Monday 30th January 2017

BMW M5: Market Watch

With BMW's next M5 due soon, PH takes a closer look at the five previous models. Which one would you buy?

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For over 30 years BMW's M5 has claimed the title of the definitive super saloon. Originally derived from the M535i, it has evolved through five incarnations into a 600hp monster that currently sits at the very top of the performance saloon tree.

The family tree!

BMW's 1979 E12 M535i - the forerunner to the first M5 - packed a 3.5-litre straight-six engine with 218hp on tap. Based on the standard six-cylinder 535i saloon, a close-ratio gearbox and upgraded brakes were added, along with Recaro sports seats, a limited-slip diff and other BMW Motorsport goodies. And this formed the basic blueprint for subsequent M5s, with the first official E28 M5 arriving in 1985.

Engine configurations have of course evolved over the last three decades, with the E28 and E34 M5s using straight sixes, the E39 a naturally aspirated V8, the E60/61 a mental V10 and the outgoing F10 a twin-turbo V8 - a format that's likely to be carried over into the imminent sixth-generation M5 too.

But what which M5 is currently the best generation to buy? Which is the best to drive? Which incarnation delivers the best all-round value for money? And, dare the question even be posed, which M5 is destined to become a classic?

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Introduction
BMW M5 (E28, 1985-1988)
BMW M5 (E34, 1989-1995)
BMW M5 (E39, 1999-2003)
BMW M5 (E60, 2005-2010)
BMW M5 (F10, 2011-2016)

Many thanks to Redish Motorsport, the BMW Car Club of Great Britain, Glass's Guide and BimmerForums for their help with this feature.

[MDMA .]

E28, then E34. Don't care much for the others.

[PGNSagaris]

MDMA . said:

E28, then E34. Don't care much for the others.

Driven any of the iterations ?

[British Beef]

Perfect M5 for me would be
E34 M5 Estate body looks
E39 interior, chassis and gearbox
E60 V10 engine

Newer M5s doing nothing for me - speed and comfort with no effort required.

I have settled on E39 M5 as the best compromise.

[BrewsterBear]

British Beef said:

Perfect M5 for me would be
E34 M5 Estate body looks
E39 interior, chassis and gearbox
E60 V10 engine

Newer M5s doing nothing for me - speed and comfort with no effort required.

I have settled on E39 M5 as the best compromise.

Me too. I love my E39 M5, although I prefer the looks of the older ones. The newer ones with auto boxes and too many nannies hold no interest for me. The E39, is comfortable yet handles well, fast without being bonkers, and just involving enough to have fun.

[Dan Gleables]

If I had to take one car and only one car to last me the rest of my life I'd struggle to think of much to beat an e39 M5. I bloody love the things.

[sutts]

Very minor correction to the E28 article - there were 187 (not 189) RHD cars built, which most likely makes it the rarest of all M cars. Just 30-40 left on the road now I believe so not surprised the prices are solid.

Here's mine (any excuse) - no. 185 with factory fitted M-Tech body kit, air con, fully electric heated seats, electric sunroof etc.





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|http://thumbsnap.com/xBm1tqDg[/url]

[Amirhussain]

I like them all, but the E34 is my all time favourite

[anonymous-user]

E39 for me. It really was (in a way, still is) the best car in the world.

It has aged very well, unlike the newer ones, and will be the most sought after I think in years to come. Nothing against the previous ones which are obviously superb (although never driven them!) but the E39 is the best allround M5 IMO.

[CrouchingWayne]

I'd go E60 - they've really grown on me over the past 2 years or so. Can't quite get on board with the estate - but I do agree it's probably the pick of the bunch.

[Dusty964]

sutts said:

Very minor correction to the E28 article - there were 187 (not 189) RHD cars built, which most likely makes it the rarest of all M cars. Just 30-40 left on the road now I believe so not surprised the prices are solid.

Here's mine (any excuse) - no. 185 with factory fitted M-Tech body kit, air con, fully electric heated seats, electric sunroof etc.





[url]

|http://thumbsnap.com/xBm1tqDg[/url]

That is bloody lovely.

[matty13]

V10 is the best - That NOISE

[martin12345]

I've been lucky enough to drive all of the versions except the F60 which being Turbocharged I don't really care for anyway
For me the E39 V8 is the best.
Two reasons
a) The E39 was such a good car. In it's day it was easily the "best in class" whereas other generations this is either not true or less clearly true. In this respect it's the best 5'er
b) The V8 engine - sounds fabulous and a near perfect balance between "real world" lower RPM torque and high RPM power

I can understand why some prefer the straight 6 versions as they were more pure "motorsport" focused, but to drive on the road the E39 is easily the one to have for me - love that car

Seriously considering buying one when I stop driving ~20,000miles a year in a few years time and reduce to 6~8,000/year when owning a 15~20 year old car and using it daily makes sense (and 20mpg !)

[exgtt]

For me, looking at what it was competing with it at the time (on the road) the E28 stands out as why I loved the brand. The design, engine, noise and drive. It's BMW at its best for me.

[MrTouring]

I love my e61 and have no idea what i would replace it with:

It's a glorious blend of rare at 222 made (150ish left), ballistic, discreet, but not too discreetand the noise, oh the noise.......

big and roomy for family but still not too large or heavy





Do miss my e28 though! The Grandaddy! Mine was no.008

[HannsG]

I really appreciate the design of the F10 M5. It really stands out after the E39...

I had an E46 M3 and thought I would be upgrading to the M5.

Current situation dictates I need to wait.

Next M car will be the F10

[Amirhussain]

Anyone remember the E60 M5 CSL? 580 bhp.

[Matt UK]

Dan Gleables said:

If I had to take one car and only one car to last me the rest of my life I'd struggle to think of much to beat an e39 M5. I bloody love the things.

Agreed. I've they'd done a touring version, it would probably be on my driveway right now.

[Mr Snrub]

Dusty964 said:

sutts said:

Very minor correction to the E28 article - there were 187 (not 189) RHD cars built, which most likely makes it the rarest of all M cars. Just 30-40 left on the road now I believe so not surprised the prices are solid.

Here's mine (any excuse) - no. 185 with factory fitted M-Tech body kit, air con, fully electric heated seats, electric sunroof etc.

That is bloody lovely.

Such a cool car, but that offset exhaust drives my OCD crackers

[Fire99]

E28... Had one a number of years ago and for some reason I couldn't warm to the E34, which just felt more bloated by comparison. (Personal perception of course)

By todays standards I guess it was fairly modest in spec. Half leather, Electric Windows all round + roof, fuel Computer and not a whole lot else but definitely a car to win my heart..

[Laurens135]

For me, it has to be the daddy, the e28 m5. That or the e61... That v10 though...