A journey through the history of the BMW M5; from the E12 to the F90

The history of the BMW M5 is full of models that have marked a before and after in the industry and in the hearts of enthusiasts of the most powerful letter in the world.

Today it is the turn of one of the most imposing saloons in automotive history. It is the BMW M5 and we are going to review its history, from the E12 to the F90. Are you ready to take a stroll through the history of the BMW M5?

Needell and his co-host Paul Woodman on the YouTube Lovecars channel have brought together the six generations of the BMW M5 to compare them back to back. That’s right, every M5, from the iconic E28 that started it all, to the modern twin-turbo F90 generation you can find at dealerships today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmaBY3zVbJI

Almost every generation of the BMW M5 is special for one reason or another. The E34 was the first M5 to come as an estate. The E39, with its torque-rich V-8 and perfect balance, is considered one of the best performance saloons of all time. And let’s not forget the 5.0-litre V-10 engine inspired by F1 in the E60. Of course, the F10 was also the first M5 with turbochargers and the first with a dual-clutch transmission.

As Needell and Woodman discover, there is something to love behind the wheel of every M5. Although the new one may not be as light and simple as the early models, it is still a marvel. We never expect that to change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=2MYCeaQKJEA&feature=emb_logo

BMW M 535i (E12) 1979-1981

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eglNDxMZFU

Based on the BMW E12 car platform, the German-built M535i was presented by the German manufacturer in 1979. Designed as a premium mid-size model, this low-production M 535i was equipped with a 3.5L 6-cylinder inline engine delivering 228 CV and 300 Nm of torque. Other new features included redesigned front and rear spoilers, revised brakes, a new gearbox and a limited-slip differential. BMW built around 1,400 units between 1979 and 1981.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EiX52RcKeQ

BMW M5 (E28) 1985-1988

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgCtQVQ26VM

BMW first presented the M5 model at the 1984 Amsterdam Motor Show. Based on the E28 platform of the 5 Series, the new M5 was a 4-door car with all the right components to be considered one of the main competitors in the premium performance segment. Its sporty profile was quite obvious, as the car was hand-built by BMW’s own motorsport division, while also being equipped with a recently developed BMW M1 engine. Designed to compete against the Mercedes-Benz M and E classes, the new M5 became the most powerful 4-door car in the world. This model was available in 4 different configurations (depending on the market where it was sold), including left-hand drive, right-hand drive, North American and South African. The BMW M5 NA won the ‘Model of the Year 1988’ award in North America.

BMW M5 (E34) 1988-1995

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__NjJ7wFp4Y

The second generation of the M5 was presented by BMW in 1988. It was equipped with recently improved 3.5L 6-cylinder inline engines delivering 325 CV (for the European market) or 320 CV (US market). This model underwent several modifications in terms of wheel covers over its 7 years of production, changing from the M-System to M-System II configurations and finally M Parallel. All these changes were designed to increase airflow towards the centre of the wheel and improve brake cooling. Furthermore, in 1991, the M5 received a new 3.8L engine with increased power of 350 CV (except in the United States market). Almost at the same time, the first edition of the M5 Touring reached the market, but fewer than 1,000 units were built over 4 years of production.

BMW M5 (E39) 1998-2004

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUfBQ0CX3Zc

BMW launched the third-generation M5 at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show.
Aiming to challenge the new Jaguar XJR and the Mercedes-Benz W210 E55 in the premium performance segment, the new M5 appeared with a recently developed 4.9L V8 engine delivering 410 CV and 500 Nm. Over its 6 years of production, the M5 received several new features (year by year), including revised headlight design, a new front bumper or rear airbags. When launched, the new BMW M5 was the world’s most powerful 4-door car, recording an impressive 5.3 seconds in the 0-100 km/h sprint.

BMW M5 (E60) 2005-2010

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msCwWR1BD-8

BMW launched the fourth-generation M5 model in 2005. It featured a rigid chassis and was equipped with a recently improved 5.0L V10 S85 engine delivering 517 CV. In addition, the new M5 was fitted with the innovative 7-speed SMG III sequential gearbox from BMW and featured several other F1-inspired components, such as launch control or dynamic stability control. Other new features included electronic throttle control, the VANOS variable valve timing system, the engine management system and dynamic stability control. The new M5 would reach 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

BMW M5 (F10) 2011-2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUtlaGwxDrQ

Fifth generation of the most successful high-performance saloon in the world in the executive class premium segment; the new BMW M5 is an exceptionally dynamic four-door, five-seat high-performance sports car; consistent development of the vehicle concept initiated in 1984 with the first-generation BMW M5; its convincing track potential combined with the all-round practicality of a luxurious business saloon; innovative character led by significantly improved efficiency, supreme long-distance comfort and innovative driver assistance systems and infotainment functions.

BMW M5 (F10) LCI 2013-2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOO4moRIlGo

In 2013, the BMW M5 received a facelift, mainly with some new exterior enhancements and some interior features. A particularly striking innovation in the appearance of the BMW M5 is the M “kidney grille”, which now features the model designation and whose slats reference the double-spoke design of the M light-alloy wheels. The characteristic M feel is also conveyed by the M leather steering wheel, whose new design also takes visual cues from the double-spoke wheels. The saloon’s interior has also increased the storage compartment volume beneath the armrest in the centre console area. The standard iDrive operating system control display now has chrome trim on the sides. For the first time, an optional touch controller is available with a touch-sensitive surface that allows, for example, entering characters when programming a destination for the navigation system.

BMW M5 (F90) 2017 – Present

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6J8IfLsgVs

A new BMW M5 was presented in the summer of 2017, marking the sixth generation of the high-performance saloon and taking BMW M GmbH into new territory thanks to the use of M xDrive for the first time. This change of direction takes the M5 into new dynamic dimensions and offers greater everyday practicality in all driving conditions.

Providing the great power for the new BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. M engineers have carried out significant revisions to the power unit of the outgoing model. For example, the newly developed turbochargers, the ultra-efficient indirect charge-air cooling and the increased fuel injection pressure help to boost output and, above all, torque. The suspension of the new BMW M5 is also designed to deliver maximum traction for everyday use and supreme dynamic performance on the track.

Visually, M engineers have redesigned the wider front side panels and the front bumper to include larger openings for the air feeding the cooling systems and brakes. Also new is the rear diffuser. The quad exhaust tailpipes are a visual indicator of the power generated by the BMW M5 and also feature in a suitably sporty soundtrack for the task at hand, courtesy of its flap control system. The driver can use a button to adjust the engine sound as desired. It is an indispensable part of the history of the BMW M5.

BMW M5 Competition 2018 – Present

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rumLE-uNtAI

The new BMW M5 Competition combines an ever-present sense of the racetrack and a suitably rarefied aura with the unwavering ease of everyday use, which is what makes BMW M models so recognisable.

The new M5 Competition is an M5 optimised for more performance. Its height is 7 mm lower, the spring rate increases by 10% on the front and rear axles, while the rear has a rigid bar and a rigid leg support. The 4.4-litre V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology now produces a maximum output of 625 CV (460 kW) at 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 750 Nm and can be enjoyed across an extremely broad rev range, from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. A new milestone in the history of the BMW M5.