The suspension of the E39 M5 shares its basic aluminum-intensive MacPherson strut/multi-link design with that of the V8-powered E39 5 Series models but incorporates several specific changes from BMW M: Specific spring rates with reduced spring height (0.9-inches shorter than standard E39 springs, 0.1-inches shorter than M-Technic E39 springs)

The E34 M5's chassis is based on the MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm design of the normal E34 5 Series but incorporates the following changes from BMW Motorsport: All 3.8-liter M5s are further fitted with the Adaptive M Suspension, an M-tuned version of the Electronic Damping Control system that was introduced in the E32 7 Series. See similar questions...

The E39 M5 is equipped with several unique exterior cosmetic items that distinguish it from other 5 Series models. The front fascia features an enlarged grille with wider chrome trim around the "kidneys" as well as a unique M-Technic airdam with mesh over the central intake. The rear of the E39 M5 can be distingished by a small body-color lip spoiler (deletable upon request) as well as a unique rear bumper and lower diffuser that incorporates two pairs of dual exhaust outlets. See similar questions...

Like all V8-powered E39 5 Series models, the E39 M5 is equipped with a recirculating-ball steering system. However, the overall steering ratio has been reduced to 14.7:1 from 17.9:1. In addition, the E39 M5 features Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist that provides two levels of resistance controlled via the console-mounted M Driving Dynamics button (informally known as the "Sport" button). See similar questions...

Though the interior of the E39 M5 shares its basic design and architecture with that of the standard E39 5 Series, it is distinguished by several unique items. All E39 M5s are equipped with power and heated M sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and a three-position memory on the driver's seat.Two distinct upholstery and trim styles were offered: "Sport" and "Exclusive" (later renamed "Luxury" for the North American market). See similar questions...

All M5s use the MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm chassis design common to all E28 5 Series. However, it has been upgraded by BMW Motorsport in the following ways: A self-leveling rear suspension was optional in some markets and standard on all North American-spec M5s. See similar questions...

Though identical in basic design and layout to that of any E28 5 Series, the interior of the E28 M5 is fitted with a few special items. All examples have a three-spoke M-Technic steering wheel also used in other BMW models. Most are also equipped with sport front seats, though a few were fitted with the standard "comfort" versions by request and some even had genuine Recaro front seats in place of the BMW items. See similar questions...

Like all E34 5 Series, the E34 M5 uses a recirculating ball steering design, but the overall ratio is reduced from 16.2:1 to 15.6:1. Two types of power assistance were offered: An engine-speed sensitive system was fitted to all European-spec 3.6-liter M5s and on North American models built before September, 1991. A vehicle-speed sensitive system developed by ZF and called Servotronic was available on European-spec 3. See similar questions...

E34 M5 is most easily distinguished from a normal 5 Series by its unique lower body panels that include a front airdam, side valances and rear diffuser. These are painted in a contrasting Diamond Black metallic (181), Sebring Grey metallic (229) or Granite Silver metallic (237), depending on the car's exterior color and production date. In addition, the E34 M5 has large-diameter twin exhaust pipes and "M5" grille and decklid badges (only the former on M5s built after May, 1994). See similar questions...

The basic suspension design of the E12 M535i is similar to that of all E12 5 Series models, with MacPherson struts in front and a semi-trailing arm design in the rear. However, it has been tuned by BMW Motorsport and is therefore equipped with unique springs and Bilstein shocks. Steering is by recirculating ball, with engine-speed-sensitive power assist and an overall ratio of 16.9:1. See similar questions...

All M635CSi/M6s use the MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm suspension design common to all E24 6 Series. However, it has been tuned by BMW Motorsport in the following ways: A self-leveling rear suspension was optional in some markets and standard on all North American-spec M6s. See similar questions...

The E39 M5 is the BMW M-developed version of the E39 5 Series sedan. It is powered by the S62 V8 engine, a high-performance development of the standard production M62 unit. It also features an M-tuned chassis as well as M-designed interior and exterior cosmetic items. See similar questions...

The E39 M5 was first introduced at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show though production did not begin until October of that year. See similar questions...

Unlike both previous iterations of the M5 (which were hand-assembled at BMW M GmbH in Garching), the E39 M5 was produced on the normal E39 5 Series assembly line at the Dingolfing factory, outside of Munich. Although an E39 M5 Touring was considered and at least one prototype was constructed (in Titanium Silver with a Black Exclusive leather interior), BMW M decided not to produce an E39 M5 Touring due to financial considerations. See similar questions...

BMW M produced three versions of the E39 M5: Two European-specification models (left-hand drive and right-hand drive) and one North American-specification version. See similar questions...

Unlike the previous two iterations of the M5, the E39 M5 was very well equipped in all markets and included most of the available E39 features as standard equipment including Xenon headlights, headlight washers, power and heated front seats with three-position memory for the driver, power tilt and telescoping steering column, automatic climate control, cruise control, extended on-board computer and a premium audio system. See similar questions...

Because the intention of BMW Motorsport was to hide the performance capabilities of the M5 within a standard-looking 5 Series body, there are few external items that differentiate the European-spec E28 M5 from any other E28 sedan. The only body panel that is unique is the black plastic front airdam, included to reduce front end lift at high speeds. See similar questions...

Though the basic architecture of the interior is identical to that of any E34 5 Series, the M5 interior does have a few unique items: The unique instrument cluster contains red needles, an oil temperature gauge under the tachometer (instead of an economy gauge) and an M logo between the speedometer and tachometer. See similar questions...