BMW Jahre and exclusive, special-edition M5

• Date: Friday, May 30, 2014

The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition – the most powerful production BMW ever offered in the UK. To celebrate 30 years of the BMW M5 the founder member of the high-performance business Saloon segment – BMW has created an exclusive, special-edition of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates. The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of just 300 vehicles worldwide. Only 30 cars will come to the UK.

Developing 600hp and peak torque of 700Nm, this special-edition (combined fuel consumption 28.5mpg; CO2 emissions: 231g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M GmbH, but also the most powerful production car in the history of the brand. The M5 30 Jahre Edition sprints from zero to 62mph in a lightning fast 3.9 seconds. Its BMW Individual-inspired looks and dynamic and comfort-enhancing equipment make this special edition M5 set to be a highly desirable collector’s item.

Under the bonnet of the BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition is a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M Twin Power Turbo technology and an output of 600hp, 40hp more than the standard model. This power boost has been achieved through carefully calculated tweaks to the engine management and an increase in charge pressure.

The foundation for these upgrades was provided by the Competition package – itself a car that already came with a power upgrade. Conceived to appreciably enrich the handling characteristics of the BMW M5, it can be ordered as an option for the regular model and is part of the special edition’s standard specification. The Competition package comprises modifications including a revised chassis set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and a 10mm drop in ride height. Added to which, the Active M Differential on the final drive gains its own control unit to further improve traction. Elsewhere, the steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping and the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is focused even more keenly on delivering sporty handling.

In keeping with the anniversary celebrations which have inspired its creation, the special-edition model has been given the BMW Individual treatment. As a result, it cuts a more dynamic, head-turning figure than its standard siblings. The striking BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver metallic paint accentuates the elegantly muscular forms of the BMW M5. The kidney grille surround, gills with ‘30 Jahre M5’ badge on the front wing, door handle inserts and twin exhaust tailpipes all come in black chrome. The same is true of the 20-inch bi-colour M light-alloy wheels.

The M5 30 Jahre Edition represents a new high point in 30 years of success that began at BMW Motorsport GmbH in Munich in 1984, and continues to raise the pulses of car fans around the world today. It is on sale now and costs £91,890 OTR. What a beauty and a great way to celebrate the past 30 years of a great car.