The new BMW M5 : first look

[dappercivility]

That's standard in the naming convention.

 

Full M will only have M and a single number. Usually number will be after the M (M2, M3, M3, M5, M6) except for a single model, namely 1M where the number comes before the M.

 

There are some SUVs that are generally considered full M but that's mainly because they're using S series engines. They're the X5M and X6M.

 

The Z4M rounds out the last of the full M cars. A bit of an oddity, so I put it in its own category.

 

Any car that has more than one number in the model name can never be considered full M. So that means M140i (my car), M760Li, M850i all are not full M cars.

 

As to how important these distinctions are, I would say "not very". You see, the M are supposed to all run S series engines but the 1M and M2 (earlier non competition version) ran N series engines but are still considered full M. And the non M no longer all run only N series engines, some models run the B series engines which many consider a superior design, further blurring the line.

 

Also keep in mind that Alpina doesn't generally use S engines - they tune the hell out of the equivalent N series engine, which shows the potential of even the N engines.

 

And a lot of enthusiasts would say that M has lost its original meaning. They would contend that all the fat, heavy, luxurious and safety-feature riddled cars passing for M implies that M has changed in meaning from Motorsports to Marketing. Lots of merit to this opinion, in my view. They're mainly street cars, not track day killers anymore. In contrast, many new sports Porsche models, while brilliant on the road, are still very track worthy in stock form.

 

Finally all this is a bit beside the point in Singapore. Here, M performance is sold alongside full M at PMA (Performance Munich Auto at Alexandra, previously Munich Auto at Teban). The M club is open to both full M and M performance (but not anything else). And on drives up north, believe me when I say that MPA cars are not holding the convoy back. Many of them are even quicker in a straight line than the full M cars.

 

(By the way, I tried not to muddle the issue too much with interesting historical tidbits - like the M1, which is more a homologation racing inspired supercar than a real M road car (and that's also the reason the newer car with the N54 engine was named 1M). And the first car that's considered a true M car for the road was confusingly named M535i, which sounds like a name we would give an MPA car today, but that old car was truly an M5 predecessor. Full M DNA.)

Very detailed writeup!

[1fast1]

Very detailed writeup!

 

Haha thanks mate! (and you too @sake).

[Carhorn]

That's standard in the naming convention.

 

Full M will only have M and a single number. Usually number will be after the M (M2, M3, M3, M5, M6) except for a single model, namely 1M where the number comes before the M.

 

There are some SUVs that are generally considered full M but that's mainly because they're using S series engines. They're the X5M and X6M.

 

The Z4M rounds out the last of the full M cars. A bit of an oddity, so I put it in its own category.

 

Any car that has more than one number in the model name can never be considered full M. So that means M140i (my car), M760Li, M850i all are not full M cars.

 

As to how important these distinctions are, I would say "not very". You see, the M are supposed to all run S series engines but the 1M and M2 (earlier non competition version) ran N series engines but are still considered full M. And the non M no longer all run only N series engines, some models run the B series engines which many consider a superior design, further blurring the line.

 

Also keep in mind that Alpina doesn't generally use S engines - they tune the hell out of the equivalent N series engine, which shows the potential of even the N engines.

 

And a lot of enthusiasts would say that M has lost its original meaning. They would contend that all the fat, heavy, luxurious and safety-feature riddled cars passing for M implies that M has changed in meaning from Motorsports to Marketing. Lots of merit to this opinion, in my view. They're mainly street cars, not track day killers anymore. In contrast, many new sports Porsche models, while brilliant on the road, are still very track worthy in stock form.

 

Finally all this is a bit beside the point in Singapore. Here, M performance is sold alongside full M at PMA (Performance Munich Auto at Alexandra, previously Munich Auto at Teban). The M club is open to both full M and M performance (but not anything else). And on drives up north, believe me when I say that MPA cars are not holding the convoy back. Many of them are even quicker in a straight line than the full M cars.

 

(By the way, I tried not to muddle the issue too much with interesting historical tidbits - like the M1, which is more a homologation racing inspired supercar than a real M road car (and that's also the reason the newer car with the N54 engine was named 1M). And the first car that's considered a true M car for the road was confusingly named M535i, which sounds like a name we would give an MPA car today, but that old car was truly an M5 predecessor. Full M DNA.)

Oh only single digit is considered to be a M model. i learnt something abt M series

 

No wonder my colleagues keep saying they bought a mazda M6 M3

[1fast1]

Oh only single digit is considered to be a M model. i learnt something abt M series

 

No wonder my colleagues keep saying they bought a mazda M6 M3

That one is totally fake. It's like a sheep coming to a party of wolves.

[Theoldjaffa]

Oh only single digit is considered to be a M model. i learnt something abt M series

 

No wonder my colleagues keep saying they bought a mazda M6 M3

People who know cars and bought a Mazda will refer to their cars as Mz3, Mz6 etc.

 

Only those "Innocents" will use M3, M6 etc. They really don't know so we can't blame them.

 

That said, OT a little.. how is "Merc" pronounced?

 

Layman says it's "Merk" while some enthusiasts I know says it's "Muhz".

[1fast1]

People who know cars and bought a Mazda will refer to their cars as Mz3, Mz6 etc.

 

Only those "Innocents" will use M3, M6 etc. They really don't know so we can't blame them.

 

That said, OT a little.. how is "Merc" pronounced?

 

Layman says it's "Merk" while some enthusiasts I know says it's "Muhz".

I always pronounce it Ah Pek Mobile.

[dappercivility]

People who know cars and bought a Mazda will refer to their cars as Mz3, Mz6 etc.

 

Only those "Innocents" will use M3, M6 etc. They really don't know so we can't blame them.

 

That said, OT a little.. how is "Merc" pronounced?

 

Layman says it's "Merk" while some enthusiasts I know says it's "Muhz".

I had a colleague whom is not into cars and sees cars as just another form of transport. He mentioned to me he booked a M3 and looking forward to taking delivery. He raved about the handling, the interior features like heads up display and a few other features and I had really thought he had gotten the F80 M3. I didn't ask him on details like pricing, etc. Fast forward a few weeks later, he proudly proclaimed he has taken delivery and asked me to go see his new car. I was quite excited and happg for him too and walked briskly to the carpark and it was an anti climax haha.

[SZ_ford]

Hahaha! Prices quoted for porsche are barebones, even rear wipers and floor mats are optional extras..... A properly specced and not over the top optioned porsche can cost 40 to 60k over the base price.

 

Saw many fake M cars, Amgs, etc. Disgusting to me especially those who put the badge at the rear trying to pass off as the real mccoy. Just saw a 740 trying to pass off as the M760Li with the full M760Li badge in full glory on aye a couple evenings earlier. Did a enquiry of road tax expiry and found out its actually a 740Li.

 

wah u still bother to check road tax haha

 

ya i also find it damn weird why some ppl add badge to their cars. I know some a5 owners add rs5 bodykit to their car and put a rs5 badge. not sure to bluff others or bluff themselves

[Xeryh]

@Turboflat4 love the write-ups, thank you!

[Theoldjaffa]

wah u still bother to check road tax haha

 

ya i also find it damn weird why some ppl add badge to their cars. I know some a5 owners add rs5 bodykit to their car and put a rs5 badge. not sure to bluff others or bluff themselves

This is an old pic.. not sure if the livery is still as such.

 

But key point is this is a 523 putting on a M5 badge and fender

[Inlinefour]

This is an old pic.. not sure if the livery is still as such.

 

But key point is this is a 523 putting on a M5 badge and fender

[SZ_ford]

This is an old pic.. not sure if the livery is still as such.

 

But key point is this is a 523 putting on a M5 badge and fender

[1fast1]

I had a colleague whom is not into cars and sees cars as just another form of transport. He mentioned to me he booked a M3 and looking forward to taking delivery. He raved about the handling, the interior features like heads up display and a few other features and I had really thought he had gotten the F80 M3. I didn't ask him on details like pricing, etc. Fast forward a few weeks later, he proudly proclaimed he has taken delivery and asked me to go see his new car. I was quite excited and happg for him too and walked briskly to the carpark and it was an anti climax haha.

Hahahahaha!!

 

Sue him for fake news!

Edited April 29, 2019 by Turboflat4

[dappercivility]

wah u still bother to check road tax haha

 

ya i also find it damn weird why some ppl add badge to their cars. I know some a5 owners add rs5 bodykit to their car and put a rs5 badge. not sure to bluff others or bluff themselves

I checked because I was told there is only 1 M760Li on the road and the number plate is a double digit. The one I saw had 4 digits so out of curiosity, I did a check. Found out indeed its a fake lol Edited April 29, 2019 by dappercivility

[dappercivility]

This is an old pic.. not sure if the livery is still as such.

 

But key point is this is a 523 putting on a M5 badge and fender ð¤£

 

11CB2266-8CA8-447F-BC9B-0A26AA82E0ED.jpeg

Those whom upbadge their cars usually have inferiority complex. My opinion. Nothing with which make and model you drive, no need to do such lame things

Hahahahaha!!

 

Sue him for fake news! ððð

 

Damn funny the way he praised the handling. Yes, the handling is really good on the Mz3, as in you have to manhandle it around the gentlest curve. ð¤£

Hahahaha yeah man. Super anti climax.nothing wrong with what kind of car but they way he put it was like.......wos M3!!!

[SZ_ford]

I checked because I was told there is only 1 M760Li on the road and the number plate is a double digit. The one I saw had 4 digits so out of curiosity, I did a check. Found out indeed its a fake lol

visually is it possible to spot a real m5 from a fake m5, without lifting up the bonnet?

 

can the side air vent be modded?

 

probably most won't mod m sport seats

[Inlinefour]

I checked because I was told there is only 1 M760Li on the road and the number plate is a double digit. The one I saw had 4 digits so out of curiosity, I did a check. Found out indeed its a fake lol

Lta no longer issue RT disc quite some time

[Carhorn]

sorry, sidetrack here. hope the M5 enthusiasts dun mind

 

I am having a mid life crisis. I want to drive something spirited and decently fast but I dun want to spend extra money on new cars. 

 

How is the M135 2nd hand? 5-6 years old car

 

Can buy?