BMW 5 - Manual (Page 57)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 57
at this point, ranging from anti-lock brakes via an on-board computer all the
way to electronic fuel injection.
Right from the start upon its introduction into the market, the new sedan
came with a broad model range and engines extending from 90 to 184 hp.
A particularly sporting version was introduced in 1984, even though the 218 hp
BMW M535i was not the last word from Motorsport GmbH this time. Instead,
Motorsport GmbH proudly presented the very epitome of the Sports Sedan
at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW M5. Hardly distinguishable from
the other models when considered from outside, the BMW M5 was optimised
throughout beneath its sheet metal for uncompromising driving dynamics.
Power came from a straight-six boasting four-valve technology and no less
than six throttle butterflies. Output of this drive unit derived from the legendary
BMW M1 was 286 hp, developing supreme thrust and performance previously
offered by only the most thoroughbred sports cars.
The decision taken by BMW in 1983 to enter the fiercely contested diesel
market with the BMW 524td was almost a revolution. To offer the character
so typical of the brand also with a diesel, the only option was obviously to
give the car a powerful and refined turbodiesel engine. The 2.4-litre straight-
six developing maximum output of 115 hp fulfilled these requirements in
a truly ideal manner, the BMW 524td offering the best performance of all
diesels in its segment and, at the same time, the highest standard of fuel
efficiency. Clearly, even diesel sceptics were impressed by this innovative
combination of superior muscle and equally outstanding economy.
Entry into the diesel market was not the only option for BMW to bring
together sporting performance and superior economy. On the contrary –
precisely at this time BMW had already completed a large number of studies
and innovations in developing particularly fuel-efficient technologies and
looking for alternative sources of energy. Many of these innovations went
into series production in the course of time, others set the foundation for
long-term research projects. One example is the hydrogen-powered test
car presented as early as in 1976 on the basis of the first-generation
BMW 5 Series.
Apart from the turbodiesel, a particularly efficient petrol version of the
BMW 5 Series proved suitable for series production right from the start:
The BMW 525e was powered by a six-cylinder designed and built consistently
for superior traction and economy all in one. Displacing 2.7 litres, the power unit
named after the Greek letter “eta” also known as the symbol for efficiency
developed maximum output of 125 hp at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm, with
peak torque of 240 Newton-metres/177 lb-ft at just 3,250 rpm. New engine