S62-S2 vs. S85 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

palantirion · 9th February 2006, 10:09

I'm starting this thread to promote what will hopefully be polite discussion. I had a thought one day: What if BMW had ellected to stick with a v8 instead of opting for a v10 for the new M5? Dinan has a very powerful, efficient and reliable modded S62 that is very similar to the S85 in output. Below are the two engine's HP and TQ curves.

So, which is the better choice for a 4000lb sedan with both a 7-spd SMG AND a 6-spd manual (for the US market)?

p.s. More data for your consideration: the car has a cd of 0.31. The S62 gets 13/21 mileage and the S85 gets 12/18.

kees · 9th February 2006, 10:21

Interesting thoughts

GotM808 · 9th February 2006, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by kees

Interesting thoughts

Indeed... Factor in the cost efficiency of getting that kind of similar power with say a used E39 M5 + Dinan mods and one could come out way ahead with $ to spare over a price of the newer V10 E60.

Hmmm....

wilsodh · 9th February 2006, 15:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotM808

Indeed... Factor in the cost efficiency of getting that kind of similar power with say a used E39 M5 + Dinan mods and one could come out way ahead with $ to spare over a price of the newer V10 E60.

Hmmm....

That's the way I look at it too. Start w/ the cheapest e39 (2000 MY), maybe one of these low mileage garage queens, and you're even farther ahead.

Dave

bernhtp · 9th February 2006, 16:04

Does the S62-S2 have the same level of reliability as stock and equally conform to regulations over emissions and sound? I don't even know if the MY2003 S62 would comply with existing regulations, which tend to become more restrictive over time.

Tom

TiSiBeast · 9th February 2006, 17:50

Interesting chart - im really impressed with how flat and long the S62's torque curve is. You stay at 400 lbs pretty much until the mid 5k rpms. That makes for a whole lot of acceleration.. Are these numbers taken at the wheels or at the crank? Im guessing that they are at the crank....

03BeastCharmer · 9th February 2006, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiSiBeast

Are these numbers taken at the wheels or at the crank? Im guessing that they are at the crank....

They have to be at the crank as the new M5 makes 507 at the crank, and with standard drivline loss at the wheel they would make less than 460.

Anzir · 9th February 2006, 19:22

I dare you to post this on the E60 board..

I didn't realize that the S2 package affected torque that much. That is a really nice torque curve, and relatively flat. When you look at the video that Gustav took with the S2 vs. the stock E39 M5, it really is a significant difference!!

Terk · 9th February 2006, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anzir

I dare you to post this on the E60 board..

I didn't realize that the S2 package affected torque that much. That is a really nice torque curve, and relatively flat. When you look at the video that Gustav took with the S2 vs. the stock E39 M5, it really is a significant difference!!

There is a thread on the E60 board with a link to this one.

Have we seen a video of an S2 running against an E60M5? That would be interesting to see.

cosioboy · 9th February 2006, 19:49

Interesting discussion, indeed. I think there is a certain lure with V-10 engines. For one, they are F-1 'inspired' (SMG tranny too), and those are associated with a certain exotic 'feel'... But nowadays you can find them in many aplpications, ranging from family/exec sedans like the Audi S6/S8 to the two-door marvels like the Lambos (granted, they are developed on the same platform)...

But this season, F-1 is back to V-8 engines, so what does that imply? Similarly, AMG is pushing bigger naturaly aspirated engines (6.1 ltr) instead of developing V10s, as ultimately, there is no substitute for torque...

People refer to the S2, which makes sense given how close (or better) the final output numbers are relative to the S85. Cost-wise, keep in mind the entire package includes a lot more than the engine numbers (think suspension, brakes, etc.). The Dinan power numbers can closely be replicated for at least half of the cost if done piece meal (e.g. full Supersprints front to back, Stoptechs, lightwieght rims + coilovers/other, velocity stacks, pulleys, CAI, Powerchip, 3:45 Diff).

So the idea of taking a nice early model garage queen E39 M5 ($35K) and souping it up ($20K) and still have close to $40+K in your pocket ($95K after taxes + options for the E60 M5) is one I will entertain till the cows come home... Looks and 6-speed tranny is only extra gravy...