The Motorsports arm of BMW has been taking on various racing efforts and building exciting versions of their cars for almost 30 years. However, the M folks didn’t start from scratch when they created the M5, rather, they based it on the highly successful BMW 5-Series sedan platform. In order to justify the “M” moniker, however, the 5-Series had to be tweaked to excel in every aspect of performance. The available 4.4L V8 was stroked out to an even 5.0L in displacement, and fitted with BMW’s advanced Double VANOS variable valve timing system as well as 11.0:1 compression pistons. An electronic drive-by-wire throttle is used as well, which is linked to eight individual butterfly valves, one for each cylinder. The crank, connecting rods, wrist pins and other valve train hardware were replaced by lighter, stronger units for M5 duty, while a new semi-dry sump oiling system as employed as well. When finished, this all-aluminum gem produces an awesome 400hp and 395 lbs-ft of torque, the later coming at a low 3,800rpm. However, if the driver wishes to release all the M5’s fury, the engine will gladly rev to its 7,000rpm redline. The suspension received a great deal of work in order to match the engine’s mighty power. The M boys modified the springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, steering system and basic suspension geometry in order to achieve sports car handling from a sedan. In case you are every able to keep your foot off the gas, there are massive, dinner plate-sized disc brakes to haul the M5 down from triple digit speeds. The M5 hugs the road with huge 245-40-18 front and 275-35-18 rear tires, with stylish 18in wheels, further improving handling and braking performance. All right, enough with the statistics, what is it like to drive this beast?
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