E28 M5 Euro vs. USA

BT · 20th February 2006, 16:33

Hi

Tried the search but found nothing exact.

So I'm thinking of buying an E28 M5 USA ('87) but it's imported to Europe and I don't have somuch knowledge of the USA version. So what are the differences? Bumbers of course

. Bit lower hp, but what exactly is the diffrence in motor? Was there some different equipment level in USA version? Evere piece of knowledge would be gladly accepted.

Juha

jjje28 · 21st February 2006, 02:51

U.S. = 256 bhp
Euro = 286 bhp

The U.S. version is considered to be a bit beefier as far as the timing components are concerned, double row timing chain vs. a single row for the euro. With a little work you can get pretty close to the euro output with the U.S. motor, chip, cam gear, headers.

GSM5er · 21st February 2006, 14:16

The Conforti chip does the job, it is good for another 48 extra horses and 32 ft/lbs of torque.

euroe28m5 · 21st February 2006, 16:55

The euro M88 had higher compression, single row timing chain and was available in several color combinations. Here are the euro spec color combos:

Anthracite Country Cloth, Pearl Beige Country Cloth, Pacific Blue Country Cloth, Pine Green Country Cloth, Nutria Country Cloth. Black leather, Pearl Beige leather, Pacific Blue leather, Nutria leather, Lama leather, Cardinal Red leather, Anthracite Buffalo leather.

The US version came in Schwartz with Natur and there are a few Canadian vesions that came with Black interior. So for the US model, you can get any color you want as long as it is Black! LOL!!!

US Horsepower: 256 S38
Euro HP: 286 M88.

Hope this helps.

BT · 21st February 2006, 18:31

Thanks, these "facts" helped.

Izzyzx · 21st February 2006, 19:43

It is my limited understanding that the Euro version cars, did not come with a catalytic convertor. Therefore its probably is not equipped with oxygen sensors system that would mean a different EMU (very costly parts). It is also my understanding many Euro cars were designed to operate on fuel containing lead, which I believe has an effect valve seats and exhaust valve temperature (different head design). Also it used to be that Euro cars did not conform to the US Safety standards neither (different glass, side impact protection, crumble zones, bumpers) therefore I would also assume the Euro version must be lighter... This is meaningless if the car has been fully converted to meet US safety and emission standards, but if that is the case then cost would be somewhat impractical...

BTW an Euro M5 might not pass California or New York emission standards...

euroe28m5 · 22nd February 2006, 02:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzyzx

It is my limited understanding that the Euro version cars, did not come with a catalytic convertor. Therefore its probably is not equipped with oxygen sensors system that would mean a different EMU (very costly parts). It is also my understanding many Euro cars were designed to operate on fuel containing lead, which I believe has an effect valve seats and exhaust valve temperature (different head design). Also it used to be that Euro cars did not conform to the US Safety standards neither (different glass, side impact protection, crumble zones, bumpers) therefore I would also assume the Euro version must be lighter... This is meaningless if the car has been fully converted to meet US safety and emission standards, but if that is the case then cost would be somewhat impractical...

BTW an Euro M5 might not pass California or New York emission standards...

You are correct on many accounts. First off, yes the euro models were designed as non-catalyst cars, therefore the ECU was different, no impact bumpers, door gaurd beams, different headlights, etc. My car was brought to the states in 1985 and was federalized in Santa Ana, Ca. and complied with all state and federal standards. Federalizing a euro car was quite popular in the 80s as the Mark was extremely weak against the dollar. You had to add a cat, o2 sensor, door gaurd beams, vapor canister, unleaded fuel filler neck, and dash stickers, US spec sealed beam headlights, US speedo, and some serious de-tuning to meet emissions. So it was pracital twenty years ago, but today your car has to be at least 25 years old to be exempt from a very costly conversion. My friend brought in an e34 M5 touring and spent 22k on the conversion!!!