It’s hard to believe that the BMW M5 has been around for nigh on 30 years. Some of those earlier models have become very sought-after classics now especially the E28 which was largely hand-built and just over 2000 were produced between 1985 and 1988.
Even by today’s standards the 282 hp generated by the 3.5 litre straight-six engine is pretty impressive so back then it must have blown everyone’ socks off – most family saloons would have struggled to get anywhere near 100 hp in those days.
In 1988 the E28 was replaced by the E34 M5 which stuck with the 6-cylinder format but by the time it went out of production power output was up to 335 hp. The car was also built by hand and although it took two weeks to build each car over 12,000 were eventually produced.
When the E39 M5 arrived in 1998 it marked the end of the hand-building process of the car and full-on mass-production meant that over 20,000 units were sold by 2003. The E39 also marked the move away from the legendary 6-cylinder engine to a V8 that could produce around 400 hp and sprint to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The M5 was now in supercar territory.
In 2005 the E60 M5 was acclaimed as the fastest four-door production saloon in the world. With a V10 engine producing 500 hp mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox it was almost unbeatable. 60 mph came up in close to 4 seconds and any attempt to drive the car any quicker was a certain licence-killer. The car was a real fire-cracker and loved by every car reviewer including Jeremy Clarkson.
And so in 2011 the F10 version arrived which is still in production today. BMW decided to go back to a V8 formula but this time assisted by a twin-turbo. The net result was an increased power output of 560 hp with 680 Nm of torque to make sure that the car could still lead the pack from the front. The F10 lapped the Nurburgring in 7.55 seconds which is the fastest time recorded for an M5. Enough said.
Every car enthusiast should take time out to drive an M5 if they haven’t done so already. Any version will do because each model was built as a proper driver’s car with capabilities way beyond what might be required for everyday road use.
It is quite simply the best high-performance saloon ever made over the last 30 years.
And so we come to the F10 M5 that we are advertising on behalf of the current (BMW enthusiast) owner.
This one owner 2011 M5 was supplied new and serviced by Cooper Tunbridge Wells and has so far recorded 12,000 miles. The specification is as follows:-
Silverstone II Metallic
Black Extended Merino Leather
20″ M Double-spoke 343M Alloy wheels
Powered Boot-lid operation
Comfort Access
Soft-close Doors
Reversing Assist Camera
Through-loading ski bag
Split-folding rear seats
Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
Front M Multi-function seats
12V power sockets
High Beam assist
Surround-View
Internet
Loudspeaker system – BMW Professional
Telephone USB audio Interface
Mobile application preparation
Sun Protection Glass
Speed Limit Display
This car also comes with a BMW 5-year servicing plan and has the BMW Manufacturer’s warranty and MOT until November 2015.
Sorry this car is now SOLD!
For further details or to arrange a viewing of this M5 please contact The Car Spy on 01892 506970 or email sales@thecarspy.net
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