Monday 20th May 2013

BMW M5 and M6 Competition Packs

Same but more so as both M5 and M6 gain boosts to keep up with the horsepower arms race

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Fair to say BMW's M Division has had rather a tough time on PH of late. M diesels and M4x4s haven't helped the cause, an increasing gap between illustrious heritage and modernreality further alienating enthusiasts.

Tweaks to various systems equate to more M

So here's its response. A lightly revised M5 with some natty new lights, a different grille and enhanced iDrive doesn't exactly pique the interest, but a new Competition Pack option on every M5 and M6 model certainly does. It clearly hasn't escaped BMW's attention that the M5's rivals in particular have upped the ante in the power stakes recently, the 585hp Mercedes E63AMG S most noticeably. The latest Audi RS6 matches the standard M5 on 560hp, and the Jaguar XFR-S is just a fraction behind on 550hp, up from 510.

The Competition Pack adds more power to both the M5 and M6's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. It takes the maximum output to 575hp, 15 up from standard. Torque remains unchanged, at 502lb ft. Which equates to a tenth off the 0-62 time and two tenths off 0-124mph.

Previous Competition Packs haven't added power, focusing instead on sharpening handling responses; to that end, the latest pack offered on the four M5 and M6 variants comprises a host of tweaks from standard. The springs and dampers have been retuned, and the anti-roll bars are now firmer. BMW claims this lowers the M5's suspension by 10mm, with the M6 coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe unaffected.

575hp to go chasing E63 S, RS6 and XFR-S

The M Differential now has an individual control unit to boost traction whilst the steering now features 'more direct mapping', which aims to increase agility and allow 'firm and secure contact with the road'. Indeed. Furthermore, the M Dynamic Mode has been recalibrated and is now 'more acutely geared to sporty handling characteristics'. We would interpret that as it being more lenient, and allowing more slip before the electronics intervene.

Cosmetically, Competition Pack M5s and M6s will be distinguished by some new 20-inch wheels and black-finished exhaust pipes.

Prices for the revised M5 and the Competition Pack are still to be confirmed. Given the E63 S saloon starts at £83,740 and the XFR-S will cost £79,995, a small rise over the M5's current £73,350 list price seems likely.

New wheels take out visual weight, not actual

Is it enough? The PH verdict on the M3Competition Pack (which cost £3,315 in 2010) was that it felt little different on the road to the standard car. Some track driving may have revealed quicker responses, but the modifications felt subtle. For now, we'll have to assume something similar will be true for the larger BMW M cars, but secretly hope for more tangible gains.

Unfortunately, the news of a facelift didn't bring the announcement of another M5 Touring. Hopefully the rumoured 6 Series estate will make production and spawn an M rival for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. There's a surefire way back into PH's affections...

[Aftershox]

Not a fan of those new wheels!

[illmonkey]

Aftershox said:

Not a fan of those new wheels!

But they allow you to see those brake more. Fooking massive!

[The Noise]

Looks like they nicked the wheels off a SLS...

[g3org3y]

There's something that sums up the new M direction in this photo:



Epic brakes and super lightweight alloys shod with Super Sports but needs a camera in the arch to aid vision (at least that's what I assume it is).

[hornetrider]

g3org3y said:

There's something that sums up the new M direction in this photo:



Epic brakes and super lightweight alloys shod with Super Sports but needs a camera in the arch to aid vision (at least that's what I assume it is).

Good lord those disks are monstrous!

[MrTappets]

I'd be worried that the Jag wouldn't even keep up with the standard versions of these cars, but I've decided it's all a bit silly and what they really need is to be lighter, not more powerful.

[fatboy b]

When will the M-Division learn that you can't polish a turd.

[fatboy b]

MrTappets said:

I'd be worried that the Jag wouldn't even keep up with the standard versions of these cars,

I know which one looks 10 times better, and it's not German.

[Triumph Man]

I think it was someone on here who said that BMW should produce an M535i F10, with a manual box, fewer gadgets, a 6 cylinder engine, and a lesser focus on outright power. I agree with them, whoever it was.

To be honest, this endless pursuit of the powahzzz leaves me a little cold, and especially with the engine noise simulator.

[Luca Brasi]

Gorgeous cars.

[Luca Brasi]

Triumph Man said:

I think it was someone on here who said that BMW should produce an M535i F10, with a manual box, fewer gadgets, a 6 cylinder engine, and a lesser focus on outright power. I agree with them, whoever it was.

To be honest, this endless pursuit of the powahzzz leaves me a little cold, and especially with the engine noise simulator.

Yes, like that lovely and uber rare E34 Winkelhock Edition

BMW wants to sell as many cars as they can, and not building a car that will only appeal to a few enthusiasts like us. Sad but true.

[Devil2575]

One day someone will realise that constantly chasing ever bigger power figures is pointless. I suppose if you're only interested in selling to people in suits who need to be able to brag to their mates then it's a sensible strategy.
If they spent more time thinking about why they now need to play engine sounds through the speakers they might actually address the problem as to why enthusiasts are starting to switch off.

[WCZ]

15bhp from 550bhp isn't going to make bk all difference, not worth the money imo

[Devil2575]

Less than a 3% increase.

The only benefit is being able to say "My penis number is bigger than your number!"

[SR06]

Devil2575 said:

One day someone will realise that constantly chasing ever bigger power figures is pointless. I suppose if you're only interested in selling to people in suits who need to be able to brag to their mates then it's a sensible strategy.
If they spent more time thinking about why they now need to play engine sounds through the speakers they might actually address the problem as to why enthusiasts are starting to switch off.

Have you driven one?

[David87]

WCZ said:

15bhp from 550bhp isn't going to make bk all difference, not worth the money imo

Probably not, but if you're spending £80k on a 5-series you may as well go the whole hog and spend a few more. I'd have the Jag, anyway.

[McWigglebum4th]

Competition pack

Yeah an M5 is great start for a competition car.


It has the great elements missing from motorsport

leather armchairs and climate control along with a telly in the dashboard

[Devil2575]

SR06 said:

Have you driven one?

No.

[GroundEffect]

The F1x M6 truly is a beautiful car.

[belleair302]

A performance car for the over 50's.....year ago it was a performance saloon for the over 40's. Shame because the e39 M5 was just perfect, these newer cars are so heavy with so many pointless gadgets.