Tuesday 22 May 2012

The BMW ///M6, also known as the BMW M635CSi, is a high-performance version of the 6-Series automobile, designed by the motorsport division of BMW. The BMW M6 was produced from 1983 to 1989, and then 2005 to 2010. Third generation was introduced on February 12th, 2012 via internet press release.





This BMW M6 concept made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is based on the BMW E63/E64 6-Series, introduced in 2004. It shares the same 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5, and produces 373 kW (500 hp) / 520 N·m (380 lb·ft).

BMW claims it accelerates from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Road & Track measured the 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time as 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 312 kilometres per hour (194 mph) but it is limited to 249 km/h (155 mph).

The M6 has the same 'power button' as the M5 which modifies the throttle response. From ignition, the car delivers 399 bhp (298 kW; 405 PS), but engaging the M button allows the full 373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp). It weighs 1,710 kg (3,770 lb) Road & Track (Feb 2006) compared to the 1,660 kg (3,650 lb) E92 BMW M3 Road & Track (Dec 2007) thanks to a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof panel as well as thermoplastic front wings, aluminum doors and bonnet and compound boot lid.
The carbon fibre and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the center of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing the moment of inertia and lowering the center of mass height.


It was offered as both a coupe and a cabriolet. A lightweight CSL version of the M6 was expected to be released in the near future, however, BMW has since 
officially stated that no such version of the M6 will be built, as there is currently no market for such a model. The 2007 coupe is expected to have a 0-60 mph time of about 4.1 seconds (4.6 convertible)(Road and Track, March 2006). Both the M6 coupe and convertible can be visually distinguished from the 630i, 645Ci and 650i by their deeper front valance with air intakes, more contoured side sills, aerodynamic side view mirrors, an additional rear valance with diffuser and the absence of front fog lights.



In the 2010 model year, the M6 was the second-most expensive BMW sold in the U.S. after the 760Li ($137,000), with anMSRP of $108,150 for the convertible and $102,350 for the coupe. In the U.S. the M6 had one of the largest residual value drops at 19%, as it had little if any changes since its 2006 introduction.
Production of the M6 ended in mid 2010, with sales over the five year run totalling 9,087 for the coupe and 5,056 for the convertible.


Thursday 17 May 2012


The BMW ///M5 is a high performance version of the BMW 5-Series executive car built by the Motorsport division of BMW. First introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, the first incarnation of the M5 was hand-built utilizing the 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine, being the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its introduction. Subsequent iterations of the M5 have been built from each generation of the 5-Series platform, including the E34, E39, E60/E61, and most recently, F10, with the first orders to be delivered in late 2011.
Due to the longevity of its nameplate and undisputed position at the top of BMW's midsize lineup, the M5 remains one of the best known sport sedans, despite competition from Mercedes-AMG and Audi quattro GmbH.


E60 M5 (2005–2010)

The E60 M5 was introduced in 2005. It has a 4,999 cc (305.1 cu in) BMW V10 S85 engine redlining at 8250 rpm, and developing a peak output of 507 PS (373 kW; 500 bhp) and 520 N·m (380 lb·ft) of torque. Unlike some other BMW engines which utilise Valvetronic to infinitely vary valve lift to eliminate the throttle plate, this engine has individual throttle bodies per cylinder. The E60 M5 was the world's first production sedan to feature a V10 petrol engine.
Other key features include a stiffened aluminum chassis and a 7-speed SMG III sequential manual gearbox, also known as a single-clutch automated manual transmission. Front fog lights are unavailable for the M5, as the amount of air required to cool the brakes under spirited driving applications requires the spaces under the bumper, normally occupied by fog lights in other E60 cars, to be reallocated for air cooling ducts.
Despite the criticism of the Chris Bangle-designed chassis, the difficult iDrive interface, and the lack of smoothness of the SMG III transmission, the E60 M5 was the most successful M5, despite being on the market for one year shorter than the E39 M5. During its five year run, 20,548 units were built composing of 19,523 saloons and 1,025 wagons. 8,800 were sold in the U.S., all of the sedan variety. Great Britain and Ireland claimed 1,776 examples, followed by BMW's home market of Germany with 1,647 units, and 1,357 were sold in Japan. Italian enthusiasts claimed 512 units, and 339 examples were sold in Australia.

The BMW M5, along with the E63/64 BMW M6, were designed to use the new Getrag SMG III single-clutch seven speedsemi-automatic transmission. Gerd Richter, the head of BMW M, defended the decision to use a single-clutch sequential manual gearbox rather than a twin-clutch unit, saying "True, the dual-clutch system has a smoother automatic mode, and it performs seamless upshifts. For a 7-series, this may be the way to go. But an M car should always combine efficiency with emotion. That's why there are six shift speeds to choose from, from velvet glove to iron fist. That's why we cut the torque into seven slices. That's why we added special features like a hill holder, a designated drive program for steep climbs and descents, and a downshift assistant, which briefly dips the clutch to avoid destabilizing wheel spin." The SMG III transmission, while responsive at the track, has been criticized for its general lack of smoothness in everyday driving, and by 2010 it was considered outdated as most manufacturers were using dual clutch transmissions instead. Based on suggestions from the motoring press, BMW announced in October 2006 that a 6-speed conventional manual transmission would be available in North America, this became the base transmission in these markets while SMG III is an option. The 6-speed manual M5 was marginally slower, since the dynamic stability control could not be disengaged unlike the SMG version. This however, was changed with the release of a Service Bulletin in November 2007 for a retrofit allowing DSC to be disabled as well as the function being implemented into the introduction of the 2008 model year M5 as well as the M6. The SMG III includes the "Launch Control" feature. However, the US spec vehicles have a reduced RPM to prevent vehicle damage and abuse.
The M5 features several Formula One inspired engine and transmission controls. There is launch control which allows maximum performance standing starts automatically. The Getrag SMG III single-clutch semi-automatic transmission has the option of changing to either automated or manual, as well as the speed at which shifts are completed (there are 11 shift programmes in total forming what BMW calls Drivelogic). Manual shifting can be done with either a console shifter, or the steering wheel mounted shift paddles, both of which are fitted to all SMG M5s. The console shifter is the type used on manumatic transmissions; tipping it backward (toward the "+") shifts up, while a forward tip (toward the "-") shifts down. The shifter can be moved to the left to access neutral and reverse. The car also features a "power" button on the navigation panel (labeled "M") which offers access to three modes: P400 (limiting the engine to 400 PS (294 kW; 395 bhp) for daily driving use), P500 (unleashes the full 507 PS (373 kW; 500 bhp)), and P500 S (for full power and sharper throttle response, selectable only from the "M Drive Settings" in the iDrive menu). P400 is the default start-up mode, the P500 modes are preselected using iDrive and then activated from P500 S using the "M" button.
The E60 M5 took the title of the most powerful midsize sport sedan when released, over direct competitors the Audi RS6 (C5) (4.2L biturbo V8) and the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (5.4L supercharged V8). All three vehicles are quoted by their manufacturers to reach 0-to-62-mph in a time of 4.7 seconds. Motor Trend's comparison test found that while the E55 AMG had a faster 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds versus the M5's 4.5 seconds due to the E55's greater low-end torque, the M5 had better driving dynamics. The E60 M5 Sedan is slightly slower than the E63 M6 Coupe, which is longer overall but has a shorter wheelbase, with the M6 also being lower to the ground and lighter.

The M5 has since then been overtaken by several newer rivals, specifically the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (507 bhp (378 kW; 514 PS) from a 6.2L V8), Audi RS6 (C6)(426 kW (579 PS; 571 bhp) from a 5.0L biturbo V10), and the second generation Cadillac CTS-V (556 bhp (415 kW; 564 PS)) which bested the M5's Nürburgring lap time.
  • 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 4.7s
    • (0–100 mph: 10.00, Road & Track [2/06])
    • (0–60 mph: 4.1s, Road & Track [2/06])
    • Power: 373 kW (507 PS; 500 bhp) at 7750 rpm
  • Torque: 520 N·m (384 lbf·ft) at 6100 rpm
  • Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) with electronic speed limiter; 170 mph with electronic speed limiter on vehicles with the Dynamic Stability Control deactivation update; only on G.B. models German models not limited 204 mph (328.3 km/h)(delimited)






Saturday 18 June 2011

E93 Convertible M3

BMW ///M3 Convertible
The fourth generation BMW M3 was announced on the 2007 Geneva Auto Show (Switzerland, March 6–18th, 2007) with the BMW M3 concept. As was the case with the E46 M3 Concept and E60 M5 Concept, the M3 Concept hid almost nothing of the looks of the production version, that had its world premiere on the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show IAA (Germany, September 13 to 23rd). It was originally set to be called M4 along with 3 Series coupes and convertibles that were to become the 4 Series, but due to the interest in retaining the M3 line, this change was scrapped. 
Similar to the previous M3 generations that introduced a new engine, the fourth generation M3 did the same: the BMW S65 engine. The S65B40 is a naturally aspirated, high-revving 4-litre V8 (based on the S85B50 5-litre V10 that powers the E60/E61 M5 and the E63/E64 M6 to date), delivering 414 bhp (309 kW; 420 PS) at 8300 rpm, with peak torque at 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) at 3900 rpm, which represents a power increase of 22% over the E46 M3. The engine weighs 15 kg (33 lb) less than the outgoing six cylinder for a total weight of 202 kg (450 lb). A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As from April 2008, BMW offers a new Getrag double-clutch gearbox, called M-DKG (Doppel-Kupplungs-Getriebe
) or M-DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) as an option, which reduces shift pauses to less than a tenth of a second and shortens the car's 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time by 0.2 seconds vs. manual. It features both automatic and manual modes similar to the SMG gearboxes in the E36 and E46, but with more speed and efficiency.
The E92 M3 coupe inherited a carbon-fiber roof similar to the one used on the E46 CSL. For 2009, the E9x M3 received the same revisions as non-M 3 series models. Those changes included revised front and rear bumpers, and LED tail lights. Recent testing by Car and Driver magazine has shown that the 2011 M3 equipped with an M-DCT transmission accelerated from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and went on to record a 12.4 second quarter mile time. This is almost half a second quicker than 2008-2010 M3 models with the same engine and transmission.

The new M3 is again available as a 4-door sedan, based on the E90 3-Series sedan, but unlike the regular sedans, the M3 version shares the coupé's wide and sculpted front end, including headlights. Sedans however, do not get the coupé's carbon-fiber roof, and are 22 lb (10 kg) heavier, than identically-equipped coupés.
lthough BMW M3 sedan front-end design matches the specific look and high-performance character of the Coupé; the side-sills and rear diffuser are tailored for the sedan. The M3 Sedan is powered by the same engine as the other two versions. In 2008, a four-door (E90), six-speed manual transmission M3 accelerated to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds in a Motor Trend test, matching the performance of the M3 Coupé.

The E93 hardtop convertible version joined the M3 lineup shortly after the E92's launch, and is based directly off of the M3 Coupé. The convertible uses a power retractable hardtop which adds 441 lb (200 kg) to the weight of the car, bringing the total to 4,145 lb (1,880 kg) with a considerable negative impact on the convertible's overall performance. The convertible features a special leather surface for the seats that reflect sunlight to reduce the tendency of seats to become uncomfortably hot with the top down.
DieCast by Kyosho 1:18 & The Stig Figure.








Thursday 2 June 2011

The BMW ///M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's tuning branch BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupe, sedan and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive (yet at times smaller) engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color "M" (Motorsport) emblem.


The E46 M3, first introduced in October, 2000, appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW (except in the McLaren F1), producing 343 horsepower (256 kW) and 365 N·m (269 lb·ft). It was only available in coupe and convertible bodies as the sedan version was dropped.
The E46 M3 was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II). This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal. Shifts are made via the SMGgear knob or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The engine had a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 again had 6 independent throttle bodies and this time electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable).
In the U.S., the E46 M3 came with similar engine output as the European version, unlike in the E36, whose engine was derived from the M50/52 series engine. Power was now at 333 bhp (248 kW; 338 PS) due to close-coupled catalytic converters closer to the engine exhaust ports. In 2009, Road and Track magazine announced the 2006 M3 with the SMG transmission as its favorite sports car of all time.


M3 CSL come with M3 bag (Kyosho)

 The BMW M3 CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtbau) was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run. The CSL was never released into the North American market, and was only available in two colours - Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The M3 CSL has a kerb weight of 1,385 kg (3,050 lb), 110 kg (240 lb) lighter than the regular M3. The CSL features many weight saving technologies taken from BMW's Formula One racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation has been removed,electric seats, and navigation systems. Air conditioning and stereo systems could be retrofitted free of cost, but were not available standard. The CSL's unique body pieces are all crafted from carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Glass-reinforced plastics are used throughout structural points in the car.The rear glass window was replaced with lightweight plastic. Although the CSL loses a considerable amount of curb weight from its original version, the focus was put on strategically reducing or moving the weight in the car rather than the raw amount of weight that could be lost. This is to retain the ideal 50:50 weight distribution characteristics the E46 has. For example, the roof is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. While this only reduces the curb weight of the car by 7 kg (15 lb), it lowers the center of gravity of the car and decreases body flex. 
In order to improve the handling ability of the car, the entire suspension system was further refined. Specially developed racing springs and dampers are given to the CSL, and a tightened steering ratio (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3) improves responsiveness. The braking system is also modified, with larger front and rear floating rotors and calipers from the E39 M5. The CSL is given a retuned dynamic stability control system with a "M track mode" setting that allows the car to be pushed to its absolute limits before being activated.
The 3.2L engine used in the M3, the BMW S54, has been modified to increased output by 17 hp (13 kW) and 5 N·m (1 lbf) over the European M3. This is achieved through a high flow carbon fiber air intake, modified valve and camshaft timing, and a retuned DME. However, the engine is further modified in order to reduce weight - it features a lightweight exhaust manifold and thinner exhaust piping. Additionally, the intake and exhaust manifolds are slightly straightened to improve engine responsiveness.

The CSL also has various aesthetic modifications over the standard M3. It received an aerodynamic lightweight body kit which included carbon fiber front splitters that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%, as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The front bumper has a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake. The boot floor is made of cardboard. The boot lid is redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the standard M3 where one is simply added on to a flat boot. The CSL was sold with distinct 19 inch lightweight forged BBS alloy rims that came with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slick racing tires. The interior of the CSL is redesigned with a sporty-weight saving theme. The CSL obtains fiberglass front racing bucket seats, and fiberglass backed rear seats. The center console, door panels and trim, and headliner are all formed from carbon fiber, and the steering wheel is redesigned with cruise control, stereo, and phone controls removed to include just a single button that activates the M track mode.

Unlike the standard M3, which was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, or optionally a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II), the CSL was offered only with the SMG II transmission. This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal, similar to an Formula One style transmission. However, the CSL received a more advanced drivelogic unit than the standard M3 that was capable of making shifts in 0.08 of a second.