BMW M5 ‘30 Jahre’ Edition

Thirty years ago, BMW rewrote the fast car rulebook. By installing the M1 supercar’s M88 3.5-litre straight six into a humble 5-Series, M Division created the world’s fastest four-door.

With 210kW/340Nm and 0-60mph (97km/h) in 6.5sec, the E28 M5 offered unprecedented performance for a family car. Contemporary road testers went gaga for it and with only 2191 built, E28 values are heading rapidly north.

What would those same road testers make of BMW’s latest super sedan? In standard guise, the F10 M5’s outputs are double that of the E28’s, yet for this ‘30 Jahre’ anniversary edition, those outputs are further massaged to a surreal 441kW/700Nm. Which, if anything, still feel conservative.

Forget the 0-100km/h claim of 3.9sec, the fat 295mm rear Michelins don’t gain purchase until well into three figures; beyond that, the latest M5 retains its title as the world’s fastest four-door you’ll need a 911 Turbo to leave it behind. It’s a shame, though, the soundtrack doesn’t do this awesome powerplant justice. It sounds okay from outside, but in the cabin the synthetic engine note is like something from the first Gran Turismo.

The seven-speed dual-clutch ’box isn’t totally convincing, either. While superb at maximum attack, it blots its copybook with stop-start behaviour that ranges from dim-witted to wince-inducingly harsh. With no ‘creep’ function built in, it needs real finesse for a smooth take-off.

At 1870kg, the latest M5 is a big lump. Even with the 30 Jahre’s standard-fit ‘Competition Package’ (10mm lower ride height, firmer suspension and sharper steering), trying to hustle it along a tight, twisty road can be slightly alarming. Its size can make it difficult to place, wheelspin is an ever-present threat and when it does arrive the transition from grip to slip can be extremely sudden. 

A quick track session reveals the F10 M5 is actually reasonably friendly when it slides, and while hard on tyres and brakes, the speed it’s capable of is astonishing. Back on the public road, dial back the commitment a bit, be smooth with your inputs and you’re easily capable of travelling at speeds that will make your licence melt in fright.

On the other side of the ledger, the M5 is quiet, spacious and comfortable, munching miles with ease. The 30 Jahre interior is an Alcantara fetishist’s dream, and the ‘Frozen Dark Silver’ paint looks sensational, though the matte finish is a pain to keep clean.

Combined with the extra power, these unique touches make the 30 Jahre good value at $238,400, less than $10K more than the standard car. A shame, then, that only 300 are available worldwide, and Australia’s allocation is all spoken for.

Engine / 4395cc V8, DOHC, 32v, twin-turbo
Power / 441kW @ 6250rpm
Torque / 700Nm @ 1500-6000rpm
0-100km/h3.9sec (claimed)
Weight / 1870kg