MOTORING: When a beast is super modified

21 Dec, 2014 - 00:12 0 Views
MOTORING: When a beast is super modified BMW 30 Jahre M5

The Sunday Mail

BMW 30 Jahre M5

BMW 30 Jahre M5

Anyone who has driven either the standard F10-series BMW M5 will tell you the last thing the current-generation Munich super-saloon needs is more power.

It seems as though BMW’s famed M Division wasn’t listening, however.

From a 412kW/680Nm 2011 introduction, the latest M5 was quickly made available with a Competition Pack, which boosted the turbocharged (for the first time in M5 history) 4,4-litre V8 to 423kW and added a further-focused chassis.

The addition of ceramic brakes to the options list in 2013 created the most potent BMW ever.

Now to celebrate 30 years of the M5, BMW has introduced the 30 Jahre (year), a special edition limited to only 300 units worldwide. It is priced from US$238 400 (plus on-road costs), where the standard M5 currently sits at US$229 930.

What do you receive, besides exclusivity, for the added coin?

Power is further increased to a rousing 441kW (that’s 600PS) at 6250rpm and torque pegged at 700Nm from a low 1 500rpm all the way through to 6 000rpm.

The increases have been achieved over and above the Competition Package kit, and are said to have come about via an increase in boost pressure for the twin turbochargers, along with tweaks to the ECU.

Fuel economy remains as per before, with an ADR Combined figure of 9,9l/100km, thanks to the carry-over idle stop-start system and eco modes.

The 30 Jahre builds further on the Competition Package’s 10mm ride height reduction and stiffer suspension tuning, with tweaks to M Dynamic stability control mode, more direct mapping for the Servotronic steering system and a separate control unit for the Active M Differential.

Externally the BMW M5 30 Jahre is treated to a matt-finish Frozen Dark Silver metallic paint job from the BMW Individual portfolio. Continuing the sinister look is the black chrome used for the kidney grille, door handles and quad-exhaust system, with specific 30 Jahre M5 badging further differentiating this beast as the head of the herd. Bi-colour 20-inch light-alloy wheels with 265 /35 front and 295 /30-series rear Michelins complete the external picture.

Inside, the special anniversary M5 is equally unique, though the “30 Jahre” sill plates are questionably stylish. Alcantara Anthracite is used for the multi-function steering wheel and is also included on centre console and door panels.

The seats – M multifunction with electronic control, heating and cooling – are trimmed in a leather/alcantara mix, there is a 16-speaker stereo with a choice of 600-watt Harman Kardon or 1 200-watt Bang & Olufsen sound, and there is a curious 1/ 300 inscription emblazoned on the console.

Curious, because each car will share the 1 /300, rather than identifying its individual build number in the series.

Of course, all the usual M5 accoutrements are present and correct, too, the highlight being the easy-to-use MMI interface and its sat-nav and external cameras assisting when manoeuvring. The head-up display is also beneficial, for reasons we shall come to.

For an insight into option pricing, the tested vehicle is fitted with a tyre pressure monitor (US$700), internet connectivity (US$200) and BMW’s Connected Drive Freedom (US$1 200).

The limited-build 30 Jahre is not currently included in BMW’s Service Inclusive plan, where official dealer servicing can be paid for in advance.

Roadside assistance is, however, complementary for the first three years of ownership, covering the warranty period.

The M5 30 Jahre looks wonderful, the black chrome contrasting nicely with the frozen silver paintwork, those spindly alloys enveloping impressively sizable brake rotors.

Upon opening the door and acknowledging the slightly tacky scuff plates, this special M5 reveals genuine ambience, and it begins with that gorgeous alcantara wheel, which evokes memories of the E46 M3 CSL we recently drove.

The similarities end, sadly, when the M5 is fired up. Isn’t there supposed to be a V8 under there, somewhere?

It starts with the gearbox, which is the most positive-acting version of BMW’s dual-clutch transmission I have ever experienced.

Leaving the stability and traction control systems to their default modes is also doing the M5 a disservice given the immense outputs and delivery of that alien-like engine.

The stability light is a constant flicker, although its interruption is gradual and barely delays forward progress. Hitting M Dynamic mode loosens the net – but will still step in where required – and reveals the damper tuning, giving the 30 Jahre a more engaging and adjustable chassis than the standard car, with decent-enough traction, good turn-in (especially given the car’s 1 870kg weight) and a ride that is firm, but not uncomfortable. – Motoring.com

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