One Of BMW's Most Iconic M Cars Almost Featured A V6 Engine | Carscoops

      The E39 debuted shortly after BMW had considered discontinuing the M division in the US.

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      BMW explored the idea of equipping the E39 M5 with a turbo inline-six or a V6.

      However, delays in development and high costs led to the abandonment of those concepts.

      The M62 V8 became the foundation for the now-famous S62 engine.

      While not every automotive enthusiast agrees on which BMW M5 generation is the best, the E39 frequently gets the top spot. Its well-proportioned design, naturally aspirated V8, and subtle aesthetics have garnered it widespread admiration, even years after its release.

      What makes its story even more intriguing is how close it came to becoming something entirely different. During the development phase, serious considerations were made regarding a turbocharged inline-six or surprisingly, a V6. Fortunately, that version of the M5 never progressed beyond the planning stage, and many fans are thankful for that.

      See: BMW’s Best 5-Series Almost Looked Like Something Else Entirely

      When BMW set out to develop the E39 M5, BMW of North America was uncertain about continuing the sale of M models in the United States. The E28 M5 had been a significant success, but the E34 did not generate the same level of excitement.

      The shift in direction occurred when BMW chose to introduce the E36 M3 in the US with a different engine, demonstrating the company's commitment to the American market and facilitating the decision to also bring the E39 M5 to the US.

      A Pivotal Moment in Engineering

      In a retrospective covering 50 years, BMW North America revealed the various paths the E39 M5 could have taken. At that time, Karlheinz Kalbfell, who was in charge of BMW’s M division, seriously considered a turbocharged inline-six and a V6 before eventually opting for the now-renowned S62 V8.

      “Kalbfell believed that the core identity of BMW was embodied in the inline six-cylinder, and that was what he envisioned as the image leader for BMW, rather than a V8,” recalled Rich Brekus, then Head of Product Planning for BMW NA. “I suppose he viewed the V8 as an American concept, too large and wasteful, but no one could determine how to achieve better performance with a six-cylinder than what they had with the S38.”

      This evaluation was based in reality. The 3.8-liter six-cylinder from the previous E34 had reached its developmental limits, and BMW believed the next M5 required a different engine. E39 M5 Project Leader, Alex Hildebrandt, noted that the team looked into both a turbocharged six and a potential V6, but neither option met their standards.

      However, creating a high-performance six-cylinder that surpassed the old S38 would be significantly challenging and expensive, particularly for a model expected to be produced in limited quantities.

      “They certainly considered not only a turbocharged inline-six but also a V6, which would have been a drastic departure within the BMW engine lineup,” BMW stated. Hildebrandt added, “Ultimately, the company was unwilling to invest the resources to develop an engine for just 2-3,000 cars annually. So this idea was put aside, but we had already lost two years of development time.”

      Choosing the V8

      After extensive discussions, Kalbfell ultimately acknowledged that a V8 was “the best technical solution for the M5, and that such an engine would align with the car’s character as well.”

      “We aimed to design a sports car for gentlemen, and the V8 was a natural fit,” Hildebrandt explained. “In the end, it became the only option to bring the car to market within a reasonable timeframe. We were already two years behind in the development process, and delaying further would have meant no profit from the project.”

      To create the V8 that would power the E39, BMW engineers enlarged the existing M62, enhanced the porting, and increased the redline. They also developed a new intake system featuring dual throttle bodies and an improved oil system.

      Looking back, the decision to switch to a V8 proved not only practical but also visionary. The S62 engine is still celebrated as one of BMW’s best, providing the smooth and linear power that has come to define the E39 M5’s identity. This is part of why this M5 transcends its era; it serves as a benchmark that continues to influence perceptions of sport sedans.

      John Halas contributed to this story.