THE BMW M5 OF 1998.

A V8 fine specimen.

The BMW M5 of 1998.A V8 fine specimen.

25. Aug 2017

The story of the creation of the third BMW M5 generation (1998-2003) is less well known, making it even more interesting. Alexander Hildebrandt, Head of Product Marketing at BMW Germany, was the Marketing Director at BMW M until 1998. He was also the Project Leader responsible for the BMW M5 (E39). “I well remember the discussions about the BMW M5, and how – in the eyes of some M fans – it still had a flaw,“ he said. It concerned the V8 engine, which ended the era of the six-cylinder for BMW M5. The wistfulness of the fans was understandable: after all, the engine that saw its premiere in the in the legendary BMW M1 was being discontinued. But that didn’t change the fact that the new BMW M5 was expected to once again set new standards, and for that it had to have serious power under the bonnet.

Alexander Hildebrant, Head of Product Marketing BMW Germany.

Shaped by customers’ wishes.

The V8 soon proved to be the only worthy solution to fulfil these performance demands. However, many other alternatives were tested in the development of a contemporary concept for the BMW M5. These ideas ranged from a highly charged six-cylinder engine to the V8 engine, which eventually won. Time was also ticking, because the production of the second generation was drawing to a close. Finally, the decision was made to take the series 8-cylinder from BMW. The engine was upgraded so that it more than met the high standards BMW fans and customers held the BMW M to. And the experiment paid off. “This BMW M5 is the most successful car that we have put on the markets,“ emphasised Alexander Hildebrandt. Why was that? Behind the classic, sleek appearance lurks a true sports freak. Where else at that time could you get a series sedan that enabled transverse acceleration of 1.2 g? A major factor in favour of the BMW M5 could be found in the US market: the BMW 3 without the M-typical single throttle valve had already made a good showing there. So BMW USA could easily imagine that the M5 would enjoy similar success with its concept.

” Whoever has one, loves it. ”
Alexander Hildebrandt, Head Product Marketing BMW Germany

The inside of the BMW M5 of 1998 (3rd generation)

You want to offer customers a real M automobile – the heart of which is the engine. The challenge: to develop an M engine from the well-regarded V8 series engine. The effort paid off, because the V8 motor is a fine specimen. It mobilises 400 hp and a powerful torque of 500 Nm at just 3,800 rpm. For the first time, electronically controlled throttle valves were installed, which can open the actuators in 120 milliseconds. In connection with the double VANOS, the responsiveness is clearly improved. Using the sport button, the commands given by the gas pedal can be even more seamlessly carried out. The BMW M5 manages a sprint between 80 and 120 km/h in just 4.8 seconds – the same amount time someone takes to fall in love.

Further information about the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO2 emissions for new passenger automobiles can be found in the 'New Passenger Vehicle Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emission Guidelines', which are available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern, Germany, or under http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. The figures are not based on an individual vehicle and do not constitute part of the product offer; they are provided solely for the purposes of comparison between different vehicle types. CO2 emissions caused by the production and provision of fuel or other energy sources are not taken into account in the determination of CO2 emissions pursuant to Directive 1999/94/EC.

All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.

THE BMW M5 OF 1998.

A V8 fine specimen.

Shaped by customers’ wishes.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS:

The BMW M5 from 1985.

The BMW M5 of 1988.

Strictly limited.

DTM: Season-opener at Oschersleben.

In-car gaming in the BMW i5.

24h Nürburgring: ROWE Racing on the podium.

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THE BMW M5 OF 1998.

A V8 fine specimen.

Shaped by customers’ wishes.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS:

The BMW M5 from 1985.

The BMW M5 of 1988.

Strictly limited.

DTM: Season-opener at Oschersleben.

In-car gaming in the BMW i5.

24h Nürburgring: ROWE Racing on the podium.

Website currently not fully available