Let’s get a few things straight; the sun was out and the pavement was as dry as could be. As I entered the corner I thought about that torque vectoring system I had read so much about (and felt in the X6 50i we tested last year). I knew what it was capable of and I knew very well the X5 M had moved the goal posts even further. Exactly where that limit was I didn’t quite know.
Yet here I was entering a 90 degree turn with substantial speed on a desolate rural road in the heart of Wisconsin. I simply turned in smoothly and began to feel the impossible. The 5,000 lbs BMW X5 M started to oversteer. And I’m not talking a little wiggle. The M Division’s first AWD vehicle actually drifted out of the corner and then elegantly got back in line (with appropriate correction) for the next 90 degree coming up in 300 feet.
This article was suppose to be a thrashing of the X5 M as an overweight impostor to the hallowed M brand. But that begs the question of how do you even measure what M is? While the answer is inevitably personal, there are a few core ingredients that we can all agree on. Power, balance and precision. However thanks to the X5 M, the scale of which we measure those attributes has just shifted. Is it a true M based on tradition? Can a vehicle with all wheel drive, turbos and an automatic transmission be mentioned in the same breath as the E30 M3 or the original M Coupe? After 1,000 miles in seven days the answer is a little complicated, but during those few seconds in that corner it was nothing but pure joy in the most raw “M” way.
This week we start off talking about what we’re both driving and reviewing starting with the X5 M (hate the transmission, surprisingly love the car) and then moving onto the F10 550i (better in every way over the E60).
Another week means another couple stories worth of 1M rumors and many more details. So we touch on what we expect with the new baby M and when we expect it (hint; it’s looking pretty damn good). What about production? Will it be easy to get one? The easy answer is sort of.
We then take some time to recap my recent trip to Munich and BMW’s new environmental testing center and talk about what it means for BMW’s products and those plastic and swirl clad test cars we’ve grown to love.
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With several erroneous stories out there about the just announced X5 M recall, we thought it was our duty get a little clarity around the issue and answer some of your questions. So we spoke with with Matthew Russell (from BMW Product & Technology Communications department) about the recall and what exactly is behind it.
BimmerFile: First off what product is affected:
BMWNA: 2010 BMW X5 M SAVs produced between 7/1/09 and 1/25/10. Approximately 735.
BF: What’s the issue exactly?
BMWNA: The affected vehicles were not equipped with the power supply cables for the front side marker lamps (lamps are located in the outer corner of the headlight cluster).
BF: What can happen?
BMWNA: The front side marker lamps will not illuminate.
BF: Does this affect the ability to signal for turns?
BMWNA: No. Turn signal and hazard light operation are not affected.
Official Release: Additional equipment options are also available for the models BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M as of spring 2010. The two top sports cars in the segment of the BMW X models can now be fitted with such features as the driver assistance systems Side View and Speed Limit Info. The Side View system comprises two cameras integrated in the side of the front bumpers, which means that intersecting traffic can be observed. The images from these cameras are shown on the Control Display of the operating system iDrive, providing an advance view of the road situation to the left and right of the vehicle when coming out of blind exits such as narrow driveways or multi-storey car parks, for example. Speed Limit Info gives the driver the possibility of finding out about speed restrictions on the current route. Here, a camera is installed on the windscreen in the area of the interior mirror which permanently monitors signs at the roadside as well as the variable displays on overhead gantries on motorways, comparing this information with the data from the navigation system. The figure thus obtained is displayed by means of a symbol on the instrument panel or in the Head-Up Display, as required.
As you may have picked up from our recently posts, BMW is being very aggressive with changing to relatively new models across the range this spring. So aggressive in fact that they’ve decided to begin 2011 model year starting with Spring production of most models. Some highlights:
The M3 Competition Package is real and includes 10 mm lower suspension, 19” M3 GTS wheels, remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems.
X5 now comes with the N55 single turbo inline six
BMW has introduced value packages to the aging 1 and 3 series models
Most models equipped with the twin turbo N54 inline six will be transitioning to the N55 single turbo for 2011.
Most vehicles receive minor changes for MY2011 in the form of options and new or revised packages, but some models are either all-new (for example, the new BMW 5 Series sedan and BMW ALPINA B7) or substantially updated (3 Series Coupe and Convertible). For existing models, what will not change for the start of the MY2011 are base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices. You can get all the details for the entire range in the official release below:
After our experience earlier this year in the X6 ///M we couldn’t wait to get some seat time in its sibling, the X5 ///M. The X5 is powered by the same 555 hp/500 lb-ft twin turbo V8 as the X6 version. An engine we have covered in great detail here at BimmerFile. The standard E70 platform has been stiffened and the suspension given the ///M treatment along with many other tweaks to improve performance and looks. The X5 pictured is Carbon Black, and looks fantastic in person as the color is a dark blue that grabs the light and refracts it beautifully. Monte Carlo Blue is another excellent color choice for this vehicle and was featured in the official release photos.
///Motor
The engine is a masterpiece. It quickly spools and never feels like it is out of breathe thanks to the patented manifold and use of twin scroll turbos. What continues to surprise us with this engine is how relatively efficient it is. “Relatively” was used because it is still no fuel miser, although who would expect something packing all that punch to sip the fuel anyways? What it will get you is about 21 mpg on the highway and mid teens in the city. Considering this monster weighs in at over 5,500 lbs. and is getting ///M3 mileage says a lot about where BMW is terms of efficiency all without sacrificing performance.
BMWNA today held a Press Conference to launch the new Z4 in the US. While the conference was very informative, to our loyal readers there was not much further information in regards to the Z4 outside the fact that European Deliveries will be available on May 20th.
What was welcomed, was the official confirmation of 6 new models being launched within 2009. The xDrive version of the 7 series, the 760Li/i, the X5 ///M, the X6 ///M, the 5 Series GT (F07/PAS) and a two mode hybrid of the X6 will all be introduced this fall/winter.
The X1 will also debut for markets outside the US this year.
We expect to see the official launches of the X1 and 5 Series GT at a similar time to last years launch of the 7 Series, so late June early July.
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: //X5 M\\, Review Jun 28th, 2010 8 Comments 
