The BMW E39 5 Series M5 features:

The M5's suspension system is based solidly on the 540i 6-Speed, with several enhancements.

The design includes:

• Strong, rigid body structure with aluminum suspension
• Double-pivot struts in the front
• Multi-link struts in the rear
• Ventilated disc brakes all around

The aluminum suspension system dramatically reduces weight, and is a key element in the BMW 5 Series combination of handling prowess and riding comfort.

In the M5, cornering and stopping are afforded as much attention as accelerating. Upgrades to the suspension include:

• Springs and shock absorbers are firmer.
• The rubber bushings at the outboard ends of the rear suspension's upper arms (two arms per side) are replaced by low-friction steel ball joints (total of four ball joints).
• Auxiliary springs front and rear are made of polyurethane. These have the function of stiffening the suspension. They allow excellent riding comfort under normal driving conditions while firming up the suspension as it approaches its limit, such as under hard cornering.

The M5 is the first M car offered in America with Dynamic Stability Control, which encompasses All Season Traction (traction control), antilock braking and cornering stabilization. 

In addition, the M5 also includes a limited-slip differential, a feature found on all current and recent M models. This combination helps optimize handling and traction under all road conditions, wet or dry.

The M5's recirculating-ball steering system offers three significant features:

• Quick ratio. The M5 has a 14.7:1 overall steering ratio.
• M Servotronic power assist. Compared to the engine-speed-sensitive variable power assist of 5 Series models, the M5 employs Servotronic, which varies power assist according to vehicle speed. BMW M has calibrated the Servotronic system for extra-firm road feel.
• M Driving Dynamics Control. Via a console button labeled Sport, the driver can set power assist at a lower level, giving even firmer road feel. Pressing the Sport button also switches the throttle system to its faster-responding mode. Do you feel sporty today?

As employed on other BMW models with recirculating ball steering the M5's steering gear has an automatic pressure-point adjustment. This feature eliminates "free play" in the straight-ahead position, resulting in precision comparable to that of rack-and-pinion steering while retaining the superior suppression of road shocks.

To match the M5's dynamic performance, the 4-wheel ventilated brake discs have been enlarged to 13.6 x 1.26 in. in the front and 12.9 x 0.79 in. in the rear. The 13.6-in. front discs are the largest currently employed on a BMW model.

The wheels have super-low-profile performance tires: 245/40ZR-18 front, 275/35ZR-18 rear. Together with the special M suspension calibration, the special wheels and tires contribute to dramatic cornering ability that BMW M has targeted at 1.2g.

The M5 is equipped with a special BMW M version of the Tire Pressure Control system found in BMW 7 Series Protection Line models. Using the wheel-speed sensors that serve ABS, DSC and other functions, this system detects abnormal variations in the tires' rotational speed, which indicate a falloff in tire pressure. On the basis of diagonally compared wheel speeds (left front vs. right rear or vice versa), any discrepancy is signaled to the driver by a warning in the instrument cluster's Check Control display.

As in the M roadster and M coupe, the M5's exhaust system precludes space for a spare tire. If a tire is punctured, the M Mobility System provides a way to get home. 

It consists of a container of rapid sealant, an integrated micro compressor, and a hose to connect the compressor to the damaged tire. All this is carried in a container in the trunk.

Should a tire ever be completely destroyed, BMW Roadside Assistance will be available for the life of the vehicle, and all BMW centers will always have replacement tires for the M models in stock.

Subtle, functional design elements set the E39 M5 apart from any other car on the road.

The central air intake feeds the engine's two intake ports. Smaller openings contain special oval fog lights, and the intakes have been designed to supply a greater amount of air to the front brakes.

The front turn-signal and parking-light lenses and the rear turn-signal lenses are clear, not amber. A liquid headlight cleaning system is standard on the M5. Like the 540i models, the M5 has Xenon low-beam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling. The auto dimming rear-view mirrors are equipped with a power fold-up feature for parking in tight places.

The M5 logo has been discretely set into the protective rubber strip on the front doors. M5 logos also appear on the rear decklid, the door sills, the steering wheel, and the gear shift knob. The M5 is only available with a 6 speed manual transmission.

The exterior Shadowline trim is glossier and grayer than the matte-black Shadowline window-frame trim of other models. The 18-in. M Double Spoke wheels have a Chrome Shadow finish.

The M5 has a special rear apron air diffuser. The new rear valence improves airflow under the car for better downforce in aggressive driving and better cooling of the differential. The lower panel frames the four stainless-steel exhaust outlets. The trunklid has a rear spoiler that can be dealer removed on request.

The M5 is only available in special M colors of Imola Red, Carbon Black Metallic, Silverstone Metallic and Avus Blue Metallic.

[More M5]