M5 BMW M5 F10 - Test Drives/Reviews

[martinbo]

We?

My bad... those aren't my words - they're Sutcliffe's. Sorry, I buggered up my quote formatting.

I do admit, however, that I may have been among those alarmists - vocal or not - simply because I have such an acute appreciation for the former ///M recipe. I must say though that I am delighted with BMW's progress in the field of turbocharging and I'm quite happy to recognise that the most innovative development (imho) in the history of turbocharged performance has come from none other than the master engine makers themselves.
Forget that it's turbocharged - here's a forced induction engine with near no lag to speak of at low rpm yet increasing surge all the way to 7200 rpm - the M5 once more bears a landmark performance engine.

Oh, a new M5 is such a special event in the automotive calendar!

 

[Kowalski]

.....and it most probably will not come to US.

Nope. But, can you really blame BMW for not selling a 535d in the U.S, when most Americans got into their heads that hybrids are the the best thing ever since sliced bread and they still perceive diesels as "dirty and noisy"?

I read a lot of comments from Americans on BMW forums, saying how they would love to have a 535d. However, I don't think they would buy one. A 535d would easily cost up to 3 or 5 thousand dollars more than a 535i, putting the diesel in a very uncomfortable position next to the U$$ 61,700 550i.

So, I can't see Americans paying almost 60 grand for it, just to achieve more miles per gallon when they could have a 400 bhp V8 5-series, even though the 535d performs exceptionally well and chances are that it probably handles better than the 550i. I could be wrong about the last bit, though.

 

[Merc1]

I would get a CLS63 over a 650i, if waiting for M5 is not an option.

Yeah thats a thought too, I have yet to drive one though. They're sold before they even come in. However I feel if I'm going to get a car that doesn't look perfect (like the M5 or 650) I think a Panamera deserves another look. Just my thoughts.


M

 

[SCOTT27]

Then in 2013. You will have the M6 Gran Coupe.
I see on the outskirts of where we are there are Porsche Panamera's , Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's and Jaguar XFR's - some with UK license plates hidden from BMW's watchful eye , but we know they are there.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Just imagine how you're going to feel in a year's time when you're sitting in your CLS63/Panamera and an F10 M5 pulls up at the lights across the intersection. It'd be a crying shame if the waiting time is the only thing that prevents you from proudly owning what is sounding more and more like one of the best cars in the world!

 

[Merc1]

^^ Right, which is why I may have to wait.


M

 

[Deckhook]

Oh, a new M5 is such a special event in the automotive calendar!

The same is true when a new M3 comes along ............. even more so and if this M5 is anything to go by the M3 will be epic.

 

[Sunny]

Are you Americans still paying over list price to 'be the first'? And they say there's a recession looming....

Every new M3, M5, 911 have had a mark up here for the first few months, doubt it is about to change. Of course, if you are ready to call every dealer across the country and pay shipping price, you will probably find some dealer in middle of no where who will sell you one for MSRP.

 

[Merc1]

Such a terrible thing for us poor consumers. I think I'm going to cry if I can't have this car until August of next year. That is too damn long.


M

 

[Merc1]

Autocar Video - http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/bmw-m5-video-review-feature/


I'm in love with this car, and I don't really like 4-door cars!


M

 

[EMpower]

Nope. But, can you really blame BMW for not selling a 535d in the U.S, when most Americans got into their heads that hybrids are the the best thing ever since sliced bread and they still perceive diesels as "dirty and noisy"?

I read a lot of comments from Americans on BMW forums, saying how they would love to have a 535d. However, I don't think they would buy one. A 535d would easily cost up to 3 or 5 thousand dollars more than a 535i, putting the diesel in a very uncomfortable position next to the U$$ 61,700 550i.

So, I can't see Americans paying almost 60 grand for it, just to achieve more miles per gallon when they could have a 400 bhp V8 5-series, even though the 535d performs exceptionally well and chances are that it probably handles better than the 550i. I could be wrong about the last bit, though.

The diesel prices in US are comparable to premium gas, which is another factor why diesel cars are not taking off that much in US.

 

[Merc1]

I'm dying to see it in another color in motion now.


M

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

F____ing hell! Those pics got me all hot and a little bothered. Something about a big smoking arse just letting it all hang out there and probably making all sorts of noises.

I must admit that I was one of those with some reservations with ///M going all FI on their engines. It still feels odd, but it looks like they built the ultimate sports sedan to beat all sports sedan. And that's considering that the new E63 is considered darn near epic. There's still that voice in my head that wonders if they had paired that rascal of a V10 to the 7-speed M-DCT. And brought the weight down to about ~3700-3800 lbs. And still looked like the F10M. With the 19" multi-spoke alloys. And dark blue exterior and Cohiba brown leather. And matte espresso wood trim. One really wonders....

Oh well, as that saying goes: The king's dead. Long live the king.

NOTE: After reading the first line I wrote, it seems odd and possibly disturbing, but I stick by it.

 

[330CIZHP]

Agreed. I really like the looks. Definitely a very nice looking car and very well proportioned.

However, the E60 M5 has recently been becoming my passion. It used to be my dream car back in 2004. Seeing now to my amazement, 2007 E60 M5s selling for $41K - 43K CAD with low mileage (only 30 - 40K Kms when they stickered brand new 4 years ago for $105,000 here in Canada), it is so insanely tempting to buy one as I can afford to buy it outright with cash. Just the sheer thought of owning that V10 gives me goosebumps.

However, I realize it is not so simple and the maintenance cost and reliability issues is a whole different pandora's box and using g up almost all of my investments and savings on a car that will be a money pit is what has been keeping me from buying it.

 

[klier]

Holy freaking crap

face_awe

And I was almost crucified here when calling some of you drama queens as you were panicking about upcoming M products .

I am proud to say not to be part of that group!!! Never have been, and never will be. M = M, in 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2030.

 

[Pagani]

I like this M5 quite a lot--never wrapped my heart around the last one. But, the lack of a true manual transmission is a sin, although I doubt there is room for it with this engine.

I must say, I am a long time Mercedes fan. And when I start liking some BMWs, to me it signals that they are becoming more Mercedes-like. AMG and M are blurring the lines recently.

 

[Levi68]

Sounds and burns tires like and AMG, handles like an M. Not bad, but I still wish the M3 F80 be even more focused.

 

[Cashmere]

Those 19" wheels actually look splendid in the video reviews.

From Sutcliffe's Autocar review, it seems like the new M5 makes extensive use of servotronic to simulate the different sport modes which leaves behind a bit of a generic feel. Would like to see what others say about the steering.

Im also glad that M have toned down with the sport settings on the transmission (6 was an overkill) only to find that they now have 2 M buttons on the wheel ? Keep it simple guys!

 

[bmwblog]

F____ing hell! Those pics got me all hot and a little bothered. Something about a big smoking arse just letting it all hang out there and probably making all sorts of noises.

I must admit that I was one of those with some reservations with ///M going all FI on their engines. It still feels odd, but it looks like they built the ultimate sports sedan to beat all sports sedan. And that's considering that the new E63 is considered darn near epic. There's still that voice in my head that wonders if they had paired that rascal of a V10 to the 7-speed M-DCT. And brought the weight down to about ~3700-3800 lbs. And still looked like the F10M. With the 19" multi-spoke alloys. And dark blue exterior and Cohiba brown leather. And matte espresso wood trim. One really wonders....

Oh well, as that saying goes: The king's dead. Long live the king.

NOTE: After reading the first line I wrote, it seems odd and possibly disturbing, but I stick by it.

Yup, all photos courtesy of BMWBLOG. Our resident test drive editor did the drifting and burnouts. Needless to say, lots of fun

 

[klier]

Im also glad that M have toned down with the sport settings on the transmission (6 was an overkill) only to find that they now have 2 M buttons on the wheel ? Keep it simple guys!

6 settings on the E60 might have been overkill sure, but two buttons on the steering wheel is no rocket science. Come on now, that's simple enough

Sounds and burns tires like and AMG, handles like an M. Not bad, but I still wish the M3 F80 be even more focused.

You don't have to wish the M3 to be more focussed. It always is more focussed than M5. No need to explain that one.