Log in or Sign up

BMW confirms M-tuned 5 Series diesel - M550dX

Discussion in '5 Series' started by -=Hot|Ice=-, Aug 17, 2011.

Thread Status:: Not open for further replies.

Page 1 of 3

-=Hot|Ice=- Well-Known Member

The Detroit Bureau said:

BMW will introduce a new high-performance diesel-powered 5-Series model next spring that will expand the German maker’s vaunted M division, TheDetroitBureau.com has confirmed, with the triple-turbo V-8 oil-burner set to also be used in a variety of other BMW products, likely including its X-series sport-activity vehicles.
Rumors of the diesel M have been circulating for several weeks, but TheDetroitBureau.com has confirmed details with a variety of BMW sources who say the maker wants to prove out the potential of the high-mileage technology – taking advantage of a variety of new technologies, including the unusual triple-turbocharging system meant to eliminate even the most minor turbo lag.

Stay in the Know!
The new model is likely to get the unusual designation of either BMW 550dM or 550dXM, the latter referring to its all-wheel-drive system. With rare exception, most models produced by the Bavarian maker’s performance sub-brand flash the vaunted “M” first and foremost. But the alternative nomenclature would reflect the unusual powertrain under the hood of the 5-Series BMW.
The 3.0-liter straight-six diesel will use a small turbo to instantly build boost for launch, two larger twin-scroll turbochargers then spooling up for higher-speed performance. The basic engine is the same as the current BMW 3.0-liter diesel but with significant modifications, including a new cylinder head. It will make use of a variety of advanced technologies, including direct injection and BMW’s Valvetronic system, designed to optimize the function of intake and exhaust engine valves.
Sources tell TheDetroitBureau.com that the 550dM will deliver slightly less horsepower than the new gas-powered BMW M5, which makes 560 ponies. Final numbers will likely be in the 500 to 550 range. Torque, meanwhile, will well exceed the 500 lb-ft of the new M5, and could push north of 650 lb-ft.
To handle those tire-spinning forces, “You have to go to all-wheel-drive,” explained one senior BMW official, “otherwise you’ll be spinning your tires all day.”
(For a first look at the next-gen BMW M5, Click Here.)
While several makers have demonstrated the potential for diesel power on the track, the move to put it into a high-performance street car is a significant breakthrough. Mercedes-Benz briefly offered a diesel model wearing its AMG badge but that lasted only a year on the market. BMW has long considered the option but it took several significant developments for the company’s comfort level to reach the necessary threshold.
“Diesel technology has come a long way in the last five years,” said one BMW executive, adding that the maker also had to be certain buyers would be able to get the necessary quality of diesel fuel in any market – notably including the U.S. – where the 550dM will be sold.
For the record, M brand global marketing manager Brian Watts confirmed that the maker is looking at a diesel M car, though he said, “We’re not finished with that program yet.” But other insiders said only the final details, such as performance specifications – and the final brand nomenclature – have yet to be firmed up, with the new diesel muscle car due for introduction next spring, very likely with an unveiling at a major auto show like the Geneva Motor Show.
The engine is intended to find applications beyond the 5-series M edition, sources agree. It is designed to fit in a variety of additional BMW products and would most likely show up next in one or more of the maker’s X-Series Sport-Activity Vehicles, such as the X5 or X6. But a version of the 550d engine might also be melded with the maker’s flagship 7-Series sedan “a year or more later,” said a source.
BMW officials say they hope to steal a march on competitors – but, said one, “I expect to see others follow,” a reference to both Mercedes and Audi. The executive said he was particularly surprised that the latter German brand had not moved into the diesel performance segment more quickly, as it would play off Audi’s link to diesel power. The maker has dominated the Le Mans endurance series for much of the past decade with its various diesel-powered race cars.

BMW Confirms Diesel-M, High-Performance Engine to Find Numerous Other Applications | TheDetroitBureau.com

-=Hot|Ice=-, Aug 17, 2011

#1
- Like x 2
SKY Well-Known Member

I think it will be comparable to the 50i not to the M5 in terms of power.

SKY, Aug 17, 2011

#2
klier Member

SKYSONY said: ↑

I think it will be comparable to the 50i not to the M5 in terms of power.

Me too. 400 hp is crazy enough as it is for a 6 cylinder diesel.

klier, Aug 17, 2011

#3
SKY Well-Known Member

klier said: ↑

Me too. 400 hp is crazy enough as it is for a 6 cylinder diesel.

Maybe it´s even wilder and compares to the uptuned 450 PS version of the 50i. But for God´s shake, an I6 with 450 PS... and DIESEL!!

SKY, Aug 17, 2011

#4
SCOTT27 Contributing Member

Do not get too carried away... There are several inaccuracies in that article. No1 is it is not an M5 with a Diesel engine.

SCOTT27, Aug 17, 2011

#5
klier Member

SCOTT27 said: ↑

No1 is it is not an M5 with a Diesel engine.

We all know this, as it's an I6 engine. Point out some others please. What's the hp ballpark??

klier, Aug 17, 2011

#6
Merc1 Premium Member

notably including the U.S. – where the 550dM will be sold.

Gulp. Hats off to BMW for making diesel so attractive in the U.S. This thing is going to be a monster. Now bring it over in wagon form (as well as the other wagon models) and you'll really be doing something. We don't want the piglet 5GT.

M

Merc1, Aug 17, 2011

#7
Hein Member

I also think 350hp to 400hp is more likely def not anywhere near 500hp imho.

Hein, Aug 18, 2011

#8
SCOTT27 Contributing Member

It is not going to be in a position to compromise higher-end M cars.

SCOTT27, Aug 18, 2011

#9
Pagani Active Member

Wow, I remember M engineers having several fatwas out, for SUVs, AWD, and Diesel. I guess they were saying what their future WOULD include.

Pagani, Aug 18, 2011

#10
Betty Swollocks Well-Known Member

:t-banghea What a ridiculous article. One minute it says it's going to be a V8, then it says an inline 6. And 500-550hp? Good grief.

Betty Swollocks, Aug 18, 2011

#11
- Like x 2
mini_cooper4 Well-Known Member

Betty Swollocks said: ↑

:t-banghea What a ridiculous article. One minute it says it's going to be a V8, then it says an inline 6. And 500-550hp? Good grief.

+1

mini_cooper4, Aug 18, 2011

#12
Human Persue Your Dreams

More sources say BMW 550dXM - a diesel M5 - is coming

Diesel-powered M5 is slated for launch in the spring of next year

The Detroit Bureau is reporting that BMW sources are saying that the tentatively named BMW 550dXM is definitely slated for a debut next spring.

The 550dXM will be coming from BMW's M division and will represent a diesel M5. The report says the 3.0 liter, tri-turbo diesel unit will deliver somewhere between 500 PS (368 kW / 493 bhp) and 550 PS (405 kW / 543 bhp) with a torque rating exceeding the 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque of the current gasoline-powered M5.

But BMW M division's global marketing manager, Brian Watts, won't yet confirm the model is a sure go, although, he admits the automaker is considering the option.

Read more: More sources say BMW 550dXM - a diesel M5 - is coming

Human, Aug 19, 2011

#13
Human Persue Your Dreams

By Mark Kleis Thursday, Aug 18th, 2011 / http://www.leftlanenews.com/first-ever-all-wheel-drive-diesel-powered-bmw-m5-in-the-works.html

Ordinarily coming across the suggestion that BMW’s skunkworks was working on some type of diesel-powered vehicles wouldn’t even warrant a second glance, but this time around it appears to have all the makings of a true-blue honest lead.

Although BMW is only just this week allowing U.S. journalists to get behind the wheel of the soon-to-be-available 2012 M5, several well-placed sources at the German automaker have apparently confirmed various aspects of an all-wheel drive, diesel-powered M-series sedan in the works to the Detroit Bureau.

This suggestion may seem far-fetched at first glance for a couple of reasons, one being the use of all-wheel drive and the second – probably the more unbelievable of the two – is the use of a diesel engine in an M-branded vehicle. The implications of these suggestions holding true are massive, especially when considering this would mark the first time ever BMW bestowed the M bade upon a diesel-powered vehicle.

It is suggested that this mythical sedan will utilize a variation of the 3.0-liter straight-six diesel currently in service in other BMW vehicles, albeit with the addition of an additional turbocharger for a total of three, as well as a new cylinder head, among other internal modifications to handle the increased power.

The sources claim this oil-burner will not reach the 560 horsepower rating of the gas-powered 2012 M5, but it will make up for that deficiency with a torque rating of about 150 lb-ft higher than that of the 500 lb-ft rating in the M5. It is because of the massive 650 lb-ft of torque that all-wheel drive also finds its way into the mix, a necessary solution to an obvious traction problem.

No luxury automaker has managed to successfully create and sell a diesel-powered performance car before, but given recent advancements in the technology, BMW may be looking to start yet another new trend in the luxury market.

It is worth noting that since the original story broke by the Detroit Bureau, the editor has since added clarification that one of its sources, BMW global marketing manager Brian Watts, only confirmed that the automaker is “looking at” a diesel option due to its “interesting potential,” adding that the powertrain option consideration is “not finished [yet].”

Should BMW decide to add an oil-burner to its M5 sedan choices, expect at least a two-year model-year delay from the 2012 model launching now.

Human, Aug 19, 2011

#14
martinbo Global Moderator / Editor

There's an existing thread discussing this. I will merge.

martinbo, Aug 19, 2011

#15
- Like x 4
Hein Member

Hope they retain RWD, oversteer galore! :eusa_danc

Hein, Aug 19, 2011

#16
Guibo Well-Known Member

In his column for this month's Evo, Harry Metcalfe was wondering why there hasn't been a properly M-tuned 5-Series diesel on the market. In the UK, the 520d accounted for 82 percent of 5-Series sales through June.

Guibo, Aug 25, 2011

#17
Just_me Well-Known Member

BMW 550d - 381 hp / 516+ lb-ft torque

381 hp / 516+ lb-ft torque (more than 700 nm) and comes only with AWD. Tri-turbo. Available for 5er/X5/X6.

Driving-Fun.com » Standaard vierwielaandrijving voor

Just_me, Nov 22, 2011

#18
mini_cooper4 Well-Known Member

As a 3.0litre, 6 cylinder it should be available for the 3-series too. RWD is a must too.
Put this engine in the 3er and it's my next car for sure!

mini_cooper4, Nov 22, 2011

#19
Deckhook Well-Known Member

Just_me said: ↑

381 hp / 516+ lb-ft torque (more than 700 nm) and comes only with AWD. Tri-turbo. Available for 5er/X5/X6.

Driving-Fun.com » Standaard vierwielaandrijving voor

I thought early reports talked about 500hp? Was that just the press getting carried away.

Deckhook, Nov 22, 2011

#20

(You must log in or sign up to reply here.)

Page 1 of 3

Thread Status:: Not open for further replies.

Share This Page