Test drive BMW M5 E39 1998 - 2004 sedan
Unexpected love
I don't like BMW. And Mercedes, too, because I am convinced that the prestige of these brands is largely a product of advertising. According to German marketers, the middle class (in his Western sense) cannot travel to Renault or Hyundai. He is worthy of more. For the upper layer of the middle class Mercedes S600, for example, the option for the lower BMW of the third series ... In general, when I learned about the upcoming BMW M5 test, my heart did not clog more often. Of course, I like powerful models, but God sees, I would with a much greater pleasure ride on the hot version of Peugeot 206 or on the new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. Alas, the choice of cars for the test is the work of the editorial office. Be that as it may, the car is in front of me, and I try my best to be objective. The weather during the test was so foul (fog plus rain) that there was no question of any decent photography, so the article used branded photos. Actually, the BMW M5 on the test was black, and this color goes the car most. Getting on huge wheels, and the already rather big sedan has grown noticeably. A small spoiler appeared on the trunk lid, only 4-5 cm in height. The front and rear bumpers are slightly different from the standard, forming the so-called M-hobwell. As many as four exhaust pipes are protected from under the rear! A fan of the brand will probably understand that he is a real sportsman leader of the fifth family. The ordinary layman may not allocate this car in the traffic flow. She looks advantageous, but not at all catchy. This is the very simplicity that is worth a lot.
In the cabin, trimmed with black skin, there is nothing superfluous, it is ascetic and pleasant to the touch. The driver's seat has an amazing set of adjustments. Inaudible electric motors carefully lower and raise you, move forward and backward. Small compressors pump up or blow the rollers of a lumbar stop, and, finally, a small area inaudibly leaves under the knees for the additional convenience of your precious legs. All this bribes, I haven’t even launched the motor, but I already hardly remember, for which I did not like Bavarian cars so much. It is impossible to complain about the ergonomics of the driver's seat. The wiper control panel and mirrors are located on the left door at hand. Several steering wheel switches, which are in charge of external light, wipers, an on -board computer and stereomagnetic, are located at the proper distance from the helm. Another small lever is responsible for moving the steering wheel in two planes: to the driver and from it, up and down. Yes, in this car a driver of any height and complexion will be comfortably settled, and the rear passengers will not be offended. Wast tests revealed the following. The five -liter engine disperses the BMW M5 as if it is shot from a huge slingshot. Moreover, frantic acceleration begins already with a thousand revolutions and without interrupting continues to seven on which the limiter works. I have never experienced anything like that. Even Lancer Evo VII is not capable of this! Overcoming the load in several G, I turn on the second, then the third and so on until the sixth gear. The dynamics of acceleration is almost not deteriorating. Fantasy! 
The first three transmissions are quite long, urban, however, the whole city can be driven at the third huge moment and power allows. The remaining three broadcasts in Avtobanovsky are close. Summing up accelerated dynamics and brake. In no case do not drive this car, without fastening, send your nose. When you press the brake pedal, there is a feeling that you crashed into a large snowdrift from all over the course. ABS does not irritate with false works, it is very effective and predictable. How I like this car! (I heard that the M5 brakes are imprisoned under an autobane ride with high speed and rare braking. And with active urban driving, they say they quickly overheat and lose their effectiveness. I don’t know that I did not have such an impression.) 
The controllability of the M5 is no worse than dynamic characteristics. Strange, the car is endowed with soft-downstairs with predictable reactions on the steering wheel, and at the same time in sporting OST in quick turns. The DSC course stability system interferes with the aerobatics very intelligently and, without scaring the driver, helps him control four hundred horsepower. I strongly recommend do not disconnect this system in the city. Losing a car in a slow turn without an electronic assistant costs nothing. This is a test! This is a drive! Dear German comrades, sorry for unflattering statements to your wonderful company. I did not know what BMW M5 is! Now I know. I ask you only about one thing and for nothing tell me how much this dream costs on wheels. The dream should have an element of secrets ... Boris Schulmeister
A source: Motor magazine [December 2002]
