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BMW M5 E39 4.9 V8 (400 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW M5:
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built since 1984 with periodic interruptions. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as an estate.
The first M5 model was hand-built beginning in late 1984 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production saloon at the time. M5 models have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1984, with occasional gaps in production....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E39 Overview:
BMW M5 (E39). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1720 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.3 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The E39 5 Series achieved a commendable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 1998, demonstrating a strong safety performance for its era, particularly in frontal and side impacts.
4.9 V8 (400 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The S62B50 4.9L V8 is a masterpiece, delivering immense power and torque with a thrilling, linear power delivery and an intoxicating exhaust note. Its 400 Hp provides exhilarating acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising, making it a true driver's car.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large naturally aspirated V8 from its era, fuel economy is a significant drawback. The combined 13.9 l/100 km (around 17 MPG US) means frequent fuel stops, especially during spirited driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary S62 V8 engine with thrilling performance
- • Engaging manual transmission (only option)
- • Timeless, understated design
- • Superb handling and driving dynamics
- • Practicality of a four-door sedan
- • Excellent build quality and interior materials
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption (13.9 l/100 km combined)
- • Expensive maintenance, especially for age-related issues (e.g., VANOS, rod bearings)
- • Firm ride may not suit all drivers
- • Limited availability of pristine examples
- • Potential for rust on older models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(F10M LCI, facelift 2013: May, 2014 - December, 2016).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | M5 |
| Generation: | E39 |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.9 V8 (400 Hp) |
| Start of production: | October, 1998 |
| End of production: | August, 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 400 Hp @ 6600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 81 Hp/l [126mm less] |
| Torque: | 500 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S62B50 More details about the engine S62B50 |
| Engine displacement: | 4941 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, Double-VANOS |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 21.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.3 kg/Hp, 232.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 290.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1720 |
| Max. weight: | 2290 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 570 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1800 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 90 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%): | 1800 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4784 mm mm [126mm less] |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm [91mm less] |
| Height: | 1437 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2830 mm mm [134mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1990 mm |
| Front track: | 1515 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1527 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 345 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 328 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 245/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
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