What is an ///M5
11-20-2007, 06:41 PM
#31
Intermediate
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alpina nowadays ship their specific parts to the BMW plant, where the Alpinas roll off the same assembly line as their BMW counterparts.
11-20-2007, 06:42 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
11-20-2007, 07:15 PM
#34
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Getting an S or a GT3 / GT2 Porsche IS the Porsche equivalent of M (or AMG).
To be fair (not always desirable), one should compare 911s to alternative choices of the same era.
Here's an excerpt (from http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/engines/s38.htm) about the M5 (twin cam 6) that was current w/ our old 911s...
"In 1986 BMW chose the S38 designation for the catalyst version of the famous M88/3 engine. The code S38 designates: (1) 'S' means that the engine is originated by BMW Motorsport, (2) the '3' means that it is derived from the M30 engine family, and (3) the '8' is chosen to make a reference to the legendary M88 motor. Three different versions of the S38 were made by BMW M, and the most powerful 3.8 liter engine was never officially exported to the USA.
3.5 liter Engine
To meet the US exhaust emission regulations of the time, the catalyst equipped S38B35 replaced the M88/3. The S38B35 kept the M88/3's bore, stroke and cylinder head, but the compression ratio decreased from 10.5:1 to 9.8:1 to install a catalytic converter. The equally tuned exhaust headers of the M88/3 were replaced by log headers. These changes had the effect of decreasing engine performance. The S38B35 delivered 260 hp and a torque of 330 nm (243 lb/ft) at 4500 rpm. Due to additional factory options, the US E28 M5 and E24 M6 were noticeably heavier than the European cars, and it had an impact on performance. The European E28 M5 can do the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 6.5 sec, while the US version needs 0.3 sec more."
To be fair (not always desirable), one should compare 911s to alternative choices of the same era.
Here's an excerpt (from http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/engines/s38.htm) about the M5 (twin cam 6) that was current w/ our old 911s...
"In 1986 BMW chose the S38 designation for the catalyst version of the famous M88/3 engine. The code S38 designates: (1) 'S' means that the engine is originated by BMW Motorsport, (2) the '3' means that it is derived from the M30 engine family, and (3) the '8' is chosen to make a reference to the legendary M88 motor. Three different versions of the S38 were made by BMW M, and the most powerful 3.8 liter engine was never officially exported to the USA.
3.5 liter Engine
To meet the US exhaust emission regulations of the time, the catalyst equipped S38B35 replaced the M88/3. The S38B35 kept the M88/3's bore, stroke and cylinder head, but the compression ratio decreased from 10.5:1 to 9.8:1 to install a catalytic converter. The equally tuned exhaust headers of the M88/3 were replaced by log headers. These changes had the effect of decreasing engine performance. The S38B35 delivered 260 hp and a torque of 330 nm (243 lb/ft) at 4500 rpm. Due to additional factory options, the US E28 M5 and E24 M6 were noticeably heavier than the European cars, and it had an impact on performance. The European E28 M5 can do the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 6.5 sec, while the US version needs 0.3 sec more."
11-20-2007, 11:04 PM
#38
Addict
Thread Starter
I pulled that image off some place called M5list.com I think. Can you believe a web site dedicated to a line of cars. that's as dumb as making a car without a roof.
11-20-2007, 11:19 PM
#39
I had an e46 M3 (which was just discountinue) that I sold four-months ago. The car is violent fast in the sweet spots and the engine sonics inside the cabin are frightening. The M cars are truly amazing.
Last edited by Laszlo_Laz; 11-21-2007 at 01:08 AM.
11-21-2007, 12:25 AM
#40
Addict
Thread Starter
Uh, Laszlo, I don't think that discription was ment for our viewing public so I'm gonna say this on the down low. you have earned a spot on the quote of the week, but It would be against my religion to take Peter down and put you up...let's just say you are in the batter's box.
11-21-2007, 01:07 AM
#41
I'm very sorry Douglas, I didn't know this was such a conservative forum. I'll make sure to have Home Land Security review my banter before posting on this forum. I also took the liberty of editing out my careless use of the English language from my original post.
11-21-2007, 01:15 AM
#42
Addict
Thread Starter
relax, you fit in well around here. Now if you ever venture into the off topic I can't help you. It's a cold world out there. I have very vivid memories of jumping an M3 over the tracks at George Mason University (speaking of conservative) in northern Virginia back in the day. It was a cab so may not have been an M, but I think it was. gotta go, baking pies for customers for turkey day.
11-21-2007, 01:55 AM
#43
They did produce an M cab - great car and lots of fun. You sound like a great guy, Douglas. Good deal. :-)
11-21-2007, 02:15 AM
#44
Racer
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Toledo, OH
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well, back in the day would have been only 10 yrs ago for an e36. Douglas was probably in an M technic convertible. I don't think any e30 M3 verts made it over here, but there have been some good hack job conversions.
11-21-2007, 08:54 AM
#45
Burning Brakes
I was talking about this thread with a BMW (and "car guy") coworker (he has several, including an M3), and he had me looking REAL hard at some nice M5s online yesterday...until I saw their weight (4000+)...not for me despite the awesome performance 
Keith
'88 CE coupe
Keith
'88 CE coupe