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[<em>Playboy</em> reveals its 2013 Cars of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Vaunted men's magazine Playboy knows that its readers are nearly as interested in cars as they are in the female anatomy... sorry, we thought we could write that with a straight face. Anyway, the buff-book does occasionally fill some of its spreads with sexy metal, to accent all the rest of the sexiness.

To wit, the magazine has unveiled its feature on the 2013 Cars of the Year. Without giving us much in the way of criteria for the awards, nor a clear framing of the categories ("Responsible Ride" is a particularly challenging concept, especially when you consider that the Mazdaspeed3 was the winner), Playboy has nevertheless highlighted what we assume to be it's favorite 12 or 13 (depending on how you count) cars from the 2013 model year.

Headlining the class is the Porsche 911, which Playboy writers single out for having "remarkable electronic voodoo." BMW M5 is named "Slickest Sports Sedan" though the Cadillac ATS then follows on because "we couldn't resist giving the new Caddy a shout-out." The rest of the picks are pretty conventional (save, perhaps, the Honda Fit EV as "Ace Electric"), even if the categories and methodology are fairly wonky. Cruise through or gallery for a taste or check out the full list, here. The site is safe for work, and you can legitimately (this time) say that you were reading it for the articles.

Playboy reveals its 2013 Cars of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 playboy cars of the year911atsawardsbmwcadillacm5mazdaspeed3playboyporscheThu, 20 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20407343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/20407343/article-detail.xml 20407343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porsche-911-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porsche-911-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When Truth Crushes Our Enthusiast Souls

2013 BMW M5 6MT

American automotive enthusiasts are a crazy bunch. While the rest of the world embraces quick, innovative and efficient dual-clutch automated gearboxes, a good portion of Yankee gearheads still scream for old-school manual transmissions. Despite all of the inadequacies with driver-directed gear changes, car nuts still enjoy rowing their own gears.

BMW tried to force enthusiasts into a single-clutch semi-automatic transmission when it launched the E60 M5 in 2005, but enthusiasts (and the automotive press) wailed so loudly that the Germans reversed course and delivered a six-speed option to the North American market. While performance actually dropped with the manual gearbox, its arrival quelled a rebellion.

The all-new fifth-generation 2013 F10 M5 debuted last fall with a standard - and much improved - lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission. But rather than send North American enthusiasts into yet another frenzy, BMW is adopting a conciliatory tone, offering buyers in the States the chance to opt for a manual gearbox at no additional cost.

We recently found ourselves on the starting grid at California's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca sitting in a bright Sakhir Orange Metallic BMW M5. Nestled comfortably in the palm of our right hand, wrapped in soft leather with a bright aluminum collar, was a traditional manual gearshift knob.

Continue reading 2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video]

2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m55 seriesbmwfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivem5m5 6mtm5 manualm5+newsm5newsTue, 09 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344548/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/20344548/article-detail.xml 20344548 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

BMW M6 engine

Catastrophic engine failure... not exactly what you want to hear no matter what you're driving, but especially so when you've just purchased a brand-new 2013 BMW M5 or M6.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "a manufacturing process error" could cause the oil pump's driveshaft to separate from its rotor, leading "to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash."

As is always the case with such recalls, BMW will be contacting owners and dealerships with plans to fix the problem free of charge. On the plus side, we'd imagine some owners already know of the problem, considering the brand issued a stop sale notice on the M5 and M6 on September 21.

In kinda-sorta related news (hey, Mini is owned by BMW after all), a recall notice has also been issued for certain 2011 Mini Clubman and Clubman S models regarding a glitch that may cause owners to miss an in-dash warning for malfunctioning ABS brakes. Not exactly catastrophic engine failure, and it only affects 75 cars, says NHTSA, but you can find both recalls in their entirety below.

Continue reading BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures

BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini clubman2011 mini clubman s2013 bmw m52013 bmw m6bmwbmw recallclubmanclubman sm5m5 recallm6m6 recallminirecallFri, 05 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/20342869/article-detail.xml 20342869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmw-m6-engine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmw-m6-engine.jpg <![CDATA[BMW issues stop sale on M5 and M6 models over faulty oil pump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

BMW M5 and M6 stop sale

According to the M-obsessed boys and girls at M5Post.com, BMW has issued an immediate stop sale on new M5 and M6 (both coupe and convertible) models. The problem stems from the engine oil pump; if the pump doesn't supply the correct amount of oil to the engine's moving parts, "severe engine damage" is the likely result. That's not good at all.

BMW is also "contacting customers that have already taken delivery and recommending customers not drive their cars." Sad news for M5 and M6 owners, to be sure, but we think it beats a bunch of blown engines. Check out the official bulletin above and be sure to contact your local dealer if you happen to be lucky enough to own one of the possibly affected machines.

BMW issues stop sale on M5 and M6 models over faulty oil pump originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m52013 bmw m6bmwm5m5 oil pumpm5 stop salem6m6 oil pumpm6 stop saleFri, 21 Sep 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330430/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/20330430/article-detail.xml 20330430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/bmw-stop-sale-bulletin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/bmw-stop-sale-bulletin.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> pits BMW M5 against Porsche Panamera GTS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



It's not like we needed it, but the latest episode of Motor Trend's "Head 2 Head" is more proof that those who spend six-figures buy whatever they want (or more likely, they buy three or four of them), not necessarily what wins the spec war or a drag race.

Jonny Lieberman took two German thunder chariots, the BMW M5 and Porsche Panamera GTS, to the desert for a quarter-mile blast and then up to altitude for duty in the high mountain esses.

In black and white, the M5 has it all over the GTS. Although the properly trunked sedan weighs 39 pounds more, its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 harnesses 130 more horsepower and 196 more pound-feet than the naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V8 in the GTS. The BMW starts at nearly $20,000 less than the Porsche, a savings which skyrockets to $42,000 when as-tested prices for these particular cars are compared. For those wondering, an even greater price disparity is the reason MT didn't use the Panamera Turbo, which might have seemed a fairer car to use for comparison from a performance standpoint.

But we don't live black-and-white lives, do we? There are reasons for Porsche reverence, one of them that it has always done more with what might, at first, seem like less. You should allow Lieberman the chance to explain further by checking out the video below.

Continue reading Motor Trend pits BMW M5 against Porsche Panamera GTS

Motor Trend pits BMW M5 against Porsche Panamera GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m52013 porsche panamera gtsbmwhead 2 headjonny liebermanm5motor trendpanamerapanamera gtsporschevideovideosyoutubeThu, 13 Sep 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/20322191/article-detail.xml 20322191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mth2hm5gts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mth2hm5gts.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW M5 may have more horsepower than reported]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the 2013 BMW M5 finally going on sale in the U.S., we definitely saw this coming. BimmerBoost recently got a hold of engine dyno run for the new M5, and is reporting that the car's twin-turbo V8 is "severely" underrated.

Officially, the M5's 4.4-liter V8 is rated at 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but the dyno graph reveals numbers at the rear wheels to be 527 hp and 476 lb-ft in completely stock form. While the idea of the engine being underrated is just an assumption, the general rule of thumb is a 15-percent drivetrain loss - if accurate, the new M5's losses would be just six percent. Using the 15-percent rule, the 2013 M5 would lay down 476 hp at the wheels.

The idea of BMW underrating its engine outputs is nothing new. Earlier this year, the new 328i show some impressive numbers of its own.

2013 BMW M5 may have more horsepower than reported originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m5bmwdynom5m5 dynom5 horsepowerm5 torquem5 underratedFri, 07 Sep 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318521/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/20318521/article-detail.xml 20318521 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[BMW says M5 sedan, M6 Coupe finally in U.S. showrooms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2012 BMW M5 - blue - front three-quarter view

For those of you looking to snag a brand-new BMW M5 or M6, good news has arrived. The German super sedan and two-door have finally rolled in to U.S. dealerships. (Given how long we've been talking about these cars, you could be forgiven for thinking they've been on sale in the States for ages.)

The M6 coupe and M5 sedan join the M6 convertible, which has been on sale since July. Regardless of which model you choose, the new M cars share the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. According to BMW, 560 horsepower is the peak output, and it's sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Oh, and the M5 offers a six-speed stick as a no-cost option in the States. Tempting, no?

Continue reading BMW says M5 sedan, M6 Coupe finally in U.S. showrooms

BMW says M5 sedan, M6 Coupe finally in U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m52013 bmw m65 series6 seriesbmwm5m6performance sedanSun, 02 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/20314565/article-detail.xml 20314565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-bmw-m5-628_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-bmw-m5-628.jpeg <![CDATA[BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The pageant of global automotive finery that is Pebble Beach weekend is under way, and among the many automakers with big plans is BMW. Its prize pony will be the unveiling of the BMW Zagato concept (click the photo above to enlarge) - a different BMW-Zagato collaboration than what was revealed at Villa d'Este earlier this year (see gallery below). This one to be debuted at Pebble Beach has familiar lines, but is a roadster.

Elsewhere on the lawns of Pebble, the 2013 7 Series and Alpina B7 will plant their tires on American soil for the first time and get the 650i Gran Coupe, M5 and M6 for a cheering section. Beyond the grass, a 1986 BMW-March GTP, 1980 BMW M1 Procar and 1975 BMW 3.5 CSL will be heating up the asphalt at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the 40th anniversary of the M division will be one of the subplots at Legends of the Autobahn.

Have a read of the press release below for the official details, and stay tuned for our live coverage from these hallowed links.

Continue reading BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept

BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6 series6 series gran coupe7 seriesbmwm5m6pebble beachpebble beach 2012zagatozagato conceptzagato roadsterThu, 16 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/20302201/article-detail.xml 20302201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/teaserzagato-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/teaserzagato-opt.jpg <![CDATA[The BMW M5 "Bullet" commercial that's too good to miss]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW M5 bullet video

Want to watch something strangely beautiful? We suggest the BMW M5 footage crafted by BMW of Canada in the video below. No scantily clad women, no overtly gratuitous tire smoke - just a 560-horsepower super sedan doing its best impression of a bullet.

Shortly after getting "shot" out of a makeshift barrel, the M5 hurdles its way at something we approximate to be its artificially limited top speed of 155 miles per hour at a series of targets, taking them out one by one in slow motion.

It's two minutes of your life that we don't think you'll regret spending. See for yourself by scrolling down below.

Continue reading The BMW M5 "Bullet" commercial that's too good to miss

The BMW M5 "Bullet" commercial that's too good to miss originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52013 bmw m5bmwbmw m5 bulletbw m5 videom5m5 videovideoFri, 22 Jun 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264571/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/20264571/article-detail.xml 20264571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-bullet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-bullet.jpg <![CDATA[Next BMW M5 to drop manual transmission option]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There is something very right about a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with over 500 horsepower and a manual transmission, and yet few vehicles check those boxes quite like the BMW M5. Unfortunately, most M5 buyers prefer to leave their left foot out of the gear-shifting equation, which is leading BMW to lose the manual tranny option altogether in favor of a dual-clutch-only approach.

Inside Line reports that the next M5, and the M6 for that matter, will not feature a manual transmission option. BMW M-brand Engineering chief Albert Biermann reportedly told IL that manual-equipped M5 models are topping out at 15 percent of total sales, making the MT a money-loser for the brand. Biermann claims that the volume of manual transmission buyers makes it all but impossible to make another three-pedal M5, adding "nobody wants it in Europe or anywhere else, so this will be the last time we do it."

This is most definitely not good news for stick shift-loving enthusiasts, but at the same time we can hardly argue against Biermann's point. There's no sense in offering a no-charge manual option if the vast majority of buyers don't want it. Fortunately, the M3 doesn't suffer from the same problem, so the M5's baby brother will continue to offer a row-your-own option.

Next BMW M5 to drop manual transmission option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwclutchdual-clutchm5m6manual transmissionThu, 21 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/20263002/article-detail.xml 20263002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-manual_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-manual.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Robb Report</em> releases 24th annual Best of the Best list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Robb Report Best of the Best 2012Robb Report has released its annual Best of the Best issue, and the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 has been awarded top honors in the automotive category. No surprise there - the Italian supercar was chosen as the magazine's Car of the Year earlier in 2012.

Prefer to go topless? In that case, Robb Report suggests you have a look at the Ferrari 458 Spider. The BMW M5 took top honors in the sedan category and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque was the winning SUV. We approve of the nods given to the Morgan 3 Wheeler and Icon Bronco, too.

If all those options are still too tame for your tastes, perhaps the Ducati 1199 Panigale, the mag's motorcycle of choice, is more up to speed. Have a gander at the full list of winners in the press release below.

Continue reading Robb Report releases 24th annual Best of the Best list

Robb Report releases 24th annual Best of the Best list originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1199 panigaleaventadorbest of the bestbmwducatievoquelamborghiniland roverm5robb reportrobb report best of the bestFri, 01 Jun 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/20248843/article-detail.xml 20248843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/robb-report-bob-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/robb-report-bob-2012.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[2013 BMW M5 configurator revs up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 BMW M5 configurator

With a starting MSRP of $90,695, the 2013 BMW M5 is spendy to begin with. But loading it up with all the trimmings, you'll see a sticker price north of $116,000. And we know this because we just spent a few minutes playing with the M5 configurator, which is now live on the BMW consumer website.

While we're not really that shocked by the price, we are kind of confused by the M5's color palette. While mainstays like Monte Carlo Blue Metallic and Alpine White are there, you cannot have an M5 in red - Sakhir Orange Metallic will have to do if you're the flamboyant type. If you're into earth tones, however, BMW has you covered, with five silver and gray tones, three shades of black, and two browns.

When it comes to options and packages, there's all kinds of way to drop several thousand dollars at the tick of a box, including an Executive Package that bundles together a bunch of stuff you probably don't need - active front seats, heated rear seats, sunshades, soft-close automatic doors, yada, yada, yada - and charges you $5,500 for it. It makes the Driver Assistance Package with lane departure warning and blind spot detection seem like a steal at just $1,900. A night vision system with pedestrian detection ($2,600), a head-up display ($1,300), and a rear-seat entertainment system ($2,200) are also offered, though the best piece of optional kit is one BMW isn't charging for: a manual transmission.

Check out all 14 exterior M5 colors in our gallery.

2013 BMW M5 configurator revs up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m5bmwm5m5 configuratorMon, 21 May 2012 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/20241720/article-detail.xml 20241720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/m5-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/m5-opt.jpg -1 2