Audi BMW

Erin over at InsideLine, who we joined during our trip at Pebble Beach, gives us a review of a classic: 1988 E28 BMW M5. Our own review and photos are underway, but in the mean time, let’s find out her thoughts on the car and also to learn more about the E28 M5.

The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a sedan, but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from the BMW M1. At its launch, the E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.

InsideLine review:

“This 1988 BMW never left the care of the BMW USA fleet, and it has only 12,5XX miles. It has the only option available on ‘88 M5s — heated seats.

A few BMW officials thought it would be a good idea to let members of the media drive this rare and desirable car up portions of the California coast this week. The car received a thorough checkup at the hands of top BMW USA technicians before setting out on the journey from Los Angeles to Monterey, California.

———

By the way, light doesn’t mean overboosted or imprecise or flimsy. This car just doesn’t weigh much nor is it coping with modern-day performance car torque loads, so it doesn’t take as much effort to change direction or change gears. Response to inputs are direct in a way that modern BMWs can’t (and maybe wouldn’t want to) replicate. When you turn the steering wheel or lay into the (cable) throttle, you know deep down that you’re taking responsibility for what happens next. It’s a neat and liberating feeling.

At the same time, we can’t help but think how far BMW has come with its M cars and everything else when we drive the car. Torque is meager below 2,000 rpm and redline hits around 6,500, so you’ve got to make sure you’re working in this operating range — which is OK with us because we dig heel-and-toe downshifting.”

Full article continued

Our friend Tom at BMWNA telling us more about the E28 M5.

Back in 2008, the G-Power M5 Hurricane RS became the fastest sedan in the world, breaking a long-standing record of the Brabus Rocket. At the time, the M5 ran the track with a top speed of 200 mph, but G-Power had bigger plans for their M5.

In November 2008, G-POWER M5 Hurricane RS achieved a top speed of 228.4 mph (367,59 km/h). The previous 227.2 mph (365,7 km/h) hold by the Brabus, has been broken claimed the world record for the fastest production sedan.

Back in our times, the folks at Piston Heads report that the M5 Hurricane RS managed to exceed expectations….once again. The G-Power M5 Hurricane RS was clocked at 231.2 mph during one of the tuning company’s test,

We can’t validate the claim yet, and it is also unclear if the speed was achieved as a peal on an oval test track.

G-Power uses only a simple V10 from the shelves of BMW and modified this engine with other two superchargers from G-POWER’s technology partner ASA, with enlarged capacity. According to G-POWER the BI-Kompressor system could be raised from 0,7 bar rel. to 0,8 bar rel., but the system has not reached its limit yet. The 800 horsepower, 800 Nm of torque and 372 km/h top speed, are enough to impress any enthusiast out there, despite the 300, 000 Euro price tag.

The M5 Hurricane RR runs from standstill to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, but that’s just the point where the car warms up, as 5 seconds later it already reaches 200 km/h.

Test drive by Famousbmw.cz and edited by BMWBLOG

Sometimes there are situations when describing your feelings in words might be more difficult than it seems, and one of these moments arise when driving the world’s fastest sedan: G-Power Hurricane M5 RR.

The 800 horsepower, 800 Nm of torque and 372 km/h top speed, are enough to impress any enthusiast out there, despite the 300, 000 Euro price tag.

G-Power has become one of the most respectable companies in the tunning world and their main focus has and will be primarily on the performance of their cars. After recording a speed of 372 km/h, the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RR is officially the “fastest sedan in the world, taking the record from the bi-turbo V12 BRABUS Rocket, a car  based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS topping at 362.4 km/h.

The M5 HURICANNE RR runs from standstill to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, but that’s just the point where the car warms up, as 5 seconds later it already reaches 200 km/h.

Design wise, G-Power is using subtle styling, but their brand elements continue to be spotted as you lay eyes on their cars.  Body changes relate primarily carbon fiber, revised bumpers, 20 inch wheels, and fully functional rear wing.

But under the hood is where the M5 HURICANNE RR really shines.  At first sight, the eyes lay on the two monstrous compressors. G-Power tunes cars to be both for sporty driving, but also suitable for daily use. Despite the double performance increase, when compared to the “regular M5″, the G-Power M5 consumes just a liter more of gasoline per hundred kilometers.

The interior design went through subtle changes, mostly around G-Power engraving and logos, including a label illustrating the limited edition number.

Turning on the engine is when the excitement begins and the HURRICANE  gives that growl sound that one can only dream to hear in a car. Remember when we said that words can’t always express the true feelings? Well, this is the time where pushing down on the gas pedal, just simply left us speechless.

Back against the seat, stomach upside-down, second gear, SMG shifting and 100 km/h feels like moments away.  Acceleration is really brutal and the car feels angry at you. The compressors are fairly quiet and at high rpm, the HURRICANE RR sounds like a weird combination between a Formula 1 engine and a WRC car.

The car is addictive, passionate and incredible fun. Overtaking can be quite interesting also because pushing the throttle, and before you count to 9, you’re passed the 200 km/hr mark and all the cars sitting in your way.

To handle the massive power and torque, G-Power HURRICANE M5 sits on ultralight 20“ wheels with 285/30 tires at the rear and 255/35 front. The upgraded brakes come to help by decreasing the stopping distance.

Overall, the G-Power M5 HURRICANE RR is a fairly comfortable car and provides adequate stability at high speeds. It was also modded for city driving without sacrificing driving feedback. The interior cabin provides great noise reduction and all that growl that we loved hearing, dissipates as we move inside the car.

One thing that rubbed us the wrong way was the jerky SMG gearbox which insidiously lugs at each change.

Even though 800 horsepower may seem like a lot of power, you simply get used to it and normal driving resumes.

To end it on a fun note, we took the car out for some drifting on the wet roads and as any M5, the car’s electronics will correct the driver’s errors, just in case you’re lacking those professional driver skills.

The price tag is steep, but for BMW enthusiasts with large pockets, this might be as close as one could get to a Bugatti Veyron.

More photos at Famousbmw.cz

Press Release: After being on sale on the global automotive market for five successful years, the BMW M5 has ended its production lifespan with a new record high. The BMW M GmbH produced a total of 20,548 of the charismatic high-performance sports car featuring a V 10-cylinder power unit.

The BMW M5 Saloon is accountable for 19,523 of these, with the BMW M5 Touring, which was first launched in 2007, contributing a further 1025 units towards the overall result. This means that even the production figures of the predecessor model, which was manufactured for a period of six years, have been surpassed. The BMW M GmbH sees this record result as a further chapter in the success story of a remarkable automobile, which reaches back as far as the year 1984. 26 years ago we saw the launch of the first BMW M5 – this also marking the birth of the high-performance saloon segment.

Drive and suspension technology inspired by motor sports combined with the spaciousness and travelling comfort of a midrange saloon car: When the first BMW M5 was launched, this concept brought about an entirely new vehicle category. With M-specific aesthetics and thanks to uncompromising premium quality, the new model was at the same time the first high-performance sports car designed for use in everyday traffic conditions. With the fifth generation of the BMW M5, this combination achieved a level of fascination it had never reached before. A V10 high-revving 373 kW/507 bhp engine, sequential M transmission Drivelogic with seven gears and Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standstill, variable, engine speed-dependent M differential lock as well as model-specific suspension technology, including Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and a compound brake unit, guarantee the BMW M5’s outstanding performance characteristics. High-quality equipment features, which include innovative driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Headlights and M-specific Head-up Display, underline its premium character.

As an all-round athlete, dominating both the highly dynamic sprint and longer distances, the latest generation, too, is capturing a unique position within the competitive environment. In 2007, the saloon, which was also dubbed by the media as a “businessman’s express”, was joined by the BMW M5 Touring. This model offered a second body variant that enriched the character of the sports car, which was unrestrictedly suitable for everyday use, with additional facets.

The USA also proved to be the most crucial sales market for the fifth generation of the BMW M Saloon. 8,800 vehicles were sold in the United States. Ahead of the German market (1,647 units), Great Britain and Ireland developed the greatest demand on the European continent with 1,776 vehicles sold. Japan (1,357 units) takes fourth place among the most significant markets for the BMW M5 Saloon, followed by Italy (512). The BMW M5 Touring enjoyed the greatest popularity in Germany (302 units), Great Britain and Ireland (208) and in Italy (184).

A distinctive feature of both models is the 5-litre, ten-cylinder engine with a high-revving concept. The power unit, which was conceived using comprehensive expertise derived from motor sports, develops maximum output at an engine speed of 7,750 rpm, disclosing its unique character in particular through enormous pulling power that remains available across a remarkably broad speed range. Its exceptional position has been underlined by numerous awards. For example, in the years 2005 and 2006, the V10 engine seized overall victory twice in succession at the “Engine of the Year Awards” as well as first place during each of the two following years in the engine category exceeding a cubic capacity of 4 litres. Even after completion of the BMW M5’s production lifespan, the 10-cylinder engine continues to fascinate in a very special way. The exceptional power unit with identical power output and performance characteristics is currently featured in both the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Convertible. The limited BMW M6 Competition Edition offers a particularly elegant way of expressing the high-performance coupe’s superior dynamics. A unique BMW Individual Frozen Grey paint finish and an individual interior design provide the coupe with an exclusive high-quality ambience. The BMW Individual full Merino leather trim is available either in black with light grey contrast seams or in the bi-colour version Silverstone/Black with light grey and black contrast seams. In both cases, the coupe’s individual character is underlined by doorsill trims boasting the “M6 Competition” logo.

The coupe’s high performance oriented profile is additionally enhanced by modifications to the suspension. Revised tuning of springs, dampers and stabilisers, lowering of the suspension by 12 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear in conjunction with M forged alloy wheels featuring a double spoke design and a special combination of tyres, result in noticeably optimised lateral and longitudinal dynamics. Management of the suspension systems, the EDC Electronic Damper Control, the track and camber values as well as the characteristic map of the variable M differential lock have been perfectly adapted to match the suspension modifications.

[Source: BMW ]

Press Release: After being on sale on the global automotive market for five successful years, the BMW M5 has ended its production lifespan with a new record high. The BMW M GmbH produced a total of 20,548 of the charismatic high-performance sports car featuring a V 10-cylinder power unit.

The BMW M5 Saloon is accountable for 19,523 of these, with the BMW M5 Touring, which was first launched in 2007, contributing a further 1025 units towards the overall result. This means that even the production figures of the predecessor model, which was manufactured for a period of six years, have been surpassed. The BMW M GmbH sees this record result as a further chapter in the success story of a remarkable automobile, which reaches back as far as the year 1984. 26 years ago we saw the launch of the first BMW M5 – this also marking the birth of the high-performance saloon segment.

Drive and suspension technology inspired by motor sports combined with the spaciousness and travelling comfort of a midrange saloon car: When the first BMW M5 was launched, this concept brought about an entirely new vehicle category. With M-specific aesthetics and thanks to uncompromising premium quality, the new model was at the same time the first high-performance sports car designed for use in everyday traffic conditions. With the fifth generation of the BMW M5, this combination achieved a level of fascination it had never reached before. A V10 high-revving 373 kW/507 bhp engine, sequential M transmission Drivelogic with seven gears and Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standstill, variable, engine speed-dependent M differential lock as well as model-specific suspension technology, including Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and a compound brake unit, guarantee the BMW M5’s outstanding performance characteristics. High-quality equipment features, which include innovative driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Headlights and M-specific Head-up Display, underline its premium character.

As an all-round athlete, dominating both the highly dynamic sprint and longer distances, the latest generation, too, is capturing a unique position within the competitive environment. In 2007, the saloon, which was also dubbed by the media as a “businessman’s express”, was joined by the BMW M5 Touring. This model offered a second body variant that enriched the character of the sports car, which was unrestrictedly suitable for everyday use, with additional facets.

The USA also proved to be the most crucial sales market for the fifth generation of the BMW M Saloon. 8,800 vehicles were sold in the United States. Ahead of the German market (1,647 units), Great Britain and Ireland developed the greatest demand on the European continent with 1,776 vehicles sold. Japan (1,357 units) takes fourth place among the most significant markets for the BMW M5 Saloon, followed by Italy (512). The BMW M5 Touring enjoyed the greatest popularity in Germany (302 units), Great Britain and Ireland (208) and in Italy (184).

A distinctive feature of both models is the 5-litre, ten-cylinder engine with a high-revving concept. The power unit, which was conceived using comprehensive expertise derived from motor sports, develops maximum output at an engine speed of 7,750 rpm, disclosing its unique character in particular through enormous pulling power that remains available across a remarkably broad speed range. Its exceptional position has been underlined by numerous awards. For example, in the years 2005 and 2006, the V10 engine seized overall victory twice in succession at the “Engine of the Year Awards” as well as first place during each of the two following years in the engine category exceeding a cubic capacity of 4 litres. Even after completion of the BMW M5’s production lifespan, the 10-cylinder engine continues to fascinate in a very special way. The exceptional power unit with identical power output and performance characteristics is currently featured in both the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Convertible. The limited BMW M6 Competition Edition offers a particularly elegant way of expressing the high-performance coupe’s superior dynamics. A unique BMW Individual Frozen Grey paint finish and an individual interior design provide the coupe with an exclusive high-quality ambience. The BMW Individual full Merino leather trim is available either in black with light grey contrast seams or in the bi-colour version Silverstone/Black with light grey and black contrast seams. In both cases, the coupe’s individual character is underlined by doorsill trims boasting the “M6 Competition” logo.

The coupe’s high performance oriented profile is additionally enhanced by modifications to the suspension. Revised tuning of springs, dampers and stabilisers, lowering of the suspension by 12 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear in conjunction with M forged alloy wheels featuring a double spoke design and a special combination of tyres, result in noticeably optimised lateral and longitudinal dynamics. Management of the suspension systems, the EDC Electronic Damper Control, the track and camber values as well as the characteristic map of the variable M differential lock have been perfectly adapted to match the suspension modifications.

[Source: BMW ]

What started as a rumor last year, it has finally received some official BMW backup. The next generation 2012 BMW M5 will be indeed powered by a V8 turbocharged engine. The information comes from BMW’s M boss, Dr. Kay Segler, in a recent interview for Auto Bild.

The powerplant in the F10 M5 is based on the same unit found in the BMW X5 M and X6M, the twin scroll twin turbo version of the N63, known as the S63, with Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM).

While Dr. Segler has not confirmed the power output, everyone’s expectations lie within the 585-600 horsepower range. As the M boss pointed out, the new M5 will offer the best of two worlds: for normal everyday driving and for use as a race car , triggered by a push of a button. “The philosophy of “Two Cars in One”, which we have once established, you will find it explicitly in this vehicle.”, said Dr. Segler.

The new BMW F10 M5 goes on sale in the second half of 2011.

The M-diesel powered question came up in the same interview. Dr. Segler states that a market would need to be identified for a potential M diesel and at this point, nor the North American or asian market are in high demand of diesels. Another question concerns the technology. In the diesel, there are currently no high-revs  and “that’s why an M-diesel might not be technically feasible”, said Dr. Kay Segler.

However, the M boss points out that BMW’s customers are increasingly purchasing M-Sport packages and M accessories for their diesel vehicles, “therefore, diesel and sportiness are not mutually exclusive”.

BMW continues their field tests of the new BMW M5 and the vehicle, in a concept format, is rumored to launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.

[Source: AutoBild ]

In the latest issue of Car and Driver, the yet-to-be released and highly awaited 2012 BMW M5 makes the top of 25 Cars Worth Waiting For. Due to be unveiled at the end of this year with a world premiere at the next year’s Geneva Motor Show, the BMW M5 will be the most advanced M car built to date.

The F10 M5 will be one of the most aggressive and fastest M models to date, and at the same time, one of the “greenest” ever built. BMW plans to use several new technologies and a KERS system that will put the new M5 ahead of the current model, both in performance and fuel efficiency.

The 2012 BMW M5 is powered by an updated version of the engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque.

The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds, even though we expect to see lower track times.

The M5 will inherit a dual clutch transmission which will be unique to the M5, based upon the 7-Speed transmission currently found in the M3. 8-Speed unit will also be available and will be equipped with a stop-start control. The DCT will be operated with steering wheel mounted shifting paddles.

Since horsepower need to be balanced by a decent overall weight, BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts, starting with the a carbon-fiber roof.

Another BMW to make the Car and Driver’s list is also the next generation BMW 3 Series. Codename F30, the new 3 Series is BMW’s response to latest Audi’s design and will continue to represent the top seller vehicle in BMW lineup.

Along with BMW, the 2012 Cadillac ATS, a competitor for the 3 Series, is also featured in this top 25 Cars Worth Waiting For.

Other cars to make the top, in no particular order, are: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, 2012 Buick Regal GS, 2012 Tesla Model S, 2013 Jaguar XE, 2014 Porsche “Baby” Boxster, 2011 Mini Coupe / Roadster, 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible, 2012 Audi Q3 or 2012 Cadillac XTS.

Full list can be found here.

One of our recent articles on car insurance and BMWs have created some further discussions around the factors that influence the insurance premiums and overall costs. We reached out to some of the insurance experts out there for further clarification.

Whether it is the BMW M5 series or regular BMW, these luxury cars are a favorite choice for many car enthusiasts. However, if you purchase BMW M5 series vehicle, sports car buffs will tell you that you are getting an extremely powerful fast car with a sleek and sporty design.

Since 1972, BMW has been making the BMW M Series. This series consist of mid-size and executive luxury cars. Currently in its fifth generation, the M5 series is sold as a sedan and as touring body styles. When you purchase a BMW M5, you will be paying for style, performance, and its expensive features. When paying for such a fantastic fast car, expect such high costs as maintenance, fuel, financing, and insurance. When it comes to insuring the BMW M series compared to traditional BMW vehicles, expect to pay more.

In addition to the higher price, insurance companies will factor in the powerful series engine, acceleration rates, and top speeds, which make these cars a high risk. Insurance companies know that drivers will be more likely to drive faster to get the full benefits of these high performance cars. Therefore, drivers of these cars are placed in a higher risk category and the insurance premiums they pay will reflect that risk.

For example, the costs to insure 2010 BMW M5 Series Sedan for five years includes: Year 1 – $2,486, Year 2 – $2,448, Year 3 – $2,411, Year 4 – $2,375, and Year 5 – $2,341.

The traditional luxury and sporty BMW cars have a less powerful engine compare to the M series. The regular BMWs are less expensive, less powerful so the insurance companies classify them in a lower risk category. For instance, the cost to insure 2010 BMW X3 for five years include: Year 1 – $1,162, Year 2 – $1,149, Year 3 – $1,136, Year 4 – $1,124, and Year 5 – $1,111.

When purchasing insurance for the BMW M5 series or a Regular BMW, it is important to comparison shop for the cheapest policy. To find cheap auto insurance online, you can use a free insurance comparison quote service available on insurance information websites. You will be offered the cheapest possible auto insurance quotes from a number of different insurance providers. As well, make sure you take advantage of discount incentives to lower your insurance premiums.

The new 2012 BMW M5 is rumored not to be one of the best M to date, but also it will incorporate plenty of “green technology”, as part of BMW’s future plans and investment in the EfficientDynamics program. Latest spy photos are showing the M5 prototypes going through the usual winter testing, this time up north in Sweeden.

The new F10 BMW M5 is scheduled to be unveiled in 2011, a bit over a year after the 5 Series models. While the new M5 will incorporate fuel-saving technologies like the KERS system seen in Formula 1, the new super sporty seday strives to maintain its “King of the road” status.

Rumors mention an updated version of the engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M will make its way into the F10 M5. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque, 60 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but the same as the Audi RS6.

The transmission of choice seems to be the M3’s M-DCT system, but a second transmission option might be offered as well.

To keep the weight down, BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts, starting with a carbon-fiber roof. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear.

While no information have leaked on the expected 0 to 62 mph performance, we expect to see some times slightly above the 4 seconds treshold.

[Source: Car Magazine ]

BMW rumormill continues to churn and the latest rumor is that an M5 model based on the touring bodystyle is in works at the BMW M division. The same as always source, Scott27 returns with these breaking news that could excited the Touring fans all over the world.

Unfortunately, no other details are being released at the moment, but we can expect the M5 Touring to feature similar aggressive design elements as seen in the M5 sedan. The powerplant offering should be identical to the one offered in the sedan model, most likely an updated version of the 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M which will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque.

The big question remains whether the North American market will be the target for the new M5 Touring since regular 5 Series Touring sales have been disappointing last year.

Rendering of M5 Sedan front-end

With no other solid information at the moment, we are going to leave this at the rumor level, but we’re working our magic on getting further details.

[Source: Germancarforum ]