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This time from the outside. https://wordpress.com/post/carsnkopi.wordpress.com/2193 Since I was in Munich for BMW Group’s Preview event, it made total sense to pop by the Welt to check out what might be lurking around their compound and while I was rather saddened to not see the beautiful Z4 Touring, something I was really hoping for, consolation prize was being one of the first few people from my side of the earth to lay eyes on their brand new 5 (and i5). Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, the Welt was closed off for another event but this lone 5 was parked up outside, albeit in a cordoned-off area. No badging on the rear but with the rear roundel surrounded by chrome instead of blue, it’s not an i5 but a “normal” 5 with the M-Sport exterior. This car REALLY needs the M-Sport aesthetics because I saw one without and the bold styling really didn’t work in base-spec trim. Since I was in the neighbourhood, I decided to pop into the museum. When I came out, a couple of other cars had lined up next to the brand-new 5er for an interesting size comparison. I did of course return to the Welt the next day (since it opens super early in the morning) just to see what I might find before my flight back. And if you were wondering how a base-model 5 might look like (or not). I’m not feeling it either. Soon after, someone parked up an i5 outside fully decked out with M-Performance parts. I think another forummer caught this car inside the Welt, this must have been just before they shifted it in. Personally, I think the M-Sport car earlier gives the best balance in terms of aesthetics. Still looks buggy from some high-speed autobahn runs. And here are some detailed shots of the M-Performance items, So, what do you think? :help:

Where the 5 Series excels in luxurious comfort and quality, the M5 bleeds performance and excitement. The BMW 5 Series is certainly one of the go-to choices when it comes to the luxury sedan segment, thanks to its ample practicality, elevated luxury and keen driveability. The M5 Competition, at almost twice the price and more than three times the power, is clearly a different proposition altogether. With ballistic pace and intense dynamic capability, the M5 is capable of delivering a level of performance that sets the heart racing. At the same time, because it shares a visual similarity to a standard 5 Series, there’s also a unassuming nature to the car – a sleeper car, in some eyes. And yet, considering these cars share the same fundamental underpinnings (the 5 Series body type), there’s perhaps more overlap in the way they are used than you’d expect. Our two drivers find out just how distinct the driving experiences and expectations with the two cars are. Smooth Sailing vs High Tailing For Jeremy, the 5 Series is all about comfort and smooth driving. And when you have kids and family to think about, you really just want a refined and serene driving experience. It’s bad enough to have to deal with the noise from the kids. The car’s 2.0-litre powertrain delivers ample juice, but importantly the mild-hybrid system means that engine start-stop is seamless, which makes for an even more refined and comfortable driving experience. Desmond understands that there are few opportunities to fully deploy all of the M5’s power. However, the M5 demonstrates a significant improvement in refinement levels compared to its predecessor, especially with the new 8-speed auto transmission and adaptive suspension. As a result, driving it daily is surprisingly easy. And of course, with a V8 under the bonnet, the M5 makes for impeccably quick journeys to get your places faster, even without having to drive like a maniac. Long alrighty vs Lord almighty For Jeremy, it is the long-legged nature of the 5 Series that makes long drives a delightful experience. Whether it’s the 40 minute commute to the in-laws’ place or the four hour commute to KL, the 5 Series will ensure that both driver and passengers get there as fresh as when they left. For Desmond, the M5 is a ballistic dynamic weapon for when the opportunity calls. With 625bhp and 750Nm of torque, all-wheel drive, and complex chassis systems, the M5 ensures a razor-sharp driving experience that is both exciting and involving. It’s a car that’s immediately ready for the racetrack, and always raring to give you a heart-pumping experience. Practical vs practicality A family car must first and foremost be practical. The 5 Series boasts a large 530-litre boot that will regularly be filled with things, whether it’s the kid’s belongings or just personal items. Isofix points also allow the securing of child seats, which is important to Jeremy when taking the family out for a nice dinner on weekends. Even though performance is front and centre, the M5 doesn’t skimp on practicality. Boot space is unchanged from the 5 Seires, which means that Desmond can still use this car for grocery runs, or even to take his wheelchair bound grandmother out. The generous space in the rear of the cabin also means outings with friends is easy to organise. With the M5, it’s really a sports car, minus the stereotypical sports car inconveniences. Made it vs crave it Beyond just being a highly luxurious, practical, comfortable and thoroughly high-tech family car, owning a 5 Series is also about the feel-good factor. For Jeremy, driving it imparts a sense of accomplishment. Is it a status symbol? Sure, it is. But more importantly, it is an indication of personal and professional success. It’s a big step upwards, and forwards. The M5 is a lot of car. Some may argue too much car. But when you desire something that offers both intoxicating performance and surefooted sensibility like Desmond does, the M5’s ability to do both in abundance is a key part of its appeal. And of course, it also occupies a rarefied place, not just among the M model lineup, but among performance cars in general. That is its own allure. Conclusion With the 5 Series and the M5, though the cars may be related and share common underpinnings, they cater to fundamentally different expectations for different types of drivers. Where the 5 Series is focused on delivering a sense of everyday quality, comfort and serenity, the M5 is tuned for excitement, engagement and enjoyment.

Hi guys I notice the car servicing for AD for BMW 5 or 7 series is more personalized that the entry level model. Do you experience the same?

1st 5 E12

The BMW 5GT was created with a number of combinations of car types in mind and that can be quite confusing to what sort of a segment this car fits in. But don't let that be the only reason why you should dislike it because its unique looks will help make it stand out in the sea of sedans that have become quite a boring sight. Everything else you see and feel, from the dashboard and the door panels to the lavish wood and leather-swathed seats, is a significant leap ahead in style, design and comfort. The boot volume has been increased to 500 litres, up from the previous 440 litres. Also generous is the ample head and legroom, which will make the three rear passengers very satisfied. Predictably, despite its heft of over two tonnes, the 5GT handles with remarkable alacrity. While the heft of the car can still be felt around bends, the 306 horses and 400Nm of twisting forces make it very forgivable. BMW's in-line gorgeous-sounding six-cylinders powering the 3.0-litre engine are also capable of delivering a strong and continuous wave of torque, allowing the car to pull away from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

BMW Group Asia has sustained its lead as both a premium and overall automotive brand in Singapore with a total of 2,647 vehicles registered based on LTA figures for New Registration of Cars. The BMW 5 Series continues to be the top selling model with the recently introduced ActiveHybrid 5 expected to provide a further boost. The range topping M5 has also seen success with more than 50 units already sold since its launch, while the new 3 Series and the flagship 7 Series limousine significantly contributing to sales figures. More exciting products will be arriving on the coming months as BMW gets on with its second phase of EfficientDynamics strategy by introducing ActiveHybrid 3 and 7 models after the successful introduction of the ActiveHybrid 5. Moreover BMW will also introduce the M Performance Automobiles with exclusive engine variants, enhanced agility and precision for a greater performance without compromising on everyday use. MINI has also performed well with a total of 150 vehicles registered. The MINI Clubvan, a premium model in the small car-based van segment, will also arrive later this year and targets the trend-conscious commercial vehicle users.

[extract] Hosting a 5 Series Driving Experience in Thailand, the two-day event has been tailored to showcase the abilities of the different variants of the BMW 5 Series through a series of drive activities, which includes normal-road driving from Bangkok to the Khao Yai National Park. There were different groups of journalists, each being allocated to a car at the start point near the BMW Thailand

If you think that..... BMW is taking their sweet time in coming out with the latest M5; or if you think that BMW's M Sport body kit is too tame for you; or if you know you can't afford the upcoming F10 M5 as your paycheck isn't large enough; and if you think that your 520d with the M sport body kit still looks like an 'unclemobile'.... then you should head over to Hamann for a makeover. This kit differs from the Hamann Motorsport kit for the normal F10 5 series as it adds to the M Sport parts. The front end receives a lower lip/splitter setup, the sides receive thicker skirts, the rear looks like it only has larger quad-tailpipes (from a sports muffler setup) as well as a tiny boot-lid spoiler and a roof spoiler. Fat 21inch alloys on suspension that is lowered by about 35mm rounds up the package as do the monotone rear lights. The interior gets the usual alloy pedals and carbon fiber trimming. Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing seriously worth mentioning. At best this is all dress up. It does look good but if you're all about max power then this is not for you. The exhaust system may add 5bhp or so to a 520d or 520i and the car may feel like its handling better (with those huge wheels and lowered suspension) but aim it at the nearest pothole and weep. I suppose Hamann is doing the bread and butter stuff first for the 5 series and is waiting to let loose its tuning skills on the upcoming M5. I mean, why bother modding a 520i like crazy when they can go ballistic on the Full Monty that should be launched as a 2012 model sometime soon? source:hamann via wcf

AC Schnitzer is a long time BMW specific tuner and they have been doing BMWs for as long as I can remember. In the early 1990s I used to love looking at BMWs with those AC Schintzer alloys on those E30s, E34s and E36s. They look really good. And speaking of the grandchild of the E34 5 series, the F10, AC Schnitzer have come up with their upgrades for the latest BMW mid range saloon. Now AC Schnitzer is not about alloy wheels and bodykits. While this is the stuff that flies through their catalogue of stuff they also do performance upgrades for their cars. This time around, their press release emphasizes the power upgrade for their diesel 530d as it now puts out 286bhp instead of 245bhp. I suppose this oil burner is what most of Europe buys and this is the first of the engine upgrades done by Schnitzer. In fact, the other F10 5 series that will have a tuning package is the 520d, 525d and the 535d. All oil burners. The only upgrade for the petrol engines is a rear muffler for the exhaust system. This is for the 550i, 535i as well as for the diesel 535d and 530d. You get better exhaust noise and better throttle response but you do not get any additional power from it. There are no other performance upgrades mentioned for now. For handling as well as for that cool lowered look AC Schnitzer has a spring kit for all F10 5 series. The springs lower the car by about 25mm and tighten up the handling without making passengers suffer. But I suspect that the ride will slightly suffer if you opt for AC Schnitzer

Tuning big boy Hamann has come up with tuning parts for the F10 BMW 5 Series. This kit ups the ante in the looks department of the 5 series as the standard car looks very sedate compared to the previous generation, over styled E60 5 series. But maybe they have put in a little too many spoilers at the rear. The rear is full of juts, ledges, fins and spoilers. On the roof the Hamann 5 Series is the BMW trademark shark

BMW's are looking much better these days. And these are the first photos of what the new X5 will look like. Obviously, it still remains tank-like; huge, high driving position and enormous wheels. You will still be able to intimidate others on the road even if you're the height of Mini-Me. There are a few stylistic changes to the exterior with the new headlights which have been taken from the new 5 Series which is a good thing, and the tail-lamps have been restyled slightly as well. The big difference between the new and the old X5 is under that handsome new bonnet. Three, sophisticatedly named new engines will be launched for the xDrive30d, xDrive40d

It's only been a couple a months since Chris Bangle, infamous for designing what everyone dubbed "bangle butt" on the BMW series of vehicles, left the famed German company. Since then Adrian van Hooydonk has been hard at work slimming the profiles and softening up the lines on their cars. A beautiful example of their hard work is in their new 5 Series. The team has kept the looks of the car in-line with their current 3 Series, but predictably stretched, certainly staying true to how they used to be designed back in the days. Check out this photo! Tell me that doesn