Tag Archives: BMW

BMW X5 M And X6 M Competition First Editions Launched, Capped At 250 Units Each

BMW has just introduced First Edition variants of both the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition with production of each capped at 250 units.

Ordinarily, car manufacturers introduce ‘First Edition’ variants the moment a new model is launched but the current X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition were launched roughly 12 months ago. Odd name aside, BMW has made some subtle changes to differentiate the First Edition models from lesser variants.

Watch Also: Can The BMW X6 Competition Possibly Compete With A Jaguar F-Type R AWD?

For starters, the duo can be ordered in BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver and BMW Individual Frozen Marina Bay Blue, two matte finishes that perfectly highlight the muscular design of both SUVs. Joining these matte paint options are M light alloy wheels finished in Jet Black with a star-spoke design and measuring 21-inches at the front and 22-inches at the rear.

BMW has also outfitted X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition First Edition models with a host of carbon fiber parts, including the wing mirror caps and rear spoiler. There is also an M carbon fiber engine compartment that comes standard.

As for the inside, First Edition models include BMW Individual Merino fuel leather trim in an exclusive bi-color configuration of Silverstone and Midnight Blue. There are also black Alcantara inserts in the seat bolsters and contrast stitching in Sakhir Orange across the seats and door panels. A BMW Individual headliner in Alcantara and finished in Midnight Blue further adds to the unique appeal of these limited-edition models. Rounding out the unique looks are a host of carbon fiber interior accents and ‘First Edition 1/250’ lettering.

No mechanical modifications have been made. As such, both First Edition models feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.

BMW hasn’t announced pricing details nor has it said which markets the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition First Edition models will be available in.

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Is The V10-Powered BMW M5 E60 Worth The Maintenance Risk?

When the E60-gen BMW M5 came out in 2004, with its menacing naturally aspirated V10, many thought that sports sedans couldn’t get more exciting.

The 5.0-liter engine, which was shared with the M6, developed 500 HP and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque, for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.7 seconds and a 155 mph (250 km/h) electronically limited top speed.

Unlike the AWD modern M5, the range-topping E60 was rear-wheel drive. It was offered with an optional six-speed manual gearbox in North America, and with a seven-speed SMG semi-automatic in the rest of the world, although the latter did not do justice to an otherwise great sedan.

Video: Here’s A Love Letter To The BMW E60 M5’s Epic V10 Engine

Made during the Chris Bangle era and criticized for the controversial looks, it has nevertheless aged quite nicely inside and out. Moreover, even after more than a decade of constant use, this 2008 example, bought three years ago for around $34,000, feels robust. The high quality interior is still in very good position despite sitting in the sun for 12 years, and that’s one of the things that matters.

Another one is that, in the right setting – and the M5 E60 has 279 powertrain and chassis combinations to choose from – it is surprisingly comfortable. It was built as a highway cruiser, but it doesn’t disappoint on a twisty road either. Sure, the steering ratio needs more finesse and the inflatable seat bolsters will kick you in the ribs every time you turn the steering wheel, but the M5 really comes to life at higher speeds.

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BMW’s New 128ti Hot Hatch Previewed As The Brand’s Answer To The VW Golf GTI

BMW is putting the final touches on the upcoming 128ti, the upcoming hot hatch version of the 1-Series hatchback which is set to slot underneath the range-topping M135i xDrive.

The new BMW 128ti will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 261 HP (265 PS), driving the front wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential and an eight-speed automatic transmission, which will be the only option. BMW claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds.

Read Also: 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe Takes To The Nürburgring For The First Time

What’s important here is that the upcoming 128ti will not be just another fast variant in the model’s range, as BMW has put much thought and care to tune the suspension and steering specifically to this model in order to offer “extremely sporty and driver-oriented driving dynamics”.

The new BMW 128ti is basically the first BMW hot hatch with front-wheel-drive and only the third model in the brand’s history to feature the ‘Turismo Internazionale’ suffix. The production version will get a specifically tuned passive M Sport suspension that’s lower by 10mm and comes with stiffer settings than the M135i, from which it shares the same stabilizers and the M Sport brakes.

In addition, the new BMW 128ti will be around 80 kg (176 lbs) lighter than the M135i xDrive, mostly due to the lack of all-wheel-drive. BMW promises that the new hot version of the 1-Series will also feature “many differentiating exterior and interior features”, in order to stand out from its lesser siblings.

BMW is going to launch the new 128ti in November across Europe, going against traditional hot hatches like the VW Golf GTI, the Ford Focus ST and will even try to pick a fight with the more hardcore FWD performance models in the segment, including the Honda Civic Type R and the Renault Megane RS.

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At $59,950, Would You Be Tempted By This 20k Mile 2001 BMW M5?

A 2001 BMW M5 painted in a rare shade of Royal Red is currently up for sale in Bellevue, Washington with an asking price of $59,950.

The E39-generation M5 has arguably the most timeless design of any M5 and pristine examples like this one are starting to fetch quite a lot of money. Adding to the desirability of this example is the fact that it has 20,241 miles (32,574 km) on the clock, which are relatively little for a vehicle of this age. It is also said to be one of just eight examples with this paint color and a black interior.

Watch Also: Tiff Needell Samples Every Single BMW M5 In History – But Which One Is Your Favorite?

Responsible for selling this car is Park Place Ltd, who states that it has only ever had one owner from new. It has been fitted with a Dinan carbon fiber cold air intake, Dinan stainless steel exhaust, and a protective front bra. It also includes a selection of optional factory equipment such as Burl walnut wood trim, power rear window sunshade, metallic paint, and lockable fold-down rear seats.

Despite the vehicle’s age, it left the factory with a host of nice luxury items. For example, there are Xenon headlights, daytime running lights, heated wing mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and heated 16-way power sports seats. The paint looks to have been very well cared for and it is the same story with the interior. In fact, with the exception of some creases in the leather seats, the cabin barely looks a day old.

Powering the E39 M5 is a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 394 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

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This 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Will Leave You Breathless

This epic 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL is one of the most striking BMWs ever produced and is on track to sell for well over $100,000.

BMW developed the 3.0 CSL as a homologation special for European touring car competition with production kicking off in May 1971. This car is one of just 168 examples built during the 14 months of first-series production.

Read Also: Road-Going BMW 3.0 CSL IMSA Batmobile Would Be A Showstopper

The Bring A Trailer listing reveals the car left the factory finished in Golf yellow but was repainted black during a comprehensive refurbishment during the 1990s. At the same time, tri-color side stripes were added. The car has also been fitted with the iconic ‘Batmobile’ rear wing and roof spoiler, which also sporting rubber air guides on the front fenders. It is sitting on a set of factory 14-inch alloy wheels wearing 205/70 Michelin XWX tires.

During the vehicle’s 1990s refurbishment, it was fitted with a new 3.5-liter M30B34 inline-six engine complete with dual-choke Weber carburetors. Coupled to this engine is a Getrag 245/10 C/R/ dog-led five-speed manual transmission that was only installed in November 2018. The car’s original 3.0-liter block will be included in the sale.

This same car was sold at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction in 2014 for $148,000 and most recently changed hands at an RM Sotheby’s auction last year for $131,000. One commenter in the listing rightly states that the fact the car doesn’t have its original engine, transmission, or paint has impacted its value.

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BMW M8 Competition Takes On Mercedes-AMG GT R And Audi R8 On The Track

The M8 Competition is BMW’s most powerful production vehicle ever, but despite bearing this bold title, it’s by no means a supercar. Nevertheless, it’s got supercar-like performance and can put a really big smile on the face of its driver.

So, the most powerful Bimmer ever can smoke a lot of big names in a straight line, with the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) taking 3.1 seconds in the Competition Convertible. In this spec, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumps out 617 HP (625 PS / 460 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, and the car has an MSRP of $155,500 in the U.S.

Watch Also: New BMW M8 Competition Is A 616 HP Super GT Ready To Crush Continents

We know what it can do on paper, but how does it translate into the real world, when its rivals are two open-top supercars and the battle ground is the Lausitzring circuit? AutoBildSportsCars had the M8 Competition Convertible pitted against the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster and Audi R8 Performance Spyder, to see which one is faster around the German track.

Before checking out the video below, let’s talk specs – and more specifically, those of the other two competitors. The GT R Roadster is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that puts out 577 HP (585 PS / 430 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). The 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint takes 3.5 seconds in this model, which starts at $189,750.

The 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 in the R8 Performance Spyder, on the other hand, develops 611 HP (620 PS / 456 kW) and 427 lb-ft (579 Nm) in the Euro-spec version, which was the one put to the test, for a 0-60 mph of 3.1 seconds. The U.S. model comes with 602 HP (610 PS / 449 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm), and adds two tenths of a second to the sprint time, while pricing starts at $208,100.

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