BMW: BMW M5, mercedes benz s600, bmw m5

Question
Ian I was wondering what older BMW model led to the making of the M5. I also wanted to know how would the M5  get ranked against the Lexus SL 3000 ,the mazda 626 and the Mercedes-Benz S600

Answer
The M1 was the first "M" car made by BMW. It was a two door supercar capable of speeds 200+. The M5 is not in the same class as the 626 or S600. The mazda is a cheap family car with nothing in common with the M5 other than the fact that they both have 4 doors. The S600 is a full size luxury car which has a V-12 and competes with the BMW 750. There is no such car as the Lexus SL 3000.
Thanks,
Ian