Official X5 ///M Press Release and Pics(updated post 51)

[BGM]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Personally, I don't like the style 214 wheels, too floral and un-sporty design to my taste. Probably 215s or even style 128s, nice 5-spoke design, simple and easy to clean. No nest of spokes in every direction. X6 M wheels are not bad either, but everyone is entitled to their taste.

Someone who has time can photochop these wheels on X5 M.

214s look like a pain to keep clean--the 5 spoke design to me are nice and simple.

[rh71]

I had 212 19s which were simple to clean because of the straight spokes - going to the 214s I also thought it would be a pain but it really isn't. It will probably take you an extra 2 minutes per wheel... just use a simple cloth as big as your hand and you can imagine how quick 1 wheel can go. The dust comes off very easily already. I think the 214s look great from every angle except the direct profile (side).. that's where it can look too "floral". Try looking at it from the side quarters while in motion - I saw it on another E70 in motion and that's when I absolutely fell in love with them and had to get it for myself. I'm sure the 128s & 215s look great in person too.

[LeMansX5]

From June 2009 C & D issue: Ludwig Willisch, chief of ///M division on X5 M, X6 M and other M cars coming in future.

Future BMW M Models and the 2010 BMW X6 M / X5 M - Interview

M is for muscle: We get the scoop on M models through 2015.

BY MICHAEL AUSTIN
June 2009


Like automakers everywhere, BMW is being squeezed by environmental issues (carbon-dioxide emissions, for one) and the need to improve the fuel economy of its fleet. What does this mean for the German automaker’s power-focused M division, with its fuel-hungry road gobblers? We recently asked *Ludwig Willisch, who heads the division.

Willisch told us that the next generation of M engines will have smaller displacement, which could mean less power. But turbocharging will help mitigate the decrease in displacement and should keep power levels about where they are today. And should the output drop, future products will lose pounds to maintain the power-to-weight ratios of today’s M products. Willisch even mentioned deleting somewhat heavy options such as power seats. Here’s what to expect from the M division in the next few years:

2009: M models of the X5 and X6 arrive this fall with an uprated version of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that bristles with 21 psi of boost, 555 horsepower, and 500 pound-feet of torque at a low 1500 rpm. A new launch-control function enables ridiculous 0-to-60 times in the low fours.

2012: Willisch told us the M5 and M6 will have an engine that is similar in concept to the X5/X6 M but not the same—maybe a small-displacement twin-turbo V-8 or even a radical twin-turbo V-6.

2014: An M version of the next-gen 1-series may arrive powered by a twin-turbo inline-four. BMW is looking at the business case before any engineering plans are made, but the goal would be about 300 horsepower with a 2900-pound curb weight.

2015: The next M3 will be the “best” M3 ever and faster than today’s car, said Willisch. Work on the future M3 hasn’t begun, but an inline-six and a V-6 are both being considered. Expect E30-like levels of mayhem.

[watrob]

2015 before a new M3 comes out, that's a long wait. May have to sell my current M3 in another 18 months and buy a in-between car until 2015!

Hope they do a upgrade/facelift around 2011 that would be worth while upgrading too!

[cue03]

Nice. I guess my next car will be a 4 door or 2 door M3 and then add a X5M when the kids come along then upgrade to 2015 M3. I will keep the 4.8is around for a little while long maybe 2 years to act as the tow vehicle for the toys.

[StanF18]

LeMans,

As always, thanks for the up-to-date info. I am pleasantly surprised by the price levels. If those are true and they actually hold up, the Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S prices will need to be revised downward, or Porsche will be completely priced out of the performance-SUV market.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by StanF18

LeMans,

As always, thanks for the up-to-date info. I am pleasantly surprised by the price levels. If those are true and they actually hold up, the Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S prices will need to be revised downward, or Porsche will be completely priced out of the performance-SUV market.

Yeah man...one of the many advantages of competition. Some see the X ///M's as a pointless exercise but they will result in a cost-effective alternative to the Pepper Turbo S & ML63 AMG...A great strategy by BMW & ///M

[LeMansX5]

Did some quick chop of wheels on X5 ///M. style 128, X6 M and M3 forged wheels. Photochop rookie here. Did not have a good source pic for M3 wheels...so a messy fit. Enjoy!

[X5 Meister]

Might want to have alignment checked on that last one.

[aus x5]

Personally i like the 128's the most.