Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch this story of an unassuming 400,000-mile E28 M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/watch-this-story-of-an-unassuming-400-000-mile-e28-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/watch-this-story-of-an-unassuming-400-000-mile-e28-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/watch-this-story-of-an-unassuming-400-000-mile-e28-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Petrolicious BMW M5

The band of misfits from Petrolicious have set their lenses on something truly delectable: Randy Balingit-Hartmann's 1989 BMW M5. The car is spotlessly clean, but it hasn't been sealed away in a garage somewhere for posterity. Balingit-Hartmann bought his M5 brand new, and it was one of the first models in Southern California.

Since then, he's piled over 400,000 miles on the machine bombing through the canyons and hills around San Diego. It's still running the original transmission and rear differential, though the engine has been given a substantial freshening. There's also been a bit of suspension and exhaust work to keep the car quick over all these years.

Originally, Balingit-Hartmann purchased the car in his early 20s, and had to have his father come to the dealership with him to get the salesman to take him seriously. Since then, he's kept the car through life's highs and lows and a full passel of jobs, but the M5 remained a constant. Cheers to that. You can check out the beautifully told story below, and you can check out all the videos we've covered from Petrolicious here.

Continue reading Watch this story of an unassuming 400,000-mile E28 M5

Watch this story of an unassuming 400,000-mile E28 M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 bmw m5bmw m5petroliciouspetrolicious bmw m5Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20603242/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/watch-this-story-of-an-unassuming-400-000-mile-e28-m5/20603242/article-detail.xml 20603242 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/petrolicious-bmw-m5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/petrolicious-bmw-m5-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

​2014 BMW M5 and M6 Competition Package models - sitting on race track

The leaked facelift images and the Competition Package rumors were accurate: These are the 2014 BMW M5 and M6 models, with exactly three nips and four tucks distinguishing them from their outgoing counterparts, as well as an expected track-day overhaul package. The standard M5 boasts 560 horsepower from its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8, and the new Competition Package ups that to a preliminary 575 hp, with shifting options remaining the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or the six-speed manual. Unsurprisingly, the M6 family - including the two-door coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe - get this optional treatment as well.

The go-fast packs make a lot more changes around the cars, though. It lowers them by ten millimeters, recalibrates the steering, differential, front bushings, coil springs, dampers and M chassis control system while adding stiffer anti-sway bars and black chrome exhaust tips. All models sit on 20-inch M light alloy wheels and can be specced with carbon ceramic brakes. For the dragsters among you, the result is a 0-62 mph time that drops by 0.1 second in all models but the M6 convertible.

Inside, on all 2014 M5 and M6 models, there's a new look to the steering wheel, a touchpad for the iDrive controller, more storage and more chrome trim. Two more paint colors and two more leather hues have been announced, with more Frozen paint finishes on the way as well. We're told prices will be announced closer to the models' August on-sale date. For now you read what BMW has to say about them in the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise

2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw m52014 bmw m62014 bmw m6 convertible2014 bmw m6 gran coupebmwbmw 5 seriesbmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series gran coupebmw m5competition packageMon, 20 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/20575045/article-detail.xml 20575045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-competition-pack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-competition-pack.jpg <![CDATA[BMW sets Guinness record for longest drift with new M5 [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



In September of 2011, Chinese drifter Wang Qi broke the Guinness record for the world's longest sustained drift, doing 13 laps inside the Olympic Center Stadium in Tianlin, China for 5,802.3 meters. That was broken in February of this year by Abdo Feghali in Abu Dhabi drifting a new Chevrolet Camaro around a skidpad for 11,180 meters - almost seven miles. In March, BMW decided it wanted the record "back in the US," and set up a course at its BMW Performance Driving School near Greenville, South Carolina to get the job done. On May, 11 it was Mission Accomplished when Performance Center driver Johan Schwartz drifted an M5 around a skidpad continuously for 51.3 miles.

Despite that accomplishment, we're pretty sure that professional drifter Vaughn Gittin, Jr. isn't impressed. The way Guinness defines "drifting" can also describe a donut, which is effectively the kind of drifting that's been done for these last three records. BMW went even further by watering down the surface of the track, reducing the skill required and the need to change tires during the effort. On the other hand, you can't drift a car for long in a straight line, but perhaps there should be some clarification or classifications added to the milestones.

There's a pair of videos below taken during the record-breaking run, and a press release from the company that did it.

Continue reading BMW sets Guinness record for longest drift with new M5 [w/videos]

BMW sets Guinness record for longest drift with new M5 [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m5bmwbmw m5bmw performance driving schooldriftingdrifting recordguinnessguinness book of world recordsjohan schwartzvideoworld recordWed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/bmw-sets-guinness-record-for-longest-drift-with-new-m5-w-video/20569434/article-detail.xml 20569434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-m5-guinness-drift-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-m5-guinness-drift-record.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW M5 facelift shows up online]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 BMW M5 leaked image - front three-quarter, blue

Is it that time already? Like its predecessors, the current BMW M5 has been endangering US licenses since it first went on sale here in 2012, but its design became a known quantity back at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Apparently that also means that the F10 generation has already grown tired enough to the "Must Have Latest Set" who can afford these sorts of super saloons that a facelift is in order.

If these leaked images sourced from Autocar are anything to go by, BMW stylists have used a predictably light hand to rework their hottest 5 Series, with a revised grille that echoes the M6 along with modestly resculpted headlamps. The rear end appears wholly unaltered. Interior changes gleaned from a look at the cabin photos include an updated touchpad-equipped iDrive controller and a new steering wheel cribbed from the M6.

No new word on changes to the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 powertrain, but in late April, we heard that BMW was readying new competition packages for the M5 and M6. The packages are said to include 15 more horsepower, revised suspension and steering, along with new wheels and blackened exhaust tips. Given that BMW is known for habitually underrating its cars' horsepower outputs (particularly its M models) we can't help but wonder if its engineers will need to do anything other than wave a magic wand to corral those extra ponies underhood...

2014 BMW M5 facelift shows up online originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw 5 series2014 bmw m5bmwbmw 5 seriesbmw m5Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/20568468/article-detail.xml 20568468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-leak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-leak-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW readying competition pack for M5, M6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/bmw-readying-competition-pack-for-m5-m6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/bmw-readying-competition-pack-for-m5-m6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/bmw-readying-competition-pack-for-m5-m6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 BMW M5

According to Car and Driver, citing a report in BMW Blog, BMW will be offering performance upgrades - likely called the Competition package - for its M5 and M6 models (including the convertible and Gran Coupe versions of the M6). Both cars will continue to be offered with the normal 560-horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engines, but this new performance pack is expected to add an additional 15 hp to the mix.

No need to worry, however - the upgrades won't simply be limited to a small boost in power. These M5 and M6 models will reportedly get new wheels, black exhaust tips, a more direct steering ratio and reworked suspension geometry which will provide better overall handling. Top speed is said to remain governed at 190 miles per hour, but that these extra improvements will shave one-tenth of a second off the cars' 0-60 times.

No pricing information has been revealed as of this writing, though we imagine it'll likely come at a substantial cost over the current starting prices of the M5 and M6 ($90,200 and $108,350, respectively).

BMW readying competition pack for M5, M6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m5bmw m6bmw m6 convertiblebmw m6 gran coupecompetition packageThu, 25 Apr 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/bmw-readying-competition-pack-for-m5-m6/20548324/article-detail.xml 20548324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-bmw-m5-6mt-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-bmw-m5-6mt-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW wants world drifting record back in US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/bmw-wants-world-drifting-record-back-in-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/bmw-wants-world-drifting-record-back-in-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/bmw-wants-world-drifting-record-back-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW Drift Record

BMW just can't stand the thought of the world record for the longest drift winding up in the hands of someone else. The German automaker is set to take a crack at setting a new record by blowing the old one straight out of the water. A driver in China holds the current title after kicking a car sideways for a full 3.6 miles. Now, on May 11, BMW Performance Driving Instructor Johan Schwartz will attempt to pitch a BMW M5 sideways for some 40 miles as part of a stunt to raise funds for the BMW Pro-Am Charity.

We've had the distinct pleasure of riding with the instructors at the BMW facility in South Carolina, and we can tell you that if anyone can keep an M5 at full tilt for 40 miles, it's these guys. BMW has released a teaser video to drum up attention for the stunt. You can catch it below.

Continue reading BMW wants world drifting record back in US

BMW wants world drifting record back in US originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw drift recordbmw m5drift recorddriftingjohan schwartzvideoworld recordSat, 23 Mar 2013 19:11:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20511599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/bmw-wants-world-drifting-record-back-in-us/20511599/article-detail.xml 20511599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bmw-drift-record-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bmw-drift-record-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M3 M Performance Edition in Frozen Red - studio shot

If you're tired of the usual shiny paint job that appears on 99-percent of the cars on the road, a matte finish could be just what the proverbial doctor ordered. But while matte black is the common choice among the anti-gloss set, to our eyes, it can often look like someone simply forgot to apply the primer. That's why many of us around the virtual Autoblog watercooler like matte color wraps - such as those displayed by Alfa Romeo with the red 4C Concept and Ferrari with the green 599 HY-KERS prototype.

Once the strict purview of aftermarket mod-jobs, matte finishes are growing more maintstream as select manufacturers have begun offering them direct from the factory. Notable examples include Mercedes-Benz (which we checked out in Detroit this year), Hyundai (which is launching the Veloster Turbo in matte gray) and Maserati (which launched the GranTurismo S Limited Edition in flat blue). But few have embraced the anti-glare approach like BMW has with its recent succession of special edition M3s. The Bavarian automaker dubs them "Frozen," and is now coming back with an array of special editions of both the M3 coupe and its newer, bigger brother, the M5 sedan.

BMW is launching the M Performance Editions of both the M3 and M5 in Frozen Red, Frozen White and Frozen Blue. Black leather interiors with accent stitching color-keyed to match the exterior - along with Alcantara-wrapped steering wheels and piano black trim - come as part of the package, as do matte black alloys. Both models also come packaged with buckets full of additional equipment to make the specials even more so.

Only 30 such M3s and another 30 M5s will be made, and made available, unfortunately, exclusively in the UK. But if past Frozen editions are anything to go by, BMW is likely to find more than enough demand to make the matte red, white and blue editions available in the USA soon enough. In the meantime, you can scope 'em out in the high-res image gallery above and the press release by scrolling below.

Continue reading BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors

BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series5 seriesbmwbmw frozenbmw m performance editionbmw m performance editionsbmw m3bmw m5m performance editionm3m5mattewrapThu, 31 May 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/20248614/article-detail.xml 20248614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-m3-frozen-red_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-m3-frozen-red.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris explains what makes his own 1986 BMW M5 so special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The 70s were a definitive decade for music and movies. Fashion and cars, not so much. The 80s corrected one of those oversights, an era of ethereal supercars like the Porsche 959, game-changing exotics like the Ferrari Testarossa, and, best of all, everday cannons that offered mortals a generous portion of lairy thrills, such as Chris Harris' 1986 e28 BMW M5.

In 1986, a 3,100-pound, 286-horsepower luxury sedan straight from the factory that could also handle was as rare as a goose with lips. Sure, there was a more powerful AMG Mercedes-Benz E-Class but it didn't want to get into a lengthy conversation about handling, and there was the AMG Hammer, but that was a terrifically expensive tuner special. The M5 weighed the same as the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette and had 225-section rear tires just like the 'Vette, but the M5 had 36 more horsepower. And it had four, leather-covered seats. And it could corner.

All of which has to do with why Drive's Chris Harris spends eight minutes explaining, and showing, why he loves his personal M5 so much. Scroll down to learn about the sedan that compels him to say "it's the best money I've ever spent on a car."

Continue reading Chris Harris explains what makes his own 1986 BMW M5 so special

Chris Harris explains what makes his own 1986 BMW M5 so special originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1986 bmw m55 seriesbmwbmw m5chris harrisdrivee28m5videoFri, 25 May 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/20243975/article-detail.xml 20243975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/harrise28m53_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/harrise28m53.jpg <![CDATA[BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m55 series5-seriesbmwbmw mbmw m5bmw performance centerm5one lapone lap of americaSun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/20200268/article-detail.xml 20200268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmwm5oloa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmwm5oloa.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Pitting the Nissan GT-R against the all-new BMW M5 is ridiculous. They're two different beasts in two different classes with two different purposes. It's a cynical, SEO-optimized comparison. And even worse, it's already been done. But...

We can't help but post on it. Not because it's clicky or that a few of us have man-crushes on Chris Harris. No. It's because watching the two cars being flogged back-to-back on a damp circuit demonstrates how technologically sophisticated each one is and how they go about putting the power down so differently. You can actually see the GT-R - traction control switched off - trying to right itself as Harris flings it sideways, while the M5 slackens and goes neutral while the turbocharged eight responds like a naturally aspirated mill.

Scary with a capital "F?" Indeed. But just as educating as it is entertaining. See for yourself below the fold.

Continue reading Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this

Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52012 nissan gt-rbmwbmw m5chris harrisdrivem5nissannissan gt-rnissan gtrWed, 15 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172786/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/15/chris-harris-m5-gt-r-youll-want-to-watch-this/20172786/article-detail.xml 20172786 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/harris-gtr-m5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/harris-gtr-m5.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Autocar</i> gets sideways in the 2012 BMW M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 drift video

The 2012 BMW M5 is something of an anomaly. Despite its size and weight, the big luxury sedan is actually quicker than its less corpulent sibling, the BMW M3, around a road course. With a 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine capable of sucking down small communities, there's no arguing the M5's power. But fast cars aren't necessarily fun. Take the Jaguar XKR, for example. It's blisteringly quick, but comes saddled with a traction control system that requires an advanced degree in computer science and a thorough comprehension of black magic to completely disengage. Roasting the tires in the big cat hardly seems worth it.

The M5 is no such beast. The goons at Autocar recently took the portly bruiser out for a little parking lot fun to see just how the machine performs once things get sideways. It would seem that the muscle-bound German is a willing dance partner. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Autocar gets sideways in the 2012 BMW M5

Autocar gets sideways in the 2012 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 BMW M5autocarbmwBMW M3bmw m4BMW M5bmw m5 drift videodriftdrift videom5m5 drift videoSun, 01 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/20137646/article-detail.xml 20137646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-bmw-m5-drift-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-bmw-m5-drift-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M5 quicker than 1 M Coupe quicker than M3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 front three-quarter

Autobild recently set out to settle the question of which M vehicle is the fastest in the BMW stable at the moment. Not surprisingly, the German enthusiast publication found the BMW M3 CRT to be the quickest around the Sachsenring, setting the magazine's fastest time around the track with a 1:38.37 minute lap time. That's impressive, but not nearly as astounding as the time drummed up by the new BMW M5. The portly sedan did the same deed in 1:38.90, or just three hundredths of a second slower than the special-edition M3.

And what of the sibling rivalry between the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the standard M3? As it turns out, the magazine's shoes have given the nod to the smaller of the two coupes. The 1 Series M Coupe barely eked out a win over the M3, though the M3 Convertible took nearly two extra seconds to make it around the course than its hardtop twin.

BMW M5 quicker than 1 M Coupe quicker than M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 m coupe1 series1 series m1 series m coupe1m coupeautobildbmw 1 series m coupebmw mbmw m3bmw m5mm1m3m5Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20136715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/20136715/article-detail.xml 20136715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2012 BMW M5 gets dyno'd, all ate up with power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/2012-bmw-m5-gets-dynod-all-ate-up-with-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/2012-bmw-m5-gets-dynod-all-ate-up-with-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/2012-bmw-m5-gets-dynod-all-ate-up-with-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 dyno

A German tuning outfit called PP-Performance has put the 2012 BMW M5 on a Maha dyno, and the numbers returned were 444 horsepower at the wheel, 553 at the engine, and a "corrected number" of 574 hp. Max torque came in at 532 pound-feet (721 Newton/meters).

Compare those figures to the official numbers of 560 horses and 502 lb-ft. If the 444 number is accurate, then no matter how you slice it on horsepower - whether you use the numbers from BMW or PP-P's figures - you're losing around 20 percent from the engine to the wheels. However, adjusting for driveline and twin-turbo losses, that puts things right about where they should be. The 30-lb-ft surplus of torque, on the other hand, is the kind of surplus no one would complain about - again, assuming it's accurate.

Follow the jump for video of the dyno run, and for another vid of the M5 being taken to 293 km/hr (182 mph). And with that second vid, try to ignore the fact that the terminal velocity attempt is being conducted on an engine with just 40 kilometers on it...

Continue reading 2012 BMW M5 gets dyno'd, all ate up with power

2012 BMW M5 gets dyno'd, all ate up with power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw2012 bmw m52012 m5bmw m5bmw m5 dynodynof10 m5m5m5 dynovideoMon, 26 Dec 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/26/2012-bmw-m5-gets-dynod-all-ate-up-with-power/20134767/article-detail.xml 20134767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bmwf10m5dybno_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bmwf10m5dybno.jpg <![CDATA[Vicki from <i>Fifth Gear</i> wrings out BMW's new M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/vicki-from-fifth-gear-wrings-out-bmws-new-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/vicki-from-fifth-gear-wrings-out-bmws-new-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/vicki-from-fifth-gear-wrings-out-bmws-new-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Vicki Butler-Henderson of Fifth Gear has taken the 2012 BMW M5 into her deft hands and massaged it oh-so-gently through the corners and curbing of southern France. All right, quite the opposite of "gently," instead preferring to put a billowing white chokehold on every single one of the M5's 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet.

Check out the video after the jump for VBH's detailed take - and plenty of powerslides. Her conclusion? Much the same as ours - BMW's new super saloon is almost perfect.

Continue reading Vicki from Fifth Gear wrings out BMW's new M5

Vicki from Fifth Gear wrings out BMW's new M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw2012 bmw m52012 m55 seriesbmwbmw m5fifth gearm5Vicki Butler-HendersonvideoMon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/vicki-from-fifth-gear-wrings-out-bmws-new-m5/20130443/article-detail.xml 20130443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/m5fifthgearvicki_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/m5fifthgearvicki.jpg <![CDATA[2012 BMW M5 irks Welsh seagulls with a romp in the sand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2012-bmw-m5-irks-welsh-seagulls-with-a-romp-in-the-sand/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2012-bmw-m5-irks-welsh-seagulls-with-a-romp-in-the-sand/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/2012-bmw-m5-irks-welsh-seagulls-with-a-romp-in-the-sand/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW M5

There are many number of ways you can support your country's athletes heading into the Olympics. You could watch them on television. You could follow them to the site and get tickets for your favorite events. You could buy and wear some official team apparel. But if you're BMW, none of that will do. No, you're going to do some hooning. Something that involves, say, pulling donuts on the beach in a twin-turbo super-sedan.

That's just what the Bavarian automaker, which acts as official automotive partner (read: car sponsor) for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, has done to promote its participation and support the athletes. Which is fine by us, because it gives us the opportunity to watch... a twin-turbo super-sedan pulling donuts on the beach. Or to be more specific, the new M5 at the hands of stunt driver Wolfgang Weber at Pendine Sands in Wales.

Follow the jump to watch the footage.

Continue reading 2012 BMW M5 irks Welsh seagulls with a romp in the sand

2012 BMW M5 irks Welsh seagulls with a romp in the sand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52012 olympicsadbmwbmw m5bmw olympicscommerciallondon olympicsm5olympicsvideoTue, 13 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/2012-bmw-m5-irks-welsh-seagulls-with-a-romp-in-the-sand/20127105/article-detail.xml 20127105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/m5-sand_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/m5-sand.jpg <![CDATA[BMW working on carbon-ceramic brakes for M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M5 Brakes

Word has it that BMW is working on some serious stoppers for its M5. According to Bimmerfile, Dr. Herbert Diess, a member of the BMW board of management, has confirmed that the company is currently testing carbon ceramic discs for the M5 and upcoming M6. Brake supplier Brembo has teamed up with SGL Carbon for a joint venture to manufacture the discs, and Brembo is already responsible for bits like the multi-piston calipers already at work on the 2012 M5.

So, when we can we expect to see carbon discs on the performance sedan? That still remains unclear. Diess says that the hardware is at least another year out from production, which dovetails nicely with the scheduled arrival of the M5 on American shores. Even so, no one is saying whether the brakes will come as part of an optional package or as standard equipment on the 2013 model. Stay tuned.

BMW working on carbon-ceramic brakes for M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m5bmwbmw m5brakesbrembocarbon ceramicm5Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/20065744/article-detail.xml 20065744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-m5-brakes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-m5-brakes-628.jpg <![CDATA[This is what 186 mph in a 2012 BMW M5 looks like]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/this-is-what-186-mph-in-a-2012-bmw-m5-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/this-is-what-186-mph-in-a-2012-bmw-m5-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/this-is-what-186-mph-in-a-2012-bmw-m5-looks-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 video screen capture

By all accounts, the 2012 BMW M5 is nothing short of a mechanical miracle. With two fewer cylinders than the previous generation, the big bruiser manages to retain the acceleration and handling prowess that M buyers have come to expect. But where exactly can you use the full breadth of the four-door's 560 horsepower in a safe and legal capacity? The Autobahn, that's where. One enterprising soul recently managed to point the long nose of the M5 toward the horizon on the German highway system, planted his foot in the carpet and held on all the way to 300 kph.

That's a shave over 186 mph for those of you too disinterested to fire up your calculator, and impressive momentum in any vehicle, let alone a bone-stock family cruiser. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourselves. Just remember not to try this sort of insanity at home.

Continue reading This is what 186 mph in a 2012 BMW M5 looks like

This is what 186 mph in a 2012 BMW M5 looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52012 bmw m5 videoautobahnautobahn videobmwbmw m5bmw m5 videom5m5 autobahnm5 autobahn videom5 videovideoSun, 25 Sep 2011 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/25/this-is-what-186-mph-in-a-2012-bmw-m5-looks-like/20065746/article-detail.xml 20065746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-m5-300-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-m5-300-628.jpg <![CDATA[Active Sound Design enhances V8 burble inside BMW M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/active-sound-design-enhances-v8-burble-inside-bmw-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/active-sound-design-enhances-v8-burble-inside-bmw-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/active-sound-design-enhances-v8-burble-inside-bmw-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW M5

Here's an interesting tidbit we missed while scouring through BMW's massive press release on the 2012 M5. According to the text, BMW has employed a system it's calling "Active Sound Design" on the new M5, which takes in engine speed and load data from the ECU and plumbs it through the stereo to play a real-time recording of the M5's engine.

Here's BMW's official explanation:

The Active Sound Design technology specially developed for the new BMW M5 takes its cues from the driving situation at any one time to deliver an accurate reproduction of the engine's sound through the car's audio system. The system's digital signal processing exchanges data directly with the engine management, allowing it to reflect the engine's revs and torque, and the car's speed over the road. The result over a smoothly driven journey is a discreet soundtrack in keeping with the harmonious and assured characteristics of the V8 powerplant. A stamp on the accelerator, meanwhile, prompts an immediate audible response to match the instantaneous - and typically M - burst of power from beneath the bonnet.

BMW claims the system provides an "extremely accurate impression of current engine load" and that the sound has been optimized to spread across the entire cabin. Not only that, but when Sport or Sport+ is engaged, the sound inside the M5 is enhanced and perfectly sequenced with induction, engine and exhaust noises. We're not sure if we're geeked or disturbed, but it's certainly trick.

Active Sound Design enhances V8 burble inside BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m5active sound designbmwbmw m5m5Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/active-sound-design-enhances-v8-burble-inside-bmw-m5/20050916/article-detail.xml 20050916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/44-2012-bmw-m5-fd-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/44-2012-bmw-m5-fd-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 BMW M5 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/2012-bmw-m5-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/2012-bmw-m5-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/2012-bmw-m5-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lose Two Cylinders, Gain Two Turbos, Take No Prisoners

2012 BMW M5

The first BMW M5, the humble E28 of 1984, had little idea of the performance bloodline it would sire. Its equally humble sales figures proved it: just 2,241 were built. Previous to the 2004 arrival of the E60 M5, the '84 original and the much better-selling E34 that succeeded it in 1988 both carried excellent inline sixes that offered between 256 SAE horsepower in the first-generation's North American trim and 340 European DIN horses by the end of its run in 1995. Good for their time. The E39 M5, however, was the first model in the franchise that BMW really set loose, running an almost 5.0-liter V8 from 1998 until 2003 that offered up 400 hp in European trim. This generation did very well, finding its way into more than 20,000 driveways.

Beginning in July of 2004, BMW Motorsport went nuts, tying the entire M5 project to its famously costly Formula 1 involvement. Many racing fans would note that BMW's F1 program was not only costly, it achieved dismal results. At least their misadventure gifted us the E60 and its "holy crap!" all-aluminum 5.0-liter V10 engine. Compared to the three preceding M5s dressed in civilian clothing, the flared Chris Bangle-era M5 and its free-revving 500-horsepower S85 engine was a sequined Miss Universe contestant belting out power ballads. Again, over 20,000 were sold, almost all sedans, and, man, have we ever done a lot of impressively useless burn outs and hammering Launch Control starts ever since. By far, the United States has been the Number One market for E60s, with over 8,000 sold here before the building stopped in March of last year.

Then BMW left the F1 circus, F1 abandoned V10s, and Munich focused hard on a greener Efficient Dynamics gospel. The tear-jerking S85 was retired without fanfare.

['Scuse the long preamble, but with a new M5, it's crucial to remember from whence we've come.]

Continue reading 2012 BMW M5 [w/video]

2012 BMW M5 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m5bmwbmw m5f10 m5featuredfirst driveFirstDrivem5m5 reviewThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048994/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/2012-bmw-m5-first-drive-review/20048994/article-detail.xml 20048994 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2012 BMW M5 tackles Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-bmw-m5-tackles-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-bmw-m5-tackles-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-bmw-m5-tackles-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52012 m55 series5-seriesbmwbmw m5laguna secam5m5 laguna secam5 videovideoTue, 23 Aug 2011 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024786/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/2012-bmw-m5-tackles-laguna-seca/20024786/article-detail.xml 20024786 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-bmw-m5-at-laguna-seca-1314120705_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-bmw-m5-at-laguna-seca-1314120705.jpg -1 2