BMW opens doors to shelved ///M's

[jonttt]

Very interesting read

"BMW today opened the doors to the vaults deep within M division, where strange and unseen test vehicles live. There’s the stillborn BMW M3 Touring, a Le Mans-engined X5 and – one from the archive – an M8.
We've spent the day in Munich roaming around with our jaw mostly on the floor. It's a rare instance when a car manufacturer has opened its vaults and admitted works projects that nearly were ........"

Car Magazine

[Zod]

I was in there on Friday. Apart from examples of every production M Car, there is an E34 M5 Touring, an E39 M5 Touring, an E46 M3 Touring and lots more, including the lovely E34 M5 Cabrio and the very silly E30 and E92 M3 Pickups.

[Stu R]

LM engined X5 sounds fun but boy am I glad they never went anywhere with that M8 design

Anything E38 7 series shaped that's a bit fruity down in there? I always thought they'd suit an S62 engine or perhaps a blown LWB V12

Edited by Stu R on Sunday 3rd April 23:41

[john_p]

Stu R said:

boy am I glad they never went anywhere with that M8 design

Are you kidding? That car would have been absolutely awesome
For the era, it looks good too

[Stu R]

john_p said:

Are you kidding? That car would have been absolutely awesome
For the era, it looks good too

The back has some potential, the rest looks god awful. Technically superb I'm sure, but look at it. Then look at the masterpiece that is the 8 series.

[Zod]

Stu R said:

Anything E38 7 series shaped that's a bit fruity down in there? I always thought they'd suit an S62 engine or perhaps a blown LWB V12



[footnote]

Not a single 7 Series.

[mat205125]

That E46 Touring is wonderful

[E30M3SE]

Stu R said:

LM engined X5 sounds fun but boy am I glad they never went anywhere with that M8 design

Anything E38 7 series shaped that's a bit fruity down in there? I always thought they'd suit an S62 engine or perhaps a blown LWB V12

Edited by Stu R on Sunday 3rd April 23:41

Youtube video of X5 LM

[Zod]

inkiboo said:

What the bloody hell were you doing there?!?

Aha, I can't tell until later this week.

[TheEnd]

Zod said:

Stu R said:

Anything E38 7 series shaped that's a bit fruity down in there? I always thought they'd suit an S62 engine or perhaps a blown LWB V12



[footnote]

Not a single 7 Series.

Was that THE giftschrank?

There is more kit somewhere else- E32 767i "Goldfish"

[mat205125]

TheEnd said:

There is more kit somewhere else- E32 767i "Goldfish"

V16?

[pilchardthecat]

Stu R said:

boy am I glad they never went anywhere with that M8 design

Lunatic

Look at it; it's marvellous!

[Zod]

inkiboo said:

Zod said:

Aha, I can't tell until later this week.

tease x

OK, now it's leaked everywhere, I think I'm free of the embargo I was asked to sign. I was invited over to Garching last Friday, with flights and accommodation paid for, as one of five customers from around Europe.

We had most of the day with the M development staff. They showed us the delights of the secret garage and then the M5 Concept was unveiled by Kay Segler (who is apparently moving from M GmbH to Mini).

[Zod]

inkiboo said:

Very nice.

How did you wangle that?

No idea. Just got an email out of the blue.

[Johnnytheboy]

I'd be well up for an M3 Touring, I really would.

That's my perfect next car.

[pilchardthecat]

inkiboo said:

Zod said:

No idea. Just got an email out of the blue.

The normal emails I get out of the blue from BMW are along the lines of "We have identified a problem that means a recall has been issued ..."

Mine are all from the dealer sales guy who didn't return any of my calls last year, and who never did get back to me with the cost-to-change after i had a test drive. Every 3 months he asks me if i'm still looking. Even if i say yes, he doesn't reply (until 3 months later he asks again)

[Stu R]

I've just realised I've been a massive gimp and said M8 (which indeed is superb) instead of the UR roadster. Can I blame that one on speed reading with wine?

[hesnotthemessiah]

I really hope it is still open this summer. I am combining a visit with the (now) annual trip to the 'ring'.

[MrOnTheRopes]

Zod said:

OK, now it's leaked everywhere, I think I'm free of the embargo I was asked to sign. I was invited over to Garching last Friday, with flights and accommodation paid for, as one of five customers from around Europe.

We had most of the day with the M development staff. They showed us the delights of the secret garage and then the M5 Concept was unveiled by Kay Segler (who is apparently moving from M GmbH to Mini).

Jammy bugger

[Zod]

hesnotthemessiah said:

I really hope it is still open this summer. I am combining a visit with the (now) annual trip to the 'ring'.

It was only opened to journalists and a select few. It won't be open to the public. Some of the cars may be on display though at the new M Festival to be held at the Ring during the 24 hour race.