BMW M Models 2010 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.

... including sedans and wagons with no less than four different engines:- A 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel;- a 2.5-litre six cylinder petrol;- a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol;- a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel; and- a thumping twin turbocharged 4.4-litre V8.Prices range from $83,300 to $178,900 with a bewildering and eye watering array of options that then add tens of thousands more to your bill.WANT MORE?First drive by Mark HinchliffeReview by Philip KingFirst drive by Kevin Hepworth

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 spread of the dealer network aims to keep up with demand caused by a booming population and Australia's strong economy.  Within two years, BMW will see $40 million spent on new or refurbished outlets as it shoots for 50 national dealerships.These include a second dealership in Perth ($15 million), expanded Doncaster (Victoria) premises ($10 million), a North Shore Sydney franchise ($8 million) and a new dealer at Tweed Heads.  The Perth dealership, to be built this year by the existing franchisee, is in the city's expanding northern suburbs.BMW Australia managing director Stavros Yallouridis says the expansion reflects the mechandising concept that takes the product closer to the buyer.  "We are, to a degree, a product for the impulsive buyer," he says."We have to go to the buyer and that redefines the distribution of our products. In many cases, as we expand our products with smaller cars, we have to be in city areas that demand small cars in order to sell to our target market."Yallouridis says the car market was aiming for record highs and, in BMW's case, highlighted by the 1-Series, X1, 5-Series and 7-Series."The X3 comes in next year and there's the 1-Series hatch and coupe, so sales will expand further," he says.The Audi Centre in Perth is more than doubling its floor area, taking over a neighbouring property in the high-end car retail suburb of Osborne Park. The suburb also hosts Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.The additional building will accommodate the new 26-car showroom - effectively 2.5 times bigger than present - to display one of each of Audi's models.  Dealer principal David Collins says the investment of about $15 million was necessary."The customers demand it and we desperately need the space because of the growth in Audi sales," he says.  "In 2004 we had 120 new car sales. Now we have 1050."Audi's sales are higher than BMW's when you take out the SUVs.  "I've ordered 250 units of the A1 for 2011 because of demand."  Collins says the Q5 was "the most successful car I've ever been involved with".He says it reflects the growing trend of buyers seeking to downsize their cars yet retain quality and luxury.  BMW has recorded a 10.4 per cent national sales growth year-to-date and, with global sales this calendar year of 775,000, has surpassed Mercedes-Benz (735,000) and Audi (726,000).It has since January sold 1156 of its baby X1 SUV - now its third most popular single-body seller after the 3-Series (3326) and X5 (1955) - for 2 per cent of Australia's passenger-car market.Audi has 1.7 per cent of the car market, primed by sales year-to-date of 1458 A3s and 2521 A4s, and Mercedes-Benz has 2.6 per cent thanks primarily to its E-Class stranglehold of the $70,000-plus large luxury car sector and the robust 4242 C-Class sales.

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.

It won’t come until four months later in October, but it will bring a bonus diesel for the first time.   The BMW mid-sized wagon will be offered in a 520d turbodiesel alongside the 535i twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol model.The German car maker has detailed a number of features in the new car to reduce fuel use and emissions but the stop-start function - which the company has featured on its Mini Cooper D turbodiesel - is absent from the debutante diesel 520d Touring features list.  BMW spokesman Tim James says the stop-start system is currently available only with a manual transmission."We won't be bringing in the manual transmission on the 520d, we will test the market with the auto but if there's any demand we'll consider it,” James says.  "The system doesn't work with current automatics, the updated M3 DCT double-clutch gearbox will get the system, in due course it will make its way into automatics but the technology isn't there for it yet," he says.PricingThe price premium is likely to remain similar to the step between the current-model 530i sedan and wagon - a $6000 price premium is currently paid for the 530i Touring at $123,179.  James says they don't have any firm pricing on the new model but expect the diesel to make up the majority of sales."The 520d in the E60 sedan has been a success for us, so we're tipping on that being the volume model with the new wagon, the 535i because of its attributes of power and efficiency, which follows the path of the 530i but the next step up.   We can expand the line-up if demand requires it, depending on what moves through the new sedan range as well, other opportunities may open up," he says.The Touring is available in Europe as a 150kW/270Nm 523i petrol and the 180kW/540Nm 530d twin-turbo diesel model, the latter using a powerplant seen in several passenger and SUV models here.  The 520d decision was based on the volume based on the E60 as well as creating a lower entry point in terms of price for the prospective Touring customer," he says.Body and stylingThe new 5 Series wagon shares its wheelbase with the sedan - at 2968mm BMW says it's the longest in class - and the design staff have followed styling cues from the sedan to provide buyers with a rear end that is less like wagons of old.  "The design is quite sleek and sporty, it's lost some of the bulkier looks of the typical wagon, but in line with the new sedan - it shares the same dimensions with the 5 Series sedan and a slighter shorter version of the 7 Series backbone," Mr James says.Drivetrains The 520d Touring is powered by a two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger and common-rail direct-injection similar to the current 320d sedan.  Peak power is 135kW at 4000 pm and torque of 380Nm is available from 1750 to 2750rpm.BMW says the average fuel consumption is 5.3 litres per 100km, emits 139g/km, hit 100km/h in 8.3 seconds on the way to a 220km/h top speed.  The 535i Touring has the now-familiar three-litre twin-turbo straight six petrol engine with 225kW and 400Nm between 1200 and 5000rpm, claiming 8.5 litres per 100km, 197g/km, 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.EquipmentThe equipment list is expected to be extensive, including Parking Assistant, Surround View, a collision warning system in conjunction with Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High-beam Assistant, Night Vision and a Head-up Display.The safety features will include dual front, side and curtain airbags, tyre pressure and defect monitoring, bi-xenon adaptive headlights and cornering lights.  BMW Australia says the ConnectDrive infotainment system will be in the 5 Series Touring but minus the internet access."That we won't have, we don't take it because when it was trialled on the E65 7 Series for a short time because the uptake was very low and the expense was quite high - the infrastructure isn't here to support it yet,” James says.As for the performance buyer, an M5 is not on the horizon yet.  "It's not in our planning in this stage, that's not to say it's been discounted - we haven't had an M5 Touring confirmed yet, there's plenty of speculation around the sedan but not the wagon," James says.