M5XTRM

The local BMW dealer called me this afternoon to ask me if I wanted to drive the mew Z4. They were just getting them down from the truck when I got there.

They had a 2.5 Maldives Blue Metallic with beige interior and a 3.0 Sterling Gray Metallic with Black interior, both automatic with 5 speed steptronic. They will have the 6 speed in December.

I took the Gray metallic for a ride (guess why ).

Well the car is everything we have heared. It is beutiful in the outside and inside, with suddle details like the mirror's aerodynamic shape, the grill - it looks like it is alive, and the lateral direction signal lights. The interios is more spacious than my Z3, almost as much as the Z8 - very comfortable and the seat provide very good lateral support. The instrument panel is clean looking, but provides everything needed in an easy to understand display. The sound system is really good. All buttons are easily reached and operated. The sound level at 100 MPH is phenomenal in comaprison to the Z3. The top folds in 15 seconds or less and it does not recquire a boot cover. Oh, it has two really workable and usesable drink holder in a what I think is a good ergonomic and stetically pleasing location.


The handling and acceleration are nimble and precise. The steptronic transmission makes the drive really enjoyable and is fast and smooth as silk. The engine bay has enough room to easily drop an M5 engine with very little modification. The stering is electronic not hydrolic.

It is not an M5 or a Z8, but is a fabulous fun car for the money. I for one will be trading my Z3 for the M version next year.












I apologize for the schetchy report, I have a previous engagement and do not have time for more detail.

bobafett

Wow. Looks like a really solid package! Maybe BMW has another winner here (although those wheels....).

You'll have to give us your driving impressions when you get a chance.

--Dan

tfung

definitely think BMW's going to stamp out the SLK with this...

__________________
US Spec 2001 E39 M5 - LHD
AC Schnitzer
DFC suspension, anti-sway bars, pedals
front splitters, rear wing w/ carbon fiber

Dinan
CAI, MAFS, Throttle bodies, Velocity Stacks,
Stage 2 aluminum flywheel, front + rear strut bars,
3.45 differential

Others
Custom G-power Exhaust, Autosolutions short shifter
Supersprint Headers, Racing Cats, X-pipe
SPEC stage 3 clutch, Powerchip ECU, Schrick Cams
OZ Racing Superleggera III f19x8.5 r19x10.5, Brembo brakes
Evosport Power Pullies, Rouge transmission mounts, Plasma ignition coils
Euro interior conversion, M-technic grill with brake ducts, turbo timer
CA Automative custom carbon fiber hood


Euro Spec 1999 E39 M5 - RHD
ACS Sports Suspension, anti-sway bars, Type III Racing f19x8.5 r19x9.5


2007 Mercedes E63
2007 Corvette Z06
2008 Nissan GTR

atomic80

Now that you've driven it...go watch the newest film on bmwfilms.com for some tips on how to really drive that thing.

__________________
Jason
Lighting Guru & Picture Poster Extraordinare!
'05 Range Rover w/mods
'05 K1200S w/mods
'07 997TT w/mods

TCM

Wow, looks pretty promising. I am amazed at the room in the engine bay and the footwells. What a great improvement over the Z3.

__________________
T.C.
'01 Silverstone M5
AutoSolutions:short shift kit (40% reduction)
Automotive Specialist:cold air intake, swaybar brackets
Dinan:front strut tower bar, rear swaybar
Kelleners: race exhaust, suspension, ecu software
Rogue Engineering:transmission mounts
SuperSprint:X-pipe

M5-BEAR

Good looking car. Interior is cool too! I bet the M model, when it's available, will kick major butt

Regards,

Bear

__________________
M5 BEAR

2008 CLS 63 AMG Black/Black AMG Leather
2008 550i Sport {Beast-ette} Jet Black/Black Dakota Leather/ Bamboo/Anthracite {Gone}
2005 SL55 AMG Black/Ash AMG Leather
2001 M5 {Beast} Jet Black/Black Luxury Leather {Gone}

KRM

thanks for the pics! I agree with you, that maldives blue metallic color with beige doesn't look to attractive imo, and those wheels!

Can't wait until the MZ4 shows up

EBMCS03

Interesting... thanks for the pics.

__________________
Next: Interlagoes Blue E60 M5

BeastPower

I wonder what that metal heat shield is doing in the engine bay? It looks a little makeshift to me.

ycchan

Nice interior!

ycchan

Improved cupholders?

2001's X5/Z8

Good work...Thanks for the pics....

__________________
Mike


2001 Z8 BLACK/RED K&N FILTERS POWERCHIP ECU UPGRADE (Thanks Apples)
365RWHP
350RWTQ
Sold, please take care of her

2001 X5 4.4 SPORT BLACK/BLACK K&N FILTER.

M3 Come.. M3 Go