The E34 M5 and its predecessors
It’s actually one of those so-called super cars, those who manage to transcend mere transportation to quality since new, turn into something special. One of those cars whose performance and behavior are so memorable that make professionals leave the cold analysis and adopt a lyricism and passion usually reserved for more traditional forms of literature
A BMW M5 1990
Based on the BMW 5 Series Third Generation (E34, 1987-1996), this is not only an M5, is the last Handmade in the workshops of the M division of the Bavarian company. It is also the last six out using a line and a motor derivative competition. In my humble opinion, it is an even more interesting car that is objectively best M5 which came after it, rightfully so. If the six online built the BMW, this is perhaps the coolest of them all.
The 3.0 CSL coupes racing in their natural habitat: the air!
Surely his pedigree is impeccable. The six out “big” line of BMW first appeared in 2800 sedan (E3) 1968, but soon made his home at various levels of power and preparedness, the gorgeous E9 coupe. Competition versions of this car , colorful , broad , full of wings and always flying apart at images forever etched in the collective imagination enthusiast , this place six online firmly among the most legendary ever created .
Wings and flies, a colorful CSL on the Nurburgring airport
Its next evolution was also destined clues: BMW M1 intended his mid-engine supercar powered by a Lamborghini, was an approval for a competition version, which effectively replace their coupes CSL “Bat mobile “on the slopes. It ended up being thwarted by regulatory changes, but the car took to the streets (and even the tracks in mono-brand championship sponsored by the company) with a six – cylinder derived directly from the accumulated experience in competition.
The BMW M1
Called M88, the 3,453 cc engine moved from a stroke of 84 mm and a diameter of 93.4 mm cylinder. Unlike previous versions, however, the six online now boasted two commands valve in the cylinder head, four valves per cylinder and central candle. On the intake side, Kugelfischer mechanical injection, controlled by six huge and gorgeous butterflies independent, with their horns, like all motor racing in the 1970s should be, even if mounted on a street car. The M1 was fabulous not only the engine but the engine itself was fabulous.
Pete Lyons said of him in 1979:” the car has many enviable qualities, but the main one is its stimulating propellant. Placed longitudinally behind the cockpit, is like a steel spear pointed at his shoulder, a long crankshaft, camshafts two magnificent, and twenty- four beautiful valves over six pistons robust. Of 3,453 cm ³, it delivers 277 hp at 6.500rpm with a growl entirely appropriate. The sound leakage is the most prominent engine sounds – as it should be – and is a great, rude and full of promise in low noise, clean and growing for an exciting howl at the top of the track spinning. He is as substantial as lyrical as a baritone singing Wagner. The sound perfectly complements the character of the engine, and this character is charismatic, attractive, captivating. Satisfies both the soul, so as to listen to while driving, you end up hating have reached your destination. ”
The M88 in -line six
The M1 was the first “M” to be sold to the public, and was in essence something short-lived. When stopped being sold in 1981, his engine eventually finds new home in beans with rice Bavarian brand: their sedans and coupes. First came the coupe M635CSi (M6 in the U.S.) in 1983, and after the first M5, based on the second generation 5-series (E28), and the fastest sedan in the world at its launch. With mechanical injection replaced by Bosch Motronic (but still with 6 butterflies), gave 282 hp.
