Once again a new M5, but this time different from its predecessors with V8 engine and so almost in logical consequence four tailpipes. After twenty years, a chunky new edition, so much capacity paired with a six-speed manual transmission gearbox. And such as a greeting, on the gear knob emblazoned the M logo. Sure, the New should be superior to the potent BMW 5 series up to the 540i. After all, one already trust oneself the modification in a M-model. Only the engine is delivered by the M division.

BMW remains true to the philosophy of naturally aspirated gasoline engine in this M5, and even more in the next M5. With growing consequences for the rotational speed level. It is already now higher than in the usual 5series engines and will continue to rise. For this, the new engine is apparently completely rebuilt, the aluminum engine block is just one example of the differentness. No, an all-wheel drive this M5 has not, but could need it very well with this force to the drive axle. After all, the rear suspension is reinforced.

This engine will rev to 7000 rpm, the successor well over 8000 rpm. The engine sound this does excellent, by the way. Both have 5 liters of displacement, which then is distributed even to ten cylinders. Anyway, even the M5 from 1998 is already clearly far from its predecessor with 'only' 3.8-liter displacement and six cylinders. By the way, the M5series will remain faithful the manual gearbox and directly go to 'heaven of the sequential gearboxes' without going through a converter automatic transmission.

What else is there of specific features? First of all, it's already rare to stuck a full-blown limousine in such a sportsman's suit, whereby, of course the considerable weight, at least on paper, can not be denied. After all, one has abandoned the idea, to equip even the workhorse Touring with this high-tech package. So the limousine alone deserves the honor of defending the M5 emblem. Outwardly, it presents itself demonstratively harmless except emblem and intentionally other design of the rims, actually hardly different.

As a basic 5series, the M5 also enjoys the facelift in 2000, which among other things the parking light rings also brings in its headlights. What it now already differs from an ordinary 5series, is the brake system visible behind the other rim design, the in performance clearly surpasses the of the series. Given the particularities of the M5, to those also belong electrically adjustable sports seats, the price appears not even so unfair, compared to the previous model. Even more so, when we look at it with 'Euro-eyes' today. 10/13