The Imperial Star Destroyer
Discussion
Well folks, I don't normally post pictures of my 'ride in RC, but here we go anyway. She's a '95 M5 3.8 6-speed and is believed to be one of only 13 of this last generation model painted in Daytonaviolett.
And this is what it's all about:
Since I was a nipper, I've had a strange obsession with big, burly, 911-humbling German saloons, with the E34 M5 being my favourite. As such, I'm now on my second, this one being the 340bhp 3.8 as opposed to my last 315bhp 3.6.
I love the way it'll potter along in relative silence one minute, then blitz a favourite B road the next, before pummelling it's way up to a 175mph VMAX (derestricted).
For those not in the know (and judging by the total lack of attention it grabs, there are plenty), this was BMW's last hand built M-car, of which just 343 3.8 M5's were ever made - 140 or so in RHD. It uses a development of the engine found in the M1 supercar of the late '70's, which itself was designed as a homologation special for GT racing. Sadly, the rules changed and the M1 only ever raced in its own one-make series.
Nevertheless, based in Garching, BMW's Motorsport division decided it would be a clever idea to fit their race engine into the rather humdrum and by then, very dated E28 5 - series to create the ultimate bahn-stormer. The M5 was born. And it really is a race engine. Even in it's second generation, stood stationary, the car rocks on its springs to the uneven and lumpy idle and despite the 3.8 litres of straight six, not a huge amount happens below 4k rpm. Thereafter however, all hell breaks loose! Weighing ~1750kg's (depending on spec) she'll still hit 60 in 5.5 seconds and 100 in almost 13 dead. Not too shabby for a 13 year-old 5 series.
The second generation M5 (now in E34 flavour) continues this tradition whilst offering a little more refinement and a good deal more pace. Niki Lauda went on record to proclaim it as the best car he ever drove, while Sabine Schmitz of Nurburgring fame, reckons the E34 M5 to be the best of the breed, despite the fact that she now has the 500bhp E60 variant at her disposal.
It's actually up for sale at the moment, as I could do with some additional funds for my business. However, such is their relative worthlessness in today's market, I'm inclined to just hang on to the old 'gal as an example of how cars used to be made before grey-faced accountants and flowery marketing types got their way.
If I do hang onto her, expect to see a few minor upgrades to the handling department. Mostly however, she'll remain as those bearded men in brown coats intended
And this is what it's all about:
Since I was a nipper, I've had a strange obsession with big, burly, 911-humbling German saloons, with the E34 M5 being my favourite. As such, I'm now on my second, this one being the 340bhp 3.8 as opposed to my last 315bhp 3.6.
I love the way it'll potter along in relative silence one minute, then blitz a favourite B road the next, before pummelling it's way up to a 175mph VMAX (derestricted).
For those not in the know (and judging by the total lack of attention it grabs, there are plenty), this was BMW's last hand built M-car, of which just 343 3.8 M5's were ever made - 140 or so in RHD. It uses a development of the engine found in the M1 supercar of the late '70's, which itself was designed as a homologation special for GT racing. Sadly, the rules changed and the M1 only ever raced in its own one-make series.
Nevertheless, based in Garching, BMW's Motorsport division decided it would be a clever idea to fit their race engine into the rather humdrum and by then, very dated E28 5 - series to create the ultimate bahn-stormer. The M5 was born. And it really is a race engine. Even in it's second generation, stood stationary, the car rocks on its springs to the uneven and lumpy idle and despite the 3.8 litres of straight six, not a huge amount happens below 4k rpm. Thereafter however, all hell breaks loose! Weighing ~1750kg's (depending on spec) she'll still hit 60 in 5.5 seconds and 100 in almost 13 dead. Not too shabby for a 13 year-old 5 series.
The second generation M5 (now in E34 flavour) continues this tradition whilst offering a little more refinement and a good deal more pace. Niki Lauda went on record to proclaim it as the best car he ever drove, while Sabine Schmitz of Nurburgring fame, reckons the E34 M5 to be the best of the breed, despite the fact that she now has the 500bhp E60 variant at her disposal.
It's actually up for sale at the moment, as I could do with some additional funds for my business. However, such is their relative worthlessness in today's market, I'm inclined to just hang on to the old 'gal as an example of how cars used to be made before grey-faced accountants and flowery marketing types got their way.
If I do hang onto her, expect to see a few minor upgrades to the handling department. Mostly however, she'll remain as those bearded men in brown coats intended
G_T said:
Lovely car mate. I was going to go for one but ended up getting an XJR.
Yes. You are an incredible geek.
Don't know the Dulux number but its Humbrol Number 64 Matt Light Grey (also available in spray can)Daston said:
very nice
however wern't star destroyers painted in Imperial Grey??? God I am such a geek
You actually know the dulex colour chart for fictional space craft?however wern't star destroyers painted in Imperial Grey??? God I am such a geek
Yes. You are an incredible geek.
randomman said:
G_T said:
Lovely car mate. I was going to go for one but ended up getting an XJR.
Yes. You are an incredible geek.
Don't know the Dulux number but its Humbrol Number 64 Matt Light Grey (also available in spray can)Daston said:
very nice
however wern't star destroyers painted in Imperial Grey??? God I am such a geek
You actually know the dulex colour chart for fictional space craft?however wern't star destroyers painted in Imperial Grey??? God I am such a geek
Yes. You are an incredible geek.
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