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 Thursday January 08, 2009 |
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THE NEW BMW M5 |
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Written by Jeff Seabrook
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Friday September 17, 2004 |
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Page 4 of 4
An undisputed gauge of driving dynamics is the northern loop of the legendary Nürburgring race track. For decades, the world's most demanding race track has been the perfect place of separating the wheat from the chaff. There is no other place where the interaction of vehicle components when taken to the limits can be observed as well as on the Nürburgring's northern loop. With lap times of approximately eight minutes, the M5 can hold its own and is a worthy competitor of thoroughbred sports cars, leaving its competitors far behind. By the way: traditionally, all M vehicles are tested there.
M suspension based on the 5 Series: the icing on the cake.
The aforementioned lap time demonstrates that the M5 can be extremely sporty. Although the suspension of the basic 5 Series model is undoubtedly very good, such a record performance with respect to dynamics would not be possible. This is why the M5 is also totally unique with regard to its suspension.
Many detail solutions and changes turn the 5 Series into an M5.
Consequently, the suspension and its electronic assistants have been either exclusively developed for the new M5, undergone extensive modifications or adapted to the special M performance. For example, the M5's running gear is by no means a lowered 5 Series suspension. Instead, it is an optimised design created from scratch. The suspension assisting systems, some of which have the same name as those of the 5 Series, have been optimised for this vehicle. On the one hand, this suspension contributes greatly to the M5 being the technological culmination of the successful BMW 5 Series. On the other hand, it clearly demonstrates that the M5 is a unique model with a distinctive appearance.
Variable M differential lock.
The M5 has a variable, torque-sensing differential lock bestowing the vehicle with a high level of driving stability and optimum traction, above all when accelerating out of bends. Even in extremely demanding driving situations, i.e. when there are major differences in the coefficients of friction at the driven wheels, it offers a decisive advantage in terms of traction. A further advantage is that it instantly builds up an increasing locking power if the speed
difference between the driven wheels rises, thus guaranteeing optimum forward progress at all times.
Only featured in the M5: DSC with two selectable driving dynamics programs.
A new generation of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has been especially developed for the M5. The DSC system can be deactivated by pressing a button on the selector lever cover. The driving dynamics programs are pre-selected in the so-called MDrive and can be called up using the MDrive button on the steering wheel. Whilst the first DSC mode by and large corresponds to that of the 5 Series, the second mode - the M Dynamic Mode - is highly appreciated by sports-minded drivers.
EDC: the spectrum ranges from sportingly firm to comfortable.
The M5's Electronic Damper Control (EDC) enables the driver to choose from three programs (comfort, normal and sport), thereby adjusting the suspension characteristics accordingly. The driver can operate the EDC function via the MDrive button on the steering wheel or the push button next to the SMG selector lever.
Power button activates engine characteristics "on demand".
The driver often does not need the M5's full performance and maximum agility, for example in city traffic. This is why the markedly comfortable P400 performance program with an engine output of 400 bhp is automatically activated whenever the engine is started. At the push of a button (the so-called Power button on the selector lever cover), the ten-cylinder powerplant's full power is at the driver's disposal. The accelerator pedal kinematics
adopt spontaneous characteristics, giving free rein, in the P500 program, to the sporty driver and eliciting, in the P500 sport program, uncompromising racing pleasure.
High-performance brakes derived from motor sport.
To complement its immense power output, the M5 is equipped with a generously sized high-performance braking system with perforated, weight-optimised compound brake discs. The aluminium twin-piston sliding callipers (analogous to the BMW 7 Series), which have been optimised for minimum weight and maximum stiffness, help the M5 to achieve stopping distances similar to those of red-blooded sports cars: deceleration from 62 mph to 0 is accomplished in under 36 metres, the braking distance from 124 mph to a standstill is less than 140 metres.
The high-performance business express.
A wolf in sheep's clothing - this description would fit if the basic 5 Series, and particularly the new M5, looked "tame" when viewed from outside. In fact, the 5 Series already looks sporty, elegant and athletic. It is no coincidence that this 5 Series represents BMW's dynamic business class. The M5 is set apart from the basic model by a host of striking and hidden details, which further add to its powerful, sporty and dynamic looks. An athlete in business attire would be an apt description of the new M5.
Exterior with understatement.
The differences in design versus the basic 5 Series are discreet but consistent, giving the M5 a surprisingly high level of uniqueness in terms of looks, without questioning the common genes with the BMW model series. The modified front and rear aprons are instant eye catchers. Another difference is the modified side sills and the somewhat more prominent wheel arches. Traditionally, the M differs from the "normal" BMW in its exclusive exterior mirror design, the four tailpipes, which have also become an unmistakable feature of all M vehicles, and the exclusive wheel design.
For the first time, the M5 sports very attractive gills which are incorporated into the front side panel.
An even sportier interior.
The M5 comes with a leather interior in three different colours, which makes
it look even more sophisticated than the lavishly equipped basic model or - for an extra price - with a full leather interior, which looks absolutely stunning. Further important differences versus the 5 Series are the instrument cluster, the optional M-specific head-up display, the steering wheel with MDrive buttons and the redesigned centre console.
Business express for everyday use.
All vehicles made by BMW M GmbH are very convenient for everyday motoring. This particularly applies to the M5: despite its awe-inspiring performance which is reminiscent of that of a racing car, it has remained an elegant and comfortable saloon perfectly suitable for longer journeys, an integral characteristic of BMW 5 Series cars. Thus, one can say that the M5's racing ambitions neither impair driving comfort, active and passive safety,
nor do they reduce the space available for passengers and luggage. Even in terms of consumption and environmental compatibility, the M5 is a real paragon - just like all BMW automobiles.
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