Ah, the BMW E39 M5! This saloon that redefined the term “performance”. But did you know it almost came equipped with a V6 engine? An heresy for purists, and yet, it nearly happened. Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes of this intriguing story and discover how BMW narrowly avoided disaster before releasing one of its most iconic models.
The engine dilemma
In the 90s, the question that plagued BMW was simple: which engine would power the E39 M5? The Bavarian firm already had a strong tradition with its inline six-cylinder engines, like those in the E28 and E34 M5. But as the world shifted towards more compact and economical engines, the idea of a V6 began to take root. Yes, you read that right, a V6! It was as if one were considering seeing an elephant in a Disney movie: it simply doesn’t go together.
BMW Blog sheds light on this story, relayed by BMW North America, where Alex Hildebrandt, the chief engineer of the E39 M5, reveals that the brand considered not only a V6 but also a turbo engine before ultimately opting for a V8. A choice that could have sent BMW fans into a frenzy.
Market pressure and BMW’s legacy
“We were at the end of the energy crisis in Europe, and there were doubts about the demand for this type of car,” recalls Hildebrandt. The concern for fuel economy weighed heavily in the balance. One might have thought the question of the V8 was settled, but it was not that simple. Kalbfell, the head of BMW M at the time, ardently defended the idea that the six-cylinder engine was the very soul of BMW. A sports saloon should not be equipped with a lazy engine.
Imagine a top chef who refuses to cook without his favourite knife. That’s exactly how Kalbfell felt about the idea of a V8. The desire to preserve the brand’s heritage and character was palpable. However, with declining sales figures and previous models failing commercially, it became evident that a new breath of fresh air was needed.
A risky choice: the return to the V8
Ultimately, after much deliberation, BMW decided to abandon the idea of the V6. The company opted for the M62 V8 engine, which it increased to 5.0 litres for the M5. With this choice, it was as if a key piece had just clicked into place in a complex puzzle. The engineers equipped the block with a dry sump lubrication system and individual throttle bodies, allowing the S62 to rev up to 6,600 rpm with a respectable power output of 400 horsepower. Not bad for a saloon!
BMW M5 (E39) 2000
And you know what? This engine was a resounding success. The E39 M5 was not just a saloon; it was a true emotion machine. With its sharp chassis and six-speed manual gearbox, it offered an exhilarating driving experience, making you forget its low redline.
A commercial hit
In the end, BMW sold 20,482 units of the E39 M5. Not an astronomical figure in itself, but significantly more than its predecessors E28 and E34 combined. With a price hovering around $70,000 in the United States, this car conquered the American market, where about half of the total sales found buyers. It was as if a rising star had managed to shine in a galaxy filled with red giants.
“Without the V8, we would never have been able to conquer the American market,” confided Hildebrandt. And without this conquest, the project would have been doomed to financial failure.
The legacy of M
Thanks to the E39 M5, the M brand solidified itself as an essential reference in the world of sports saloons. Subsequent models continued this tradition with V10 and V8 engines, but today, even these beasts are facing the reality of turbocharging and electrification.
Who would have thought that one day we would be talking about an electric BMW? Yet, these evolutions were unimaginable just a few years ago. But a V6 in a BMW? No thanks! That would have been like offering a pizza without cheese: unacceptable.
BMW M5 (E39) 2000
