2011 BMW 5 Series

2011 BMW 5 Series Specifications

Body
Wheelbase 2968 mm

Chassis
Brakes (Front) Single-piston aluminium swing-calliper disc brakes in frame structure: 330 x 24 / inner-vented mm
Brakes (Rear) Single-piston swing-calliper disc brakes: 330 x 20 / inner-vented mm
Front Suspension Double track control arm axle with separate lower track arm level, aluminium, small steering roll radius, anti-dive
Rear Suspension Integral-V multi-arm axle, aluminium, with steering function, anti-squat and anti-dive, double acoustic separation

Engine
Bore X Stroke 90.0 / 84.0 mm

Engine & Transmission

Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 450/332

Exterior
Length 4899 mm
Width 1860 mm
Height 1464 mm
Performance
Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 7.2 (7.2)

Prior Design M6

The German tuners from Prior Design have released a refined BMW M6 with the project name PD550. Previously tuning a Porsche 997 Turbo, Mini Cooper S, and Jaguar XJR models, the BMW M6 received a new custom made body kit. The kit consists of a new front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, and front fenders. Equipped with large multi-spoke black wheels measuring 20×9 and 20×10.5, the PD550 BMW M6 really stands out. The wheels are also available in a 21″ model, and both come wrapped with 255/35ZR20 or 21 tires in the front, and 285/30ZR20 or 21 tires in the rear. Giving the car a wider stance, the body kit by Prior Design widens the BMW M6 by 80 mm. Now combine the large wheels, wide-body kit, lowered suspension, and you will have a true monster on the road.

For performance the car received a new custom exhaust system for optimal sound from the large V10. Official information about the BMW M6 horsepower has not been released yet, however guessing from the name PD550, it’s probably 550 hp. This is accomplished by simple engine tuning, adding a full exhaust system, and road tests. All of Prior Design’s vehicles are TUV tested and approved before purchase to ensure they meet all traffic regulations.

Alpina V12 in an E30

E30 with a V12!

Robert Stelzenberger´s brutal E30. From the beginning it was just a 325i, but after 8 months of intensive work the car should be renamed 350i. The car got done in september 2000, it got a couple of months to get it approved, and now the car rolls legally on the streets.



Technical facts:

Engine: Alpina B12 5.0 who produces 257kw/350hp, and the engine is modified.
6 speed manual gearbox taken from the 850CSi.
E36 suspension
servo from bmw 750, breakes from M3 E36.
Exhaust system from 750i.

Officially Official: Happy 50th - MINI Coupé Concept

Rumors have been swirling for months about what BMW would do on August 26, 2009 for its Mini brand. After all, that is the fiftieth anniversary of the public debut of Alec Issigonis' original Mini. With most of the speculation revolving around either a coupe or some kind of cropped windshield speedster, it turns out the reality was somewhere in between. Unlike the original coupe of the Sixties that simply had a fastback replacement for the standard square-back roof, the new MINI Coupé Concept completely replaces everything from the beltline up. The upright windshield that has been part of the Mini look from day one is finally swept back and a truncated roof covers the remaining two seats.

All pretenses of being a four seater has finally been dispensed with for the new coupe. The shape of the roof indicates that should Mini move ahead with production, and it could easily be replaced by a folding fabric unit to create the anticipated speedster model. What's more, dumping the rear seats means Mini could theoretically add a hefty brace back there restoring some of the structural integrity lost in the standard convertible, or perhaps restore some cargo room as compared to the Cabrio. At this point, it's unknown if those B-pillars are are tinted glass or just big solid blind spots, but visually, the lower half of the car remains pretty standard R56 John Cooper Works.

Although we don't have images of the interior yet, it sounds like it's largely standard Mini, although there are two clocks hanging off the sides of the steering column mounted tachometer much like the so-called Openometer in the convertible. One tells time while the other is a stopwatch for recording laps. The MINI Coupé Concept will be shown publicly at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month alongside the production version of the new Crossover.

The BMW e24 6-Series - Classic

The car that started it all, won the world cup rally two times for BMW and took many other victories. The old school 6 series is a car meant to be driven. With the engines said to go as far as 500,000 miles the e24 6-series is the best built Bimmers of all time. The 635csi came with a inline 6 engine with 215 hp and 304 torque. It gets great gas mileage, 18 in the city and 28 on the hwy. The M6 version was the best car probably you could get back then, with a inline 6 and 282 hp and 333 torque doing 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Back then this is considered a rocket, and even right now not many vehicles could do this.This is still fast. The 6 series one of my favorites a real classic both representing the great legendary handling and power.

Matte Black BMW in Abu Dubai

This matte black BMW Lumma CLR 500 RS was spotted in Abu Dhabi, and it looks much better than the orange version revealed by Lumma last year. Like yesterday’s BMW X6, some things just look much better in matte black.

The CLR 500 RS is powered by V10 engine that delivers 560 HP. Top speed is 203 mph.

BMW May Be Planning X4

BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6, and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings.

If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like an even worse proposition, but then again, we didn't think the X6 was a bright idea either.

First Official Pictures of BMW X1

The Bavarian automaker’s X1 Concept will make its formal world premier at the Paris Motor Show in a few days time, but as often is the case the first official photos hit the web a bit earlier. Strip away those aluminum inserts on the X1 Concept and you can easily tell that what you see here is what you’ll get in late 2009 when BMW releases the production version of its baby SUV –slash- Crossover that will sit right under the X3 competing against the likes of the Toyota RAV-4 and VW Tiguan.

Cadillac Making a 3-Series Competitor

Cadillac is working on a brand new car that will compete with BMW's very own 3-series. It's going to be built on the new Alpha RWD platform. The same Alpha platform will be the basis for a folding hardtop coupe, or a conventional coupe and convertible.

On the other hand GM put on hold the DT7 project to make this one (the program to combine the STS and DTS models into one, rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan). The DT7 is now set to be revealed in 2012 and not 2011 as previously announced.

Next-Generation 2010 BMW Z4

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Spy photos of the next-generation BMW Z4 have been circulating the Web for months, and here's the first opportunity to see what the new future roadster might look like without camouflage.

As you might expect, the next-generation Z4 will grow in size slightly, although not as much as the first spy photos suggested. Camouflage specifically designed to make it look bigger in every dimension was used originally, but subsequent test mules showed a body only marginally bigger than the current model. We're also expecting the Z4's folding soft top to continue instead of a switch to a retractable hardtop.

BMW's latest six-cylinder engines are sure to find their way under the hood. By the time this Z4 debuts in either late 2009 or early 2010, there could be changes to the base 3.0-liter and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter, but expect roughly the same horsepower numbers.

Production of the 2010 BMW Z4 will switch from BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant to Regensburg, Germany.

What this means to you: Expect to see a shapelier, faster, but only slighter bigger Z4 when it goes on sale in 2010.

Source: Edmunds & Left Lane News

BMW's Electric Car

BMW is coming out with it's own future electric car, it will comply with Californian regulations, which say that by 2012 a fuel cell or battery-powered vehicle must have a range of over 200 miles.

The car might look like this in the picture, "It’ll be a car with a completely new look, with two engines available. One will be a very efficient combustion engine and the other will be a purely electric model,” announce company CEO Norbert Reithofer told the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit.

Dinan to boost 2008 Bmw M3 to 628 hp

Since its launch, the 2008 Bmw M3 made quite a buzz, but now Dinan is pushing it to its limits. Dinan, a well-respected BMW tuner known for working miracles on the Bavarian cars, said today that its new version of the M3 will be powered by a 5.7-liter engine capable to develop 628 hp. The “standard” M3 is powered by a V8 engine developing 420 hp and can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. With a boost to 628 hp, the Dinan M3 will beat out its brothers, the M5 and M6. No launch date has been set, but of course we’re going to stay on top of this hot M3.

Source: Top Speed

BMW X5 Security model can with-hold a .44 Magnum

If you happen to be the Head of State of a controversial nation, have a lot of enemies, or you are just plain paranoid, BMW's latest X5 variation may be just right for you. It's called the BMW X5 Security, and it has been armored by the factory to protect its occupants against some serious firepower (BMW claims safety class "VR4" to resist the penetration from a .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, or a nine-millimeter Luger). While BMW is understandably silent about specifics, we do know that the body panels (including the roof and trunk) have been reinforced with a ballistic-resistant armored fiber developed in the Netherlands. The windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass, and a camera system with intercom keeps the passengers informed of what's happening outside their isolated cocoon. To handle the extra mass (you know its packing some weight) the Security package is bundled to the X5 4.8i model with its 4.8-liter 350-hp V-8. Nearly indistinguishable from the regular model, BMW has reportedly attempted to maintain the X5's driving dynamics with upgraded suspension and brakes. It's apparently no slouch, but we have yet to see any armored car that is considered exceptionally nimble.

Source: Auto Blog

BMW 335i Coupe & Cabriolet Get M3’s 7-Speed Double-Clutch Gearbox

Parallel to the market launch of the facelifted 3 Series sedan and touring models, BMW announced the availability of its new 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox with double-clutch for the 335i Coupe and 335i Convertible models. Named DKG, the new double-clutch transmission was introduced for the first time on the M3 Sedan. It offers the driver the choice of controlling the gearbox changes through a shift lever on the centere console or via paddles on the steering wheel.
Equipped with this gearbox, the 335i Coupe with the 306Hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.4 sec or 0.1 sec faster than the model fitted with the 6-speed manual transmission and 0.3 seconds faster than the 335i Coupe with the previously available 6-speed automatic.

Furthermore, the double-clutch gearbox helps drop consumption in both the 335i Coupe and Cabriolet by up to 5% compared to the equivalent models with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. In particular, the 335i Coupe & Convertible models with the DKG achieve an average fuel consumption in the combined EU test cycle of 8.8lt /100km (26.7 mpg) and 9.1lt/100km (25.9 mpg) respectively.

BMW Creates a Two-Wheel Drive Off-Road Bike

A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.

With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.

2009 BMW 7-Series: High Res Images & Official Details

Finally got a hold of high resolution images of the new BMW 7-Series and the initial technical details on the Bavarian carmaker’s flagship saloon. From a design standpoint there are few things worth mentioning: the absence of the horrid Bungle booty; the transmission selector has been transferred from the steering column to the center console; the high waistline and the return of both the driver orientated centre console and the classic instrument cluster with four circular instruments, all of which are more than welcome.

Overall, and despite being a tad larger in both height and length than its predecessor, the new 7-Series hides its size well enough and if anything else, the styling is no where near as controversial as the previous 7-Series.

Technically speaking, as one would anticipate, the new 7-Series boasts an array of features and systems, including Active Blind Spot Detection, Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View and Back-up Cameras, Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability and a new Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW’s front Active Steering system.

In terms of power, unfortunately the North American press release refers only to the 750i which is equipped with the recently introduced in the X6, 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 delivering 400 hp and 450lbs-ft of torque. That’s compared to the outgoing 750i’s naturally aspirated 360hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. The twin turbocharged V8 is matted to revised 6-speed automatic transmission. According to BMW, the 750i can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds – not bad for a limo…

We could go on and on about the 7-Series, but we gather it’s better to let those interested to check out the full press release after the image gallery. However we would like to comment on something. BMW says that it now delivers the owner’s manual electronically, via the revised iDrive. According to the Bavarian carmaker’s own words “in just seconds, the user can access information on virtually any detail of the vehicle’s equipment, systems, operation, etc…like a traditional owner’s manual, only better”.

If there was one thing that we could rely on getting us out of trouble with the iDrive, that was the manual….

The 2009 7-Series will make its global debut at the Paris Show in October with the North American premiere following in November at the Los Angeles International Autoshow. U.S. sales are expected to begin by spring 2009.

30 Years of M Power

Thirty years have pased since the first “M” series production model, the legendary M1 rolled of the Bavarian car maker’s assembly line in 1978, the BMW M GmbH has now delivered 300,000 M vehicles all across the world. The 300,000th model is an alpine white BMW M3 Coupe that was sold to a customer in Regensburg, an East Bavarian town located near BMW’s “M” plant.

Although the M1 marks the beginning of BMW M model history, it was more of a race car than every day driver. The first real-world car to wear the “M” sport badge was essentially the 1979 M535i which was followed by the 286Hp M6/M635CSi in 1983 and a year latter, the 286Hp M5.
Today, the vehicle portfolio of the BMW M ranges in over nine models, the Z4 M Roadster and Coupe that boast a straight six with 343 bhp; the M5 Sedan & Touring, the M6 Coupe and Convertible that all feature a 507 bhp V10 engine and last but not least, the M3 Coupe, Sedan and Convertible that are equipped with a 420 bhp V8 engine.

According to the Bavarian automaker, in the year 2007, BMW M GmbH automobiles accounted for around one percent of the BMW Group's overall turnover worldwide.

The most popular M model is the M3 with worldwide purchases of the new version having surpassed the 4,000 mark in the first four months of 2008. The USA is the most important market for BMW M automobiles, and on the European continent the high-performance sports cars are popular in the UK, Germany and Italy.

G-Power M6 Hurricane

We were highly impressed with G-Power's M5 Hurricane. After all, it's twin-supercharged V10 produced nearly 50% more power than stock and it had a top speed of 211 mph, which G-Power claims to be faster than any other street legal Bimmer. With the BMW M6 packing the same 5.0-liter V10, it was only a matter of time before it received the same treatment.

Behold the G-Power M6 Hurricane! While the twin blowers are set for lower boost, only 6 psi compared to the M5's 10 psi, the M6 still produces a healthy 635 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 469 lb-ft torque @ 6300 rpm. This is good for a 4.5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. Not one to forget that appearance matters, G-Power also provides a new front and rear fascia, rocker panels, and carbon fiber rear diffuser along with 21-inch wheels that make room for a 15-inch brake system up front. M6 owners can drop off their car at G-Power's German headquarters or can order a fully assembled car starting at a mere 183,000 Euros. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

Engine

Power bhp: 635

Torque lb-ft: 469

Type: 5.0L V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.5

Top Speed: 200

Source: G-power

2008 BMW M5 by G-Power

One of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal BMW is made by G-Power. The 211-mph G-Power Hurricane is based on the latest BMW M5. At the heart of the high-performance sedan is a five-liter V10 engine with G-Power EVO II supercharging system that delivers 730 bhp.


To achieve the desired increase in power output of 230 bhp for the fast-revving engine that normally produces 500 bhp, G-Power, in cooperation with ASA Automotive, has developed a high-tech supercharging system. The system uses one belt-driven ASA T1-12 compressor for each cylinder bank. Contrary to conventional mechanical chargers that waste a large portion of the additional power on being driven themselves, the ASA compressor has an efficiency rate of up to 80 percent. The ASA charger is also small, which allows G-Power to install two of them in the tight confines of the M5 engine bay. With a maximum airstream volume of up to 1,200 kg per hour per cylinder bank the compressors are designed for an even higher power output. Boost pressure is limited to 0.5 bars.

The pre-compressed charge air is cooled down in a highly efficient dual-flow water-to-air intercooler system that is mounted above the engine. This measure optimizes power yield and, in combination with a larger water-cooled oil cooler with pressure reservoir, also ensures the engine's thermal health. Specially developed mapping for engine electronics and SMG gearbox controls coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components.
The inner workings of the four-valve ten-cylinder engine are optimized for even higher engine speeds with lightweight, precision-matched high-performance forged pistons from technology partner MAHLE. The supercharged V10 engine produces its maximum power output of 730 bhp between 7,500 and 8,200 rpm. The high efficiency rate of the two superchargers, each spinning at up to 100,000 rpm and more, results in a torque diagram that rises early and at 3,800 rpm already surpasses the production engine's peak torque of 383 lb-ft, delivered at 6,100 rpm. The new peak of 517 lb-ft is reached at 7,200 rpm.

Acceleration performance benefits accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 60 mph of 4.1 seconds the two-ton sedan bests its production counterpart by a few tenths. With approx. ten seconds to 124 mph the advantage grows to 5.0 seconds. The 186-mph (300 km/h) barrier is shattered in less than 29.5 seconds. Contrary to the production car the G-Power Hurricane is not limited electronically to a top speed of 155 mph. Aided by the specially cooled G-Power anti-slip differential the engine propels the car to a top speed of 211 mph.

The enormous performance places extreme demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes.The G-Power front apron, upon request also available made from especially light carbon fiber, replaces the production part in its entirety. Its large air inlets provide optimal supply of cooling air for all radiators and front brakes. At the same time the spoiler minimizes lift on the front axle at high speeds.

The G-Power rocker panels smooth the airflow between the wheel houses and give the M5 and longer, lower and sleeker appearance. Lift on the rear axle is reduced by a spoiler lip attached to the trunk lid and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser for the G-Power rear apron.

Even better driving dynamics and more exclusive looks are the hallmark of the G-Power Silverstone 21-inch light-alloy wheels that fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. The drop-center rims have brilliant-graphite coated centers while the outer rim wells and spokes are polished. They are mounted in sizes 9.5 J x 21 with size 255/30 ZR21 tires in front and size 10.5 J x 21 wheels with size 295/25 ZR21 tires on the rear axle.

The large wheels make room for the G-Power high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers and 400 x 36 millimeter brake discs on the front axle. G-Power also offers an upgrade package for the standard M5 brakes that consists of high-performance pads and brake fluid.

The M5 handling can be made even sportier by installing the height-adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

For upgrading the cockpit G-Power offers sporty components made from exposed carbon-fiber trim or an ergonomically shaped NARDO EDITION sport steering wheel covered in perforated G-Power Kjerba-Nappa leather that is a pleasure to touch.

The G-Power Hurricane is available as a fully converted car starting at 240,000 Euros. Any existing M5 - sedan and wagon - can also be upgraded with the G-Power twin-compressor system, available for 89,000 Euros. The price includes all necessary modifications to suspension, brakes and wheels. Also available are any items from the extensive G-Power tuning accessories lineup.

Engine

Power bhp: 730

Torque lb-ft: 517

Type: V10 Supercharged

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.1 Seconds
Top Speed: 211 mph

2012 BMW M6 - Renderings

These 3D computer generated images (CGI) were created by graphics artist Guillaume Mouton in an attempt to visualize the next-generation BMW 6-Series Coupe and in particular, the top-notch M6 model. Mouton seems to have blended the shape of the long gone 8-Series Coupe with elements from the current 6-Series and the 4door CS Concept. Overall, not bad at all but I would have preferred a totally different design for the front-end, one that wouldn’t remind us of the current 6 series.