X5 M spy photos

[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.

[Wagner]

probably the X6

[CGSTL]

Nah, I think this is the X5 4.8is

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

probably the X6

[Fredo]

Originally Posted by watrob

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.

None of the current M/// Models in the BMW range has Apadptive Drive or Active Steer and they won't any time soon either. They even shy away from the Servotronic steering, the 5 series range has Servotronic except the M5 that has good old fashioned power assisted rack and pinion steering. The M5 and the M3 both have EDC which I think could be described as the M/// version of Adaptive Drive. M/// models don't even have run flat tyres as they know they just don't work with a proper sports suspension.

I wouldn't hold your breath if you are waiting for the M/// version.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Fredo

I wouldn't hold your breath if you are waiting for the M/// version.

[watrob]

Originally Posted by Fredo

None of the current M/// Models in the BMW range has Apadptive Drive or Active Steer and they won't any time soon either. They even shy away from the Servotronic steering, the 5 series range has Servotronic except the M5 that has good old fashioned power assisted rack and pinion steering. The M5 and the M3 both have EDC which I think could be described as the M/// version of Adaptive Drive. M/// models don't even have run flat tyres as they know they just don't work with a proper sports suspension.

I wouldn't hold your breath if you are waiting for the M/// version.

I think they will simply stay along the lines of the old X5 E53 IS V8 that came with the front & rear spoliers and Air-Suspension extra.

The Adaptive Drive with Active Steer is the best handling X5 yet and I think they will just have a M kit of some sort to make it stand out as they did with the old model. I not think you will see X5 like the ML 6.3 AMG with heaps of power, I get the feeling BMW are not trying to instill that but more the refinement & handling characteristics of the X5.

My X5 is pushing 520nm of torque, with a ECU alteration and I can get 600+nm, it's not the power that's a problem it's the fact you are throwing around 2500kg of SUV and that's where the X5 comes into it's own.

[ljnlaw]

All I gotta say is my what SMALL rims and tires that X has...maybe just for testing?

[LeMansX5]

I guess now you all know why the M-package is not that spectacular. Because all the good looks are reserved for this king of X5s - "is" version.

[watrob]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

I guess now you all know why the M-package is not that spectacular. Because all the good looks are reserved for this king of X5s - "is" version.

Your right and usually the front is a completely new bumper bar which incorporates the front lower skirt (spoiler). They did that on the last E53 IS so if you wanted to copy it you had to buy the whole bumper bar.

I would say that is why they released the aero kit so everybody would put that on and the IS when it comes out will still look a little different.