BMW M5 E39
The BMW M5 is an ultra-performance version of the BMW 5-Series automobile made by BMW Motorsport. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the M5 has been made from various 5-Series versions throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39 and most recently the E60. Originally, the M5 was hand-built, utilizing the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine. When introduced, it was the fastest production sedan in the world.
First 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. Unlike its predecessors, the E39 M5 was not hand-built at the BMW M GmbH factory; it was produced on the same assembly line as the normal E39 5-series at the Dingolfing factory in Germany.
Mechanics:
The BMW E39 M5 was almost not built at all since BMW believed that the 286-horsepower 540i was powerful enough, but when Jaguar released the XJR (320 hp) and Mercedes-Benz introduced the W210 E55, which had more than 354 horsepower, BMW responded to the competition with a 394-horsepower M5.
The BMW E39 M5 had a highly tuned V-8 engine based on the M62 engine called the S62, which displaced 4.9 liters and produced 395 horsepower. The engine featured a 7,000 rpm redline, Double-VANOS, which varies the intake and exhaust valves for both cylinder banks, and individual throttle butterflies for each of the cylinders, allowing for a much faster engine response time. All BMW E39 M5s were equipped with a Getrag Type D six-speed manual transmission.
Styling:
The Motorsports department modified the 5-series suspension, reducing the spring hight and applying thicker anti-roll bars. Other improvements meant a stiffer ride for the occupants, but less body-roll for the vehicle as it was attacking corners. Large ventilated disc brakes on all four corners meant excellent stopping power. The re-circulating-ball steering system was improved, lowering its overall steering ratio and allowing for quicker response times.
During its five years in production, there were some cosmetic changes in 2001 to include: Revised headlight design incorporating illuminated "Angel Eyes"; Jewel tone Celis tail light design; Park Distance Control sensors in the front bumper (previously in rear only); and thicker three-spoke M steering wheel identical to the one fitted to the E46 M3.
Hitting the Tarmac:
The BMW E39 M5 is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds, although many reviewers claim to have achieved this under 5 seconds. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph, making it the fastest 4-door sedan in the world at the time it was manufactured. Once delimited, top speeds of an indicated 187mph are possible.
Interior:
The interior, in addition to the exterior, also received some upgrades like: a grey instrument panel; improved solar sensor for standard automatic climate control; revised navigation/audio unit with larger (6.5-inch) monitor; rear head protection airbags added; and Alcantara headliner included with Extended Leather interior (previously only included with Complete Leather).