BMW to Offer M-Package for Regular 5-Series Models

M-Style Body Kit Makes the Suspension Upgrades More Obvious

With V10 power, 507 horsepower and a 7-speed F1-style SMG transmission, the 2005 M5 is readying to take back its ultimate sedan status from the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG.

The M5 has the ability to deliver mind-numbing driving dynamics capable of humbling even the finest Italian supercars without breaking a sweat or losing its 5-Series style or functionality. While it wont be available until January 1st, 2005, BMW has an alternative to tempt sport sedan connoisseurs in the meantime: the functional and attractive M-Package for the 5-Series sedan and Touring (wagon).

Like the name suggests, the M-Package was developed by BMWs "M" Motorsport Division to provide buyers and owners of BMWs new 5-Series with enhanced agility and style. A series of exclusively designed equipment, ranging from suspension upgrades to an appearance enhancing body kit, plus enhanced interior components, add a little bit more M excitement to the 5-Series mix.

The idea of an M-Package is hardly new, as BMW has been enhancing its regular production models for years. Recent examples include this years 330M, the Canada-only M540i of years gone by, and the slick, stylish and now classic M635ci.

Rather than offering engine upgrades, as with other M-badged vehicles, M-Motorsport used its handling and ride know-how to produce a specially tuned sports suspension for less-endowed 5-Series models. New springs with a higher rate drop the ride height by 20 mm, while offering better body control and increased stability. Eighteen-inch mock-M5 wheels, complete with the metallic shadow finish, are included with the package too. The beautiful split-spoke alloys are wrapped in sticky high performance 245-series rubber for extremely high levels of grip.

If you should so happen to spot an M5 on the streets in the near future, be sure to make a double-pass. When ordered, the M-Package adds an aggressive body kit, featuring new front and rear bumpers with aerodynamically tuned skirts. Like the production M5, the M body kit features the same contorted fins, gaping center intake and amorphous surfaces, making the 5-Series equipped with this specification an M5 look-a-like.

But of course, BMW has its own little clues integrated into the real M5s styling to set it apart, including telltale front fender gills and massive quad tailpipes, plus the fact that no M5 Touring has been announced will make the reworked wagon a dead giveaway. Also, check for badges.

On the inside, BMW has changed things around quite a bit, the extent of which is greater than one might imagine. While drastic plastic surgery isnt a part of the M Packages agenda, highly bolstered front seats trimmed in anthracite Napa leather (Dakota leather for the 545 model), plus a leather-wrapped M-Sport three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction controls, and special aluminum checkerboard trim for the doors, dashboard, center console and shifter surround. M-badged aluminum kick plates and carpeting are also a part of the package.

The M-Performance package can be fitted to all 5-Series models, starting with six-cylinder models (excluding the 535d which isnt sold in North America) that feature the M package for E4,650 ($5,730 USD - Canadian U.S. prices only intended to give ballpark figure and dont necessarily reflect what the package will sell for). Prices for the M-Package specifically designed for the recently introduced European-only 535d twin-turbocharged diesel, is E3,800 ($4,680 USD). Surprisingly, the Valvetronic V8-powered 545i costs the least when it comes to the bill, priced at E3,450 ($4,250 USD). The saying "you get what you pay for" is apropos with the M-Package, as it may cost a lot up front but the reward is the best BMW has to offer, this side of an authentic M5 at least.

At the time of its release BMW did not publish any information about the M-package becoming available outside of Europe, but judging from previous models it shouldnt be too long before something very similar becomes available on our soil.

For those who wish to have a few M-specified components without the attention grabbing appearance of the body kit, or for that matter the cars vibrant interior trim, further down the road BMW intends to offer components such as the upgraded M-style steering wheel and the exclusive wheel and tire package as standalone options.