By the way things are going lately, there always seem to be an anniversary happening somewhere in the automotive sector. Anniversaries in 2014 has consisted of 50 years for the Ford Mustang, 25 years for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and later this year the Dodge brand will officially turn 100. Crossing the 30th year mark, the BMW M5 is the latest participant in celebrating a milestone for 2015. Extending the performance benchmark for large sedans for three decades, the BMW M5 achievements over the course of time is being bestowed in a limited production special 30th Anniversary Edition.
With only 300 examples of the 30th Anniversary Edition 2015 BMW M5 sedan set to be built for the global market, only 30 will be earmarked for the United States. Defined with “30 Jahre M5” badging (“jahre” is German for the word years), the special performance sedan is painted with a Frozen Dark Silver Metallic exterior shade. Accenting the BMW Individual paint colour, the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 extensively uses Black Chrome trim on exterior pieces such as the door handles, twin dual exhausts as well as around the trademark kidney grille openings. Bi-colour, 20-inch light alloy wheels are uniquely matched to the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5. An enhanced control module linked with an Active M differential on the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 promises the wheels will be reacting quicker than previously possible. Tweaks have also been made to the sedan’s M Dynamic mode and Servotronic sport steering system.
Like the typical M5, the 30th anniversary model of the large BMW sedan’s cabin is balanced for luxury comfort and performance feel. The black interior of the 2015 model year 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 features the marriage of high-grade leather and Alcantara materials. An Aluminum Trace trim strip features a passenger side-mounted “30 Jahre M5” marking that is accompanied with an identification number.
It seems automakers are finally realizing that commemorative editions of vehicles need to have more than a special graphic package and some additional standard features. In addition to the improved handling technology, the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 features an extra punch from the M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine. Fitted with the Competition Package that traditionally allows the M5 sedan to bellow 575 horsepower (a 15 horsepower improvement over the standard M5’s engine output), the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 features increased turbocharger pressure allowing the car to generate 600 horsepower from the 4.4-liter engine. The most powerful M5 ever and BMW‘s most potent production car, acceleration time from 0 to 60 miles per hour is estimated at 3.7 seconds.
Similar to the buying experience that Mazda is presenting for purchasers desiring the 25th anniversary MX-5 Miata, potential buyers the 30th Anniversary Edition 2015 BMW M5 is being carefully organized. However, BMW’s approach is perhaps one of the most innovative. Using social media, BMW of North America will release the reservation phone number on their Instagram account (@BMWUSA). Starting on May 17th, portions of the phone number will be revealed along with intriguing facts and information on the BMW M5. By May 21st, the number for reserving the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5 will be fully unveiled. The first 29 American-sold M5 30th Anniversary Edition models are slated to be purchased through the reservation phone number. The future of the 30th and final US model of this exclusive BMW M5 sedan has not been confirmed. Possibly the automotive press and fellow dignitaries of the German luxury carmaker based stateside has a suggestion.
One of the most powerful BMW M5 sedans ever built, the limited edition 30th Anniversary Edition model will also be among the most expensive. If fortunate enough to effectively win the opportunity to buy the 30th Anniversary Edition BMW M5, perspective owners need to cough up $138,275 US. For some hardcore Bimmer fans, the privilege of owning more than three percent of the total vehicle production of a special 2015 BMW M5 is worthy of the six-figure price tag.
