BMW M5

The BMW M5 is a high performance version of the BMW 5-Series executive car built by the Motorsport division of BMW. Beginning production in 1986, 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, E39, E60/E61, and most recently, F10, with the first orders delivered in late 2011.

While not badged an M5, the 1980 E12 M535i is considered to be the predecessor to the M5. It was 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 M90 engine.

European models European-Spec M5s were available with some options unavailable on USA-Spec M5s, such as Water Buffalo leather and a Glass Moonroof. Left-hand rive cars were equipped with 185TR390 metric wheels, while right-hand drive cars used 16x7.5 wheels. Very early European-Spec LHD M5s had VINs that started with "WBA" instead of the "WBS" designation to indicate BMW Motorsport. it is estimated that no more than 15 M5s were produced with a "WBA" VIN.

USA/Canada models US-Specification M5s were comprehensively optioned, Leather Door Panels, Leather Center Console, Full Trunk Carpeting, Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Power Seats, Cruise Control, On-Board Computer, Central Locking and Shadowline Trim were standard. The only option on a US-Specification M5 was electrically heated front seats which were standard equipment on Canadian-Market cars. The only paint colour available was "jet black".

At the time of sale, BMW quoted the following performance data,

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" 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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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