BMW M Models 2009 News

BMW has announced that its semi-active suspension control system Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) from the M3 and M5 would be suitable for their motorcycles. DDC would react to acceleration by increasing damping on the rear shock to avoid rear "squatting" and in braking would increase damping at the front to prevent "fork dive". It would also stiffen suspension when the bike is leaning in a corner to prevent "wallowing". BMW says the system would come with three selectable modes, "Comfort", "Normal", and "Sport". DDC will be introduced to the first BMW motorcycles "in the near future", according to BMW Motorrad in Germany. BMW Group Australia spokesman Piers Scott says there is no timeline for the introduction of the technology or which models would be the first to receive it. However, he said it would be likely to be introduced to models where riders had greater acceptance of the technology, such as large tourers. These were also the first BMW models to include anti-lock brakes, BMW's electronic suspension and traction control. Despite many of these technologies being available in cars for many years, motorcycle companies have been slow to introduce these aids. BMW was the first to offer ABS across all its range followed by Triumph with Harley-Davidson expected to follow. BMW and Ducati were the manufacturers to embrace traction control and electronic suspension in high-end models.

There is plenty of go left in the BMW M3, based on the way it's being teased and tizzied for extra showroom appeal. The newest tweak is an M3 sedan that fits between the regular model and the GTS coupe, a space previously reserved for the lightweight CSL. The newcomer was teased at the Shanghai Motor Show with the promise of around 325 kiloWatts, bigger brakes, firmer suspension and lightened exhaust - without the wild rear wing on the M3 GTS.

The M5 concept to debut at the Shanghai motor show later this month will have a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, from other M models following the shift in most of its models from twin-scroll turbos to two separate turbos.It will be the first time the M5 has not had a naturally aspirated engine since its launch in 1984. However, the fifth generation of the iconic four-door powerhouse will have substantially more power and torque. The previous model was a five-litre V10 with 373kW of power and 520Nm of torque, while the coming model has 417kW and 691Nm.That more than matches its main sedan rival the Mecrcedes-Benz E63 AMG 8-cylinder engine with 386kW and 630Nm. While no official acceleration figures have been released, it is believed it will be 0.2 seconds faster to 100km/h than the V10 M5, which at about 4.5 seconds would equal the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.Despite all this raw power, BMW claims fuel economy increase of 25 per cent thanks to "EfficientDynamics" features such as brake-energy recuperation, an alternator that disengages under acceleration and an automatic stop/start function.The new engine is also set to appear in the second-generation M6 coupe and convertible, and possibly a four-door GranCoupe to rival the new Mercedes CLS63 AMG. BMW Group Australia spokesman Piers Scott says the M5 will arrive here early next year. He says the V8 twin-turbo is part of a "general shift towards turbo-charged engines in the BMW line-up"."BMW TwinPower Turbo technology means superb power delivery from fewer cylinders," he says. "This particular V8 is a characteristically high-revving engine typical of BMW M and like the V10, has a sound that is more than capable of making the hairs on your neck stand on end."Another significant change to the new M5 is the introduction of a dual-clutch gearbox replacing the old model's sequential manual transmission. Scott says the transmission will be well received. "Our M customers expect both performance and flexibility from a transmission," he says. "This double-clutch transmission ensures fast, seamless gear-changes to compliment the enormous power of the engine yet can offer a smooth and subtle driving experience for the daily commute."

Usain Bolt is used to spending his days at a track, but for once he is not the fastest thing there. The current 100m and 200m world-record holder spent some time at Ferrari's Fiorano test track in Maranello, Italy, as both passenger and driver of the 599 GTB Fiorano and 458 Italia.Ferrari test drivers Dario Benuzzi and Raffaele De Simone took the wheel first, before handing the keys to Bolt for some laps and lessons on car control."It’s a little bit like me, very reactive and determined!" Usain Bolt says, having stepped out of the 458 Italia. “I was really scared, but it was a good scare. I’m excited like a child.” he says.Usain Bolt is not new to driving fast cars. Major sponsor Puma provided Bolt with a new BMW M3 Coupe, which he crashed in April 2009 when driving on a wet highway. The crash rolled the BMW several times, but Bolt escaped with only minor injuries.

It has announced the end of its evocative, high-revving V10 engine and its M6 coupe and convertibles.  Once the revered powerplant of the M5, the 5-litre 373kW V10 is being chopped to rationalise - and economise - BMW's engine range. In its place comes a version of the X5M and X6M bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 which, in the X5M, delivers 408kW/680Nm.  BMW Australia says the V10 - which pumps out its maximum power at 7750rpm with a redline peak of 8250rpm - is already out of production. The 6-Series coupe and convertible in M-spec are also finishing up and, as yet, there's no hint of a replacement.  BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott says there's a new 6-Series poised for launch early next year. "That will come to Australian showrooms by mid-2011," he says.  "The first of the new 6 models will be the convertible and the coupe will follow later in the year." Mr Scott says there's no timing or details of a new M6 "at this stage".  Insiders say the all-new 6 presents a softer look than the current model, translating to the more feminine lines of the new Z4 compared with its previous, harder-edged model. BMW has previously stated that the design moves to temper the more aggressive lines is aimed at broadening its appeal. That is, more appealing to women. It is likely the next 6-Series may pick up some technology from the outgoing M6, including the carbon-fibre roof and bumper.  With its new models planned for 2011, BMW has left room at the end of the year for the M5. "The new M5 launches internationally towards the end of next year, and is likely to get a turbocharged V8," Mr Scott says.  It is expected to get a tweaked bi-turbo V8 version as it also downsteps in cylinder numbers from the V10. BMW has globally sold 14,152 units of the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible. Since its launch in 2005, 9087 Coupes were built compared with the 2006 introduction of the Convertible that sold 5065 units. BMW reported that for two years in succession - 2005 and 2006 - the V10 won the international Engine of the Year Award and in the two years that followed, achieved first place on each occasion in the category for engines with displacement above 4-litres.

The track-ready version from BMW’s M division doesn’t meet the Australian Design Regulations for ground clearance or decibels, says the carmakers Australian spokesman Piers Scott.  “We’re not sure of the exact specs of the M3 GTS, but apparently it’s lower and louder than the limits,” he says, referring to the ADR’s restrictions for 100mm clearance and 83 decibel noise limit. “However there will be a right-hand drive version, and although it looks like we’re not able to have it at the moment, it might change -- we’re still discussing it.”  Scott says that if any of the 120 cars being built do arrive, it will be with a pricetag nearly double that of its $163,000 M3 Coupe sibling. “I’d think it would be in the region of about $300,000, based on a rough comparison with what the price estimates in Europe have been,” he says.  What it offers for the price premium is a bigger, gutsier engine – a high-revving 4.3-litre V8 that develops 331 kiloWatts of power and 440 Newton-metres of torque (the M3’s 4.0-litre offers 309kW and 400Nm) – mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox that allows shift without losing traction. At 1500kg – about 80kg less than the Coupe -- the orange GTS  is aerodynamically helped by a front racing apron and rear wing, and with features like the grille, roof trim, alloy wheels and gills finished in matt black and dark anodised chrome, the GTS is clearly track-oriented. “Obviously it is designed so that you can drive it to the track as well, but it’s very much for the track day enthusiast,” Scott says.  “It’s the essence of M. The M3 is right at the core of what the M division does best and this is the M3 in its purest, most race-ready form.” Scott acknowledges that over recent years some attention may have drifted away from the M3 as other high-powered premium cars entered the field – most noticeably from Mercedes-Benz and Audi – but says this was not the motive for building the GTS, despite the brand’s triumph over its German rivals at this week’s 24-hour Nurburgring race with the M3 GT2. “New high-performance entrants have raised the stakes, but the M division has always pursued their own strategy.  However, certainly there is a halo effect with the GTS. To some degree it’s a message for purists … stripping the car down to its most basic form, and showing the superiority of rear wheel drive over four-wheel drive as a track day car.”

The new M5 is out testing every week at the Nurburgring and, despite heavy camouflage, Carparazzi has caught it clearly. These pictures show a car which still has some plastic cladding but has also picked up BMW's signature ‘psychedelic’ body wrapping to disguise its final lines. Even so, the shape of the front bumper and fascia, and the size of the giant new air intakes, is clear. They point more than ever to the use of a hot new engine, confirming talk from Germany that BMW is switching the M5 to the 4.4-litre twin- turbo engine already used in the M-power versions of the X6 and X5 SUVs. It makes more than 410kW, a little short of the V10 power in the latest Audi RS6 but with more torque than the outgoing V10 in the current M5. There is also a hint of a power bulge on the bonnet of the new M5, which would be needed as the layout for BMW's engine has the twin turbochargers tucked into the vee at the top of the engine. It is fine for clearance in the X6 and X5 but would call for more space in a low-line 5 Series sedan. Apart from the engine, the pictures point to the M division's signature four exhaust pipes at the back, as well as large cross-drilled brakes at each corner of the car.

The next generation of BMW's mid-sized executive runner has been unveiled ahead of Australian sales in the middle of 2010.  The body design of the 5 Series follows the smoother elegance of the latest 7 Series, which led BMW back out of the land of brutality, and there are promises of more luxury, technology and efficiency."It's a complete re-positioning of the product. We're talking about a completely different car, top to bottom," says the managing director of BMW Australia, Stavros Yallouridis.  "We'll be launching it midyear. We tend to position it as elegant and sporty. It's always been a businessman's type of car and we're trying to make it more sport and elegant as well."The new Five is the sixth generation and will be built alongside the 7 Series flagship at BMW's factory at Dingolfing in Germany.  The car is claimed with the longest wheelbase in its class, while the cabin - like the new Seven - has a tighter focus on the driver.There will be a full range of petrol and diesel engines up to the twin- turbo V8, but the big news is the technology in the car. This runs from a new generation of parking radar to a roof-mounted camera that gives a 360-degree view and pedestrian protection.  The Five will be loaded with gear when it gets to Australia, although Yallouridis is not giving away much of the detail."It's a little bit early. We are trying to do something a little bit different, but at the moment we can announce that the 535i will be the launch model," he says.  That points to a starting price beyond $100,000, although the current price leader in the 5 Series range is the 520d at $76,400.  We're working on the price at the moment and it's really first steps. I cannot comment on the price, but I'm concentrating on pricing it at the same level as the previous car. That depends on timing, what competitors will do, and the value.  "With fluctuation of currency it's a little bit difficult. Catch me in 2010. But we have to stay within our competitive range."   Yallouridis says BMW Australia is already working on a smooth transition to the new model."The 5 Series for BMW around the world is a very core model. It's where BMW positioned itself initially with the Five and the 3 Series.  "I think that 5 Series around the world has been quite good. It's strategically important for the company and we need to protect that position,  The sales in Australia are quite satisfactory. We want to make sure we don't have a high stock level with the existing 5 Series as we move to the new one."And what about the master blaster in the Five lineup, the M5?  "I have no idea," Yallouridis says.  "BMW is definitely thinking about a new M5, but I cannot comment on if it's six months or a year or more away.  But they won't cancel the existing M5, so there will be some overlap between the two cars with the new 5 Series."

Two years ahead of its showroom appearance, the all-new 3 is caught for the first time outside BMW's development base at Munich in Germany.  The hand-built prototype carries heavy camouflage in the company's signature swirls, but it is still easy to pick the general shape and proportions of BMW's future best seller.The next 3 Series, coded E93, will be slightly bigger and much more elegant than the current E90. It picks up the styling direction of the latest 7 Series flagship, which has been smoothed and preened from the brutalism of the previous Seven.The upcoming E93 has typical 3 Series proportions, from its wheels-at-each-corner chassis layout to a short rear overhang and the C-pillar treatment with what BMW calls its 'Hofmeister kick'. Carparazzi pictures of the car show a widened grille and the same sort of headlamp treatment already seen on the Seven and expected on the upcoming 5 Series replacement, which will be on Australian roads in June 2010. At the back, the boot and light treatment is typically BMW with an L-shape to the lighting package.BMW insiders say the the plan for the next 3 Series will again see the coupe and cabrio models take a slightly different design direction from the sedan and wagon. The shift will include unique lamp packages with more body jewellery for the upmarket models.Like the 1 Series, the E93 has a flexible, modular mechanical platform which allows BMW to spin extra models with minimal time and cost penalties.The model lineup for the new 3 Series is still not clear, but is expected to include an active hybrid with a three-cylinder engine connected to an electric powerpack, with everything from special tyres to aero-tweaked wheels, brake-energy regeneration, engine stop-start system and a pre-heater for the engine, gearbox and differential to cut emissions through the critical first few minutes of any trip.

The new M5 is out testing every week at the Nurburgring and, despite heavy camouflage, Carparazzi has caught it clearly. These pictures show a car which still has some plastic cladding but has also picked up BMW's signature ‘psychedelic’ body wrapping to disguise its final lines.Even so, the shape of the front bumper and fascia, and the size of the giant new air intakes, is clear. They point more than ever to the use of a hot new engine, confirming talk from Germany that BMW is switching the M5 to the 4.4-litre twin- turbo engine already used in the M-power versions of the X6 and X5 SUVs.It makes more than 410kW, a little short of the V10 power in the latest Audi RS6 but with more torque than the outgoing V10 in the current M5. There is also a hint of a power bulge on the bonnet of the new M5, which would be needed as the layout for BMW's engine has the twin turbochargers tucked into the vee at the top of the engine. It is fine for clearance in the X6 and X5 but would call for more space in a low-line 5 Series sedan.Apart from the engine, the Carparazzi pictures point to the M division's signature four exhaust pipes at the back of the new M5, as well as large cross-drilled brakes at each corner of the car.