2018 BMW M5 vs 1984 BMW M5 – Video
The M5 is available for the first time with all-wheel drive. BMW, however relies on a rear biased design which is designed exclusively for driving dynamics.
BMW also has included a true rear wheel drive mode. The engine is an evolution of the S63 from the previous model. With a power of 441 kW (600 PS; 591 bhp) the new M5 has the same power as the limited edition “Competition Package” and “30 Jahre M5” models of the F10 generation, while the torque has been raised to 750 N·m (553 lb·ft), 70 Nm above the F10 M5.
The car is now equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the previous M5’s 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The F90 is the first M5 ever to only have an auto option. It accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), and without limiter 305 km/h (190 mph) with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Despite the heavier four-wheel drive, BMW was able to reduce the weight of the new M5 by about 40 kg over the outgoing model.
The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon (sedan), but the overall appearance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis with various mechanical changes. Most notably the M88/3 engine that was derived from the engine used in the M1. Later the cars were equipped with a more emissions friendly evolution of this engine known as the S38B35. At its launch, the E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.
The first generation M5 was hand-built in Preussenstrasse/Munich prior to the 1986 Motorsport factory summer vacation. Thereafter, M5 production was moved to Daimlerstrasse in Garching where the remainder were built by hand. Production of the M5 continued until November 1988, well after production of the E28 chassis ended in Germany in December 1987. This continued production would eventually lead to a class action lawsuit that was settled with vouchers being given to car owners. Chicago Clearing Corporation served as a market maker for these $4,000 vouchers that were officially issued in 1993.
The M5 was produced in four different versions based on intended export locations. These were the left-hand drive (LHD) Euro spec, the right-hand drive (RHD) UK spec, the LHD North American (NA) spec for the United States and Canada, and the RHD South African (ZA) spec.
The European and South African M5s used the M88/3 engine which produced 210 kW (280 hp). North American 1988 models used the S38B35 engine which was equipped with a catalytic converter and produced 188 kW (252 hp).