BMW M5 generations: every M5 from E28 to G90 explained
Seven generations of the original super saloon: from the hand-built E28 to the 727 hp hybrid G90. Engines, power, years and the character of every BMW M5.
3 views 1 reading now 0 comments 8 min read
On this page
The BMW M5 generations tell the story of the super saloon. Since 1984, BMW M has taken the 5 Series business car and given it the heart of a sports car, from a hand-built straight-six to a V10 and today a 727 hp hybrid V8.
In this guide we go through every M5, from the E28 to the G90: the years, the engines, the power and what makes each generation special for enthusiasts and buyers today.
E28 M5 (1984–1988): where it all began
The first M5 was presented in 1984 and went on sale in 1985. BMW Motorsport took the E28 5 Series and installed a 3.5-litre straight-six derived from the engine of the BMW M1 supercar. In European form it produced 286 hp, which made the M5 one of the fastest four-door cars of its time.
The car was built largely by hand at BMW Motorsport in Garching. From the outside it looked almost like a normal 5 Series, with only small spoilers and M5 badges. This understatement became part of the M5 identity.
North America received the M5 later, from 1987, with a catalytic converter and 256 hp. Only about 2,200 E28 M5s were built in total, so today it is a rare and valuable classic.
The E28 M5 defined the formula for every M5 that followed: a practical family saloon with the performance of a sports car and the comfort to cover long distances at high speed.
E34 M5 (1988–1995): the last hand-built M5
The second M5 used the new E34 body and a further developed straight-six, the S38. At first it had 3.6 litres and 315 hp; from 1992 the 3.8-litre version produced 340 hp and 400 Nm.
Like the E28, the E34 M5 was finished by hand in Garching, and it was the last M5 built this way. It also introduced the first M5 Touring in 1992, an estate with the full 340 hp engine. Only 891 Tourings were made.
The E34 M5 was offered only with manual gearboxes, first with five gears and later, in Europe, with six. Many enthusiasts love it for its analogue character: a naturally aspirated straight-six with six individual throttle bodies, a hard metallic sound at high rpm and a body that still looks calm and elegant.
About 12,000 E34 M5s were built. Today it is one of the most interesting classic M cars, especially the 3.8 and the rare Touring.
E39 M5 (1998–2003): the V8 legend
The third M5 brought a big change: a V8 engine. The S62 had 4.9 litres, double VANOS and 400 hp, with 500 Nm of torque. For the first time, the M5 was built on the normal production line in Dingolfing, which allowed much higher numbers.
The E39 M5 was sold only with a six-speed manual gearbox. It combined strong performance with excellent comfort, a high-quality interior and a balanced chassis. Many journalists and owners still call it the best all-round M5 ever made.
From the outside, it was again a discreet car: four exhaust tips, larger wheels and subtle aerodynamic changes. It was also the first M5 with a steering wheel M button for a sportier throttle response.
About 20,000 E39 M5s were built. Today good examples are rising in value, and the combination of a manual gearbox and a naturally aspirated V8 makes it one of the most wanted modern classic BMWs.
E60 M5 (2005–2010): the V10
The fourth M5 is the most extreme of all in engine terms. Inspired by BMW's Formula 1 program, the S85 is a 5.0-litre V10 with 507 hp at 7,750 rpm and a redline of 8,250 rpm. Its sound is unique among saloon cars.
In Europe, the E60 M5 used the seven-speed SMG III sequential gearbox with Drivelogic and launch control. North American customers could also order a six-speed manual. In 2007 BMW added the M5 Touring (E61), the second M5 estate.
The E60 M5 was full of technology: a head-up display, EDC dampers, the M Drive button and a power mode that limited output to 400 hp unless the driver selected full power.
About 20,000 E60 M5 saloons were built. Today the car is admired for its engine, but owners must take maintenance seriously: rod bearings, throttle actuators and the SMG pump are well-known points to check.
F10 M5 (2011–2016): the turbo era
With the F10, the M5 switched to turbocharging. The S63 4.4-litre V8 with two turbochargers produced 560 hp and 680 Nm, available from just 1,500 rpm. The car was faster than the E60, but also more relaxed in everyday driving.
The F10 M5 used a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission (M DCT); in North America a six-speed manual was again available. A Competition Package added power and a sharper chassis, and the limited 30 Jahre M5 edition celebrated 30 years of the M5 with 600 hp.
The F10 was a heavier and more comfortable car than its predecessors, with a very modern interior and many driver assistance systems. Some enthusiasts missed the sound of the V10, but the huge torque made the car extremely fast in real-world conditions.
Today the F10 M5 is one of the best value high-performance saloons on the used market, but running costs remain high.
F90 M5 (2017–2024): all-wheel drive
The sixth M5 introduced M xDrive all-wheel drive. With 600 hp, the further developed 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic, the F90 could reach 100 km/h in about 3.4 seconds.
M xDrive was a big step, but BMW M kept the character of the car: the driver can choose a rear-wheel-drive mode with DSC off, for maximum control on a closed track. The M5 Competition increased power to 625 hp, and the limited M5 CS of 2021 reached 635 hp and lost weight with carbon parts and special seats.
The F90 is often described as the most complete M5: extremely fast, comfortable for long distances and safe in bad weather thanks to all-wheel drive. A facelift in 2020 brought new lights and updated technology.
G90 M5 (since 2024): the hybrid
The seventh M5 is the first with a plug-in hybrid drive. The G90 combines a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor inside the eight-speed gearbox. Together they produce 727 hp and 1,000 Nm, which makes it the most powerful M5 so far.
The battery allows electric driving for up to about 69 km according to WLTP, so the M5 can leave the city silently and then deliver full performance on the open road. M xDrive and rear-wheel steering are standard. A new M5 Touring (G99) followed shortly after the saloon.
The G90 is also the heaviest M5, and its weight and complexity have started a lively discussion among fans. But it continues the M5 idea: the most powerful and advanced version of BMW's business saloon, ready for daily use and fast enough for the track.
Which of the BMW M5 generations is the best?
There is no single answer, because every generation reflects its time. These short profiles may help:
- For collectors: the E28 and E34, rare, analogue and hand-built.
- For drivers who love manuals: the E39 with its V8 and six-speed manual gearbox.
- For the sound: the E60 with the high-revving V10.
- For value and torque: the F10 with its twin-turbo V8.
- For all-weather speed: the F90 with M xDrive.
- For the latest technology: the G90 hybrid.
Whichever generation you choose, buy the best car you can afford, with a complete service history and a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist. An M5 is always a complex car, and a cheap example can become the most expensive one.
Every BMW M5 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| E28 M5 (1984–1988) | 3.5 straight-six, 286 hp (Europe) |
| E34 M5 (1988–1995) | 3.6 / 3.8 straight-six, 315 / 340 hp |
| E39 M5 (1998–2003) | 4.9 V8, 400 hp, 6-speed manual |
| E60 M5 (2005–2010) | 5.0 V10, 507 hp, SMG III (manual in USA) |
| F10 M5 (2011–2016) | 4.4 twin-turbo V8, 560 hp, M DCT |
| F90 M5 (2017–2024) | 4.4 twin-turbo V8, 600–635 hp, M xDrive |
| G90 M5 (since 2024) | 4.4 twin-turbo V8 hybrid, 727 hp, M xDrive |
Frequently asked questions
How many generations of the BMW M5 are there?
There are seven: E28, E34, E39, E60, F10, F90 and G90. The E34, E60 and G90 generations also had a Touring (estate) version.
Which BMW M5 has a V10 engine?
The E60 M5 (2005–2010) and the E61 M5 Touring have the S85, a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10 with 507 hp that revs to 8,250 rpm.
Which BMW M5 is the most powerful?
The G90 M5 from 2024 is the most powerful, with 727 hp and 1,000 Nm from a twin-turbo V8 combined with an electric motor.
Which M5 had a manual gearbox?
The E28, E34 and E39 were manual only. The E60 and F10 offered a manual gearbox in North America; in Europe they used SMG III and M DCT.
Which BMW M5 is the best to buy?
It depends on what you want. The E39 is loved for its manual V8, the E60 for its V10, the F10 for value and the F90 for all-weather speed. Always buy on condition and history.
Comments 0
Join the conversation — be kind, no links.
Loading comments…