The first drive reviews of the F10 M5 have begun rolling in. Insideline has just posted their first impressions of BMW’s newest M5. Their verdict? They call the F10 M5 a better overall sport sedan compared to the E60.
The more interesting comments are posted inside, but head over to Insideline for the full review.
The long rumored BMW X4 SAV is coming! In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed the plans for BMW’s newest SAV.
The X4 will be positioned above, but based on the X3. It will be 4.65 meters long (183 inches), which is the same length as the X3, and will share the F25 X3’s range of engines. But due to its coupe-like styling, the X4 will have less trunk volume - approximately 500 liters less, or 17.6 cu ft.
Among other technologies, the X4 will feature AWD x-drive, automatic start-stop, head-up display, and voice control.
* The X4 image used in this article is a render only and not based off any spy photo or other confirmed image/info.
We last spied the F30 hybrid back in February for the first time out in heavy camouflage. It has now shed its heavy camouflage and taken to the Nurburgring for track testing. One can tell this is a hybrid version by the typical “Rescue” stickers on its doors and rear bumper (which is always present BMW’s hybrid test vehicles).
The F30 3-series will be the first 3-series hybrid from BMW and will adopt much of the technology from the upcoming hybrid F10 5-series which is scheduled to debut this winter. The F30 hybrid will be released some time after the diesel and petrol F30 models are released next year.
It’s been speculated that BMW will introduce a version of the F25 X3 which has been breathed upon by BMW M GmbH. The rumored timetable for the X3 M release is sometime in 2012, although no prototypes have yet been spotted.
An X3 M would be an important car not just because it represents another M model, but because it would likely provide a preview of the next generation F80 / F82 M3’s powerplant. The X3M would likely represent the introduction of a new turbocharged 6 cylinder motor which will also power the next generation M3 (but at a higher power output in the M3). This brings to mind the relationship between the S63 engine in the X5M and the modified S63Tu in the F10 M5 sedan.
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With the proliferation of mobile technology, BMW Financial Services now provides account functionality via smartphones. Customers now have the ability to make payments and monitor their account status from their phones. BMW Financial Services provides a web-based solution for customers to access common account requests, which functions on all leading smartphone platforms.
The new BMW Financial Services Mobile Website is web-based and requires no installation. The mobile website runs in a browser, whereas typical applications need to be downloaded and installed to run on a mobile device. After a secure log-in from a smartphone, customers have access to:
• Make a payment
• Obtain a payoff quote
• View recent activity
• View payment history
“Quite simply, we’re focused on access and mobility,” said Steve Swecker, general manager of sales operations for … CONTINUED
Rumors of BMW considering V6 engines have been floating around for quite some while now. One possible future application often mentioned when talking about such an engine is the upcoming F80 M3 (F82 M4). As we reported earlier, BMW was studying no less than four potential engine choices for the next M3.
To add to the speculation, we’ve just discovered that BMW has filed a patent for a unique twin-turbo V6 engine last year. Have a look at this schematic BMW submitted to the German patent office to describe the patent filing:
As BMW describes in their patent application, this image shows “the principle of this turbocharger layout invention (#1) in a 6-cylinder internal combustion engine in V configuration (#2) with a first cylinder bank … CONTINUED
Here’s the very first look at a production Imperial Blue Metallic F10 M5 (although it could also possibly be Azurite Black Individual which is also a dark blue/black color). Imperial Blue Metallic has a beautiful metallic blue hue to it when illuminated and is the darker of the F10 M5 colors. This particular 2012 M5 joined ///M Flight, an M owner’s club in Germany, this past weekend. Club members were given rides in the new monster 560hp M5 and got up to 187mph on the Autobahn! Photo set inside.
German tuning company Manhart Racing has now unveiled its MH1 Biturbo, which showcases their 1M coupe customization program.
The Manhart 1M coupe generates 415hp via an ECU software tune, custom exhaust system (3,799 euro) with stainless steel silencers (1,890 euro), and downpipes (799 euro).
To compliment the extra performance, the 1M has been given more a aggressive look with a full aero kit. The aero kit includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and mirror covers.
The wheels are Concave One forged wheels - 9×20F and 10.5×20R. The program also includes coilovover suspension for enhanced handling.
The complete Manhart 1M coupe upgrade program will cost 27,198 euro.
Now, more invigorating horsepower and torque, is available with two new power kits bring crisp stimulating performance to the Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW 135i and 335i Models can now be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program to an unprecedented level of performance. These new Power Kits ensure that new car buyers and current owners are in for that extra thrill beyond the outstanding performance that can already be realized with these exciting vehicles.
Version 1 Power Kit: [Review and More Details HERE] Performance-Optimized Engine Software. This version of the Power Kit was first introduced on the 335i BMW Performance Edition model (announced in July, 2011). Available for all Model Year 135i and 335i vehicles. Also available for X6 vehicles produced up to 04/2010.
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