In 1936, BMW presented a new 500 cc sports model with the BMW R 5 after a lull of six years. The completely new engine with two camshafts generated 24 hp at 5,800 rpm. The magnificent pressed steel frame provided a design made of arc-welded oval-shaped tubes. The lightweight frame combined with the revolutionary telescopic fork and the foot-operated gear shift supplied for the first time to give the R 5 outstanding ride characteristics and a top speed of 135 km/h. This chassis was to play a pioneering role in development over the next three decades.