M5 vs. M5 vs. M5 vs. M5 in Brilliant Rev Battle

By Jonathon Klein - July 22, 2015

bmw

The BMW M5 is one of my favorite cars of all time. It all began after seeing BMW’s short video series, The Hire, specifically, the short called “Star,” featuring Clive Owen, as the driver, and a particularly difficult Madonna as the titular prima donna. However, the real star of the film was the E39 M5 that Owen drove. In the film, the M5 was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, capable of sliding like a Formula D car. It made a sound that gave my 12-year-old heart a flutter.

It was one of the most crucial points of my enthusiast up-bringing, and one that I savor every time I think back on it. I’d absolutely kill for an E39 M5, complete with the manual transmission. However, that love for that particular M5 quickly matured, as the E60 M5 came into being. It’s naturally aspirated V10 made over 500-horsepower, and sounded like the Gods of Motorsport were coming down from the heavens. It was the sound of sex and violence, and it was good.

While both cars sound amazing, there are those that would argue, until blue in the face, about which one is best. And that neither of those previous M5s is the best sounding M5 that BMW has ever made. Perhaps they’d argue that the E34, or the new F10 M5, is the best. Thankfully, we can settle this once and for all. At a recent auto event, some brilliant individuals decided to bring the four iterations of the M5 together for one amazing rev battle.

Before you listen to the different engines, which do you think will sound best. I’ve laid out my reasoning on why I love both the E39 and the E60, but what’s yours? Let’s hear those theories and beliefs.