Following the release of the full U.S. 2013 M5 order and price guide last week, the U.S. M5 online configurator is now available at BMWUSA.com.

The U.S. 2013 M5 order bank is set to open soon (we were told sometime the first week of May), at which point dealers will find out their M5 allocations and be able to submit customer orders. Production for U.S. bound M5s begin in July, for September delivery, and M5 European Deliveries begin in early September.

For more information and discussions regarding M5 pricing, ordering, and tracking, see our new subforum - F10 M5 Pricing, Ordering, Tracking, and European Delivery

Per the recently released 2013 M5 US Order Guide, the BMW M5 F10 will add a new color as of July production, and it’s most eye catching color yet - Sakhir Orange Metallic. This exterior paint color has been the launch/marketing color for the 2013 M6 coupe and for anyone who wants to be noticed in their M5, this color would surely do it

We’ve seen and posted photos of every standard and recommended Individual M5 color, but since there are no photos yet of a Sakhir Orange M5, we’ve rendered up these few previews to help those who are contemplating the color for order.

Now that the new M6 coupe/convertible and M5 have all debuted, our thoughts often turn to the next M3 - the F80. And although we’ve previously rendered the F80, here is our take on what the next generation M3 may resemble now that the M6 has been revealed. So far, the multitude of F80 M3 spy photos / videos we’ve posted have not been very telling in terms of the lower front bumper design, but we’ve used our imagination based on the new M6 and M5 to take a stab at what the F80 M3’s front fascia may resemble The prototypes have also yet to show what the fender gills will look like, so we’ve adapted a version somewhat similar to that seen on the new … CONTINUED

An M5POST member shares with us his experience from BMW’s M Specialist Training at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. This is the program where BMW Client Advisors receive their certification as M Certified Sales Consultants. The biggest surprise of the experience came when the class got the first hotlap rides in the just delivered F10 M5. Here’s his account:

This past Monday and Tuesday, I went down to the Performance Center for the first time. I have been working for BMW for 9 years and I can certainly say it was worth the wait.

As of Tuesday, I am officially a BMW M Certified Sales Consultant!

I know Ryan and Jimmy (Golffer) had their trip in January. I was suppose to attend the same … CONTINUED

Palbay caught this F12 M6 with the unique Individual Color, Frozen Grey Metallic. In fact this is the first M6 we’ve seen in this paint color, but surely not the last.

And here comes the new M6 convertible (F12)! This is our first site member to take delivery of a 2012 M6 convertible, and it’s a beauty. Singapore grey exterior with Sakhir Orange merino leather and Piano Black trim. This is one of the first new M6 convertibles to be delivered in the world and it goes to someone who already has a history with them, upgrading from the predecessor E63 M6 convertible.

We present the just released 3D Design F10 M5! The 3D Design program for the F10 M5 features a robust line of carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories including a front lip, low splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk spoiler. In addition to these pieces the roof spoiler from their existing F10 line will also be compatible.

The F10 M5 line will not stop at the aerodynamic portion of the brand. 3D Design will have their trademark exhaust system developed with Arqray as a technology partner. Currently the exhaust will be made available in stainless steel with quad 100mm tips providing a aggressiveness that suits the elegance of their rear diffuser. The exhaust will be made available in both a JASMA spec as well as Export spec.

The … CONTINUED

Finally, here is the U.S. 2013 M5 Ordering Guide listing all standard equipment, options, packages, and related pricing (including European Delivery price).

Per BMW NA, the 2013 M5 US order bank (when your dealer will be able to submit your M5 order) is now anticipated to open the first week of May.

So what does your order look like? Download the full guide and share your build with us inside.

The 2013 BMW M6 Coupe (F13) (official info thread) has also made an appearance at the 2012 Auto China show in Beijing, in a stunning Brilliant White Metallic Individual exterior with Opal White Individual leather interior and Piano Black Gloss trim. Until now, the F13 M6 coupe has only been shown in Sakhir Orange at the Geneva and New York auto shows.

The M6 coupe’s carbon fiber roof looks gorgeous contrasting against the pearly Brilliant White metallic paint. It is said (per our NYIAS interview) to save approximately 10 pounds compared to a steel roof and more than that versus a sunroof. Compared to the F10 M5, the M6 coupe is a little more sporty in terms of handling by the design of the front and rear … CONTINUED