X5 M spy photos

[bmw5]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/6070725....5-m-spy-photos

[Wagner]

Quick question, why would a M model be in prototype form in the states? Wouldn't this take place in Germany? While X5's are produced in the US, I would have though the M production would start in Germany.

[xx3]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

Quick question, why would a M model be in prototype form in the states? Wouldn't this take place in Germany? While X5's are produced in the US, I would have though the M production would start in Germany.

They come here for death valley. The 1 series hatches' came here. Lots of test vehicles that have no intention of ever being sold here come here for the intense heat of death valley.

Now, if they have an extended stay and are driving through L.A. traffic, thats an indication that's more of an indication they are testing the model for U.S. roads...

M cars are no exception to doing hot testing in the states. All BMW's start in Germany -> South of France -> Sweden -> Death Valley and some make it to Tokyo and others South Africa. That is the usual BMW test cycle.

I doubt M production would take place in Germany. Z4 M's & Z3 M's were all built in South Carolina alongside their regular trim counterparts. The M engines just like any other BMW engines were shipped more or less completed (minus belts, chains, etc...) on pallets from Germany.

[Fredo]

That looks almost identical to the front end of the X6 that has been posted in the other forum to me. Maybe they are just testing cooling capability which helps explain why it's being tested inte US. I don't think this in an M/// car as it's too early in the product cycle for it to appear even for early testing. Also I think we'd have seen pictures of it pounding the Nurburgring first as all protoypes for the M/// are developed in Germany.

In an article about the new M3 I read recently a journalist visited the M/// factory, in it he did mention there was an X5 under sheets in there so who knows.

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by Fredo

That looks almost identical to the front end of the X6 that has been posted in the other forum to me. Maybe they are just testing cooling capability which helps explain why it's being tested inte US. I don't think this in an M/// car as it's too early in the product cycle for it to appear even for early testing. Also I think we'd have seen pictures of it pounding the Nurburgring first as all protoypes for the M/// are developed in Germany.

In an article about the new M3 I read recently a journalist visited the M/// factory, in it he did mention there was an X5 under sheets in there so who knows.

100%.

The only thing that looks changed is the front grille area, and it does look exactly like the X6's. They are probably just doing testing.

[Fredo]

Also the front end doesn't look agressive enough to be an M/// car in my opinion.

[Fredo]

I wasn't talling about production I was just talking about development. The development of all M /// cars takes place in Germany, there is a seperate M// division factory/facility where all the mules and development cars are built. For hot weather testing they will definitely be taken to the US. If there is an M/// version of the X5 it will be built in the US.

Personally I doubt a full M/// version of the X5 will be built, more a model that has been "breathed on" like the E53 4.6is and 4.8is. It's a bit like Audi doesn't have any plans for an RS version of the Q7, though there are bringing out more powerful models like the V12 Q7 TDi which will obviously be very quick. It dilutes the brand/ethos of M/// by producing an X5. An M/// version of the X3 would make more sense as it's a smaller car but I believe that I am right in saying that there's been no discussion of that and that car is obviously a lot further along in the production cycle.

[LeMansX5]

That's the twin-turbo V8 X5 "is" version coming after X6 release, not an X5 M.

[watrob]

Originally Posted by Fredo

I wasn't talling about production I was just talking about development. The development of all M /// cars takes place in Germany, there is a seperate M// division factory/facility where all the mules and development cars are built. For hot weather testing they will definitely be taken to the US. If there is an M/// version of the X5 it will be built in the US.

Personally I doubt a full M/// version of the X5 will be built, more a model that has been "breathed on" like the E53 4.6is and 4.8is. It's a bit like Audi doesn't have any plans for an RS version of the Q7, though there are bringing out more powerful models like the V12 Q7 TDi which will obviously be very quick. It dilutes the brand/ethos of M/// by producing an X5. An M/// version of the X3 would make more sense as it's a smaller car but I believe that I am right in saying that there's been no discussion of that and that car is obviously a lot further along in the production cycle.

I have just recieved updated re-designed front control arms for my RHD X5 E70 Exec Sports which has Adaptive Drive with Active Steer & 20" wheels, they came direct from Germany. A head tech for BMW flew in to check out why my X5 was driving to the left and they could not dial the problem out.

It shows you where the devolopment comes from Germany, I would say these would be the arms they would use on a M model X5 as they give you the frontend adjustment which is currently not available on the LHD & RHD X5's. The spec on an M model would deffinitely have Adaptive Drive & Active Steer, the problem is the front end becomes very sensative with this combination tends to follow the camber of the road and as there was no castor adjustment available until these new control arms were developed to counteract this problem.

Whether they become a standard item in the new Sept production of the 2008 model remains to be seen but it would need to be on the M model X5 for sure as BMW prides themselves in the handling of the X5 especially the sports models.

[ekelly]

Is this BMW's new 4.8is model? Or is it the M Sport kit?
I seriously hope it’s a revised M-Sport kit as the early photos proved unpopular by many. I hope the 3.0sd M Sport looks something similar to the photo below.