BMW M – Automobiles Review

BMW M Hybrid V8 Racecar

The BMW M Hybrid V8 has arrived in North America and was presented to the public in its racing colours for the first time at a launch event at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles (USA). The first prototype developed by BMW M Motorsport in 25 years will sport an avant-garde livery which leverages the iconic BMW M colours when it competes in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2023. The four core drivers who will take their place at the wheel of the two BMW M Team RLL cars were also announced at the Petersen Museum. They are BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA), Philipp Eng (AUT), Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR). When the car makes its race debut at Daytona (USA) in January 2023, they will receive big-name support from IndyCar series driver Colton Herta (USA).

Like the camouflage livery which the BMW M Hybrid V8 utilises while testing, the design for the racing season also comes from BMW Group Designworks under the programme leadership of Michael Scully. The works livery represents a significant departure from the heritage-based ‘Icons of IMSA’ camouflage with a future-facing coat of arms comprised of modern, bold, fractal blocks of the iconic M colours and the M logo. “These elements have been deconstructed to form what at first might appear to be an abstract triangular pattern across the BMW M Hybrid V8, but when viewed from the side, the M logo clicks right into place. – M reconstructed, if you will,” Scully explained.

The design also features ‘Mbedded’ references to the BMW logo, and utilises both blue and purple elements to pronounce the natural colours of electricity. Additionally the works livery carries BMW M Motorsport’s now-signature matte black extension ahead of the cockpit beneath the driver’s side of the windscreen, thereby extending BMW’s interior design hallmark of driver orientation to the exterior of the car for enhanced driver focus. In fact on the race-ready cars this non-reflective matt element will be the only black foil on the car, as all other black areas shown at the launch will remain in their native carbon fibre finish. “This measure allows us to reduce weight by 25 to 30 percent compared to a conventional livery for race cars. Less is more,” said Scully.

The debut of the BMW M Hybrid V8’s works livery also gives the first chance to see the car’s surfaces in non-camouflaged guise and to identify aspects of the design, which may have been previously obscured. The layout of the laser-lit kidneys coincides with the open, flow-through architecture of a modern prototype race car, and the air which passes beneath and through them is fundamental to the aerodynamic performance of the car; both in terms of cooling, but also for efficiency of downforce. The front of the car invokes the faceted hood, nested BMW logo, and inverted ‘Y’ configuration between the kidneys of the BMW M Vision Next, and is a great example of BMW’s showcars informing not only the production cars, but also the race cars. These elements, flanked by signature twin headlights on each side, make the front of the car unmistakably a BMW.

The kidneys’ lighting uses an exciting new technology. Innovative Swiss company L.E.S.S. SA has developed a new approach as an alternative to LED lighting where light is generated by a nano-active optical fibre trigged by a laser. This provides ultra-bright and ultra-uniform light within a very small form factor such that it considerably saves weight and energy when embedded onto a car. This technology was also presented as a future vision for the first time in the BMW M Vision Next in 2019. “

Transitioning around the side of the car, other BMW icons become apparent: the forward-leaning shark nose, the boomerang-shaped guide vane just behind the front wheel arch that summons the BMW M4’s air breather feature, the M mirrors and a modern interpretation of the Hofmeister kink. The sidepod carries a defined diagonal feature line which punctuates the radiused surface above it and at the same time also helps define the requisite front diffuser airflow exit. “A great example of the interdependence between BMW design DNA and dedicated efficiency which makes racing projects like this so engaging,” said Scully.

Data on the BMW M Hybrid V8 chassis.

Length	5,100 mm
Width	2,000 mm
Wheelbase	3,150 mm
Minimum weight	1,030 kg

Technical data on the BMW M Hybrid V8 P66/3 engine.

Type	V-shaped Otto four-stroke twin-turbo engine
Capacity	3,999 cc
Number of cylinders	8
Cylinder design	Cast aluminium cylinder block and cylinder head, cylinder lining as iron layer in LDS procedure
V angle	90 °
Bore	93 mm
Stroke	73.6 mm
Cylinder spacing	102 mm
Valves per cylinder	4
Engine speed	max. 8,200 rpm
Output (regulated)	approx. 640 hp
Torque	approx. 650 Nm
Injection	High-pressure direct injection at 350 bar
Oil system	Dry sump system with six-cell oil drain pump and oil tank

November 1, 2022

The BMW M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M

2023 BMW M3 50 Jahre BMW M - Front view

On this day in 1972, the agreement that created BMW Motorsport GmbH was signed. Over the past 50 years, on streets and tracks around the world – corner by corner, lap by lap – BMW M has built a passionate community of extraordinary fans. And today, as we celebrate BMW M’s 50th birthday, it’s those enthusiasts who will get the present. The company now known as BMW M GmbH is presenting a limited edition model exclusive to North America, the M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M.

Based on the 2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, the M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M will be offered in modern formulations of five iconic paint colors – one from each of the previous five generations of M3. The legendary E30 M3 is represented in vibrant, non-metallic Cinnabar Red. The E36 M3 is evoked by dazzling Techno Violet. Deep Interlagos Blue is taken from the palette of the storied E46 M3. Fire Orange III will be remembered from the limited Lime Rock Park Edition of the ferocious E92 M3. And Limerock Grey graced the rare and thrilling F80 M3 CS. Two of the colors, Techno Violet, and Interlagos Blue, were revived just for this Edition, and starting with July production will be available only on the M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M for model year 2023.

Regardless of paint color, each M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M will come equipped with forged Style 826M wheels in a sleek matte Orbit Grey finish unavailable on the standard M3. Behind those wheels, customers may choose the standard M Compound brakes and specify red, blue, or black calipers, or they can opt for M Carbon Ceramic brakes with their characteristic gold calipers. Motorsport-inspired exterior enhancements from the M Performance catalog are also part of the package. Up front, the 50 Jahre BMW M edition receives a carbon fiber front splitter. At the back, the signature M quad tailpipes are trimmed in carbon fiber and titanium, and the trunk lid sports a distinctive M Performance carbon fiber spoiler, all of which complement the standard carbon fiber roof.

Classic BMW Motorsport logos are fitted to the hood, trunk, and wheel center caps in place of the usual BMW roundels. With its staggered semicircles in blue, navy, and red, the anniversary emblem is reminiscent of the original BMW M GmbH trademark that was first used on racing cars in 1973.

Upon opening the doors, the driver and passenger are greeted by “Edition 50 Jahre BMW M” lettering on the door sill trims. The inscription is repeated on an aluminum plaque on the cupholder cover below the dashboard, accompanied by a reminder that this very special M3 is “1/500”. Customers have the choice of the standard M Sport seats or the optional, track-ready M Carbon bucket seats, upholstered exclusively in Black Extended Merino leather. Both seat designs feature a unique seam pattern utilizing stitching in the M colors. They are complimented by tri-color M stripes on the headrests. The M stripes are also found on the folding headrests of the outboard rear seats.

Included with the vehicle is the 50 Jahre BMW M Boardcase. This 42L roll-aboard suitcase is constructed of durable and lightweight Makrolon Polycarbonate adorned with the 50 Jahre BMW M logo on the front.

The M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M will be available in only one, well-equipped configuration. This includes the Executive and Parking Assistance packages, Icon Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, carbon fiber interior trim, wireless device charging, and M Shadowline headlights. All customers have to do is choose their exterior color, brake caliper color, and style of seat. The M Carbon Ceramic Brakes and M Carbon bucket seats are the only extra-cost options.

Beginning with model year 2023, all BMW M3s will feature the BMW Curved Display and the 8th generation of BMW iDrive. A 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display merge into a single, fully digital, high-resolution unit. The new BMW Operating System 8 offers many more options for drivers to enjoy easy, intuitive, multimodal control of vehicle, navigation, infotainment, and communication functions, as well as digital services.

May 25, 2022

Did VOS Just Develop the Fastest Diesel BMW Vehicle?

2015 VOS BMW M 550d VOS company at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Neckarwestheim is a brand, known for its extraordinary power improvements and upgrades and completely reflects its own VISION OF SPEED slogan. This is also one of the few brands that works with unique vehicles in order to make them even more interesting and more appealing to the public eye. And now the engineering team decided to do something similar with the BMW M 550d. So, let’s check out what the end result is.

The BMW M 550d offers a total of 381hp (280kW) and 740 Nm of torque via its six-cylinder in-line unit. This titanic output would seem enough for many people, but not for VOS engineers. The team made some upgrades that significantly boost the output and the end result is 450hp (331kW) and 800 Nm of torque. The vehicle also received AEZ complete wheel set in 8.5×20 and 9.5×20 inches with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 245/35-20 and 275/30-20.

2015 VOS BMW M 550d

But this powerful engine also needs and powerful brake system. That is why VOS geared the BMW vehicle with Brembo Brake discs with 395×36 mm of diameter and four piston fix calipers along with high temperature proof brake pads that provide higher fading stability and enhanced brake force dosage. And the sporty fairytale is completed with the additional H&R performance springs and additional lowering by 35mm.

This all results on a diesel-powered BMW vehicle that now can chase a top speed of more than 300km/h (186mph), which makes this particular BMW unit one of the fastest and most powerful diesel BMW vehicles so far. Or maybe the fastest of them all.

2015 VOS BMW M 550d

Source: VOS

November 23, 2015

Racing Cowboys Tell Us Which is “World’s Fastest Sedan”. You Will be Surprised! [VIDEO]

Put six luxury sedans to the test in a three round racing competition in two different states. Although each vehicle has its strengths, only one should be announced “The Fastest Sedan” in the world! And undoubtedly, when one thinks of the world’s fastest car, he or she does not imagine luxury sedans. At the same time these beautiful machines run with more and more horsepower nowadays.

This is the reason why Racing Cowboys were tempted to put six of them to the test. The “stars of the show” were Mercedes-Benz S65, Aston Martin Rapide S, BMW M5, Jaguar XJR, Cadillac CTS-V, and the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Together they have the combined value of more than $800 000 USD!

One of the quickest ways to measure car’s performance is how fast it is and how much time it needs to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. At first, Racing Cowboys started their elimination competition with two races. In the number one 0-to-60 race, the cars competing were the Mercedes, Cadillac and the Dodge, while in the second one the other three.

Those two cars that have shown the slowest results in each of the races were sent back home. Have you guessed which couple was eliminated first? Then the cowboys continued to the semi finals and finals, but we will not reveal any more details. You will be definitely surprised!

Watch the extensive video below and find out which is “World’s Fastest Sedan?”! You can also let us know what you think!

httpv://youtu.be/rSFtXsOIkLo

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Racing Cowboys

February 11, 2015

Dinan’s Performance Tuner Just Got The Newest BMW M’s Faster

Dinan’s objective is designing a sophisticated technology to provide the ability to control and enhance the engine performance, with no threat to voiding your car warranty coverage. The system doesn’t interfere with the on-board diagnostic systems.

New applications are constantly being introduced for the Dinantronics Performance Tuner because the final objective is applying this system in all BMW line-ups. However the tune is now available for the M series. The F80 M3 and F82/83 M4 already equipped with the tune reach maximum power of 516 hp (384 kW), 489 lb.-ft. (662 Nm) of torque, are now faster than ever. Including the F22 M235i, F30 335i, F32/33/36 435i, F10 535i, F07/10 550i, F06/12/13 650i, F01/02 750i, F10 M5 (STD & Competition Package), and the F06/12/13 M6 (STD & Competition Package) are some of the models compatible with the system. Only talented engineers are capable of designing the Dinan Difference, keeping the engine power at its top and giving it even more power at the same time.

This state-of-the-art system is designed with the most advanced hardware and best possible components, which visible component is elaborate wiring harness. All plug in devices send a modified signal to the factory ECU. Afterwards the factory ECU raises the boost presure if it is below target values. BMW fans are provided with additional performance without sacrificing other care features. The Dinantronics Performance Tuner is capable of sending signals to divers other systems in the car at the mind blowing 4000 times per second. Moreover, a higher level of drivability and lighter running conditions are achieved, which is what Dinan is all about.

Source: Dinan

September 17, 2014

BMW ///M Sport Limited Editions for Australia

BMW Australia has announced M Sport Limited Editions including: X5 xDrive 30d, 5-Series F10, BMW Z4, 1-Series Coupe, 1-Series Convertible, 3-Series Coupe and 3-Series Convertible. All models will be available until March 31 as part of the company’s “Festival of ///M”.

The X5 M Sport Limited Edition comes with ///M Package (exterior and interior), bi-xenon headlights and electric seats. There is also a tion Professional, automatic tailgate, rear view camera, voice control and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors.

The 5-Series and the Z4 are available with ///M Sport Package and the 1-Series and the 3-Series can be ordered with ///M Sport Plus Package. It includes M Sport suspension, aero kit, leather steering wheel, bespoke 18” alloys, blue leather-piped velour floor mats, chrome-plated “Edition” door sill finishers, anthracite roof liner and blue-stitched upholstery.

Pricing:

X5 xDrive 30d – $92,100

5 Series – from $77,900

Z4 – from $76,900

1 Series Coupe – $48,000

1 Series Convertible – $53,800

3 Series Coupe – $70,100

3 Series Convertible – $83,100

Source: BMW

February 5, 2013

Where it All Started – BMW M1

BMW-M1-thumb Throughout the years, besides being utterly magnificent, M BMW cars have always been a statement. “I am the kind of person which has a an impressive annual income, a family, clout and an insatiable thirst for sideway buffoonery”. Whichever M car one might choose, the perks are always going to be the same – practicality and sensibility get you trough the mazes of society while sheer power and playfulness make for a great time at the countryside. Small wonder then, that today many well dressed men consider the M batch of BMW’s as a really, really good investment. But few people ask themselves, how and when did it all begin? Let’s just say, that the whole practical performance, 5-door saloonishness was definitely not the case at the beginning of the M odyssey. Enter the 1978 M1 – BMW’s first and only mid-engined road car.

Its birth hadn’t been easy. The company had to act quickly as, at the time, the Porsche 911 was becoming increasingly dominant in the field of motor sports. Believe it or not, BMW needed help. And that help came from Lamborghini. Sort of. The Italian company was assigned to do the design, engineering and production work. Without a doubt, that sounds like a recipe for success – BMW overseering the company that brought to the world the Lamborghini Miura and the Countasch. Probably one of the most talented designers ever, Giorgetto Giugiaro, sketched the lines of the M1 with a particular signature that can be seen in other works of his, such as the Lotus Esprit. Sadly, the times were tough, an oil crisis swept the world and Lamborghini went bust. That meant that BMW had to turn to someone else to finish the job. It was a painstaking process that consumed both time and money. The end result was an overpriced, plastic car of a thing that spawned only 455 times. On top of that, by the time everything was sorted out, most of the motor sport regulations moved on and the Bavarian was left trailing behind.

The real tragedy however, is that, for its time, the M1 was a really decent car. It had the looks, it had the quintessential supercar setup (2 seats, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive), it weighed like a super car (1400 kg) and it had a wonderful 3.5 liter straight six engine that developed 273 bhp. And it wasn’t some sort of an experiment power plant, but a proper one with a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system and DOHC operating 24 valves in total. Later on the M635Csi and the first-generation M5 would get pretty much the same engine.

And that’s the thing about the M1. It died off quickly for a novel cause. Mercifully, the M badge stuck on, but now the BMW people were caught thinking – “Why don’t we shove such an engine in one of our own pefectly good saloons, beef up the brakes and suspensions and see what happens?” Today the results are evident. Almost every BMW car in the conteporary line up has an M counterpart which is hugely successful on the market and almost always highly valued by critics and automotive journalists.

February 27, 2012

BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible

The latest from the M division comes in the form of an M6 – Coupe and Convertible. It has retained its characteristic body line and still is the ultimate in gran touring thanks to its V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine and clever design. BMW‘s EfficientDynamics on the other hand keep it frugal and refined.

The profile is familiar but there are bodily innovations – a new front apron has been introduced with massive, honeycombed air-intake patches. No matter how massive however, they are unable to steal away the headlamp department which features the characteristic BMW Corona rings that make use of the latest Adaptive LED headlight technology. A 30 mm increase of the front track has resulted in a noticeable swelling of the wheel arches which are as ever complemented by the indicator and M badge housing gills behind them. At the back we have quad tail pipes separated into two pairs, flanking the clever diffuser. The M6 sits on 19-inch alloy wheels in a star-spoke (seven double spokes) design that come in two finishes. Alternatively, as an option one can go with the 20-inch ones that have five double spokes for the sake of lighness. As always, lightness for the Coupe is also guaranteed by the carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof panel which lowers the center of gravity significantly with improved agility and handling as an end result. In the mean time, the Convertible M6 gets the standard 6 Series Convertible retractable roof with its independent retractable rear window. The party piece is the fact that you can operate it while in motion of up to 25 mph.

Inside, the M6 is a blend of luxury and sportiness – Merino leather everywhere while an instrument fascia featuring a Black Panel technology, dials with red needles and white backgrounds adorn the dashboard. The windscreen is also affected as a HUD display provides speed readout and speed limit identification, gear and rev counter and shift lights to the driver. It’s not all flash and glam though. The new M6 has more space inside and a luggage capacity of 460 litres (300-350 litres for the M6 Convertible). The M Sport seats are more complicated than a smartphone with their electric pneumatic adjustments and the manually adjustable under thigh support.

The power plant for the new M’s is the same one found in the M5 – a mighty 560 hp V8 M TwinPower Turbo 4.4 petrol unit. That’s 53 more hp than the V10 predecessor. Put your foot down behind one of these V8‘s and you’ll be greeted by a maximum torque of 680Nm as early as 1500 rpm and will be escorted by it up until 5,750rpm. That is a lot of power at your disposal ready to thrust you back into your seat when pressed. Deep down in the confounds of the engine one would find the reason for all of that grunt – twin turbochargers built in to the twin scroll principle and direct fuel injection plus a Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double VANOS continuously variable camshaft control – that translates into 0-62mph sprint of just 4.2 seconds for the M6 Coupé, with the M6 Convertible following at 4.3 seconds. The top speed limiter starts screaming at the 155 mph mark. It’s not all muscle and grease though. Thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology, the M6 has a Stop/Start function, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics – all of which help reduce consumption up to 30% in comparison to previous models: The M6 Coupé has a combined fuel consumption of 28.5mpg (Convertible 27.4mpg) with CO2 emissions of 232g/km (Convertible 239g/km).

As standard, all that power coming from the engine is digested trough a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with DRIVELOGIC. It is a uniquely complex and high-tech gearbox that has three modes of shifting (thanks to the logic thing) so that the driver has the freedom to chose a style from sportiness to comfort. It also allows manual shifting trough the paddles behind the wheel or the gearstick.

Surely, with that kind of power, one needs some stability feedback from the chassis. That is why M engineers have fiddled in that area as well – The rear axle subframe has been bolted directly to the body while the front axle kinematics have been redesigned with M-specific settings, and a number of 6 Series suspension components replaced with forged aluminum items. The shock absorbers are electro-hydraulically operated trough the car’s Variable Damper Control (VDC) again with three settings. Driver aids come in many abbreviations such as DSC, ABS, CBC and DBC but thankfully all can be overridden with the very important M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which allows you to do what one must do with an M car – wheel spinning, oversteer and other tire-destructive activities. For the braking power, the M6 comes as standard with 400mm front discs and 396mm rear discs clamped by six-piston calipers (at the front at least). Novice or trackday drivers can opt for the Ceramic Brakes which are more heat resistant and counter fading after much abuse.

It all sounds really wonderful but will it be a better value from the M5? There is no answer to that question as both cars have target groups: The M6 is for the hardcore performance bachelors while the M5 is for the hardcore performance family men.

Source: BMW

February 13, 2012

World premiere of the new BMW M Series at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012

The new vehicles from the BMW M Series, which are going to make a world debut at the International Geneva Motor Show 2012 (8-18 of March), are promised to offer even more sporting characteristics, exclusive engine line-up, enhanced agility, precise chassis tuning and astonishing design. Few months are left till the disclosure of the new product range, which was especially developed for drivers seeking sporty driving experience and at the same time count on comfort and practicality. First of all the BMW M Performance Automobiles are equipped with exclusive engine variants. Moreover they have noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal. The harmonious interplay of engine output, power transfer, chassis technology and aerodynamic balance are also provided by the new models.

Moreover the BMW M Performance Automobiles represent a totally new model category, which will offer inspirational driving dynamics. “We are targeting our efforts at customers looking for more emotionality and more performance, but who don’t want to forgo the everyday usability of their cars,” said Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. Furthermore, Nitschke announced that there are going to be more improvements and additions to the new models, such as for example, both petrol and diesel-engined variants. In addition, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive would also play a significant role in the BMW M Performance Automobiles. The continuation of the last year’s success of BMW will be made possible through the arrival of the BMW M6 in 2012. Moreover, the President of BMW M GmbH also added, that BMW Group subsidiary can call on decades of motor sport experience when it comes to translating outstanding engine power into excellent dynamics. This development expertise also imbues the BMW M Performance Automobiles with their distinctive character.

The models in the new product category will continue the steps of the famous BMW M535i. The latter model was unveiled in 1980 and since then it captured the hearts of performance-minded customers thank to its extra power, precisely tuned chassis technology and subtly modified design. A fresh addition to the BMW 5 Series ranks, the Sedan remained a highly successful member of the line-up through two model generations and – up to 1987 – with the BMW M5 for company within the range. Obviously this year the tradition will continue, thank to the new BMW M Performance Automobiles.

Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, Vice President BMW M GmbH

Source: BMW

January 13, 2012

BMW 1 Series M

Finally, BMW has released full information and details about 1-Series M Coupe. The car really “embodies the unmistakable M feeling in a highly concentrated form.”

1-Series M Coupe features aggressive front bumper, bi-xenon headlights with LED eyebrows, flared wheel arches, and 19″ light-weight alloy wheels fitted with run-on-flat tires. There will be only three exterior colors – Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic and Valencia Orange Metallic. (more…)

December 10, 2010

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe GTS?

All fans of BMW are waiting eagerly to find out how will look E82 1M Coupe and Car designer Jon Sibal may have a scoop on it.

The car is inspired by E36 LTW, E46 CSL and E92 GTS.

BMW 1M Coupe is expected to be powered by 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine with 340PS (250 kW).

However, the next 1M Coupe is coming in a few days but production will run only until the spring of 2012. That is a little more than a year on the assembly line. (more…)

December 3, 2010

Nowack presents the N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition

Nowack Motors has presented its latest masterpiece engine, the Nowack Motors N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition. This exclusively powerful unit represents a farewell celebration for the high-performance naturally aspirated V10 by the BMW M division. (more…)

June 28, 2010

Tag: BMW M