The M5 of the second generation 5-series was based on the BMW 535i. The 535i bodyshell arrive more or less complete, having been taken from the normal 5 series production line. Most of the other mechanical components arrive at Motorsport as subassemblies. The major mechanical assembly is handled by just one technician or -if they prefer- as a team. The 72 technicians at Motorsport are highly trained, highly qualified and highly skilled. Each car takes about a week to complete, and before its released its subjected to many quality tests, which takes four to five hours, including a test drive. The test is so thorough that the inspector reckon, with a bit of practice, who has assemled each particular car!
At a first look, it seems to be an ordinary BMW 5 series. But at a closer look you will notice the M5 badge to the right of the BMW ribbons and on the trunk. You will see the 17" wheels, the larger double exhausts, different bumper contours, a revised air dam up front, subtle sidesills and 0,8 inch less ride height (3 cm). Thanks to this the M5 will have a drag coefficient of 0,32, retaining the 535i 0,32 Cx, despite it's greater intake of cooling air and the increased frontal projection of it's wide 235/45ZR-17s mounted on 17" wheels.
This model was equipped with 5-spoke skeletal structure with bolt on magnesium inserts with concentric rotor blades that cool the M5´s oversized brakes. But the rims and openings combine to give appearance off tall-profile whitewalls (Sorry, now pic available yet).
A limited slip differential is fitted. Front and rear anti roll bars are enlarged.
So, isn´t 315 hp enough? Apparently not, Motorsport Gmbh thought.
In late 1992 BMW introduced the 3,8 litre M5. The engine capacity has been increased by enlarging both bore and stroke. The power unit of the new M5 is one of the top performers worldwide in normal aspiration engine technology. It had 340 hp. This is 90 hp/litre which is a high power per litre number. Only a few cars beats this, and one of them is the BMW M3, with 100 hp/litre (321hp/3,2 litre). The latest generation of Digital Motor Electronics with integral, three stage intake system resonance control, as well as special stop-and-go control ensure the very best in motor engine managment. The result is a new standard of power, performance, torque and engine response at all speeds. Thesolid-state high-tension ignition with six separate coils refines the smoothness and comfort of this high performance engine.
The maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 feet/lb) is available from just 1800 rpm. Acceleration in fourth gear from 80-120 km/h is just 6,9 seconds.
The adaptive M suspension automatically adjusts the damper system to varying road conditions and driving situations. As a result, the suspension adjusts withion fractions of a srcond to the speed of the car, to the road surface and the load you are carrying -regardless how often or how quick these parameters change.
As an option you could have the M5 equipped with the Nurburgring package. Then all you do is press a button to achieve the sports setting with the extremely agile handling and extremely dynamic cornering features. An even stronger anti roll bar on the rear axle, 9 J * 17 wheels with 255/40 ZR 17 tyres at the rear and a special Servotronic power steering for dynamic motoring.
In 1995, the M5 got 18" wheels and a six speed gearbox and enlarged front brakes. It also got the new aerodynamic rearview mirrors from M3 as an option.
The Nurburgring suspension package was now fitted as standard.
And this model was available in Touring!
