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[Jenkins 1.993]

Zet de E85 er ook nog maar bij

[Soul 5.216]

TEST DRIVE: 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i — Bavaria’s Best SUV

• aren

Let’s start this review out buy saying the new-generation of BMW X5 (G05) is excellent. It’s everything I hoped it would be and then some. …

Let’s start this review out buy saying the new-generation of BMW X5 (G05) is excellent. It’s everything I hoped it would be and then some. But before we talk about it and how good it is, we have to take a short trip backward, into the past, for a bit of a history lesson on the original X5 (E53).

Back in 1999, BMW released its first ever SUV. Not only did it release its first ever SUV but that very SUV was the first BMW to ever be built in America at the brand’s then-new Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Now, Spartanburg is a powerhouse of manufacturing, building all of BMW’s rear-drive SUVs for the entire world market. In fact, it’s one of the largest auto manufacturing plants in the U.S., regardless of brand, and the X5 is one of BMW’s best-selling, most important vehicles. In hindsight, it’s easy to see how much of a slam dunk all of this was. However, it wasn’t always so clear.

 

 

Before the BMW first debuted the X5, it’s announcement was not met with a warm welcome from BMW enthusiasts. The idea of their favorite Bavarians developing a big, heavy, bulky SUV rather than a small, slinky sports car, was downright heretical. Once it hit the road though, critics and customers alike were smitten. Journalists waxed poetic about the original X5’s ability to blend SUV-levels of practicality with sport-sedan engagement, while hundreds of thousands of customer put X5s in their driveways because of it. It was a smash hit and deservedly so. It was truly the first car to provide the luxury and comfort of premium SUV while still delivering the driving dynamics and positive driver feel of a smaller sport sedan.

 

We’re talking about the original X5 is because this new one reminds me of it. In fact, I think it’s even better and possibly the best SUV BMW has ever made.

 

The specific model I had the opportunity of driving for a week was the BMW X5 xDrive40i xLine, meaning it was the base model X5 with the 3.0 liter inline-six engine and in its standard trim level. However, my specific tester was loaded to the brim with optional extras, bringing the price to a not-so-insignificant $76,070 after destination. For context, the much larger, more luxurious, seven-passenger BMW X7 starts at about $75,000 after destination. Still, it’s the BMW X5 you want unless you absolutely need the extra space.

 

The term “base model” might not sound very premium but that’s irrelevant here because the X5, even in its lowest xDrive40i spec, is absolutely lovely and I’d seriously be surprised if any customer wanted more from it. That “base” engine is BMW’s B58 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 and it makes 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. That’s slightly less torque than you’ll find in other Bimmers with the same engine but, believe me, it won’t leave you wanting for more shove.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it until my lungs fail, BMW’s B58 engine is one of the very best six-cylinder engines on the planet and its ample power, smooth delivery and growly noise make fun and easy work of hustling the big BMW X5 around. Especially when paired with its eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which when left to its own devices is near-telepathic in delivering the desired gear. It’s so good that I never once felt the need to take over myself and swap cogs with the paddles.

BMW claims the X5 xDrive40i can get from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and that feels entirely believable. Though, it doesn’t matter. The new X5 is more than quick enough and provides ample shove, enough to put you back in your seat when you put your foot down. It also sounds good. From the outside, it starts with a subtle bark, which then settles into a quite growl. Even though it’s a family hauling SUV, it sounds like it has a proper BMW engine under its hood. Inside, at around town speeds or at idle, its virtually silent. Pin the throttle, though, and you’re treated to a raspy, metallic growl, however real it may or may not be. There’s definitely some speaker augmentation going on but it’s not absurd or ridiculous, though it does get louder and more noticeable in Sport mode. Still, the straight-six’s performance will never leave you wanting for the V8 and makes the more expensive X5 xDrive50i seem entirely unnecessary.

It’s engine isn’t what makes the BMW X5 so brilliant, though. That engine is in every six-cylinder non-M BMW at the moment. So it’s greatness is expected. What makes the new G05 X5 so great, and what draws comparisons to its original predecessor, is how it moves and how it feels around you.

Despite being a big, heavy SUV, the new BMW X5 drives with the deftness and agility of a much smaller sport sedan. While it might not be G20 3 Series-like, it’s not as far off as its size would imply. The chassis feels light and athletic and it gives you the impression that it’s rotating around you, the driver, like a good Bimmer should. Its steering is also excellent for an SUV. It’s light in weight but it loads up nicely as you turn off center and BMW’s new variable-ratio steering is far more progressive than it used to be; allowing you to lean on it and be confidant that it will deliver what you ask of it.

My tester was fitted with the optional two-axle air suspension, which is entirely worth the money. With it comes 5 different height settings, allowing you to jack the ride height up for extra clearance or drop it down for better dynamics. In Comfort and its middle height setting, it does a great job of really smothering bumps and road imperfections, while avoiding feeling floaty or smushy. Even in Comfort, it’s always composed and ready to handle a sharp corner or two. Put it in Sport mode and drop the suspension down a bit and it tightens up, allowing the big Bavarian to handle with far better athleticism and fun than you’d expect from a car of its size. All while never losing its compliance or comfort.

When it’s time to settle down and cruise, the BMW X5 is more than capable as well. Its cabin is quiet, with the only noise I can recall coming from its brand-new Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires, and its ride is effortless, allowing cross-continent trips without an ounce of fatigue. I did a couple of long-ish trips in the X5 during my week with it and could have easily driven for hours more. It’s a wonderful road-trip companion and makes even a trip to the store enjoyable.

All of this is reminiscent of the first X5. That car had the balance that BMW enthusiasts were used to, the near-perfect harmony of comfort and composure. The E53 was comfortable, quiet, luxurious and spacious while also delivering BMW-like athletics and that same positive driver feedback that had become synonymous with the blue and white Roundel. Never since its first generation has the X5 so deftly walked that line between luxury and agility, comfort and precision. And I think this new one is even better, simply because it does so while offering so much more.

Like the original, the G05 X5’s interior has some of the best build quality in the industry, is flush with beautiful materials and has a subtle but elegant design. Now, though, it’s packed with more technology than a Silicon Valley break room. BMW’s latest iDrive system is the best infotainment system ever fitted to an automobile and that isn’t hyperbole. It’s slick and easy to use, features sharp graphics and an intuitive layout. Its new digital instrument panel is also great to look at and use, even if it falls short of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in terms of configurability.

Then there’s BMW’s digital A.I assistant with natural voice recognition. So just say “Hey, BMW” (or whatever activation phrase you program for it) and it activates — like Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa — allowing you to ask it to do any number of things; everything from navigation instructions to changing the interior temperature. It works well enough but does sometimes misunderstand commands. The absolute best feature, though, is the X5’s heated/cooled cupholders. Why that isn’t as-standard on all vehicles I’ve yet to understand.

Still, all of that tech is quiet tech; always in the background and never in your face. So it just feels like a really lovely car interior and never feels like a rolling computer, which helps the BMW X5 to be relaxing. There isn’t that feeling of busyness or that overwhelming sense of a learning curve felt in a lot of modern high-tech luxury caras.

One incredible piece of kit that doesn’t sit in the background is the laser headlight option. To be honest, driving this X5 tester was my first ever experience with laser headlights and they’re amazing. They’re not great, they’re not good, they’re absolutely amazing. While driving through some especially dark roads near my house, turning them on was like turning on the sun. I don’t know the exact figures for how far they shine but it seemed like two football fields of light in front of the car. With the high beams on, it might as well have been daylight. Incredible and worth the money. Plus, they look awesome from the outside.

Not only is this new X5 the most high-tech of them all, it’s also more premium than ever before. While it competes in the same segment as its forefather and is priced where it should be, it feels like it’s a step above any X5 before it. Its thoughtful design, rich leather, premium materials and stunning ambient lighting all make it feel like a more luxurious and expensive car than all of its predecessors, even while factoring in their age. Honestly, I’d rather sit in the X5 than in the 7 Series and never could that be said before.

After the original E53-gen BMW X5, its successors became more focused on luxury, comfort and practicality, shifting the original’s balance more to one side. Now, though, that balance is has been restored. The G05-generation BMW X5 once again has the beloved Bavarian blend of comfort and agility. Except this time it offers more of it all than ever before. Because of that, I truly believe that it’s the best BMW SUV ever made.

 

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/01/28/test-drive-2019-bmw-x5-xdrive40i-bavarias-best-suv/

[Soul 5.216]

BMW M760Li xDrive LCI to offer twelve Individual Colors

Now that the LCI facelift for the BMW 7 Series has been revealed, the big-dog BMW M760Li also gets a new face. So its Kidney …

Now that the LCI facelift for the BMW 7 Series has been revealed, the big-dog BMW M760Li also gets a new face. So its Kidney Grilles now match the size of its monster engine. However, owners of the BMW M760Li don’t want to look as if they own just a regular 7 Series, something a plebeian would drive. M760Li owners want to show off that they have the biggest, baddest, most expensive 7er on the market. So it would make sense for them to opt for one of BMW Individual’s twelve new colors.

BMW M recently took to Facebook to post the twelve new Individual paint colors for the BMW M760Li xDrive and they’re all interesting and different from the standard colors available for the 7er. Though, it must be said that none of them are particularly adventurous. It’s not as if you’re going to find Dakar Yellow in there.

 

Still, there are some interesting color options to make your big 7er stand out. For instance, the very first color show, Aventurine Red II Metallic, is a very nice option for the M760Li. With the contrast aluminum accents and its massive grilles, it looks rather handsome in this shade of red.

 

 

There are also three of BMW’s “Frozen” colors, which are sort of matte in finish. These include Frozen Arctic Grey, Frozen Dark Grey and Frozen Dark Brown. All of which are metallic and they all look rather good.

 

If you’re buying a BMW M760Li, getting a special color is a wise decision. The car is already incredibly expensive, so the extra cost is not really an issue. However, any of these new Individual colors will make an already special car that much more so. Under the hood of the M760Li lies BMW’s 6.6 liter twin-turbocharged V12 makes 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, after the LCI refresh. So with that sort of power under the hood, you want to look powerful as well. These colors might help.

 

https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/01/30/bmw-m760li-xdrive-lci-to-offer-twelve-individual-colors/

[tuscani 10.035]

voor wat dienen de rode knoppen op dit stuur? Ze zijn zo prominent aanwezig.

[Alexx 3.276]

Sneltoets voor gepersonaliseerde rijstanden. 

 

Bv M1: stuur, gas, vering in comfort

M2: dsc uit en alles in sport plus.

[Soul 5.216]

Individual BMW M850i Arrives in Abu Dhabi Wearing Carbon Fiber Bits

 

The guys from BMW’s Abu Dhabi dealership have probably seen them all. They do create some breathtaking combos at times, probably because their customers are …

The guys from BMW’s Abu Dhabi dealership have probably seen them all. They do create some breathtaking combos at times, probably because their customers are interested in peculiar combinations. This time around however, someone ordered an Individual BMW M850i xDrive that’s a bit toned down compared to what we usually see on their catwalk. That doesn’t take away any of the car’s appeal though.

This particular car does seem a bit different than other M850i models you’ve seen so far, doesn’t it? What’s with the add-ons inside the air intakes at the front, right? Well, this car is fitted with BMW’s M Carbon exterior package which adds small bits of carbon fiber in the front air intakes of the front bumper, carbon fiber covers for the side mirrors and a one-piece trim on the rear bumper encompassing the tailpipes. The front grilles have also been changed out with black ones as the original chrome details probably would’ve ruined the overall dark theme of this car.

 

 

The interior is part of the Individual composition and is made of Merino leather in a combination of Finarot and Black leather with the Anthracite black healiner as well. It may be a bit too much for some, as I know people who don’t agree with red leather being used inside the car. However, in my eye and, of course, in the eye of the owner who ordered this combination, it does look pretty good.

 

There’s no word on whether anything has been changed under the hood as well. As we all know, the Abu Dhabi dealer likes to tune the cars delivered to their customers, if they so desire. Over the years we’ve seen some pretty near combinations including bits from European and American tuners being used on one car. Maybe we’ll see one such mix on an M850i being delivered there as well one of these days.

 

[Gixxer 611]

[Soul 5.216]

1994 BMW 850CSi values are shooting up

It wasn’t too long ago that the first-gen BMW 8 Series could be had for affordable prices. Due to a bad reputation of poor reliability …

It wasn’t too long ago that the first-gen BMW 8 Series could be had for affordable prices. Due to a bad reputation of poor reliability and high cost of maintenance, a lot of enthusiasts didn’t want to invest a ton into a car that wasn’t all that incredible to drive anyway. Now that this new 8 Series is out, though, and a sort of cult-following has quickly grown around the first-gen car, it’s gaining value and this specific 1994 BMW 850CSi sold for a quite a hefty amount of money.

At first glance, this specific car isn’t really all that special. It has 105,000 miles-ish on its 5.6 liter, 372 hp, naturally-aspirated V12. It does have one special attribute, though — its color scheme. It’s apparently the only BMW 850CSi for its model year to wear Alpine White paint with black interior. Also, the 850CSi is rare in itself, with only 225 coming to America. Still, $76,000 is a lot of money for a car of its age that isn’t perfect.

 

 

There’s some rust on the sunroof and some minor scuffs on the body. So while it’s in nice shape, it’s not perfect. Yet it sold for more than a brand-new BMW M2. For that money, you can get a perfect, lower-mileage 1 Series M and have a lot more fun.

 

Don’t get me wrong, the BMW 850CSi is an awesome car. It pairs a free-breathing V12 with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, all in a seductive grand touring body. So it’s very cool but you can get cooler cars, cooler BMWs even, for the same money. It’s possible that it keeps accruing in value, though, and we’re hoping so for the buyer’s sake. So maybe it’s a wise investment.

 

Still, it’s wild to see values of first-gen 8 Series’ shooting up, as they weren’t big hits all that long ago.

[Soul 5.216]

 

[Soul 5.216]

BMW South Africa is restoring a BMW 530 MLE — the unofficial original M5

We all know the first official BMW M5 to be based off of the E28-generation 5 Series. However, there was actually a 5 Series developed …

We all know the first official BMW M5 to be based off of the E28-generation 5 Series. However, there was actually a 5 Series developed by the M Division prior to that but it was an extremely limited run only in South Africa and, because of that, is rather unknown to BMW enthusiasts. That car was the BMW 530 MLE and it was based off the original E12-generation 5 Series.

In the mid-’70s, BMW South Africa wanted to take part in South Africa’s Modified Production Racing Series. To do so, BMW’s Motorsport Division used the E12 5 Series to make the BMW 530 MLE (Motorsport Limited Edition). Two race cars were made and then they had to be homologated for road use, so as to qualify for the racing series.

 

 

There were two different 530 MLEs to hit the road; Type 1 and Type 2. In 1976, only 110 Type 1 examples were made and in 1977, 117 Type 2 examples were made. So it was a very rare and limited car, even in just one market. Though, because it was actually developed by BMW’s Motorsport Division, the BMW 530 MLE is technically the first BMW M car, even though it wasn’t officially. Not only is it the first Motorsport-developed 5 Series but it even preceded the original BMW M1.

 

Under the hood was a 3.0 liter inline-six that made 197 hp and could get the BMW 530 MLE from 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds. That’s not fast by modern standards but was relatively quick then. Every BMW 530 MLE that left that factory was white with widened fenders, a front spoiler, a rear spoiler and lightweight Mahle wheels with M Division livery.

 

All 530 MLEs were thought to be lost to history but, just recently, BMW South Africa found chassis number 770100, the 100th one made, and bought it. Now, a team of workers that actually worked on the original is helping to fully restore the BMW 530 MLE back to its original glory. This is an awesome project and we can’t wait to see the final result.

[binnenmuisarchitekt 13.104]

wooow da's wel cool

[DDke 7.308]

Ja, da’s een vet project. 

[Soul 5.216]

[binnenmuisarchitekt 13.104]

Dat verhaal es zitten opzoeken over de 530 MLE. Eigenlijk de eerste echte M BMW.

Supercool.

Thx Soul, wist ik nog niet!

[Tommie 8.531]

21 uren geleden, Soul zei:

@RRD Holy smokes.

[Niko80 5.714]

22 hours ago, Soul said:

Mijn pa heeft zo'n 750iL gehad

[gTa 24.154]

Op 10/2/2019 om 15:15, Soul zei:

Wel knapper in korte versie.

[Phil 11.563]

Zoals alle Zeuvens.

[gTa 24.154]

4 minuten geleden, Phil zei:

Zoals alle Zeuvens.

Ik denk dat ik akkoord ga.

[Timo 15.240]

28 minutes ago, gTa said:

Ik denk dat ik akkoord ga.

745LI  (ik herhaal mijzelf weer).

Qua looks blijf ik dit geniaal vinden. Heb altijd een zwak gehad voor die doorlopende lichtbalk. Ook op de cadillac STS van mijn vader. 

Ik vind het jammer hoe moeilijk het na al die jaren is geworden om via google fatsoenlijke high-res (zelfs toen had je ze wel) foto's te vinden van oudere BMWs. Ik krijg enkel lelijke johnnie bakken gezien compleet fout getuned en/of schadeauto's. 

745li met deze velgen

 

 

[Soul 5.216]

[Timo 15.240]

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/m5/1999-bmw-m5/9324940

[gTa 24.154]

Zalig. Béétje jammer van de buitenkleur in combinatie met het Heritage interieur.

En wat mij betreft, bij de E39 M5: PFL > FL.  

[Timo 15.240]

@gTa

Even hier maar verder posten. Ik blijf fan deze M5 en M6 reeks, die voorbumper was zo mooi (ronding), velgen passen ook perfect. Heel afgelikt. Vond het ook altijd mooi om een gewone 5 met een M-pakket te zien. Zeker al die 535d's. En dan de occasionele 545i.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/m5/bmw-e60-m5-5-0-v10-smg-507-bhp-lci-facelift-2007-57/9213918

 

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/m5/very-rare-e60-m5--indianapolis-red--great-history--just-serviced-at-bmw/9348797

 

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/m5/bmw-m5-e60-only-8800-miles/9183253

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/m5/bmw-5-series-m5-v10-low-miles-fsh-a-fantastic-example/9238626

 

[gTa 24.154]

Ja, dik.  

Bij de E60/E61 moet het voor mij wel altijd een LCI (zooooveeeel beter afgewerkt interieur, eigenlijk op 't niveau van de latere F10/F11 zelfs), idealiter zelfs eentje van 2009 of 2010 (wegens de latere, veel betere iDrive).

Dat rijdt echt goed, die auto. (Niet M5 bedoel ik, maar gewoon een RWD E60/E61 met de juiste uitrusting.)  Belachelijk goeie auto. 

Met wel z'n zwakke puntjes, die moet je kennen. Panodak op de touring vermijden (ofwel minutieus en zeer regelmatig de afwaterkanaaltjes van het panodak reinigen en vrijmaken). Opletten met de compressor van de luchtvering achteraan. Kabelboom kofferklep touring is bij alle productiejaren een zwak punt en zal je hoogst waarschijnlijk eens moeten vervangen. Dure kar ook om kleine detskes mee te zetten, vooral langs voor, door de alu koetswerkpanelen en crashstructuur die sneller (dan staal) vervormt. Aircocompressor gaat er quasi altijd aan tussen de 150k en 250k en kost wel wat. En voor een auto van dat segment is de geluidsisolatie vanuit 't motorcompartiment eigenlijk flagrant onvoldoende (maar als je met een atmo R6 of V8 benzine rijdt in zo'n koets, is dat net een pluspunt). En de altijd opduikende roestblaasjes op de kofferklep, daar waar de onderhoeken van de achterruit (city-klep) tot tegen het kofferdeksel knallen als je de city-klep dicht mept.

De runner up ideale E60 (zonder M5) is eigenlijk een 2009/2010 touring met de 258pk "30i" uit de prefacelift (tem 2006), wegens veel betrouwbaarder motor dan de 272pk 30i met directe injectie. Topper is natuurlijk de V8 yep. Geen idee welke van de twee (de 4.4 uit de 545i of de 4.8 uit de 550i) de betere is, denk niet dat de 4.8 de mindere van de twee is qua betrouwbaarheid, dus doe me maar een manueel geschakelde 550i touring uit 2009/2010 alstublieft.