Sports sedan/Saloon
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch transmission 6-speed manual (USA/Canada only)
Wheelbase	2,964 mm (116.7 in)
Length	4,910 mm (193.3 in)
Width	1,891 mm (74.4 in)
Height	1,451 mm (57.1 in)
Curb weight	1,945 kg (4,288 lb)

The F10 M5 was released to the public at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and went on sale in November 2011. Compared to the previous M5, BMW's aim was to create a more sophisticated vehicle." Nonetheless, the F10 M5 is significantly heavier, has synthetic engine noise played through its audio system and has a lower top speed compared to the naturally aspirated E60 M5 V10 it replaces. It is important to note that it did not hold the title of world's fastest production sedan upon release as was common with earlier iterations of the M5.

2012 BMW M5 F10 V8 engine

BMW M5 tyre, rim and brake

Powertrain

See also: BMW S63

The new M5 uses a variation of the S63 V8 engine called the S63B44Tü, which produces 560 hp (418 kW) and 681 Nm (502 lbft) of torque. The decision to turbocharge the M5 has not met with approval from all fans. One other advantage of turbocharging is that it generates more low-rev torque.
A dual clutch transmission is used, with the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox for the US market only.

Handling and braking

The car features standard blue-painted brake calipers and 19 inch multi spoke wheels; 20 inch split 5 spoke wheels will also be available at launch.
In an effort to lower the curb weight of the new M5, which is heavier than the E60 it replaced, BMW partnered with SGL group, a carbon fiber manufacturer. 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.

BMW M5 interior

Official information

On 15 June 2011, BMW released official press information about the F10 M5. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 seconds (0 to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 4.4 seconds) and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), which can be increased to 305 km/h (190 mph) with the optional M-Drivers-Package, which remains 15 mph short of its de-limited V10 predecessor. The car weighs 1945 kg, which is 90 kilograms more than the previous E60/61 model. Average fuel consumption is claimed to be 9.9 litres, which is 31% less compared to 15.0 litres from the V10 powered M5 E60. Other details mentioned in the report include an Active M-Differential with torque vectoring between the rear wheels and optional 20-inch light alloy wheels fitted with 265/35/20 front and 295/30/20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
The F10's debut was at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and later in North America at the LA Autoshow on 18 November. The new 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 has been 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.

Reception

The car's gearbox and fuel economy cited specifically for their improvements over the previous M5, however its inferior engine note and steering compared to the E60 M5 V10 and additional weight have also been noted.

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Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2005–2010 19,522 saloons produced 1,025 estates produced
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan, 5-door Touring (estate/wagon)
Engine	5.0 L V10 petrol BMW S85
Transmission	6-speed manual 7-speed SMGIII
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)
Curb weight	saloon: 1,855 kg (4,090 lb), Touring: 1,955 kg (4,310 lb)

The E60 M5 was introduced in 2005, with a V10 engine intended to link the car with the BMW Sauber Formula One team. The E60 M5 was the world's first production sedan to feature a V10 petrol engine. As with some of its predecessors, the E60 variant of the M5 was both the quickest and fastest 4-door sedan in the world at the time of its release.
Other unique M5 features include a wider track, unique body panels, 7-speed SMG III sequential manual gearbox, also known as a single-clutch automated manual transmission, a color heads up display [HUD] featuring navigation, control messages, speed, rpm and gear selection information, automated seat side bolsters, heated/ventilated seats and power rear curtain. The larger, flared front guards on either side also featured cooling vents, reminiscent of the 1970s BMW CSL. The wheels were of a standard 19" diameter with quad exhaust pipes to the rear.

2007 BMW M5 interior

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 1,025 wagons. 8,800 were sold in the U.S., all of the sedan variety. Great Britain and Ireland claimed 1,776 examples, followed by BMW's home market of Germany with 1,647 units, and 1,357 were sold in Japan. Italian enthusiasts claimed 512 units, and 339 examples were sold in Australia.

Powertrain

The multiple award-winning S85 engine produces 373 kW (500 hp) and 520 Nm (380 lbft) of torque. The engine and transmission were designed from scratch for this particular model, they are not based off other models.
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. Gerd Richter, the head of BMW M, described the decision to use a single-clutch sequential manual gearbox as "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." However, many reviews have criticised the tranmission for jerky operation.
Based on North American demand, 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 in certain tests, since the dynamic stability control could not be disengaged unlike the SMG version. 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. The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced launch control RPM to 1500 from 4000.

2007 BMW M5 tyre, rim and brake

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.

Performance

2007 BMW M5 E60 V10 engine

BMW stated the car to reach 0-to-62-mph in a time of 4.7 seconds (though this has been bettered in several published road tests ranging from 4.1 to 4.5 seconds) and an absolute (de-limited) top speed of 205 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.
In the Australian publication Wheels magazine in July 2005 recorded a 0–100 km/h time of an early, 2004-built E60 M5 of 4.4 seconds. The E60 M5 Sedan shared its underpinnings with the E63 M6 Coupe, which is longer overall but has a shorter wheelbase, with the M6 also being lower to the ground and slightly lighter with a carbon fibre roof.
An E60 M5 that was de-limited, recorded a 7:52 lap time at the Nurburgring and recorded a Top Gear power lap of 1:26.2 List of Top Gear test track Power Lap Times

• 0-100 km/h (62 mph): (BMW official) 4.7s
• (0–100 mph: 10.00, Road & Track [2/06])
• (0–60 mph: 4.1s, Road & Track [2/06])
• Top speed: 330kmh (205 mph) delimited; 250 km/h (155 mph) with electronic speed limiter; 170 mph with electronic speed limiter on vehicles with the Dynamic Stability Control deactivation update; only on G.B. models German models not limited.

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.

2008 BMW M5 Touring front view	2008 BMW M5 Touring rear view
2008 BMW M5 Touring interior	2008 BMW M5 Touring space boot

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Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1998–2003 (20,482 produced)
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan,
Engine	4.9 L V8 petrol BMW S62
Transmission	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)
Curb weight	1,826 kg (4,026 lb)

The E39 M5 had a significant increase in power and was produced in much greater numbers than the previous generations.^[4] Unlike its predecessors, the M5 was produced on the same assembly line as the regular 5-series models 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 1999 to 2003. BMW M produced three versions of the E39 M5, the European LHD and RHD versions, and the North American specification version.
BMW initially had no plans for an E39 M5 as they believed that the 210 kW (286 PS; 282 bhp) 540i was powerful enough. After Jaguarreleased the 370 hp (276 kW; 375 PS) XJR, and Mercedes-Benz introduced the W210 E55, which had over 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp) BMW M responded by producing the to the competition with a 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp) M5.

2001 BMW M5 speedometer

Powertrain

The E39 M5 had used the S62 V8 engine, which produced 294 kW (400 PS; 394 bhp).
All E39 M5s were equipped with a Getrag Type D six-speed manual transmission which provided the following gearing ratios:

1st gear	2nd gear	3rd gear	4th gear	5th gear	6th gear
4.23	2.53	1.67	1.23	1.00	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.

Chassis

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, regarded as less tactile than the rack and pinion set up of other E39s. 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, 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:

• 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).

Performance

2001 BMW M5 E39 engine

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),.
De-restricted the E39 M5 has a widely accepted top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
The E39 M5 recorded a Nurburgring lap time of 8:16 and a Top Gear power lap of 1:27.0 List of Top Gear test track Power Lap Times.

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 along with an E34 M5 Cabriolet, which also was never produced (a Cabriolet model would be spun off as part of the E63/64 BMW 6 Series and M6 for the next generation of the 5 Series and M5).

Flexible electronic 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 flexible automotive computer system, IBUS. 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.

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Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1989–1995 (12,254 produced)
Assembly	Garching, Germany
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan, 5-door estate/wagon
Engine	3.6-3.8 L six-cylinder petrol BMW S38
Transmission	5 and 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Length	4,720 mm (185.8 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,392 mm (54.8 in)
Curb weight	1,750 kg (3,858 lb)
Related	BMW 5-Series

The E34 generation of the M5 was produced from September 1988 to 1995. It was hand-built at BMW M GmbH in Garching, Germany. 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.
The E34 M5 released with the S38B36 engine which produced 232 kW (311 hp) and 360 Nm (266 lbft) at 4,750 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 3.6 litre engine due to emission laws). Power was now increased to 250 kW (335 hp). A 6-speed manual transmission was available as an option from 1991.
In 1992, a five-door Touring version (estate/wagon) was introduced in LHD form, with 891 cars made. The E34 M5 Touring was BMW M Division's first wagon, as well as the last hand built M car made.

1995 BMW M5 interior

Wheels

The M5 came with an unusual wheel design. From 1988–1992 the M5 featured the "M-System", which used directional bolted-on wheel covers. Under the cover was a black 5-spoke alloy wheel. The 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. In 1992 BMW changed the design to the "M-System II" (nicknamed "throwing stars") which did not have as much capability to direct air to the brakes. In May 1994, the M5 switched to "M Parallel" wheels that did away with the cover.

Performance

BMW M5 E34 engine

• 89–92 (Euro) I6-24v 3.6 L
• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.3 s
• Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)
• 92–95 (Euro) I6-24v 3.8 L
• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 5.9/5.7 sec*
• Top speed: 177 mph (280 km/h)(electronic limited)
• 91–93 (USA) I6-24v 3.5 L
• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.4 s
• Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)

^* (available only with 6-speed manual transmission)

Special versions

There were four special editions of the E34 M5. Cecotto, Winkelhock and 20 Jahre editions offered as LHD Euro specification models while the RHD UK Limited Edition is only sold in the UK.

Cecotto Edition

In 1991, BMW asked two race 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).

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).

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.

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.
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

VDS Racing Adventures 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 PS (260 kW; 350 hp). 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.

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