M5, the new ultimate driving machine
By Ron Perry
|
December 15, 2005
Introduction
Enthusiasts with means have been waiting patiently for the 2006 BMW M5 to arrive and this powerhouse is sure to please those willing to part with a significant chunk of their disposable income. The 2006 BMW M5 wrings 500 horsepower from an all-new aluminum V-10 engine, sent to the rear wheels through a state-of-the-art seven-speed transmission. As with M Series cars past and present, handling is a strong point. On your favorite back roads or the straights of your local track, the 2006 BMW M5 is sure to please those that can afford the price of entry. Technology doesn’t come cheap, but where else can you get a sedan that can haul three snot-nosed kids and a significant other in total luxury yet still behave like an exotic sports car when asked to? The 2006 BMW M5 is in a class all by itself.
History
The first BMW M5 appeared in the United States during the 1988 model year and was sold for only one year. It offered 256 horsepower from a six-cylinder motor that it shared with the M6. Three years later, the second-generation M5 hit U.S. shores, once again using the same basic six-cylinder engine but with modifications to make 310 horsepower. BMW’s official 0-60 acceleration time for the car was 6.1 seconds. The turn of the century marked the third-generation M5 as it went on sale for the 2000 model year. This M5’s motor was a breathed-on 4.9-liter V8 that produced 394 horsepower and propelled the M5 from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. The latest version hitting the streets for 2006 once again steps things up with a new V-10 engine producing 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque and a whole assortment of technological goodies.
Design
The 2006 BMW M5 incorporates exclusive design features that distinguish it from the standard 5 Series. These exterior features include M-style side gills, 19-inch double spoke rims, unique rocker panels, exclusive M-designed side mirrors, a distinctively shaped lower trunklid, four round stainless steel exhaust outlets, and front and rear spoilers and intakes. The M5 is available in four unique colors.
Performance
The monstrous V-10 engine residing under the 2006 BMW M5’s hood is capable of producing 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Weighing in at a tick over 4,000 pounds, the M5 isn’t exactly a lightweight, but it can still reach 60 mph from a standing start in just 4.5 seconds. Not long ago acceleration like that was reserved for lightweight exotics sporting 12-cylinder powerplants with turbos or superchargers. The BMW M5’s quickness can also be attributed to the Sequential Manual Gearbox transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to just 155 mph.
Engine
The V-10 engine in the 2006 M5 is a first for BMW. The engine was designed to exploit high engine speeds to achieve maximum performance. The new 5.0-liter V-10 produces 500 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and the 383 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,100 rpm. Compare those figures to the previous M5, which housed a 4.9 liter V8 with 394 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. Notice the new car’s 106-horsepower increase. BMW makes use of high tech engine components in this all-new V-10 engine. Lightweight and specially-shaped “box type” hydraulic lifters derived from racing technology, lightweight valves, hollow camshafts, light but strengthened pistons and connecting rods, and electronically controlled individual throttles for each cylinder all contribute to the M5’s impressive performance. Other features include a 12.0:1 compression ratio and new ionic-current technology that allows the individual spark plugs to perform engine knock sensing.
Brakes
When you build a car with the performance capability the new 2006 BMW M5 possesses, a damn good set of brakes is needed to keep things under control. Not surprisingly, BMW engineers didn’t scrimp here. The BMW M5 is fitted with 14.7-inch cross-drilled front rotors that are 1.42 inches thick while the rears are 14.6-inch cross-drilled discs with a thickness of .94 inches. The big news here is the use of compound brakes. The BMW M5 uses specially constructed aluminum and cast-iron rotors to reduce weight but the technology also eliminates deformation of the rotors under even the extremes of heavy track use.
Wheels
Serious rubber is just part of the 2006 BMW M5’s handling equation. Up front, the M5 gets 19 x 8.5-inch M double-spoke design wheels wrapped with 255/40ZR-19 specially developed high performance tires. Taking up the rear are 19 x 9.5-inch rims shod with 285/35ZR-19s. The 2006 BMW M5 is not equipped with a spare due to the space requirements the four mufflers consume, but the tires are not a run-flat design as you might expect. According to BMW, no run-flats have been developed that meet BMW M Series parameters of speed and weight. In the event of a flat, owners must rely on either the M Mobility system (basically a can of fix-a-flat) or the more likely alternative, roadside assistance.
Options
You would think a car with the BMW M5’s prestige and price tag would be equipped with everything. Not so. The 2006 BMW M5 has several additional options buyers can choose to load up their M5. Some of this stuff strikes us as nickel-and-diming:
• M Series Multi-function Sport Seats: These seats include active side bolsters that automatically inflate to hold occupants in place during tight cornering as well as active head restraints pivot forward in a severe rear collision to help prevent whiplash prevention. Multiple fans in the seat move air through the perforated leather to keep occupants cool and perspiration free.
• Comfort Access: This feature allows the driver to carry a remote in a pocket or purse and access or lock the vehicle by simply touching the door handle. Starting the car is just as easy; press the start button and you’re off without having to insert the key in the ignition.
• Soft Close Doors: Close any door gently and an electric mechanism draws it shut.
• Full Leather and Wood trim: Just in case the standard leather and aluminum trim aren’t up to snuff.
• M Heads Up Display: A virtual color image is displayed on the windshield and allows the driver to see selected information without taking his eyes from the road.
• Sirius Satellite Radio: Sirius offers 60 original and commercial-free channels of music, plus over 40 stations featuring sports, news and entertainment.
• Split Folding Rear Seats: Includes a ski bag pass-through.
• Heated Rear Seats: BMW hasn’t ignored the less fortunate who must ride in rather than drive the M5. Outboard rear occupants get three-stage, two-zone heated seats.
• Power Rear Sunshade: Includes manual side window sunshades.
• Rear Side-impact Airbags: These are door mounted and complement the standard side curtain airbags.
• Rear Spoiler Delete: A no cost option that gets rid of apparently unnecessary hardware.
Exhaust
The 2006 BMW M5’s exhaust gases are routed through a set of stainless steel headers that some would call a technological work of art. Unfortunately BMW chose to cover them under plastic panels. Exhaust exits the car through four round stainless exhaust tips.
Transmission
One transmission option is available when purchasing a new 2006 BMW M5: the seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, or SMG. A six-speed manual will be offered in fall of 2006 for those that prefer a standard manual transmission. The M5’s SMG was developed for this car from scratch and features quick shifts plus a variety of automated and sequential Drivelogic modes. In the sequential shift manual mode, there are six programs to choose from that take the shifts from soft and slow to hard and quick. In automated mode, five programs can change the shift dynamics from mild to wild depending on your preference. BMW also incorporated special functions into the transmission for added safety and functionality. These features include automatic downshifts to first gear whether in D or S mode, over-rev protection that ignores bad shifts by the driver, slip control that disengages the clutch for a split second to prevent wheel slippage on a slippery surface, start-off assist that keeps the car from rolling back on a hill for one second after the brakes are released, hill detection that modifies shift points in D-mode when gradients are detected, and double clutching in D or S modes to achieve smooth downshifts that mimic the heel-and-toe method.
Gauges
In addition to the standard speedometer and tachometer, the 2006 BMW M5 also offers a head-up display as an option. This unit displays a virtual image on the windshield that appears to the driver to be at the front bumper of the car. This allows the driver to monitor a selection of information without taking his eyes from the road. The information that the driver can choose to monitor includes the navigation system, cruise control speed, current speed, engine speed, an upshift indicator, and current gear selection.
Suspension
BMW made significant modifications to the 2006 M5’s suspension. At the front, the M5 gets more rigid bushings and a 0.9-inch wider track. At the rear, there’s a modified sub-frame, suspension links from the Z8 sports car, stiffer bushings, and hollow half-shafts for reduced weight and greater strength. The rear track is actually narrower by 0.6 inches so that the wider wheels and tires will clear the bodywork, but although the track is narrower, the footprint is actually wider. All four wheels get calibrated springs and shocks, and electronic dampening continually adjusts the shocks according to road and driving conditions to provide the best ride and handling mix. The 2006 BMW M5 also includes a limited slip differential and speed-sensitive steering that offers sport and comfort assist levels.
Seats
Even the 2006 BMW M5’s seats are loaded with technology. The standard seats include an adjustment for backrest width and a memory system tied to a specific remote that also remembers steering wheel position and individual control settings. The fun comes in when you spend the extra $$$ for the M Multi-Functional Sport Seats. In addition to the standard seat functions these seats add the following:
• Active Backrest functionality that tightens the lower backrest bolsters when sensing cornering forces.
• Adjustable Upper Back Rest Support that is electronically controlled and not affected by active functions.
• Active Head Restraints that allow the driver to adjust the headrest away from the back of her head but pivot forward during impact to protect against whiplash.
• Active Seat Ventilation uses multiple fans inside of the seat to circulate air though the perforated leather keeping the front occupants cool on hot days.
Safety
Safety is always a consideration when purchasing a car. The new 2006 BMW M5 comes standard with the following safety features:
• Dual front two-stage deployment smart airbags
• Front and rear side-curtain airbags
• Front side-impact airbags
• Front safety belts with automatic tensioning and force limiters
• Automatic locking retractors on all safety belts
• LATCH attachments in the rear for child seats
• Interlocking door anchoring system for side impacts
• Battery cut-off
• BMW Assist telematics
• Central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature and selective unlocking
Pricing
The base price of the 2006 BMW M5 is $81,895 including a $695 destination charge. Fully optioned and including the $3,700 gas-guzzler tax, the BMW M5 comes in at $96,175 – not including any dealer mark-up or local sales taxes. Just getting access to one of these cars will require friends in high places.
Interior Dimensions
Seating capacity: 5
Shoulder room (front/rear): 57.3/57.2 inches
Head room (front/rear): 37.7/37.8 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.5/36 inches
Passenger compartment volume: 99.1 cu.-ft.
Cargo volume: 14.0 cu.-ft.
Technical Specs
Curb weight: 4,012 lbs.
Weight distribution (front/rear): 52.2/47.8
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Track (front/rear): 62.2/61.7
Length: 191 inches
Width: 72.7 inches
Height: 57.8 inches
Aero drag coefficient: 0.31
The first BMW M5 appeared in the United States during the 1988 model year and was sold for only one year. It offered 256 horsepower from a six-cylinder motor that it shared with the M6. Three years later, the second-generation M5 hit U.S. shores, once again using the same basic six-cylinder engine but with modifications to make 310 horsepower. BMW’s official 0-60 acceleration time for the car was 6.1 seconds. The turn of the century marked the third-generation M5 as it went on sale for the 2000 model year. This M5’s motor was a breathed-on 4.9-liter V8 that produced 394 horsepower and propelled the M5 from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. The latest version hitting the streets for 2006 once again steps things up with a new V-10 engine producing 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque and a whole assortment of technological goodies.
Design
The 2006 BMW M5 incorporates exclusive design features that distinguish it from the standard 5 Series. These exterior features include M-style side gills, 19-inch double spoke rims, unique rocker panels, exclusive M-designed side mirrors, a distinctively shaped lower trunklid, four round stainless steel exhaust outlets, and front and rear spoilers and intakes. The M5 is available in four unique colors.
Performance
The monstrous V-10 engine residing under the 2006 BMW M5’s hood is capable of producing 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Weighing in at a tick over 4,000 pounds, the M5 isn’t exactly a lightweight, but it can still reach 60 mph from a standing start in just 4.5 seconds. Not long ago acceleration like that was reserved for lightweight exotics sporting 12-cylinder powerplants with turbos or superchargers. The BMW M5’s quickness can also be attributed to the Sequential Manual Gearbox transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to just 155 mph.
Engine
The V-10 engine in the 2006 M5 is a first for BMW. The engine was designed to exploit high engine speeds to achieve maximum performance. The new 5.0-liter V-10 produces 500 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and the 383 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,100 rpm. Compare those figures to the previous M5, which housed a 4.9 liter V8 with 394 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. Notice the new car’s 106-horsepower increase. BMW makes use of high tech engine components in this all-new V-10 engine. Lightweight and specially-shaped “box type” hydraulic lifters derived from racing technology, lightweight valves, hollow camshafts, light but strengthened pistons and connecting rods, and electronically controlled individual throttles for each cylinder all contribute to the M5’s impressive performance. Other features include a 12.0:1 compression ratio and new ionic-current technology that allows the individual spark plugs to perform engine knock sensing.
Brakes
When you build a car with the performance capability the new 2006 BMW M5 possesses, a damn good set of brakes is needed to keep things under control. Not surprisingly, BMW engineers didn’t scrimp here. The BMW M5 is fitted with 14.7-inch cross-drilled front rotors that are 1.42 inches thick while the rears are 14.6-inch cross-drilled discs with a thickness of .94 inches. The big news here is the use of compound brakes. The BMW M5 uses specially constructed aluminum and cast-iron rotors to reduce weight but the technology also eliminates deformation of the rotors under even the extremes of heavy track use.
Wheels
Serious rubber is just part of the 2006 BMW M5’s handling equation. Up front, the M5 gets 19 x 8.5-inch M double-spoke design wheels wrapped with 255/40ZR-19 specially developed high performance tires. Taking up the rear are 19 x 9.5-inch rims shod with 285/35ZR-19s. The 2006 BMW M5 is not equipped with a spare due to the space requirements the four mufflers consume, but the tires are not a run-flat design as you might expect. According to BMW, no run-flats have been developed that meet BMW M Series parameters of speed and weight. In the event of a flat, owners must rely on either the M Mobility system (basically a can of fix-a-flat) or the more likely alternative, roadside assistance.
Options
You would think a car with the BMW M5’s prestige and price tag would be equipped with everything. Not so. The 2006 BMW M5 has several additional options buyers can choose to load up their M5. Some of this stuff strikes us as nickel-and-diming:
• M Series Multi-function Sport Seats: These seats include active side bolsters that automatically inflate to hold occupants in place during tight cornering as well as active head restraints pivot forward in a severe rear collision to help prevent whiplash prevention. Multiple fans in the seat move air through the perforated leather to keep occupants cool and perspiration free.
• Comfort Access: This feature allows the driver to carry a remote in a pocket or purse and access or lock the vehicle by simply touching the door handle. Starting the car is just as easy; press the start button and you’re off without having to insert the key in the ignition.
• Soft Close Doors: Close any door gently and an electric mechanism draws it shut.
• Full Leather and Wood trim: Just in case the standard leather and aluminum trim aren’t up to snuff.
• M Heads Up Display: A virtual color image is displayed on the windshield and allows the driver to see selected information without taking his eyes from the road.
• Sirius Satellite Radio: Sirius offers 60 original and commercial-free channels of music, plus over 40 stations featuring sports, news and entertainment.
• Split Folding Rear Seats: Includes a ski bag pass-through.
• Heated Rear Seats: BMW hasn’t ignored the less fortunate who must ride in rather than drive the M5. Outboard rear occupants get three-stage, two-zone heated seats.
• Power Rear Sunshade: Includes manual side window sunshades.
• Rear Side-impact Airbags: These are door mounted and complement the standard side curtain airbags.
• Rear Spoiler Delete: A no cost option that gets rid of apparently unnecessary hardware.
Exhaust
The 2006 BMW M5’s exhaust gases are routed through a set of stainless steel headers that some would call a technological work of art. Unfortunately BMW chose to cover them under plastic panels. Exhaust exits the car through four round stainless exhaust tips.
Transmission
One transmission option is available when purchasing a new 2006 BMW M5: the seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, or SMG. A six-speed manual will be offered in fall of 2006 for those that prefer a standard manual transmission. The M5’s SMG was developed for this car from scratch and features quick shifts plus a variety of automated and sequential Drivelogic modes. In the sequential shift manual mode, there are six programs to choose from that take the shifts from soft and slow to hard and quick. In automated mode, five programs can change the shift dynamics from mild to wild depending on your preference. BMW also incorporated special functions into the transmission for added safety and functionality. These features include automatic downshifts to first gear whether in D or S mode, over-rev protection that ignores bad shifts by the driver, slip control that disengages the clutch for a split second to prevent wheel slippage on a slippery surface, start-off assist that keeps the car from rolling back on a hill for one second after the brakes are released, hill detection that modifies shift points in D-mode when gradients are detected, and double clutching in D or S modes to achieve smooth downshifts that mimic the heel-and-toe method.
Gauges
In addition to the standard speedometer and tachometer, the 2006 BMW M5 also offers a head-up display as an option. This unit displays a virtual image on the windshield that appears to the driver to be at the front bumper of the car. This allows the driver to monitor a selection of information without taking his eyes from the road. The information that the driver can choose to monitor includes the navigation system, cruise control speed, current speed, engine speed, an upshift indicator, and current gear selection.
Suspension
BMW made significant modifications to the 2006 M5’s suspension. At the front, the M5 gets more rigid bushings and a 0.9-inch wider track. At the rear, there’s a modified sub-frame, suspension links from the Z8 sports car, stiffer bushings, and hollow half-shafts for reduced weight and greater strength. The rear track is actually narrower by 0.6 inches so that the wider wheels and tires will clear the bodywork, but although the track is narrower, the footprint is actually wider. All four wheels get calibrated springs and shocks, and electronic dampening continually adjusts the shocks according to road and driving conditions to provide the best ride and handling mix. The 2006 BMW M5 also includes a limited slip differential and speed-sensitive steering that offers sport and comfort assist levels.
Seats
Even the 2006 BMW M5’s seats are loaded with technology. The standard seats include an adjustment for backrest width and a memory system tied to a specific remote that also remembers steering wheel position and individual control settings. The fun comes in when you spend the extra $$$ for the M Multi-Functional Sport Seats. In addition to the standard seat functions these seats add the following:
• Active Backrest functionality that tightens the lower backrest bolsters when sensing cornering forces.
• Adjustable Upper Back Rest Support that is electronically controlled and not affected by active functions.
• Active Head Restraints that allow the driver to adjust the headrest away from the back of her head but pivot forward during impact to protect against whiplash.
• Active Seat Ventilation uses multiple fans inside of the seat to circulate air though the perforated leather keeping the front occupants cool on hot days.
Safety
Safety is always a consideration when purchasing a car. The new 2006 BMW M5 comes standard with the following safety features:
• Dual front two-stage deployment smart airbags
• Front and rear side-curtain airbags
• Front side-impact airbags
• Front safety belts with automatic tensioning and force limiters
• Automatic locking retractors on all safety belts
• LATCH attachments in the rear for child seats
• Interlocking door anchoring system for side impacts
• Battery cut-off
• BMW Assist telematics
• Central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature and selective unlocking
Pricing
The base price of the 2006 BMW M5 is $81,895 including a $695 destination charge. Fully optioned and including the $3,700 gas-guzzler tax, the BMW M5 comes in at $96,175 – not including any dealer mark-up or local sales taxes. Just getting access to one of these cars will require friends in high places.
Interior Dimensions
Seating capacity: 5
Shoulder room (front/rear): 57.3/57.2 inches
Head room (front/rear): 37.7/37.8 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.5/36 inches
Passenger compartment volume: 99.1 cu.-ft.
Cargo volume: 14.0 cu.-ft.
Technical Specs
Curb weight: 4,012 lbs.
Weight distribution (front/rear): 52.2/47.8
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Track (front/rear): 62.2/61.7
Length: 191 inches
Width: 72.7 inches
Height: 57.8 inches
Aero drag coefficient: 0.31
Photos courtesy of BMW North America