35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan
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35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

One of the most remarkable cars in history - BMW M5 - celebrates its 35th anniversary. This model is well ahead of its competitors Audi RS6 and Mercedes AMG E63, remaining the benchmark for fast and sharp machine with excellent behavior on the road. On the occasion of the anniversary, the Bavarian manufacturer recently updated the sports sedan, and is now preparing another version of it, which will receive additional power. It will appear towards the end of the year.

Over the past 35 years, the M5 has changed significantly: the power of the super sedan's engine has doubled compared to the first generation. However, one thing remains a tradition - each generation of the model must go through the last settings on the North Arch of the Nürburgring. It is this difficult route, also called the "Green Hell", that is most suitable for testing, since BMW M GmbH follows the basic rule in the model. That is, the capabilities of the chassis must exceed the capabilities of the engine.

BMW M5 (E28S)

The predecessor to the M5 was the 835 hp M218i sedan, developed in 1979 in collaboration with BMW Motorsport GmbH. And the first "clean" M5 appeared in the summer of 1985, and it differs from the standard E28, on the basis of which the front and rear spoilers, widened fenders, lowered suspension and wider wheels are built.

Under the hood is a modified 3,5-liter 6-cylinder engine, which is installed on the M635 CSi gasoline six and the M1 passenger version.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

Engine power is 286 hp, which allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,5 seconds and reach a top speed of 245. A sedan weighing 1430 kg costs 80 German marks, which at that time was quite a serious amount. The first M750 was produced in a very limited edition - 5 units.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

BMW M5 (E34S)

In 1987, the third generation BMW 5-Series (E34) was released and became a sensation in the market. Shortly thereafter, the new M5 appeared, based on a 3,8-liter 6-cylinder engine producing 315 hp. The super sedan weighs 1700 kg and accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,3 seconds.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

During the 1992 modernization, the M5 received power with an improved engine developing 340 hp, and the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h was reduced to 5,9 seconds. Then came the universal version of Moselle. After restyling, the M5 (E34 S) now costs DM 120. By 850, 1995 sedans and station wagons were produced from this model.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

BMW M5 (E39S)

The most important innovation in the third generation BMW M5 is its 4,9-liter V8 engine with 400 hp. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 5,3 seconds.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

Accordingly, the price of the car rises again, the basic version costs at least 140000 marks, but this does not prevent the M5 from becoming a bestseller. For 5 years, the Bavarians have produced 20 units of this model, which this time is available only in a sedan body.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

BMW M5 (E60/61)

The new generation M5, which was launched in 2005, will receive an even more powerful engine. This time it's a V10 developing 507 hp. and a maximum torque of 520 Nm available at 6100 rpm.

This unit is still considered one of the best engines in BMW history, but this does not apply to the 7-speed SMG robotic gearbox. His work was never liked by car owners, unlike the manual transmission.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

Since 2007, the BMW M5 has again been available as a station wagon, with a total of 1025 units produced based on this variant. The total circulation of the model is 20 copies, and in Germany prices start at 589 euros.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

BMW M5 (F10) buy cheap online

The next generation change took place in 2011 when the BMW M5 (F10) was released. The car will again receive a 8-liter V4,4 engine, but this time with a turbocharging, 560 hp. and 680 Nm. Traction is transmitted to the rear axle via an active M differential with a 7-speed robotic dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 4,3 seconds.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

In September 2013, the model received the optional Competition package, which increased the engine power to 575 hp. It is accompanied by a 10 mm lowered sports suspension and sharper steering. Two years later, the Competition package increased the engine output to 600 hp. and 700 Nm.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

BMW M5 (F90) buy cheap online

The sixth generation M5, built on the basis of a sedan with the G30 index, was first shown by the Bavarians in 2017, and its sales started a year later at a price of 117 euros. The first 890 customers could get the First Edition for € 400.

Despite the all-wheel drive system, the new sports sedan is 15 kg lighter than its predecessor. It is based on the same 4,4-liter V8 with 600 hp, which is combined only with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

In the summer of 2018, the Competition version appeared again. Its power is 625 hp, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 3,3 seconds. Without the electronic limiter, the M5 has a top speed of 305 km / h.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

BMW M5 (F90 LCI) buy cheap online

The refreshed BMW M5 was unveiled just a few days ago and received cosmetic changes similar to those of the standard 5 Series. The sports sedan was equipped with bumpers with enlarged air intakes, a diffuser and new LED optics.

Under the hood, there are no changes, leaving a 4,4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 600 horsepower in the M5 version and 625 horsepower in the Competition version. The maximum torque in both cases is 750 Nm, and in the version with an additional package it is available in a larger range - from 1800 to 5860 rpm. After the facelift, the sedan costs a minimum of €120 for the M900 and €5 for the M129 Competition.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

The first buyers in Europe will receive the updated model this month. By the end of the year, the Bavarians will offer a more powerful modification - M5 CS, which is now undergoing final tests (again on the Northern Arc). Engine power is expected to reach 650 hp.

35 years of the BMW M5: what we will remember from 6 generations of the super sedan

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