BMW’s M division has marked the 30th anniversary of the M5with the unveiling of most powerful version of the iconic four-door saloon yet.
Set to be produced in a limited run of 300, the BMW M5 '30 Jahre M5' (30 years of the M5) – as the anniversary special is officially named – builds on the performance gains of the recently introduced M5 Competition Pack.
It consequently gets a lightly reworked version of BMW M division’s twin-turbocharged 4.4 V8 direct injection petrol engine delivering an added 25bhp, at 592bhp.
This provides the 1870kg four-door with a power-to-weight ratio that is 14bhp per tonne up on the M5 Competition Pack, at 317bhp per tonne.
The increase in reserves has been achieved through what BMW M division development boss Albert Biermann describes as: “tweaks to the engine management system and an increase in the turbocharger boost pressure”.
Drive is channelled to the rear wheels through a lightly reworked version of the standard M5’s seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, which boasts new software mapping. The result is the fastest series production M5 ever.
BMW claims 0-100kph in just 3.9sec and a top speed that is limited to 320kph in combination with an optional M Driver’s Package.
Underpinning the new M5 30 Jahre is a chassis featuring the same subtle modifications incorporated on the M5 Competition Package, with firmer springs and dampers, a 10mm reduction in ride height and standard 20-inch wheels shod with 265/40 front and 295/40 rear tyres.
Other changes include more direct mapping for the electro-mechanical steering system, a separate control unit for the active M differential for faster reactions and a recalibrated DSC (dynamic stability control).
The M5 30 Jahre is further distinguished from the standard M5 by a matt silver metallic body colour, darkened chrome accents for the kidney grille surround, door handle inserts and tailpipes as well as 30 Jahre badges within the front wings.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
Uday Singh
Kiran Murali
