Exactly ten years after the birth of the street-worthy M automobile with the BMW M1, in 1988 the second generation of the BMW M5 and overall fifth M automobile appeared. Like the previous models, it too was manufactured in Garching. After the first BMW M5 sold more than 2,000 cars, the expectations for the second generation were high – and were exceeded.
At the heart of the creation of the second BMW M5 was the further development of the legendary four-valve, six-cylinder engine from the BMW M1. This original 3,453 cubic centimetre engine delivered 277 horsepower in the first model before it reached 286 hp in the BMW M635 CSi and in the first generation BMW M5 cars. In the catalytic converter version, a respectable 260hp remained. In order to achieve a performance increase of 55 hp, the stroke was extended by two millimetres, increasing the stroke volume to 3,535 cubic centimetres. With the help of this and other technical fine-tuning – such as the resonance air collector – the unit delivered a sturdy 315 hp and 360 Nm – still an outstanding value for a six-cylinder engine of this displacement class.
Almost proudly, the press kit points out that the BMW M5 is only recognised by those in the know, or at a second glance. Because only those driving directly in front of – or behind – the car can see the M emblem. After the period of 1984 to 1987 during which 2,145 of the first generation cars were sold, the second BMW M5 generation increased sales five-fold: all-in-all, the sports sedan has 11,363 fans.
In 1992, the model was reworked. The engine was installed in its final version with 3.8 litres displacement and 340 hp. This accelerated the BMW M5 to 100 km/h for the first time in under six seconds. The distinct chassis modification also contributed to its outstanding driving dynamics. This power packet was topped up two years later with a 6-speed transmission. While the BMW M5 looked discreet, its sporting genes were unmistakable. While European racing series preferred more compact cars from the so-called small class, the BMW M5 came to the fore in the USA in connection with the IMSA. With the second generation of the BMW M5, two traditions also came to an end. On the one hand, the legendary Motor S38, which represented a further development of the famous M1 transmission, disappeared. And on the other hand, the second generation BMW M5 was the last M automobile to be manufactured in Garching.
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.
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