That’s because the newest BMW M5 takes the key M5
attributes to an even higher level than its predecessors: more masterful
performance, more technical sophistication, more luxury – all achieved by the
application of new design, new technology, new engineering. Indeed, one can
logically assert that the M5 is both sports car and luxury sedan; and it
incorporates new technology that enables its driver to determine precisely his
or her preferred balance of these attributes. In its 23/04 issue, the German
magazine Auto Zeitung put it this way:
“The 5.0-liter V-10 would upgrade many super ‘sports cars’…The power sport seats
meet the highest demands for comfort, provide plenty of lateral support and are
upholstered in fine leather…For a nearly 2-ton sedan, it offers outstanding
cornering dynamics…
“Yet the fascinating thing about the M5 is its huge bandwidth of comfort, luxury
and dynamics, which other manufacturers can cover only with several model
series.”
Already proving its command of European roads and Autobahnen, the new M5 entered
production for the U.S. market in September ’05 and begins arriving at U.S. BMW
centers during October. Though based on the current 5 Series Sedans, the M5 is
packed with engineering, technology, design and luxury that are all its own.
Like all BMW vehicles bearing the “M” logo, it has been developed by BMW M, the
BMW subsidiary for racing and high-performance automobiles, and is produced at
BMW’s Dingolfing, Germany plant.
M5’s All-New V-10
Engine
Once again BMW M blazes new trails in powertrain technology and performance. The
last time a new M5 made its debut, it offered BMW M’s first V-8 engine. This
time, it’s M’s first V-10 engine for a roadgoing vehicle.
This new V-10, called S85 in BMW engine parlance, is yet another masterpiece of
power from BMW M, setting a new milestone for the performance that can be
achieved in a roomy 5-passenger sedan, with generous trunk space and all the
luxury and safety features one expects from BMW.
Low-Back-Pressure,
Tuned Exhaust System
Exiting the engine through stainless-steel exhaust headers that Germany’s auto
motor und sport magazine (November 10, ’04) called “an artwork in stainless
steel,” exhaust gas from each cylinder travels an ideal length of 560 mm/22 in.
before reaching the engine-close first catalytic converter on each side. A
high-pressure forming technique is used to shape the headers, enabling them to
achieve the necessary strength and desirable light weight with only
0.8-mm/0.03-in. wall thickness. Two additional catalytic converters, one per
side, are located farther back in the system. ...BMW M5: Page 2
