A guide to how the BMW M5 has changed over the years.
The BMW M5 is iconic in the high-performance executive car segment, showcasing the brand’s ability to build ever-better driver’s cars. Always incorporating motorsport bits but without taking away from the luxurious feel of the regular 5-Series, the M5 is the quintessential super sedan. Over the years, it has become so fast and capable that it can compete with modern supercars. It’s super-quick, fun to drive, yet comfortable enough for long journeys.
This year, the M5 line turns 40 years old, spanning through six generations. Each era of BMW’s super sedan brought something different to the table, but the main focus was always perfectly clear: building «The Ultimate Driving Machine.» That also meant beating its Mercedes-Benz and Audi rivals in a performance race that continues to this day.
However, not everything that BMW has changed over the years has made enthusiasts happy. Chasing acceleration figures, BMW’s «M» division killed the manual transmission. Moreover, purists lament the fact that the latest M5s feature turbocharged engines, rather than naturally aspirated ones. The addition of hi-tech features also added a lot of weight, too. Still, that doesn’t diminish the prestige of the M5. Born from a desire to compete and offer its customers a unique driving experience, the M5 remains an enthusiast’s dream. With that in mind, here is the path it took to reach the super-sedan pinnacle.1985 BMW M5 E28
The BMW M1 was one of the coolest cars ever made, but it wasn’t terribly successful. Little did anyone know, the M division was only warming up. The real treat came in 1985 at the Amsterdam Motor Show when BMW shocked the world with the M5. Featuring an improved version of the M88 inline-6 engine from the M1 sports car, the first-ever M5 promised speed analogous to sports cars from the era. BMW’s motorsport division didn’t forget about the driving experience, too. The car featured an upgraded sporty suspension, a limited-slip differential at the rear axle, and a five-speed manual.
The Bavarian giant’s M division had the numbers to back up the first M5’s legendary status. Producing 282 hp (in the European version) and 250 lb-ft, the hand-assembled 3.5-liter engine catapulted the M5 E28 to 62 mph in just 6.5 seconds and to a top speed of 152 mph. These were Earth-shattering numbers in the 1980s, especially for a large executive car that was roomy inside and featured a huge 620-liter trunk. The U.S.-spec M5 E28 had a slightly detuned, 256-hp engine due to emission regulations but could still reach 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
Numbers aside, the M5 E28 showed its true finesse in real-world driving. With balanced handling, strong lateral grip, excellent highway stability, and best-in-class braking, the M5 E28 redefined the sport sedan category. The sweet-sounding inline-6 engine only adds to the holistic super-sedan experience. Even so, the M5 E28 was merely the opening salvo.1988 BMW M5 E34
The first-gen M5 was so influential that upgrading its recipe was a challenging task. However, as the public was still drooling over the M5 E28, BMW worked on the next-gen super sedan based on the third-gen 5-Series. The plan was to improve the M5 in every area and again make it a best-in-class proposition.
The 3.5-liter inline-6 was massaged to 315 hp, which cut down the 0-62 mph time to 6.3 seconds. Furthermore, BMW implemented shorter springs, lowering the M5 by 0.8 inches compared to the regular 5-Series. Stiffer dampers and larger anti-roll bars were added to control body roll, along with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances.
It worked, and the M5 was once again the quickest sport sedan, while also boasting the shortest stopping distances and offering balanced handling. BMW was careful not to ruin the 5-Series comfort attributes, so the M5 E34 remained a comfortable car over bumpy roads. But this was a driver’s car first and foremost, despite also being offered as a wagon from 1992.
