BMW M5 - Cars With a Hight Performance

Hello everybody, let's talk a little about sports cars.

As example I choose BMW M5. There is a big difference between a simple BMW 5 series and M5. We all heard about this Brand which already produces performance cars as regular as sports the same. At the first sight the cars shape has no difference but the strong point is in the Engine, Gear box and of course the direction system...

What is an BMW M5

The BMW M5 is the high-performance version of the popular BMW 5-Series.

M5 versions of the E28, E34, E39 and E60 5-Series have been made, all offering something a little different. Early V6 models are highly sought after while the more recent 5 litre V10 engines offering 400bhlus are amazing cars and are simply dreamed about and coveted by most of us. 0-60mph in 4secs, the all powerful V10s are restricted but are capable of at least 204mph. The latest touring version of the M5 has been a new arrival on the scene and equally and widely acclaimed. Basically BMW have made the world's most exciting estate car, combining the high performance tradition of the M5 with space and comfort associated with a 4 wheel drive. Overall, the secret of the BMW M5s popularity has been this successful synthesis of unobtrusive but powerful appearance. You have a car which is understated in terms of it look and is basically a luxury saloon car offering premium comfort, while at the same time combining a high-performance sports car unit featuring Formula 1 technology. More than 35,000 BMW M5s have been built with a variety of versions and subtle updates so always check spec carefully for any prospective purchase, especially if buying second hand.

Here is a short history line of M5

BMW E28 - (1985-1987)

In 1985 BMW introduced their first M5. This model was based on the E28 5 series.
It had a six cylinder engine with 286 HP and a top speed of 245 km/h. An absolute beauty of a car, its still very highly regarded today. There were only 2145 made until 1988 when it went out of production and many still regard them as the best to drive.
Performance
At the time of sale, BMW quoted the following 0-60 times to give the impression that the E28 M5 did not outperform the more expensive, heavier and top-of-the-range E24 M635csi (BMW M6).

(Euro) - 286 hp 0-60 mph - 6.2 s. Top Speed: 153 mph (246 km/h)
(USA) - 256 hp 0-60 mph - 6.5 s. Top Speed: 148 mph (238 km/h)

BMW E34 - (1990-1995)

The M5 version of the E34 was produced from 1988-1995. It featured an S38 straight-6 engine, originally a 3.6 L with an output of 231 kW (314 PS; 310 hp), later upgraded to a 3.8 L producing 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp). In its last two years of production, it also sported the 6-speed manual gearbox that had been given to some of the 540i E34. This gearbox then followed through to the next generation of 5 series: the E39.
As with many M-Series cars, the body's styling was upgraded with aerodynamic and cosmetic enhancements to outline its sportier nature.
Along with a modified suspension, the M5 was outfitted with 17 and 18-inch (460 mm) alloy wheels. Interestingly, one of these wheel models was the 17-inch (430 mm) M System wheels, which had two interchangeable fascia known as Turbine and Throwing-Stars (or T-Stars). These wheels are still highly sought and praised amongst BMW enthusiasts, and are sometimes worn without any fascia.
Performance

89-92 (Euro) I6-24v 3.5 L

0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.3 s
Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)

92-95 (Euro) I6-24v 3.8 L

0-60 mph (97 km/h): 5.9/5.7 sec*
Top speed: 177 mph (280 km/h)(electronic limited)

91-93 (USA) I6-24v 3.6 L

0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.4 s
Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronic limited)

BMW E39 M5 (1998-2003)

These were assembly line built in Germany. The E39 M5 had a highly tuned V8 engine based on the M62 engine called the S62, which displaced 4.9 L and produced a massive 400 bhp. The E39 M5 is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and although electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph will do much more than that if derestricted. Basically, it was the fastest 4-door sedan in the world at that time. When the 2000 BMW M5 was called the greatest super-saloon car of all time. As well as 400 hp, V8 engine, a six-speed gearbox and 18 inch wheels automatic stability system and traction control (ASC+T) adjusts engine power and braking on later models to maintain a smooth drive even at high speeds.
Performance

Engine - V8, 4941cc
Power - 400bhp/6600rpm
Transmission 6 speed manual
Fuel - 20.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration - 0 to 62mph, 5.3secs
Max speed -155mph

BMW E60 M5 V10

BMW E60 M5 (2005-present)
The BMW M5 is the high performance version of the range, and is one of the highest performance sedans on the market. Like all BMW 'M' cars, it balances superb handling with power, which is delivered by a naturally aspirated 5.0 L (40-valve) V10 producing 373 kW (507 PS (500 hp/373 kW)). The car has a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h time of 15 seconds, and an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Though given the correct tire ratings and the removal of the governor the M5 is capable of 205mph (329km/h).
Other key features include a stiffened aluminum chassis and a 7-speed SMG III manual transmission. Basically, the worlds first V10 high-revving engine in a saloon car this BMW M5 offered the worlds first 7-speed SMG in a saloon car and the best power-to-weight ratio in its market segment.
Performance

Engine V10, 4999cc
Power - 507bhp/7750rpm
Transmission 7 speed manual
Fuel - 19.1mpg (combined)
Acceleration - 0-62mph: 4.7sec
Max speed - 205mph

BMW M5 Saloon and Touring (2005, 2007)

The BMW M5 Saloon was launched in May 2005 to critical acclaim and reset the benchmark for high-performance saloons. The launch of the Touring variant in June 2007 marks the first time that an estate variant of BMW Ms high-performance executive car has been offered in right-hand-drive to UK customers. Basically, what it is amazing about the new M5 Tourer is that it has exactly the same 507bhp 5.0L V10 engine and seven-speed gearbox as the 2005 M5 saloon.
The only previous version, the E34 M5 Touring, was available to European customers in left-hand-drive only. The model was a niche vehicle before and only had a limited production - a total of 891 cars were sold. BMW UK believes probably quite rightly that the market has now changed in favour of such vehicles.
New 2007 M5 Saloon and M Sport models offer new front and rear light units and other discreet styling enhancements including monikered side gills which all hint at the high performance.
Internally the new M5 Touring features the same enhancements as the standard 5 Series as well as offering the Active Seat bolsters from the M5 Saloon that provide additional support when cornering. Other features include spacious body, hi-tech suspension, powerful brakes. The 0-62mph in 4.8secs is just 0.1sec slower than the saloon while all-round performance is the same.

BMW M5 Touring 2007 Specification

Engine - V 90 / 10 / 4
Top Speed 155mph
Acceleration - 0-62mph, 4.8
Combined Fuel Consumption - 18.8mpg
Max Torque 520Nm / 6100 revs
Transmission - M7
Seats/Doors - 5 / 5

As you can see these cars has really performance. I want to put an accent especially on E60 which in present is the best from M5 series. The Price is big and can be $75K for a new car and sometimes $100K. But if we will compare with Laborghini or Ferrari which are above $100K(if we will take the same year production) , we can see that BMW is cheaper. And for used M5 cars with v10 engine you can spend $25-30K.
Go ahead and check some times www.yahoo.com - (cars section) they have a good options sometimes.
This modification are competitive easyly with such cars as: Laborghini Galardo , Chevy Corvete, Ferrari Spyder, Porshe etc.

The price for Galardo is no less than $100K it's for new or used cars.

If you make an option for BMW, first: you save money and second with rest part of the money you can upgrade your car or make some estetic changes.