Autoblog

BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

The new BMW M5 is taking a one-week, 3,300-mile U.S. road trip, and not only will it tour the skeevy diners, restless rest areas and truck-stop toilets of this fine land, it'll eat up its tires on nine of our nation's finest tracks. If you think that sounds like the Tire Rack One Lap of America, you'd be correct.

In addition to providing the official vehicles for the event, the Munich firm is sending a team of drivers from its BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina to compete in the newly created 'Showroom Stock' category. This year's week-long race begins May 4 in South Bend, Indiana, and as with all the other entries, the M5 will get just one set of tires to test its gumption in various motorsports disciplines and thousands of highway miles. Follow the jump for a press release with more info and be sure to check out One Lap Of America's website for updates when the event kicks off in May.

Continue reading BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America

BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 550dx to be AWD torquemonster with 516 lb-ft

Zach Bowman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel, Luxury

A BMW dealer in the Netherlands has leaked what it says is a tasty bit of information on the upcoming diesel 5 Series. According to 5post.com, the vehicle will boast a tri-turbo inline six-cylinder oil burner good for around 381 horsepower. That number is a far cry from the 500-pony speculation that had been making the rounds until recently, but that doesn't mean that the big 5 Series will be any slouch on the road. The dealer also let slip that the vehicle will arrive packing 516 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough for the big sedan's all-wheel drive system to rip up massive handfuls of asphalt to throw at lesser machinery.

Speaking of all-wheel drive, word has it that the 550d will only be available with all four corners turning, at least initially. Production is set to kick off in March of next year, and true to form, there's no telling whether or not the big, powerful diesel will be available to U.S. buyers. There's also some indication that this potent engine will show up in hardware like the next-generation BMW X5 and X6, though there are no fuel economy estimates to be had at this time. Presumably, a Touring variant like the one shown above will be on offer overseas, as well, making it this Bimmer a covet-worthy alternative to a premium crossover.

2012 BMW 550dx to be AWD torquemonster with 516 lb-ft originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW M5 tackles Laguna Seca

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW

A 2012 BMW M5 and free rein at California's legendary Laguna Seca circuit sounds like a near-perfect way to spend a day. BMW agrees with that line of thinking, and it was kind enough to bring a long a camera. Well, you could easily replace "kind" with "annoyingly torturous" since we aren't the ones wearing the helmet and driving suit.

Regardless, we still enjoyed the clip and we think you will too - especially when you hear just how ruthlessly the sound from 560-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 assaults your eardrums. Click past the jump to check it out.

Continue reading 2012 BMW M5 tackles Laguna Seca

2012 BMW M5 tackles Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW opens the floodgates on 2012 M5

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image mega gallery

The moment we've all been waiting for is upon us. Well, actually, it came last night when the first batch of images leaked out showing the new BMW M5. But just as it did with its last new vehicle - the new 1 Series hatchback - the Bavarian automaker has followed up with a very full batch of official photos and the details to go along with it.

Since its inception in 1985, the M5 has stood as the definitive European super-sedan. But while the newest iteration may have ditched a couple of cylinders from the model it replaces, it has gained a couple of turbochargers in their stead and a commensurate increase in output to go along with 'em. The 4.4-liter twin-scroll twin-turbo V8, complete with direct injection and variable valvetrain, offers up a whopping 560 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque - about 10 percent more than the outgoing V10, accessible from lower revs to boot. It also does so using less fuel and emitting fewer carbon molecules into the atmosphere, aided by such features as regenerative braking and stop-start ignition.

Driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission complete with launch control and all the electronic do-dads you'd expect from a modern German performance sedan, BMW figures it's good for a 4.4-second sprint to 60, with top speed limited (as many German automobiles are) to 155 miles per hour, though the governor can be relaxed with the optional M Driver's Package for a 190-mph top end. Of course, the M5 isn't all about straight-line speed, packing an Active M electronic multi-plate limited-slip differential and stability control to help get the power down coming out of the corners.

A welcome change from the overly complicated system on the outgoing M5 is the presence of two little buttons on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to pre-program parameters from accelerator response and shift program to chassis control and head-up display, to be recalled at the touch of a button, instead of having to fiddle through an endless array of iDrive menus and options each time. And of course, as you can see from the high-resolution images in our extensive gallery, BMW has given the new M5 all the visual cues - both inside and out - it needs to stand apart from more ordinary 5 Series models. Click on past the jump to peruse the full press release for more.

Continue reading BMW opens the floodgates on 2012 M5

BMW opens the floodgates on 2012 M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official 2012 BMW M5 shots hit the web

Dan Roth — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:10:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, BMW

2012 BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Official 2012 BMW M5 images have leaked onto the Internet as the latest iteration of the legendary M model prepares to charge toward showrooms. The F10 M5 is flared and aero-ed up with bodywork that maintains a buttoned-up demeanor even as it radiates aggression. Onlookers can tell the M5 is a special car with its enlarged air intakes in the front fascia, quartet of tailpipes and 20-inch wheels with Z-rated tires, but it doesn't need to be festooned with wings and bling to make its point.

The 2012 M5 is about more than mere surface beauty, after all. The sonorous V10 of the last M5 has been traded out for a twin-turbocharged V8 fist. Power is up, with 552 horsepower (the V10 produced 507 hp) coming on at 6,000 rpm - 1,750 rpm lower than the V10. Torque is hugely boosted from 383 pound-feet to 501 lb-ft, which will be great for shoving this car to 60 miles per hour in a reported 4.4 seconds. That'll route to the rear wheels via a standard dual-clutch transmission, though a proper six-speed stick will reportedly be available here in the United States.

The cost of entry is rumored to be around €100,000 in Germany - about $144,000 based on current exchange rates. We're sure the actual U.S. price won't be anywhere near that high (the€100K number likely includes Europe's lofty value-added tax), but in any case, start saving your pennies.

First official 2012 BMW M5 shots hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Brilliance Automotive previews 5 Series plug-in hybrid prototype

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, China, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

2013 BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res version

In the lead-in to the Shanghai Motor Show, BMW has teased an upcoming plug-in hybrid 5 Series that will be exclusive to the Chinese market. The prototype of this greener version of BMW's midsize sedan is based on the China-only long-wheelbase 5 Series platform.

The car is part of a joint venture between BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance. The car is the tip of an eco-friendly iceberg BMW has aimed squarely at China, a country with an increasing appetite for premium-segment cars and a serious need for green-focused, energy-efficient vehicles.

Despite its size, BMW says the plug-in 5 Series will manage nearly 250 miles on a single charge and tank of gas, with up to 47 miles of those on electric power only, provided you don't creep past 37 miles per hour. Those numbers certainly aren't what you'd call impressive, but they're a step in the right direction and they'd likely be a major help in the thick traffic snarls that China's major cities are famous for. As for the U.S. market, a full plug-in 5 Series is unlikely, but BMW is understood to be planning to bring a traditional mild hybrid version of the car to our shores. For now, check out the prototype in our gallery below and via the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2013 BMW 5 Series Plug-In Hybrid

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Brilliance Automotive previews 5 Series plug-in hybrid prototype

BMW Brilliance Automotive previews 5 Series plug-in hybrid prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Concept M5 smiles for the camera

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW Concept M5 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Excited for the arrival of the new BMW M5? Well, you should be - it's the quintessential high-performance sport sedan... the outgoing model was a something approaching a civilized supercar with four doors. But the wait is just about over.

Set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show and then in 2012 production spec at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we've already had the chance to see the Concept M5 in Munich for a brief preview and photo session to join the batch of studio shots provided by the manufacturer. But if that weren't enough, BMW has released video footage of the M5 show car doing the roundy-round and even driving about a bit. Follow the jump to check it out. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Concept

[Source: BMW via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW Concept M5 smiles for the camera

Video: BMW Concept M5 smiles for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW M5 Concept bound for Shanghai [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

BMW M5 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already gotten our first glimpse of the BMW M5 Concept bound for the Shanghai Motor Show, and now we can give up the full monty on BMW's fifth iteration of its world-beating super sedan.

In keeping with BMW tradition, the M5 "Concept" is deceptively close to the production model that's set to hit Europe this Fall and come Stateside next spring, but so far, BMW is only telling half the high performance story.

Based off the current F10 5 Series chassis, the M5's exterior has been pinched, pulled and imbued with the understated aggression that typifies BMW's M-fettled products. Up front, a revised front fascia houses three enlarged black mesh-covered intakes to feed the turbocharged eight-cylinder and supply the front brakes with cool air. The lower edge of the sculpted front bumper is a pure representation of BMW's latest M models and extends rearward to the aerodynamic rear apron equipped with an integrated diffuser. A deceptively subtle lip spoiler spans the trunk to provide downforce at speed, while M-specific quad exhausts shuttle spent hydrocarbons out the back. Hit the jump to continue reading, watch a video of the unveiling and check out the official press release.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Concept

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Concept – live

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Video Source: M5Board via YouTube]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW M5 Concept bound for Shanghai [w/video]

Officially Official: BMW M5 Concept bound for Shanghai [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Specialty, Diesel

2011 AC Schnitzer 99d - Click above for high-res image gallery

AC Schnitzer has showed up at the Geneva Motor Show with not one, but two fresh-off-the-press upgrade packages for 2011.

Not wanting to look completely unfriendly to Mother Earth, AC Schnitzer has taken their expertise to the Z4 and BMW's EfficientDynamics system, working over a 320d mill to go under the Z4's hood. The 2011 AC Schnitzer 99d gets a 70-hp boost to 190, hits 60 in 6.9 seconds, releases a scant 99g of C02 per mile and returns a handsome 63 mpg in the European cycle. That, according to Schnitzer, is better than any BMW on the market. Unfortunately, the 99d is just a concept, and won't be available to the public any time soon.

For the family minded executives attending the show, AC Schnitzer started with the 2011 BMW 550i, bumping the car from 407 to 540 horsepower. According to Schnitzer, the result is a 4.5-second 0-60 sprint and a whopping 198 mph top end. The engine exhales through a new set of the tuner's own mufflers capped with chrome surrounds. The resulting executive express has been dubbed the ACS5 Sport S.

Hauling all that energy to a stop is a revised set of brakes sporting eight-piston calipers. Outside, Schnitzer went all-out to ensure that the car would be stable at its newfound velocity. The laundry list of exterior mods includes a front spoiler, carbon ducts for the brakes, new engine bay vents and, of course, your choice of 20 or 21-inch AC Schnitzer custom wheels.

Check out the official videos and press releases after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer 99d: Geneva 2011

Gallery: AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW M5 to be automatic only?

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 BMW M5 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

As enthusiasts, we can't help but get depressed over the near-extinction of the manual transmission. More and more of our favorite performance cars are being offered without three-pedal setups, and if you believe the latest reports, the next car to fall victim to this change of engineering is the 2012 BMW M5. Don't get your hopes up for any sort of dual-clutch setup, either - Motor Trend is reporting that the next-generation M5 will be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic.

When the 2012 BMW M5 goes on sale, it will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with direct injection. Motor Trend reports that BMW apparently tried to mate its M DCT transmission to this powerplant, a less-powerful version of which is used in both the X5 M and X6 M. The latest reports state that the 2012 M5 will produce over 550 horsepower, and while there's no word about what sort of torque numbers will be on tap, it's obviously too high to be handled by the M DCT unit. Presumably, the eight-speed autobox in question is the ZF unit that's spreading like kudzu throughout the automaker's lineup, and at least we know it to be a very agreeable and quick-shifting unit.

Look for the 2012 BMW M5 to debut in concept form at the Shanghai Motor Show this Spring, followed by the production car's debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Spy Shots

[Source: Motor Trend | Images: CarPix]

2012 BMW M5 to be automatic only? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpina teases BMW B5 Bi-Turbo ahead of Goodwood debut

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

The Alpina B5 has been spotted a couple of times and seen front and back, so it's pretty clear what we'll be in for. However, before the car's official unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, Alpina has released a sketch of what will be one of the hottest 5ers that doesn't begin with an "M." There will be two turbos stuck to the engine lurking behind that highly slatted front end, and we're told that "there will be an eye towards fuel economy with this car." But presumably, just one very, very little gnat-sized eye...

[Source: F10 Forum]

Alpina teases BMW B5 Bi-Turbo ahead of Goodwood debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is too cool for American families

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring - click above for high-res image gallery

Yup, even your family, you Yankee wagon-hater you. Sadly, this is not only true, but we've known about it for some time. Americans, it seems, are so in love with all modes of transportation that are slightly raised up off the ground that we have no appetite for station wagons. Even sporty ones. So says BMW. Instead, we get the rather mutated looking Gran Turismo. Just sayin'. With that out of the way, allow us to introduce you to the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring, "Touring" being the preferred BMW nomenclature for station wagon and/or station wagon you can't have.

We know, we're bitter and it shows. But listen to how BMW describes the 2011 5 Series Touring, "The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance." We want that, right? After all, there's really nothing new here except the fact that it's a station wagon. One, we might add, that we can't have! Again, there's nothing really new here.

At heart, we're talking about the new BMW F10 5 Series, a car we like very much. And if you click through the gallery of the new Touring, you'll notice just how easy it is to fit your dog into the back of it. Well, not your dog, if you know what we're getting at. Once again, *sigh.* Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is too cool for American families

Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is too cool for American families originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 530d passes crash test using emergency brake intervention

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Safety, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

The new 2011 BMW 530d has easily passed its first crash test evaluation while using active emergency brake intervention. Like a number of other cars to come to market recently, the 5 Series is available with a radar-based active cruise control system that can use the brake system to manage vehicle speed and keep the car a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Recently these systems have been enhanced with emergency brake intervention that allows full braking force to be applied if crash is imminent - even when the cruise control is not being used.

However, current crash test procedures don't allow for the activation of such systems. For example, in the European 40 mile per hour frontal offset test, the vehicle is expected to crash at 40 mph. In the real world, active braking would reduce the speed of the impact, likely reducing severity as well. However, applying full brakes also causes the nose to pitch down and the cars occupants to shift position can alter the test's results.

As more cars get these types of systems, they need to be accounted for in crash testing, and BMW is working with German testing agency DEKRA to develop new procedures. Check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW 530d passes crash test using emergency brake intervention

BMW 530d passes crash test using emergency brake intervention originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing Preview: BMW adding all-wheel drive to Gran Turismo line

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

BMW 5-Series xDrive Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has just announced that its 5-Series Gran Turismo will soon be available with the company's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The Bavarian automaker plans to show off the new running gear at the Beijing Motor Show at the end of this month. Eventually, you'll be able to order the xDrive option with any engine combination your heart so desires.

Starting in June, European buyers will have a shot at the 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and the 530d xDrive Gran Turismo. Shortly thereafter, in September, the 535i xDrive Gran Turismo and the 535d xDrive Gran Turismo will follow suit. BMW has also announced that its diesel-powered 740d sedan will receive available xDrive, but that particular model is confined to markets outside of North America, and it's likely to stay that way.

From where we sit, the all-wheel drive option will likely appeal to American buyers. As a population, we just can't seem to give up habits instilled by the SUV era, including the notion that you can't go anywhere without all four-wheels pulling. So far, BMW hasn't said exactly how much specifying xDrive will add to the Gran Turismo's price tag, or when such models will come to the North America. Judging by the company's current price structure, we're guessing the new models will check in at around $3,000 over the rear-wheel drive variants. Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5-Series xDrive Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Beijing Preview: BMW adding all-wheel drive to Gran Turismo line

Beijing Preview: BMW adding all-wheel drive to Gran Turismo line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 5 Series Euro accessory catalog revealed

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, BMW

European BMW 5 Series accessory catalog as scanned by 5post.com - Click above for high-res image gallery

Leave it to a rabid BMW fansite like 5Post.com to scrape up the latest accessory catalog for the new F10 BMW 5 Series. While this one happens to be for the European market, and is in German, 5Post promises an English-language version when it's available. Click through to the gallery and you'll see some of the add-ons BMW offers for the latest iteration of its midsize sport sedan.

You'll see everything from luggage to bike racks, plus the usual assortment of wheels, interior trim bits, spoilers and taillight lenses (which are... unique, to say the least). Some of the wheel offerings are clearly new as well. So, if you're in the market for a 2011 BMW 5 Series and want a preview of how you can blow your bottom-line price at the dealership right into the stratosphere, hit the gallery.

Gallery: BMW F10 5-Series Accessory Brochure

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan

[Source: BMW via 5post.com]

2011 BMW 5 Series Euro accessory catalog revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Best used car classified ad ever?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Etc., Videos, BMW, Humor

Casey's 1994 BMW 530i wagon classified ad - Click above to watch video after the jump

If this isn't the very best used car ad ever, it is certainly up there - definitely the most inspired we have seen in a very long time.

Young Casey wants to move this 1994 BMW 530i Touring, and he's using a bit of Michael Ceraesque geekiness to do it. He's totally honest about its 194,218 miles, leaky sunroof and broken cigarette lighter, as well as its Ultimate Power and Extreme Sound. Except for that rear seat speaker. Follow the jump for a beautiful dose of entertainment. We do one question for Casey, though: um, what's that sign in the trunk about? Hat tip to Jon!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Best used car classified ad ever?

Video: Best used car classified ad ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series Touring spied prior to Leipzig debut

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, BMW, Luxury

BMW 5-Series Touring spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Only days after receiving official word that BMW would be unveiling its next-generation 5 Series Touring at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig, our spies have spotted a nearly finished prototype frolicking in the snow. As reported earlier, the new Fiver wagon will be very similar to the 5 Series sedan that we recently tested, and judging by these early photos, the only real difference seems to be the distinct full-bore hatch out back. Turbocharged engines, eight-speed transmissions and both rear- and all-wheel drive should be on hand.

Don't expect the 5 Series touring to show up in U.S. showrooms, though. BMW is hoping that American consumers will warm up to the new Gran Turismo model, especially since the proper wagon variant has had relatively dismal sales numbers in recent years. It's a completely different story in other markets, however, and we're sure that the new Touring will be welcomed by 5 Series customers looking for quite a bit more in the way of functionality.

Gallery: BMW 5-Series Touring Spy Shots

Spy Shots: BMW 5-Series Touring spied prior to Leipzig debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fewer Cylinders, More Power: Car outlines the 2011 BMW M5

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wraps are off the new BMW 5 Series, and you know what that means: you guessed it, a new M5. The successor to the high-revving V10 super-sedan has been the subject of much conjecture and speculation, but Britain's Car magazine believes they've got it pegged.

According to the English glossy mag of record, the new M5 will arrive in 2011 after a show debut in late 2010 or early 2011 - and when it does, it figures to be a real bahnstormer. Put any thoughts of the horsepower wars being over to rest, because while the new M5 is expected to drop its V10 in favor of the company's grunty 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the new super-sled is tipped to be even quicker. About a third-of-a-second quicker to 60 mph, with a top speed limited still to 155 mph but capable of 188 if de-restricted. Yowza.

The M division is said to have cranked some extra juice out of the twin-turbo eight, up from 555-horsepower to 578, coupled to 530 pound-feet of torque. That's more in both columns than the same unit in the X6 M or in the outgoing M5. All this while returning 30-percent better fuel economy. Regenerative braking is also expected to be part of the package, derived from Munich's now-defunct Formula One racing program. But those hoping for a wagon variant will be disappointed, according to Car mag, as BMW is reportedly axing the not-for-U.S. Touring bodystyle.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan

[Source: Car]

Fewer Cylinders, More Power: Car outlines the 2011 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW teases new 5 Series sedan ahead of unveiling using amazing kinetic sculpture

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW 5 Series - click above to watch the video

We knew that BMW's pivotal 5 Series was slated for replacement soon, and we've seen plenty of spy shots to prove that it's in the cards. Up until just now, however, we didn't know when it would appear.

In a brief press release available after the jump, BMW promises that its new 5 Series will be revealed with a "Live-Stream of the unveiling ceremony" on November 23 at 8pm CET. In the meantime, the automaker has released a teaser video of an amazing kinetic sculpture at the BMW Museum that gives away the car's outline. You can check it out after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW teases new 5 Series sedan ahead of unveiling using amazing kinetic sculpture

VIDEO: BMW teases new 5 Series sedan ahead of unveiling using amazing kinetic sculpture originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model

Chris Paukert — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel

BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The famed automotive pot-stirrers at Autocar are at it again. According to two blurbs from the UK publication, BMW's new 5 Series Gran Turismo may spawn at least one less costly, less powerful variant, but a high-performance M version is apparently off the table.

On the fuel and financial economy front, Bimmer is reportedly considering adding four-cylinder powerplants to the controversial new five-door, including the 175 bhp diesel from the 320d. A twin-turbo diesel may also be in the cards. The fear here is that the premium-priced 5GT may in fact be priced too aggressively, as it stickers above a comparable 5 Series Touring model. In any case, we don't expect to see the less-powerful diesel Stateside, although we wouldn't be terribly suprised if the company chose to shoehorn in something like the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel already on offer in the 335d.

On the M side of the equation, Autocar says that the gasoline V8-powered 550i will remain the pinnacle of the range, as BMW has "ruled out" a M-Technik variant. Given that BMW has recently seen fit to move M beyond traditional cars (see: X5 and X6) and that these higher performance models often have thicker margins attached, this strikes us as somewhat curious decision - especially as the 5GT figures to be the most dynamically promising of the bunch. This source also doesn't jibe with what we heard from BMW officials just last month when we drove the car in Portugal. At that time, the official line was that no decision had been made, but knowing glances and meek smiles seemed to indicate that things looked good for the model.

In other words, we'll believe it when we (don't) see it.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Auto car]

Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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