The BMW M5 debuted 1984. The M5 which was based on the design of the BMW 5 series, was designed for drivers who wanted a sports car but also a vehicle which could carry 5 passengers. The M5 was introduced in four different versions, a left hand drive vehicle, a right hand drive vehicle, and a vehicle each of which met the North American and South African market needs. The LHD, RHD and South African vehicles were powered by the M88/3 engine whereas the North American car was powered by a S38 engine. The first generation M5 continued to be manufactured till 1988.

The second generation made its debut in 1989. This car was built on the 535i car body. The early second generation M5 was powered by a 3.5 liter engine, which was upgraded to a 3.8 liter engine in 1991 for the European market. The same year the company introduced a Touring model for the Left Hand Drive cars only. The unusual part of the early M series cars was the design of the tire and its protection. The protection was bolted to the body. In 1998 BMW came up with the third generation M5 that was powered by a 4.9 liter V8 engine. This car also had 3 types: a car built to meet the requirements of North America, a left hand drive and a right hand drive.

The fourth generation of the BMW M5 was introduced in the year 2006, which was powered by a 5.0 liter V 10 engine. The car had a body strengthened by aluminum, and a new manual gear system. Though the new gear system was good while racing on a race course, it was not so good while driving in the city. The vehicle got another upgrade in 2008, when the company launched it with the same old engine but now with a seven manual gears. Also installed on the car were new 19 inch tires, seats made of merino leather, xenon headlights, and a driver seat that is heated and can be adjusted in 16 different ways. Another option was seats that can be moved or changed in 20 different way, the back seats that are heated and the ability to start the car without keys.