Re: Differences between euro and American M5? (archive)

The valve shims on a Euro no cat model are smaller (in diameter) than the cat version.. How do I know - BMW supplied the wrong shims when I was doing my valve clearances
Euro model (early ones at least) use a mechanical device (bi-metallic strip) as the auxilliary air device. US models use the solenoid operated device
Ian

Ian
Well, as far as HP differences, the Euro car had no cat., equal-length tubular headers, and ecu programming to match.
You can get most of that HP back (at least according to sales material) by using an aftermarket chip on a US model. You can get euro headers (very $$), but then you need to get the whole euro exhaust, as the flanges are differnet, or cut off the existing flanges and weld new ones one. There are probably a few other differences as far as engine goes.
The euro cars were available in any color and were also available for customization by BMW Individual.

I believe the euro car had 286hp. Any other difference besides the bumpers?
Thanks,
Todd

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