How will the new ///M vehicles track?

B-Line · #1 08-02-2009, 02:37 PM

I just got back from the track yesterday.. Was at Buttonwillow in Socal with the Porsche.. And couldn't help but think, "How are the X5M and the X6M going to track?"

I keep seeing them advertised as a street car, hauler and vehicle that can be used for a track day. And while of course, I don't expect it to perform like a 911 or a F430, I'm wondering what the reality of it's extended track-ability will be?

Will those monster brakes be able to take the pounding of lap after lap. Is the body roll going to be out of control? Is the vehicle just too big and heavy to perform well? Are the tires going to shred up from all that weight?

Of course we need to be realistic, it's not a sports car... But is it really a track-able vehicle? Can it really handle 4-5 30 minute sessions at 8-9/10's ?

And who will be the first X5M owner to the track with their ride?

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vinuneuro · #2 08-02-2009, 02:39 PM

There's no way you'll be able to do it with OEM pads, but I think it'll be ok. DPC is no joke.

Rboosted717 · #3 08-02-2009, 03:19 PM

I will use mine for daily driving, mountain driving, hauling my drag car, road racing and drag racing.

This is an all around performance vehicle that should be able to put a smile on any ones face.
I'm sure the factory brakes will get destroyed on a track day so I will probably use a separate rotor/pad setup only for that purpose. Otherwise, I'm sure the factory stuff will hold up fine.

Leasing will be my friend with this 1st generation vehicle.

King · #4 08-02-2009, 11:11 PM

Here's a video you might enjoy, not sure if you've already seen it...

YouTube - New BMW X5 M 2010 Test Driving Ascari race track Spain

LeMansX5 · #5 08-03-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-Line

I just got back from the track yesterday.. Was at Buttonwillow in Socal with the Porsche.. And couldn't help but think, "How are the X5M and the X6M going to track?"

I keep seeing them advertised as a street car, hauler and vehicle that can be used for a track day. And while of course, I don't expect it to perform like a 911 or a F430, I'm wondering what the reality of it's extended track-ability will be?

Will those monster brakes be able to take the pounding of lap after lap. Is the body roll going to be out of control? Is the vehicle just too big and heavy to perform well? Are the tires going to shred up from all that weight?

Of course we need to be realistic, it's not a sports car... But is it really a track-able vehicle? Can it really handle 4-5 30 minute sessions at 8-9/10's ?

And who will be the first X5M owner to the track with their ride?

I guess you have not seen the 9 min video posted few months back where X5 M does a full lap.
here's a trailer of that video. I have the full video.
http://n542.slnws.net/3f/d2/dedcc/Xmm.mp4

BMW-web.tv - The International Entertainment Magazine.

soldmystang · #6 08-03-2009, 12:06 AM

i say anyone that wants to know for sure should buy one for my use and i will report back here first.

FSETH · #7 08-03-2009, 12:14 AM

I agree with the others that brakes and tires will get eaten up and a pad/fluid upgrade at minium is warranted. Hopefully the cooling system will not be an issue.

I would think that if you take it for what it is, which is a heavy SUV with a high center of gravity (compared to the typical track vehicle), you will be pleased with occasional track days for some fun. All that power will be nice, but will it be able to stay ahead of the cars it passes on the straights or frustrate them in the corners?

JCL · #8 08-03-2009, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

I would think that if you take it for what it is, which is a heavy SUV with a high center of gravity (compared to the typical track vehicle), you will be pleased with occasional track days for some fun.

And just think, you can tow a trailer around the track, carry six passengers, and the rear passengers can watch a DVD.

vinuneuro · #9 08-03-2009, 01:03 AM

Even though I hate all X5's and SUV's, you have to give credit where it's due. Iirc in the E70 press-release, they said the 4.8i laps the Nurburgring only something like 6sec slower than an E46 M3. That's insane, X5M performance should be pretty damn good on high-speed tracks.

Anyone know if the M3/M5 diff's are active?

AzNMpower32 · #10 08-03-2009, 11:27 AM

I'm sure it will do fine (like all BMWs). For an SUV, it will be brilliant and even for sports car standards, it's excellent. Yes, the brakes and tires will take a beating but nothing from BMW falls over when given a track.

It's still got a high centre of gravity and a heckuva lot of weight to deal with though, so don't expect it to Lotus Elise or even an M3. I did one of those BMW-hosted driving events at the release of the E70 4.8i and it was amazing, except for the brakes and weight.

The X5 4.8i got 6,0 US mpg average. I wonder if the M versions will set the world record for highest fuel consumption. One might burn off 24 years' worth of world oil production.......

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