BMW: 5-Series News
#363
Suzuka Master
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I agree with soopa, the car is great looking. Having owned BMW's this one will be considered.
Additionally, comments from pw's who are barely old enough to drive should be reserved or taken with a grain of salt.
Additionally, comments from pw's who are barely old enough to drive should be reserved or taken with a grain of salt.
#364
Pit Stop?
Originally posted by scalbert
Additionally, comments from pw's who are barely old enough to drive should be reserved or taken with a grain of salt.
Additionally, comments from pw's who are barely old enough to drive should be reserved or taken with a grain of salt.
#365
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Originally posted by ApocalypseCL
im not gonna call you name s even though i probably should but its a luxury car...key word luxury......get a clue its not supposed to be running fast 1/4 mile times......I really dont think people buy it to race in it.
im not gonna call you name s even though i probably should but its a luxury car...key word luxury......get a clue its not supposed to be running fast 1/4 mile times......I really dont think people buy it to race in it.
#366
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Originally posted by Black CL-S 4-Life
What the hell are you talking about??? Most 58K Luxury cars can run 14s GS430, LS430 and the Q45 just to name a few. BTW I wouldn't call 14s fast...quick but not fast.
What the hell are you talking about??? Most 58K Luxury cars can run 14s GS430, LS430 and the Q45 just to name a few. BTW I wouldn't call 14s fast...quick but not fast.
#368
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Auto Spies answer critical questions about the introduction of the new BMW 5 series
The biggest buzz in the car business right now revolves around the 2004 BMW series…
Its controversial design is at the crux of the debate and rumors.
Will it be accepted?
Will it sell?
What do the Spies think of now that they’ve seen it in person?
Did BMW blow it?
The Spies have found the answers that everyone wants to know…
Let’s take the questions one by one:
Will it be accepted? Based on our surveys around the country the answer is a resounding yes. The buzz is much different (positive) on this car than it was with the 7-series.
Will it sell? Another yes here…dealers tell us the demand is higher for the five than any BMW in a long time. High rollers are using their corporate BMW contacts to get them cars as we speak…the bad news is BMWUSA is so backed up with orders, even the rollers aren’t getting cars…Even when they’re going right to Purves! And, if you think you’re going to get a good discount on this car for the first six months or so, you’re dreaming…there is a huge waiting list for the car.
What do the Spies think of it now that they’ve seen it in person- When we first started talking about the five we told you we would reserve our opinion until we saw it in person…Although were not 100% sold on the back end, the car is much more attractive and interesting in person. We love the interior, much more so than the Seven. And there’s one other minor detail we should mention…it’s the best driving car on earth! If you thought the old five was good, test drive one of these babies to find out for yourself! NOTHING drives like a BMW. In our opinion, this car was not designed for BMW traditionalists...it was designed for a new and larger audience that might normally defect to an asian brand.
Did BMW blow it? Obviously not, but before we give it a A+ rating, let us warn you that early owners of the car are experiencing electrical problems (non-starting for no apparent reason, etc.). Let’s hope it's just the first few off the line and this problem is not predominant throughout the entire first run…
Its controversial design is at the crux of the debate and rumors.
Will it be accepted?
Will it sell?
What do the Spies think of now that they’ve seen it in person?
Did BMW blow it?
The Spies have found the answers that everyone wants to know…
Let’s take the questions one by one:
Will it be accepted? Based on our surveys around the country the answer is a resounding yes. The buzz is much different (positive) on this car than it was with the 7-series.
Will it sell? Another yes here…dealers tell us the demand is higher for the five than any BMW in a long time. High rollers are using their corporate BMW contacts to get them cars as we speak…the bad news is BMWUSA is so backed up with orders, even the rollers aren’t getting cars…Even when they’re going right to Purves! And, if you think you’re going to get a good discount on this car for the first six months or so, you’re dreaming…there is a huge waiting list for the car.
What do the Spies think of it now that they’ve seen it in person- When we first started talking about the five we told you we would reserve our opinion until we saw it in person…Although were not 100% sold on the back end, the car is much more attractive and interesting in person. We love the interior, much more so than the Seven. And there’s one other minor detail we should mention…it’s the best driving car on earth! If you thought the old five was good, test drive one of these babies to find out for yourself! NOTHING drives like a BMW. In our opinion, this car was not designed for BMW traditionalists...it was designed for a new and larger audience that might normally defect to an asian brand.
Did BMW blow it? Obviously not, but before we give it a A+ rating, let us warn you that early owners of the car are experiencing electrical problems (non-starting for no apparent reason, etc.). Let’s hope it's just the first few off the line and this problem is not predominant throughout the entire first run…
#369
Safety Car
Originally posted by ApocalypseCL
what are you talking about i didnt say anything abut the qurter mile times i said that its not the purpose of the 30i to racec people Who cares about those other cars... this is about BMW and those other cars cant compare.
what are you talking about i didnt say anything abut the qurter mile times i said that its not the purpose of the 30i to racec people Who cares about those other cars... this is about BMW and those other cars cant compare.
Plus, with the Lexus, you are not in for service too often either...seriously, what a pain in the ass driving a reliable car that looks good... Yes, I would much rather save money and own a GS over a 5 series, any day of the week. Unless MB and Audi are gonna pick up their prices, BMW better watch out...that is just too much money. and their competitors are coming up fast...what the hell do they think they can get for their 6-series if the 530 is gonna go for this much? What is the GS/LS and the Q, or the E class missing that BMW has on the 5 series, besides the massaging seats, (seriously...:whocares: Yeah, relaxing massage while driving...put the wheelman to sleep jackasses)
#371
Outnumbered at home
I love how more technology and advancing the car cost extra so the base price goes up. Oh but he forgot to mention that all the "advanced tech" are options that you have to pay additionally for. man that is a rip off
#373
Full-Time IDIoT---DoH!!!
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SO much BS
Only if the new TL came in RWD or even AWD, then it would take out such a bite out of the 5series sales that bmw would actually commit to having all its option avail at the introduction of the car and not till 3-6 months later
Only if the new TL came in RWD or even AWD, then it would take out such a bite out of the 5series sales that bmw would actually commit to having all its option avail at the introduction of the car and not till 3-6 months later
#374
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The M5 is expected to be unveiled in Geneva next March. UK prices are expected to be £55k.
The car has a 5.0litre, 40-valve V10, developing 500bhp and 500Nm (369lb ft - same as current car). Prototypes have been rumoured to have 540bhp at a massive 10,000rpm - but this is likely to be reduced to 9000rpm. 0-60 should be 4.5secs and top speed will be again limited to 155mph.
The car has a 5.0litre, 40-valve V10, developing 500bhp and 500Nm (369lb ft - same as current car). Prototypes have been rumoured to have 540bhp at a massive 10,000rpm - but this is likely to be reduced to 9000rpm. 0-60 should be 4.5secs and top speed will be again limited to 155mph.
#375
Senior Moderator
#376
Senior Moderator
Originally posted by scalbert
I agree with soopa, the car is great looking. Having owned BMW's this one will be considered.
Additionally, comments from pw's who are barely old enough to drive should be reserved or taken with a grain of salt.
I agree with soopa, the car is great looking. Having owned BMW's this one will be considered.
Additionally, comments from pw's who are barely old enough to drive should be reserved or taken with a grain of salt.
fuckin
#377
Cost Drivers!!!!
Originally posted by gavriil
The M5 is expected to be unveiled in Geneva next March. UK prices are expected to be £55k.
The car has a 5.0litre, 40-valve V10, developing 500bhp and 500Nm (369lb ft - same as current car). Prototypes have been rumoured to have 540bhp at a massive 10,000rpm - but this is likely to be reduced to 9000rpm. 0-60 should be 4.5secs and top speed will be again limited to 155mph.
The M5 is expected to be unveiled in Geneva next March. UK prices are expected to be £55k.
The car has a 5.0litre, 40-valve V10, developing 500bhp and 500Nm (369lb ft - same as current car). Prototypes have been rumoured to have 540bhp at a massive 10,000rpm - but this is likely to be reduced to 9000rpm. 0-60 should be 4.5secs and top speed will be again limited to 155mph.
9k RPM on a v10 McLaren f1 engine?
#381
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I happened to see a brand new 5 series on the road today. looked in my rearview and there were those cool headlights .. really liked the look of the whole car on the road. then he turned off before I could get a race
#382
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Originally posted by Zapata
9k RPM on a v10 McLaren f1 engine?
9k RPM on a v10 McLaren f1 engine?
#383
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Originally posted by Crazy Sellout
E55 who?
E55 who?
So dont count the E55 out just yet. Dont be surpirsed to see 550HP from the 2006 E55 and high 11s on the 1/4. It would be just a..."shorter diameter supercharger pulley" away.
#385
Cost Drivers!!!!
Originally posted by gavriil
I am moderately doubting that the M5 will be quicker than the E55. Especially after the Mercedes engineers turn up the boost after the launch of the M5 (personal guess). Mercedes folks are now very serious about raw, brutal power and torque. They aint playing games any more. It's all out war for them and they will win it becuase they chose the guarranteed way of making serious power. Force fed, large engines.
So dont count the E55 out just yet. Dont be surpirsed to see 550HP from the 2006 E55 and high 11s on the 1/4. It would be just a..."shorter diameter supercharger pulley" away.
I am moderately doubting that the M5 will be quicker than the E55. Especially after the Mercedes engineers turn up the boost after the launch of the M5 (personal guess). Mercedes folks are now very serious about raw, brutal power and torque. They aint playing games any more. It's all out war for them and they will win it becuase they chose the guarranteed way of making serious power. Force fed, large engines.
So dont count the E55 out just yet. Dont be surpirsed to see 550HP from the 2006 E55 and high 11s on the 1/4. It would be just a..."shorter diameter supercharger pulley" away.
#389
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For comparison reasons:
This is the 2003 M5 tachometer
Again specs are:
4.9 liter V8 with 394HP at 6600 rpm.
Torque 368 ft-lbs at 3800 rpm.
Here is the spied 2005 M5 with the rumored 5.5 liter 500+HP engine.
This is the 2003 M5 tachometer
Again specs are:
4.9 liter V8 with 394HP at 6600 rpm.
Torque 368 ft-lbs at 3800 rpm.
Here is the spied 2005 M5 with the rumored 5.5 liter 500+HP engine.
#394
Senior Moderator
493HP E60 M5 Official.
M5 Powering Up For Launch
Engineers have lifted the lid on the new M5 - and it looks like BMW has gone power mad. Exclusive pictures in the current issue of Auto Express magazine show early reports that the V8 unit from the last version would be dropped in favour of a V10 are true, and the result is a 493bhp supercar-chaser that will be racing up alongside Mercedes' E55 AMG by the end of next year.
Thanks to the 5.0-litre engine, the M5's power output has increased by 93bhp, while torque is up 10 per cent to a huge 550Nm. Unlike on rivals from Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar, the firm has shunned the use of turbo or superchargers in favour of the smooth delivery of a normally aspirated unit. Performance is still expected to be blistering, with 0-62mph covered in 4.5 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed.
Power will be fed through a revised version of the M3's six-ratio SMG gearbox, but some other hi-tech aids may be left on the options list. A traction-control system will be fitted, along with the Dynamic Drive suspension set-up, but the German firm's new Active Steering could be frowned upon by buyers who want a more raw experience. The car will be officially revealed in the metal for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show in January, with production starting next autumn.
For those who want even more performance, a lightweight CSL version set to produce 542bhp is also in the pipeline. After the M5 project has been finished, BMW's motorsport division will turn its hand to the next M3. As with its 5-Series stablemate, this will get more cylinders, with the straight-six being replaced by a potent V8 when the newcomer goes on sale in 2006. Chris Thorp
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?news/...ry.php?id=41099
M5 Powering Up For Launch
Engineers have lifted the lid on the new M5 - and it looks like BMW has gone power mad. Exclusive pictures in the current issue of Auto Express magazine show early reports that the V8 unit from the last version would be dropped in favour of a V10 are true, and the result is a 493bhp supercar-chaser that will be racing up alongside Mercedes' E55 AMG by the end of next year.
Thanks to the 5.0-litre engine, the M5's power output has increased by 93bhp, while torque is up 10 per cent to a huge 550Nm. Unlike on rivals from Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar, the firm has shunned the use of turbo or superchargers in favour of the smooth delivery of a normally aspirated unit. Performance is still expected to be blistering, with 0-62mph covered in 4.5 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed.
Power will be fed through a revised version of the M3's six-ratio SMG gearbox, but some other hi-tech aids may be left on the options list. A traction-control system will be fitted, along with the Dynamic Drive suspension set-up, but the German firm's new Active Steering could be frowned upon by buyers who want a more raw experience. The car will be officially revealed in the metal for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show in January, with production starting next autumn.
For those who want even more performance, a lightweight CSL version set to produce 542bhp is also in the pipeline. After the M5 project has been finished, BMW's motorsport division will turn its hand to the next M3. As with its 5-Series stablemate, this will get more cylinders, with the straight-six being replaced by a potent V8 when the newcomer goes on sale in 2006. Chris Thorp
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?news/...ry.php?id=41099
#396
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A CSL M5? Holy moly! That would be interesting.
So the thinking was..."if we raise the M3 to 8 cylinders, wouldn't that make the M5 look not as good? - Yes....so let's give the M5 a bump to 10 cylinders to continue the tradition."
Makes sense.
So the thinking was..."if we raise the M3 to 8 cylinders, wouldn't that make the M5 look not as good? - Yes....so let's give the M5 a bump to 10 cylinders to continue the tradition."
Makes sense.
#399
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BMW Reverses Profit Slump on 5-Series Introduction (looong)
Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the world's second-largest maker of luxury cars, increased profit in the third quarter for the first time this year, helped by the introduction of the new 5-Series.
Net income rose 2.8 percent to 445 million euros ($510 million), or 66 cents a share, from 433 million euros, or 64 cents, a year earlier, Chief Executive Officer Helmut Panke said on a conference call. Sales fell 0.3 percent to 9.94 billion euros from 9.97 billion euros as the dollar weakened against the euro.
BMW is counting on demand for the new 5-Series, introduced in July, to meet a 2 billion-euro profit target for 2003. Sales of the model reversed the Munich-based carmaker's first-half profit slump. Panke reiterated the company will increase sales of Minis and Rolls-Royces as well as BMW-brand cars this year.
``BMW is holding to the path it's laid out for itself,'' said Trudbert Merkel, who helps manage the equivalent of $5.1 billion at Deka Investment in Frankfurt and owns BMW shares. ``It is the safest investment in the sector.''
BMW has sold 24,063 new 5-Series, which has a starting list price of 35,000 euros, since the introduction, 10 percent more than at the same point with the previous model. The waiting list for the diesel version is ``a couple of months,'' Panke said. The 5-Series competes with DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes E-Class and Volkswagen AG's Audi A6.
BMW-brand sales rose 12 percent in October, Panke said on the conference call.
``We're coming up on our target from below,'' he said. ``The trend changed in the third quarter and the positive development will strengthen in the fourth quarter.''
Unit sales grew 3.2 percent to 270,439 vehicles in the third quarter and 1.2 percent to 815,308 vehicles in the first nine months. The company sold 1.6 percent more BMW-brand vehicles in the third quarter. Sales of the Mini brand rose 11.3 percent.
In the first nine months of the year, sales of the 3-Series fell 9.1 percent to 398,378 units as the model aged. Sales of the 5-Series fell 3.9 percent. 5-Series sales grew 31 percent in the third quarter. The luxury 7-Series increased sales 5.1 percent to 40,634 in the first nine months of the year. Sales of the X5 sport-utility vehicle were little changed at 74,193 units.
Pretax profit at the automobiles unit grew 7.3 percent to 570 million euros. The motorcycle unit's loss widened to 15 million euros from 8 million euros as the company invested in developing new models to go on sale next year. Pretax profit at the financial services rose 7.1 percent to 120 million euros.
``The 5-Series as well as the financial services division helped boost earnings,'' said Wolfgang Albrecht, an analyst at Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg, who rates the company "buy.'' ``It was very positive that they reiterated their outlook for the full year, because even at the Frankfurt Motor Show it was uncertain if they would reach their targets.''
In addition to the new 5-Series, the company will introduce a new 6-Series coupe and an X3 sport-utility vehicle in January. The X3 will be positioned in a new segment beneath the X5, Mercedes M-Class and Porsche AG's Cayenne. BMW also plans to bring out a compact 1-Series in 2004.
The company wants to lure more U.S. buyers because that's where BMW expects higher sales growth next year. Sales of BMW-brand vehicles in the U.S. rose 5 percent in the first 10 months of the year and 17 percent in October. Mercedes-Benz's U.S. sales have increased 3.6 percent so far this year and 2.1 percent in October.
BMW has said its U.S. factories provide a natural hedge against currency risk because it imports the X5 and Z4 sports cars to Europe as well as exporting German-made cars to the U.S. The company says it's completely hedged against dollar-euro fluctuations this year.
The company also started manufacturing in China, the world's fastest-growing car market. BMW has set up a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. to build about 30,000 cars annually. It will build 3-Series and 5-Series cars. It aims to take sales from Volkswagen's Audi. Volkswagen is the leading luxury carmaker in China. Mercedes-Benz has signed an agreement to begin manufacturing there.
Net income rose 2.8 percent to 445 million euros ($510 million), or 66 cents a share, from 433 million euros, or 64 cents, a year earlier, Chief Executive Officer Helmut Panke said on a conference call. Sales fell 0.3 percent to 9.94 billion euros from 9.97 billion euros as the dollar weakened against the euro.
BMW is counting on demand for the new 5-Series, introduced in July, to meet a 2 billion-euro profit target for 2003. Sales of the model reversed the Munich-based carmaker's first-half profit slump. Panke reiterated the company will increase sales of Minis and Rolls-Royces as well as BMW-brand cars this year.
``BMW is holding to the path it's laid out for itself,'' said Trudbert Merkel, who helps manage the equivalent of $5.1 billion at Deka Investment in Frankfurt and owns BMW shares. ``It is the safest investment in the sector.''
BMW has sold 24,063 new 5-Series, which has a starting list price of 35,000 euros, since the introduction, 10 percent more than at the same point with the previous model. The waiting list for the diesel version is ``a couple of months,'' Panke said. The 5-Series competes with DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes E-Class and Volkswagen AG's Audi A6.
BMW-brand sales rose 12 percent in October, Panke said on the conference call.
``We're coming up on our target from below,'' he said. ``The trend changed in the third quarter and the positive development will strengthen in the fourth quarter.''
Unit sales grew 3.2 percent to 270,439 vehicles in the third quarter and 1.2 percent to 815,308 vehicles in the first nine months. The company sold 1.6 percent more BMW-brand vehicles in the third quarter. Sales of the Mini brand rose 11.3 percent.
In the first nine months of the year, sales of the 3-Series fell 9.1 percent to 398,378 units as the model aged. Sales of the 5-Series fell 3.9 percent. 5-Series sales grew 31 percent in the third quarter. The luxury 7-Series increased sales 5.1 percent to 40,634 in the first nine months of the year. Sales of the X5 sport-utility vehicle were little changed at 74,193 units.
Pretax profit at the automobiles unit grew 7.3 percent to 570 million euros. The motorcycle unit's loss widened to 15 million euros from 8 million euros as the company invested in developing new models to go on sale next year. Pretax profit at the financial services rose 7.1 percent to 120 million euros.
``The 5-Series as well as the financial services division helped boost earnings,'' said Wolfgang Albrecht, an analyst at Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg, who rates the company "buy.'' ``It was very positive that they reiterated their outlook for the full year, because even at the Frankfurt Motor Show it was uncertain if they would reach their targets.''
In addition to the new 5-Series, the company will introduce a new 6-Series coupe and an X3 sport-utility vehicle in January. The X3 will be positioned in a new segment beneath the X5, Mercedes M-Class and Porsche AG's Cayenne. BMW also plans to bring out a compact 1-Series in 2004.
The company wants to lure more U.S. buyers because that's where BMW expects higher sales growth next year. Sales of BMW-brand vehicles in the U.S. rose 5 percent in the first 10 months of the year and 17 percent in October. Mercedes-Benz's U.S. sales have increased 3.6 percent so far this year and 2.1 percent in October.
BMW has said its U.S. factories provide a natural hedge against currency risk because it imports the X5 and Z4 sports cars to Europe as well as exporting German-made cars to the U.S. The company says it's completely hedged against dollar-euro fluctuations this year.
The company also started manufacturing in China, the world's fastest-growing car market. BMW has set up a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. to build about 30,000 cars annually. It will build 3-Series and 5-Series cars. It aims to take sales from Volkswagen's Audi. Volkswagen is the leading luxury carmaker in China. Mercedes-Benz has signed an agreement to begin manufacturing there.