Wiesmann MF5 GT V10
The Wiesmann MF5 GT, produced from 2009 to 2013, was the flagship model from Dulmen-based Wiesmann — a tiny German manufacturer that combined BMW drivetrains with hand-crafted, retro-influenced bodywork to create sports cars of extraordinary character. The MF5 GT took this formula to its extreme by installing the BMW M5's S85 5.0-liter V10 engine into Wiesmann's aluminum and steel tube frame chassis, creating one of the most exclusive and dramatic sports cars of its era.
The S85 V10 was the same naturally aspirated engine that powered the E60 BMW M5, producing 507 horsepower at 7,750 rpm with a redline of 8,250 rpm. In the Wiesmann's significantly lighter body — approximately 350 kg less than the M5 sedan — the engine's character was transformed. The V10's high-rpm frenzy, already impressive in the two-ton BMW, became truly spectacular in a car weighing just 1,380 kg. The power-to-weight ratio of 367 hp per ton placed the MF5 GT firmly in supercar territory.
The chassis was engineered for driving pleasure. A steel tube frame with bonded aluminum panels provided a rigid structure, while double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension — both using high-quality components — offered precise, communicative handling. The 50:50 weight distribution, achieved through careful packaging of the front-mounted engine and rear-mounted gearbox (transaxle layout), provided neutral, balanced handling that rewarded skilled drivers.
The bodywork was the Wiesmann's most distinctive feature. Designed by the Wiesmann brothers with influences from 1950s sports cars, the voluptuous curves, long hood, and compact cabin created a silhouette unlike anything else on the road. The lizard logo on the hood was a reference to the gecko — a creature Wiesmann adopted as its mascot because, like their cars, geckos could stick to any surface. Every body panel was hand-formed, and the build quality, while not matching a Porsche or BMW for consistency, had an artisanal character that mass-produced cars cannot replicate.
The interior was a showcase of traditional craftsmanship. Hand-stitched leather covered the dashboard, door panels, and seats. Aluminum and wood trim created a warm, inviting atmosphere. BMW switchgear and the iDrive system provided modern functionality, while the overall ambiance was distinctly more traditional than the BMW donor components might suggest.
Wiesmann produced only approximately 55 MF5 GTs before the company entered insolvency in 2013. Each car was essentially built to order, with individual specifications that made no two examples exactly alike. The rarity, the unique combination of BMW V10 power with hand-built German craftsmanship, and the MF5 GT's distinctive personality make it one of the most unusual and collectible German sports cars of the modern era.
Verify production records through Wiesmann archives (contact current Wiesmann company). The S85 V10 has the same known issues as in the BMW M5 — rod bearing wear is the primary concern. Verify preventive rod bearing replacement has been performed. The SMG gearbox (if fitted) has known reliability issues — manual cars are preferred. Check the tubular chassis for corrosion. Hand-formed body panels require specialist repair. BMW switchgear and electronics are generally reliable. Low production numbers mean limited parts availability for Wiesmann-specific components.
Approximately 55 MF5 GTs were produced from 2009 to 2013 before Wiesmann entered insolvency. Each car was essentially built to order. The S85 V10 and SMG transmission were sourced directly from BMW. Both manual and SMG transmissions were offered. Wiesmann briefly resumed operations in 2020 under new ownership with plans for new models.