BMW's M5 series

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 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) 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 hp (191 kW; 260 PS). 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.

BMW M5 with new Engine

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.[citation needed] 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 first BMW M5 Tuning

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

BMW M5 INterior Design

2010 BMW M5 nets a city/highway fuel economy of 11/17 mpg.

Aiding performance for the rear-wheel drive 2010 BMW M5 is a vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering, dubbed M Servotronic. This steering set-up features M Driving Dynamics Control, which allows drivers to choose between two settings -- Throttle and Steering. What's more, the 2010 BMW M5 features an independent suspension system. Electronic Damping Control allows drivers to configure the vehicles suspension settings to Comfort, Normal, or Sport mode. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM) helps the 2010 BMW M5 maintain road composure, while an Anti-look Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist bring it to a halt.

The 2010 BMW M5 comes equipped

The 2010 BMW M5 comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V10 engine that produces 500-horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 6,100 rpm. While a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Drivelogic and paddle shifters is standard, a six-speed manual transmission is available at no extra cost. According to BMW, the 2010 M5 has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The 2010 BMW M5 features

The 2010 BMW M5 features many of the same performance components as the pricier 2010 BMW M6. However, its curb weight is 103 pounds heavier than the M6 coupe and 385 pounds lighter than the M6 convertible. Overall, test drivers are impressed with the 2010 BMW M5's lightening quick acceleration, but wish its handling dynamics translated as well on the road as they do on the track.

The 2010 BMW M5

The 2010 BMW M5 is renowned for being powerful and fast. Relatively speaking, however, it's difficult to utilize its full potential on the open road. So unless you plan on the occasional track run, it might not be that fulfilling.

If you're in the market for a high-performance sports sedan that's easier to live with on a daily basis, check out the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. It costs roughly the same as the 2010 BMW M5, but offers seven more horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph 0.2 seconds quicker. More importantly, however, test drivers are unanimous in their praise for its handling dynamics.

high performance TheNew 2012 BMW M5

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. Subsequent iterations of the M5 have been built from each generation of the 5-Series platform, including the E34, E60/E61, and most recently, F10, with the first orders to be delivered in late 2011.

Model Overview The 2010 BMW M5

The 2010 BMW M5 is a performance-tuned variant of the 2010 BMW 5-Series -- which is praised for its excellent handling and power delivery, as well as its luxurious cabin and long list of convenience features.

Upping the ante with a 500-horsepower V10 engine and enhanced performance engineering, the 2010 BMW M5 adds a heckuva lot more power to the mix. "If you're into German ultra-performance in an otherwise practical sedan, and BMW is your brand, then this is your ride," writes Kelley Blue Book. "It's exclusive, expensive and seriously fast, and with more high-technology features than just about anything else on the road."