Looks like the Bavarian's are getting ready to kick some major butt. Check this out from Autoweek:

Another new feature is the M5’s power button. At start up, the driver is given access to 400 hp in a default program, dubbed P400. Depressing the button unleashes P500 and the engine’s full 507 hp wallop along with a more responsive throttle. In P500 BMW says the new car will hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and its 155 mph top speed in 14.9 sec. With its speed-limiting chip removed, BMW says its new sedan will reach 205 mph, although company policy prohibits official modification, even at the dealer level.

 

This sounds like gimmickry to me. Why should I have to push a button to get full power out of my engine? I thought that's what the throttle was for. I'll bet it defaults back to P400 every time the engine is shut off, just like all these traction control and stability systems. When you want full power, say to pass, you've got to fumble around looking for a button first.

Michael

 

Im taking a guess here but I would think that the car can be driven in a prim and proper sedan fashion on the 400 pony setting and that is its purpose. Its going to be SMG only and one can guess that shifting, throttle response and possibly the suspension and steering (remember that it will have ARS and active steering which can also be manipulated) might all be in a daily grind mode along with the engine. Depending on the execution it might be a pretty cool thing. Luxo cruise on the way to work and push the button when you want to flog it. Keep in mind BMW loves gadgets and this is one of their premiere cars which just about makes a few extra gizmos a given.

 

Well, that should make up for the butt kicking they are getting in the publications right now for the V8 5 series...Seems their valvetrain scheme along with the electronics controlling it are rather crude in some everyday situations......

Todd

 

UUUMMM with 400HP why would you have to go fumble around for the button to pass somebody?
GM should of bought BMW a couple of years ago when they were in trouble, cause maybe just maybe BMW could have helped the General grow some CAHOUNAS!!

[Modified by cmicasa, 11:06 PM 7/3/2004]


[Modified by cmicasa, 11:09 PM 7/3/2004]

 

Would you like their engines better if they had DoD? Sorry couldnt pass that up with those other threads running. Anyhow, dont believe everything you read in the press. Talk to an actual 545 owner you meet on the street. I bet you hear nothing but raves for the engine.

 

It may be a gimmick to bypass emissions, etc. WOT is not measured for emissions purposes, and by having this a switched mode, it probably evades the issue entirely. I'm sure a large part of that power is made by timing and fuel mixture changes that would push emissions beyond normal legal levels.

Of course I may be full of %%%% instead - just a guess.

 

Because you aren't every BMW owner. There are lots of people who can't handle 500+ HP. Hell, they can't even handle 400. But 500 is suicide for them.

Not every road condition is smooth, warm, straight, flat roadway. In the real world people tend to want to just floor it. A 100 HP change can be the difference between death and a scare.

If 400 HP isn't enough for you to pass, you have problems--and they aren't HP-related.

BMW is smart and has recognized that when cars get up the the 400+ HP range, they can become hard to handle for all but the best drivers.

 

apples and oranges comparison. either compair a Z4 to the new vette based on style or compair the next M3 (no longer to be called M4) based on price, but an M5 compaired to a vette is not logical.

 

Remember the ZR-1 had a power adjustment option as well.

 

I expect many C6's to be racing against the New M5 in the highway!!!!!

 

There wont be many M5's on the road...No one can afford them......

 

I don't understand this statement at all (unless it is just to flame other people). What happened to the traction and stability control systems?

Michael

 

Guys, don't knock Bimmers until you've tried them. I'm no BMW snob, in fact I have a Z06 sitting next to my "old" M5, but the three BMWs we have owned have been the best cars we have ever owned. I almost died in one (it saved my life - see for yourself:



The cars are made with safety as a number one priority along with driving dynamics, power, braking, and comfort. I badly want to upgrade my '03 Z06 to an '05 C6 or '06 Z06, but I would not get rid of my M5. I can take it out on track (with a modified suspension, big brakes, and racing pads) and keep up with all but the fastest cars - even in the corners! - and this car weighs over 4000lb.



While all the "rich folks" are spending $80-90K on their newfangled M5s (personally I'm not crazy about the exterior or interior styling, but the engine is a work of art, as is the drivetrain, suspension, and braking system), I will keep my "old" used certified pre-owned M5 that I bought for $20K below new pricing with only 10K miles just a few months ago.

I can't think of another car in this price range that does so many things so well - keeps up with a C5/LS1 in a straight line, handles almost as well (stock vs. stock), brakes almost as well (stock - and brakes as good or better with big brakes), carries 5 passengers in ultra luxury, has a huge trunk, nice nav. system with great stereo, sunroof, CD changer, xenon headlights, decent gas mileage, and very low insurance rates.

Now someone lend me some cash so I can flip my Z06 over to a C6

 

I have never been a BMW fan, but lately I actually like the new ones (although don't care for the styling on the Z4 or 7 series). I heard an M5 go up my street the other day, and was surprised how good the engine sounded. With the V8, I would characterize the sound as a refined muscle car. Definitely had the classic V8 sound, and like it had some grunt.

Michael

 

Anyone who pays $80,000 specifically to get the high performance version (versus a 540 sport for instance) is buying it so they can use all the horsepower. Do you really think someone is going to buy an M5 and then say to themselves "I really can't handle 500 hp, I think I'll just leave it in the 400 hp mode"? I don't think so. I suppose you think those same guys (bear with me here ladies) are also going to admit they aren't good in bed!

 

It would seem from reading the BMW forums that it is quite the hairy beast when in the full on performance mode and that is the reason for the much more sedate 400 mode. It does indeed change the steering ratio, suspension, shifting, and power. The car has always been about having luxo cruising capability while also providing stellar performance in its class. This seems to me to fit right in with its intended mission. And the expectations of its owners. My wife got one of the new 5s this last winter and It is really quite a car. Excellent handling, fast, smooth, good ergo's, huge trunk, legitimate 4 adult in comfort capability, good economy, cheap insurance. Its no vette, but then again, its not supposed to be.

 

WOW! You are so lucky 1)to own an M5 and 2)to survive a crash like that!

 

For comparisons!!!!!

New M5

Redline 8,250 RPM'S
Bore 3.62 inches
Stroke 2.96 inches

Old M5

Redline 7,000 RPM'S
Bore 3.70 inches
Stroke 3.50 inches

The big difference between the two engines is the Stroke.....

 

and 2 more cylinders.