- M5 engine just voted “Engine of the Year”
- 373 kW 5.0-litre V10 engine with Formula 1 pedigree
- SMG 7-speed gearbox with paddle shift controls
- MDrive Mode, Power Button, M Differential Lock
- Head-Up Display (HUD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electronic Damper
Control (EDC)
The wait is over. This year's most eagerly anticipated high-performance
sedan, the V10 BMW M5 has arrived.
Supercar performance packaged into a four-door sedan body with the added
bonus of everyday driveability, the fourth-generation M5 takes the discrete
trademark M characteristics and pushes them to a whole new level of perfection.
The M5 is priced from $226,000, and comes exceedingly well equipped.
As the founder of the high-performance sedan segment, the M5 still remains
the benchmark after four generations.
The latest M5 follows a long and rich heritage that can be traced back to
1972 M1, the grandfather off all M vehicles.
The new E60 M5 continues a fine tradition of M5 models, in fact almost 20
years worth, which started in 1985 with the 210 kW E28 M5.
The E28 M5 had a top speed of 245 km/h and was the fastest sedan of its time.
The arrival of the E28 M5 also marked the beginning of a new segment, the
ultra-high performance sedan.
The second-generation E34 M5 arrived in 1988 boasted one of the most powerful
straight six-cylinder engines ever produced, with 250 kW. The third-generation
was the E39 M5 which arrived in 1998 and boasted a 5.0-litre 294 kW V8 engine.
For the latest generation M5, BMW engineers looked to the epitome of
motorsport competition, Formula 1, when developing their new powerhouse.
The result is a 5.0-litre V10 which embraces technology honed from the BMW F1
engine programme.
It shares the same number of cylinders as well as its high-revving power
delivery concept. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm with power output of 373
kW (507 bhp), up a sensational 79 kW on its predecessor.
Maximum torque of 520 Nm at 6,100 rpm is 20 Nm up on the E39 M5.
The crucial 0-100 km/h acceleration time is also improved over the 5.0-litre
V8 E39 M5.
The superb engine technology and level of innovation in the M5 has not gone
unnoticed. The engine has been judged the overall ‘Engine of the Year’ as well
as ‘Best New Engine’, ‘Best Performance Engine’ and ‘Best Engine In Excess of
4.0-litres' in the world’s most prestigious annual engine evaluation, the Engine
of the Year Awards, or Engine Oscars as they are more commonly known.
The M5 engine exudes innovation, from the aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder
insert to the race-bred bedplate design for impressive bottom-end stiffness. The
90-degree V10 weighs just 240 kg.
Drivers will thrill to acceleration and driving dynamics that make the M5
truly outstanding on the road: The 0-100 km/h blast takes 4.7 seconds and the M5
reaches 200 km/h in 15 seconds. This ongoing surge of power continues all the
way to an electronically limited 250 km/h.
Even under the most extreme conditions, special features such as oil flow
with lateral control, enable the engine to handle the centrifugal force of the
most extreme bends, acceleration and deceleration without suffering from oil
starvation.
The engine breathes deeply through ten throttle butterfly valves, and with
the Double-VANOS system, it responds eagerly. In the process, it is supported by
another world-first technology - engine management electronics with
ionic-current knock control, ensuring full control of engine power at all times.
This device measures the ionic currents generated by every individual ignition
to maintain a perfect state of tune.
To feed all this power to the tarmac, the BMW M5 is shod with specially
developed 255/40 and 285/35 ZR rated tyres, engineered to cope with
substantially higher cornering forces than normal road cars.
Together with the variable M Differential Lock and Dynamic Stability Control
with two dynamic driving programs available on demand, the chassis and
suspension - with Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three customised programs
- provides a perfect match for this outstanding power.
The M Differential Lock is a variable, rev-sensing locking differential on
the rear axle, designed to deliver a key traction advantage even in very
demanding driving conditions. Unlike other lockable differentials, the locking
effect between the left and right wheels can be up to 100 per cent, markedly
improving handling and stability while at the same time enhancing safety and
driving enjoyment.
The seven-speed SMG gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts is the
first transmission in the world with seven sequential gears and a Drivelogic
function offering no less than 11 gearshift options - six in Sequential mode and
five in Drive mode, as well as a launch control function.
Gearshifts can now be executed 20 per cent faster than the previous SMG.
Ideally, one gearshift takes only about 65 milliseconds. To put this into
perspective; it will take a seasoned driver about 0.5 seconds to perform a
manual gearshift. These extremely short gearshift times allow a very dynamic and
active driving experience. Gears are either changed via the steering wheel
paddles or by using the selector lever on the console. If required, SMG
Drivelogic can also perform automatic gear changes in Drive mode (D).
Not only is this SMG faster but it incorporates several special functions for
improved safety and comfort:
Wheelslip detection: Stabilises the vehicle in the event of high drag
torque on the rear axle, using intelligently controlled clutch operation. This
prevents the car from skidding off-course in difficult conditions, for example,
during downshifts on slippery surfaces.
Hill recognition: For faster gearshifts and adapted shift maps in
Drive mode when going uphill or downhill. When going uphill this avoids
'hunting' between gears. Going downhill, the transmission remains in lower gears
for longer, to make better use of engine braking.
Launch control: Ensures the best possible vehicle acceleration due to
the upward adjustment of shift points as well as traction control on
non-slippery road surfaces.
Further technical highlights include the brake drying feature that skims
water from the rotors in wet weather for faster, more efficient stopping, as
well as Brake Readiness and Hill Ascent Assistance.
Brake Readiness cuts braking response time during full brake application by
applying the brake pads to the discs while rapidly restricting the throttle.
This function ensures that a pressure of approx. 3 bar is applied for a period
of up to 300 ms to the wheel brakes in order to apply the brake pads already
before the expected application of the brakes. This function facilitates even
more rapid response of the brakes. The function is active as from a speed of 30
km/h.
Hill Ascent Assistance is employed when moving off on uphill gradients by
briefly maintaining a specific brake pressure in the wheel brakes. This function
is active only when the transmission is not in neutral and the handbrake is
released.
Discretion has never been as seductive as the E60 M5. From the outside, the
M5 is identified by a modest wind tunnel-tuned aero package that adds a refined,
deeper front facia and an addition lower rear valance incorporating a venturi.
Stylish side skirts complement the overall package.
The new lower bumper valance contains a mesh-covered grille flanked on each
side by an ovoid inlet. These have a vital task of feeding twice as much cooling
air over the V10 engine compared with that of the 4.4-litre V8 in the 545i.
The hot-blooded hard-charging V10 also requires an entirely new cooling
system. In addition, the V10 employs four oil pumps to ensure lubrication
reaches all moving parts even when cornering forces approach 1g.
At each corner, chunky 19-inch M double spoke light alloy wheels complete a
visual feast that subtly marks this power machine out from its 5 Series
brethren.
The stylish alloys also show off the powerful disc brakes - 374 mm x 36 mm at
the front and 370 mm x 24 mm at the rear.
The now trademark M quad pack of exhaust pipes - each 80 mm in diameter -
poke out suggestively below the rear valance and a set of M gills are cut into
the front guards like in the M3.
Unique design door mirrors were honed to help improve downforce, lower wind
noise and improve aerodynamics while a discreet M rear spoiler is also fitted.
Inside a very special cabin, the instrument cluster boasts bespoke M style
dials with their display needles in traditional M red, while the speedometer and
rev counter also gain illuminated rings.
The MDrive button on the M leather steering wheel enables a group of settings
to be selected together, such as Drivelogic, EDC mode and Head Up Display
settings. At the push of a button the M5 can change its characteristics from a
supremely comfortable sedan to an extremely dynamic sports car and back again.
The special M-designed HUD system, which projects directly on to the
windscreen, incorporates a shift light function to prompt drivers to change up,
a rev counter display, SMG Drivelogic gear engaged and road speed. Alternatively
it can also project information about road speed, navigation symbols and cruise
control status.
Thanks to the use of M-specific, top-of-the-range materials, the interior
conveys a sporty, exclusive ambience which fulfils the most demanding
expectations.
The M5 will come standard with full 'Merino' leather with Alcantara roof
lining. The leather also extends to the drive tunnel, console and lower section
of the dashboard with the upper section of the dashboard in black nappa leather.
'Merino' leather will be available in a choice of five colours - Black,
Portland natural brown, Sepang bronze light, Silverstone and Indianapolis red.
As an alternative, full 'Merino' leather can also be ordered with perforated
inserts for Active seat ventilation. The colour range in this instance is three
leathers - Black, Silverstone and Sepang bronze light.
Buyers also have a choice of two wood trims or a brushed aluminium trim.
As befits a sports touring sedan, the heated leather sports seats offer
supportive bolstering for the thighs, lower back and shoulders but ensure the
vehicle can be enjoyed in every day driving as well as a spirited run through a
winding mountain pass.
The standard equipment list also includes: ABS with Electronic Braking Force
Distribution (EBD), cruise control, power steering cooler, oil quality sensor,
multi-function steering wheel, front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC),
automatic climate control air conditioning, electric glass sunroof, sunblinds
for rear and side rear windows, automatic adaptive Xenon headlights, run flat
tyre pressure indicator, rain-sensing wipers, two-stage front airbags
complemented by front and rear side airbags and curtain airbags, alarm and
immobiliser, on-board monitor, Professional Navigation system with TV tuner and
voice recognition, Professional Logic7 13-speaker Hi-Fi system with CD changer.
“The new high-performance V10 M5 powers BMW to new heights of engineering
excellence,” said John Kananghinis, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group
Australia.
“There is nothing like the M5 for hot-blooded exhilaration, race-bred driving
dynamics and sumptuous luxury. It is discrete in appearance, yet devastating in
performance.
“We are certain that devotees of the ultimate in performance sedan driving
will flock to the M5. But they had better be quick off the mark as the
Australian allocation of M5 Sedans for 2005 is strictly limited and almost all
spoken for.”
Technical Information
| Car |
|
E60 M5 |
| Layout/cylinders/valves |
|
V/10/4 |
| Capacity |
cc |
4,999 |
| Transmission |
|
SMG 7-speed |
| Power output |
kW/bhp/rpm |
373/507/7,750 |
| Max Torque |
Nm/rpm |
520/6,100 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
secs |
4.7 |
| Length/width/height |
mm |
4,855/1,846/1,469 |
| Wheelbase |
mm |
2,889 |
| Weight |
Kg |
1,755 |
| Luggage capacity |
Litres |
500 |
BMW V10: A Masterpiece of Engine Construction
- Four Oscars for V10, including 'Engine of the Year'
- Intelligent use of lightweight technologies
- 5.0-litre capacity producing 373 kW (507 bhp) and 520 Nm
- 90-degree V10 weighs 240 kg
- Bedplate design for extremely stiff crankcase
When BMW M GmbH unveils a new M car, the focus of all the world's attention
is traditionally under the bonnet.
So it is no surprise that when the new eagerly awaited M5 arrived, the new
race-bred V10 engine under its sleek bonnet would grab the attention of the
entire automotive world. The new BMW V10 is one of the most fascinating engine
concepts yet devised.
Not only does this technological masterpiece share the same number of
cylinders as the BMW WilliamsF1 racing counterpart but it also shares that
engine's high-revving characteristics.
Proof that the new 5.0-litre V10 is an exceptional powerplant was delivered
recently in the form of the world's most prestigious Engine of the Year awards
ceremony in Stuttgart - or Engine Oscars as they are more commonly known
throughout the world.
Not only did a panel of 56 expert motoring judges vote the BMW V10 the Best
Engine but the technologically advanced unit also won its category as 'Best New
Engine', 'Best Performance Engine' and 'Best Engine in Excess of 4.0-litres'.
Such awards only tell part of the story. Peak power of 373 kW (507 bhp) in
the V10 is achieved at 7,750 rpm (with an 8,250 rpm redline) and peak torque of
520 Nm arrives at 6,100 rpm. The V10 easily outperforms the racing engine
benchmark of 100 bhp per litre, assisted by variable Double-VANOS camshaft
timing.
It also returns extremely frugal fuel consumption. Compared to the previous
M5 eight-cylinder engine, performance has increased by 25 per cent. The M5
eight-cylinder boasted a maximum output of 294 kW at 6,600 rpm.
Although BMW has made a name for itself primarily as a manufacturer of
in-line engines, the M5 V10 sets a new standard and exudes innovation from its
cutting-edge technology.
The two five-cylinder aluminium cylinder banks of the V10 are arranged at a
90-degree angle to achieve a mass balance of the crankshaft drive, which is
optimised for low vibration. For reasons of stiffness and due to the high loads
resulting from combustion pressure, engine speed and vibrations, an immensely
strong bedplate design has been chosen for the crankcase, similar to that used
in racing engines.
For an optimum alignment of the crankshaft, grey-cast iron inserts have been
integrated into the aluminium bedplate, which also serve to enhance acoustics
and ensure a high oil supply rate, vital for a high-performance engine. The
extremely stiff crankcase is supported by six bearings.
In the new M5, the bedplate design is used for the first time in a BMW
production Vee engine. The compact 90-degree layout was chosen for its low
vibration and optimum balance and weighs just 240kg. The weight of the V10 is
almost identical to its eight-cylinder forebear.
High-pressure Double-VANOS camshaft adjustment ensures more power, an
optimised torque curve, excellent response, reduced fuel consumption and lower
emissions.
The V10 features four valves per cylinder, a layout typical of BMW engines.
All valve train components are of low mass. For example, the M engines feature
for the first time, low-weight, flow-optimised 5 mm-shaft valves, spherical
valve tappets with hydraulic valve play compensation for reduced running costs
and single valve springs. This results in a considerable reduction of mass, a
prerequisite for the engine's high-revving abilities.
The naturally aspirated engine uses 10 flow-optimised intake trumpets to
'inhale’ air from two intake plenums. Each cylinder has its own throttle, a
feature typical of racing engines.
All throttles are actuated simultaneously and are electronically controlled
in order to make the engine highly responsive in the lower speed range, as well
as to achieve an immediate response at higher speeds.
Proof that this new engine is one of the world's best is never far away - the
V10 delivers an orchestra-like staccato through the quad exhausts fitted to the
M5, something that is normally only heard on the race track.
M5 Exclusive Feature Highlights
ENGINE
- 507 bhp / 373 kW at 7,750 rpm V10 5.0-litre engine
- Power-to-weight
ratio: 3.5 kg/bhp
- In excess of 100 bhp per litre
- 520 Nm of torque at
6,100 rpm
- 8,250 rpm red line
- High pressure Bi-VANOS gives increased
performance, improved torque curve, optimum responsiveness, lower consumption
and fewer emissions
- Race-bred engine control unit processes 200 million
calculations per second
- Ionic current technology recognises engine knock,
ignition and combustion failure
- Lateral Force Compensation oil supply acts
like a dry sump
- First high-revving V10 engine featured in a
regular-production Sedan.
- Bedplate design bottom end for added
stiffness
- Lightweight, all alloy construction means V10 is only 1kg heavier
than previous V8 M5 engine
- Dual equal length Stainless Steel exhaust pipes
and extractors
TRANSMISSION
- 7 Speed SMG transmission
- Drivelogic with eleven gearshift programs
plus: Slip control, Hill Detection and Launch Control
- Gearshift time around
65 milliseconds, only Formula 1 is faster
CHASSIS
- Electronic Damper Control
- Dynamic Stability Control with a choice of
two dynamic programmes
- Mechanical variable steering, Servotronic with two
control maps
- High-performance brakes: 100 km/h to 0 km/h in under 36
metres
- M Differential Lock
PERFORMANCE
- 0-100 km/h 4.7 seconds
- 0-200 km/h 14.4 seconds
- 330 km/h speedo
(250 km/h electronic limiter)
INTERIOR
- Red speedo / rev counter needles
- Head-Up Display with shift up
lights
- M Leather-rimmed sport steering wheel with shift paddles and MDrive
button
- Illuminated SMG shift lever
- Power Button switches from Comfort
(400 bhp) to Sport (507 bhp)
EXTERIOR
- Subtle yet aerodynamically efficient body kit
- 19-inch M Radial Spoke
light alloy wheels
- Quad chrome tailpipes
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