BMW M8 (E31) '1990

'Ultimate M-car'

Headlights are missing! Source: bimmertoday.de

BMW should have done this! In the late 80's the M-division was concepting to have this lightweight killa beast to leave all the Ferrari's standing. They bored the M70 V-12 engine to 6 liters and added experimental multi-valve cylinder head, stripped down the interior, added some neat M-style bodywork tweaks, and removed the headlights. Well, this was the case of functionality as lights were sacrificed for intakes and do you really need the headlights if other road users are usually checking your tail lights?

Unfortunately this V-12 powered M-car never made it to the production and only one was ever produced and kept in secret for many years and unveiled for the first time in 2010 at the BMW Museum. Luckily the developed engine was transplanted to 850 CSi and later to McLaren F1! The version used in 850CSi was mild but in Mac it produced first 627hp and later 635hp.

Check out the race style window opening. Source: bmwregistry.com

In details (not much):

Engine  
  - V12, 6000cc, 48-valve (s70)
Numbers
- 558hp/  
Transmission
- 6 manual, RWD (limited slip diff)    
Chassis  
-   
Exterior
- Removed front lights
- Hood with air intakes
- New front pumber
- DTM-style mirrors
- Race style tiny window openings and perhaps Plexiglas side windows then?
- Flared rear fenders with intakes
Interior
- Kevlar bucket seats
- 4-point harnesses  
Other  
- Only one ever made

Now that's a savage sight! Source: bmwpower-pg.net

BMW M5 (F10) '2014

'Satin speed'

Everybody knows how the new M5 looks so let's concentrate on the details instead of cool picture angles. Source: bmwblog.com

The great M5 turned 30 this year, meaning that I have been growing up almost my entire life with these magnificent pieces around ;) Maybe, that's the reason why I'm so in love with the car that also gives inspiration for keeping this blog. Can't help it, there's something absorbing in the cars that look like a family carriers, but can embrace some proper sport cars. Now it's a time for special edition, actually there hasn't been that many previously. E34 had few (e.g. Winkelhock) and E39 editions were some really light cosmetic edition, please correct me if I'm wrong. 

Exterior details. Source: livedrivelife.com

As always M5's comes with a luxury goodie list is respectable including (addition to standard model): Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access with smart-opener, Competition package, Driving Assistant, Headlining, Anthracite Alcantara, Instrument panel upper and lower sections, Nappa leather, Harman/Kardon -loudspeaker system, Lumbar support ( for both driver and front passenger), M Sport multi-function seats (front), and Split-folding rear seat with additional 12 volt rear power socket. Of course you add some extra goodies, like if Harman/Kardon plays your tunes somewhat vaguely you can update to B&O advanced audio system or have M carbon ceramic brakes that costs a fortune, or how about carbon fibre covered titanium exhaust system! This extravaganza lightweight sport exhaust is developed together with Akrapovic, does just perfect justice for the Twin Power Turbo V8 sound. If that's not enough four tailpipes can be updated from 92mm to 95mm tailpipe finishers in carbon-fibre and the whole system costs only £6,890!!!

Some interior details. Source: livelifedrive.com

I have been arguing before that F10 is somewhat too large to ever appeal me in big time. The current model is huge and majority of the massive appearance comes from massive height of the doors and rear panels. Compare the old models (except the previous) and you will find out what I'm talking about. Don't get me wrong, I do like the design, but it's just too perfect: masses are in perfect harmony and details in great balance, but the 'odd' thing that makes great to magnificent and unique is missing. Same posses to M5 and especially to this SE, additional special details are just not enough special or distinguished from others like. Having all the stichings and finishers reminding you that you are driving  '30 Jahre M5' limited series are not enough from my point of view. Having an titanium Akrapovic exhaust as an option, alcantara steering wheel, and satin paint are really neat touches, but don't give uniqueness for the edition that it deserves. For example, think about the Porsche specials, like GT RS3 or latest 911 anniversary editions, in those you can spot the difference to standard models without being petrol head.

Spot the design development from agile to fatty :) Source: BMWblog.com

In details (mods to original):

Engine 
- V8,4395cc, 32-valve, Twin-turbo
Numbers
- 600hp/
- 700Nm/
- 0-100Km/h: 3,9s  
Transmission
- Auto 7 with sequential mode, RWD (limited slip dif)  
Chassis
- 20" M Double-spoke style (601M)
- Ventilated disks (400/396mm), 6- piston clibers fromt and 1- piston rear  
Exterior
- Side gills with '30 Jahre M5' designation
- Dark Chrome tailpipes, side gills, kidney grille and door handle inserts
- BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver metallic paintwork
Interior
- Interior trim, Dark Aluminium Trace with Dark Chrome finisher, '30 Jahre M5' and '1/300' designation
- '30 Jahre M5' stitching on front and rear seats
- Anthracite Alcantara centre console, arm rests and door pulls
- BMW Individual Black Alcantara / Full Merino leather upholstery
- Door sill finishers with '30 Jahre M5' designation
- M Sport Anthracite Alcantara multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles
Other
- Limited number of 300 pieces made and 30 delivered to States
- Optional: e.g. titanium Akrapovic -exhaust system, carbon exhaust tips, Competition package (7MA), comfort access sytem (322), and ceramic brakes.

BMW 320si (E90) '2006

'Hidded Pearl'

Some race heritage here. Source: bmwblog.com.

Bimmer's 3-series has been always great. From the very beginning journalists has been praising the excellent balance between performance and practicality, as well as the styling. Styling is very very Bimmer: outstanding stance, notable character line, short front crossing, and engine placed behind the front wheels. But, 3-series is also the most selling model line, so BMW is very gentle with the styling of new models and 3-series never gets the coolest lines. Same happened with the E90 in 2005 when it was announced, even it was the great era of Bangle, design is kind of BMW boring. I mean Bimmer's are never boring, but if you compare E90 to difference that E36 made to E30, there's nothing so spectacular, and E90 lacks the greatness of E60, E63, or E85.

Source: bmwheaven.com

Source: netcarshow.com

Anyway, BMW uses 3-series in WTCC/BTCC and they made a road going special model to compete with the E90. The heart of this unfamiliar special model is hand built 2 liter, 4 cylinder engine, producing 175hp (in race spec 100hp more!) at 7000rpm! Basically BMW motorsport engineers (then building Sauber F1-engines) have taken everything out of bi-Vanos and greated fast-high revving master piece, covered with carbonfibre cylinder head. Power upgrades are not massive, but check the specs to find out how race spec this beauty is. Other tweaks this road racer has are limited to new gearing, better brakes, extra-large wheel mounts, and M-bodykit. By the way, it blasts the Ring under 9-minutes -not bad for naturally aspirated 2 liter middle sized saloon!

In details:

Engine
- R4, ca. 2000cc, 24-valve, Valvetronic, bi-Vanos
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Larger bore by 1mm to 85mm (to regular 2L engine)
- Stroke reduced with 2mm to 88mm
- Special aluminum-alloy liners
- Stiffer crank and connecting rods
- Larger valves
- Special spark blugs
- Valvetronic removed to reduce moving parts
- Radiator from 6-cylinder model
- Carbonfibre cylinder cover (-10kg)

Numbers
- 175hp/7000rpm (limiter in 7300rpm)
- 210Nm
- 0-100Km/h: 8,1s
- 80-120Km/h: 7.7s (4th gear)
- Top speed limited to 225Km/h
- 1350kg

Transmission
- 6 speed manual, RWD
- Shorter final drive (4.10)
 
Chassis
- M-sport suspension
- Ventilated disks front and rear (16 inch)

Exterior
- M-sport aerodynamic package with slightly modified bumpers and side skirts
- '216' alloys with BMW motorsport logo in 18x8/8.5" and 225/40ZR18, 255/35ZR18 tires

Interior
- M-sport seats, steering wheel, and foot rest
- Special rev counter, red zone from 7300rpm up to 8000rpm

Other
- Limited 2600 unit production
- All sport sedans in exclusive Carbon Black Metallic -color

Bad ass! Race model is just little wider and meaner. Andy Priaulx won two WTCC championships with E90. Source: bmwarchiv.de

BMW 2002Turbo '1973-1974

Thank you 1000 visitors!

The Wolf Car daddy: BMW 2002 Turbo

BMW M5 Winkelhock (E34) '1991

'Smokin’ hot'

Today I saw the new BMW M5 (F10): it didn’t make any sound at low speed, just glided over and looked like big nosed gorilla pumped up with steroids. It really is a huge and standing out mask (nostrils) pothers me the most in the new design and of course the overall lameness after Bangles masters pieces. I guess the whole BMW range (except 1-series) is in the evolution stage, and waiting the new revolution to come. Even the over emphasized character lines, several exhaust pipes or massive wheels are not helping this wale to look dynamic –everything is just huge and misses the lively lines of E60. Hopefully, thinks were different in the nineties.

BMW M5 Winkelhock. Source: blog.che186.com

In 1991 BMW Motorsport asked two of their touring car racing drivers from DTM (Deutche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) to design their own dream editions from E34 M5. Joachim Winkelhock a.k.a Smokin’Jo (1960) is a German motor racing driver who won the 24 hours Nürburgring race in 1990 and 1991 and British Touring Car Championships in 1993 with BMW E30 M3. Winkelhock continued his career in touring car series until age of 43 and constantly smoked cigarettes.

One was up for sale! in mobile.de

So, two e34 M5 special editions were produced: Wickelhock and Cecotto (Johnny). Both of them were kind of make over’s and didn’t have significant technical improvements. Johnny’s car was more luxurious version of the M5 and Wickelhock’s more as I like it a lightweight version. Sophisticatedly glazed with motorsport-style and reduced from some of the not so important equipment for ultimate driving machine. 

Some motorsport touch in the interior. Source: m5board.com

In details:

Engine
- R6, 3535cc, 24-valve, Bosch –fuel injection (S38 B36)

- Compression: 10:1

- Equal length stainless steel exhaust headers and three way ceramic catalysts
Numbers
- 315hp/6900rpm
- 360Nm/4750rpm
- Top speed: 250km/h (limited)

- 0-100km/h: 6,3s (original figure)
- 1630kg (original 1670kg)
Transmission
- 5 speed manual, RWD
Chassis
- Double Pivot McPherson strut suspension (f)

- Track link semi trailing arm suspension (r)

- Ventilated disks (f) 315mm and (r) 312mm

- 17x9” M System 1 alloys and 235/45ZR17 tires
Exterior
- Deleted fog lights and headlight washers

- Vanity mirrors

- Shadow line trim
Interior
- Evolution front bucket seats

- Anthracite M cloth and black nappa leather bolsters trim

- Red seat belts

- Suede covered steering wheel, shift knob & parking brake handle

- Velour floor mats

- Deleted rear head rests
Other
- Total of 51 Winkelhock editions were produced

- All painted in Jet Black (668) and contrasting silver lower body panels

- Smaller battery (66amp vs. 85amp) and gas tank (80l)

- Reduced sound deadening material

- Power windows removed

- Each game with a special leather service book, key holder & gold pin

- Available option list included: 255/40ZR17 rear tires, rear spoiler, manual rear sunshine, air condition (auto & manual) & CD stereo system