2006 BMW M5

The 2006 BMW M5 debuts a new 500-horsepower 5.0-liter V10 engine, the first V10 in a road-going BMW, and a new seven-speed SMG transmission which allows the driver to shift with either the lever in the console or with paddles behind the steering wheel. Compared to the previous generation SMG, shifts are 20 percent faster and Drivelogic allows the driver to select from seven different programs to change the shifting characteristics. Other features include M Variable Differential Lock; M Version electronically-controlled suspension; special steering system that is quicker than 5-Series steering; largest and most powerful brakes ever offered on a BMW; 19-inch alloy wheels, M-calibrated Dynamic Stability Control; MDrive menu for the iDrive system; M5 updates to bumpers, rocker panels, front spoiler, trunk lid, and exterior trim; Merino leather upholstery; heated M sport seats; and aluminum or wood interior trim.

The M5 is the high-performance version of the BMW 5-Series sedan which was redesigned for 2004, and the M5 has been on hiatus since the 2003 model year. The M5 returns to the lineup for 2006 powered by a 500-horsepower V10 engine mated to a seven-speed sequential-manual gearbox (SMG). Beginning with the founding of BMW, M has always stood for Motoren—German for engines, and now also stands for BMW's specialized motorsports group responsible for developing high-performance cars. The BMW M group began with the limited-production mid-engine M1 in 1978 and in 1988 the first M5 was built, powered by a 256-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine. The M5 returned for a three-year run in 1991, powered by a 310-horsepower 6-cylinder. A new M5 debuted as a 2000 model and continued through the 2003 model year, powered by a 394-horsepower 4.9-liter V8 engine.

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