First BMW M Performance Automobiles includes two F10 variants - M550d xDrive
by Tim Jones on January 25, 2012, 6:15 pm
BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and Touring

BMW M Performance Automobiles is the newest off shoot from BMW's M Division. BMW M's main products are the 100% M models such as the 1M, M3 and M5. BMW M Performance Automobiles blur the line between Non-M and M cars. The new offering is being launched in Germany with four newly developed models. These cars come with a significant boost in performance and hallmark M precision in the interplay of the power train, chassis and aerodynamics – coupled with unrestricted everyday utility and high levels of efficiency.

http://youtu.be/dD8F3rmACvo

The BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d models will have their world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (8 – 18 March 2012). The market launch of the BMW M Performance Automobiles starts just a few weeks later. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring models will be available in German showrooms from 12 May 2012, with the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d following on 16 June 2012. Below are the selling prices of the BMW M Performance Automobiles in Germany, including VAT (19%):
  • BMW M550d xDrive 80 800 EUR ~ $105,700 USD
  • BMW M550d xDrive Touring 83 750 EUR ~ $109,500 USD
  • BMW X5 M50d 82 300 EUR ~ $107,600 USD
  • BMW X6 M50d 85 800 EUR ~ 112,200 USD

No word on what BMW M Performance Automobiles has up their sleeve for the US market yet. These launch cars models are currently for Europe only unfortunately.

BMW M550d Sedan and Touring Unique Features
  • Exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats in Alcantara/Cloth in Grey Shadow with contrast stitching and embossed M logo; M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles; BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite; interior trim strips in Aluminum Hexagon
  • BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with bespoke set-up optimized to enhance dynamics
  • BMW M550d xDrive comes as standard with the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode;
  • BMW M550d xDrive Touring also features air suspension on the rear axle and automatic self-leveling; both models available as an option with Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive including anti-roll control.
  • BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring. 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey available as an option.
  • Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, aluminum crankcase, three turbochargers (high-pressure, with variable turbine geometry), common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors, maximum injection pressure: 2,200 bar.

Read more about the BMW M Performance X5 M50d and X6 M50d

BMW M Performance models: performance figures, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions:
BMW M550d xDrive Sedan:
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.7 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
average fuel consumption: 6.3 litres/100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 165 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW M550d xDrive Touring:
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.9 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
average fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

More about BMW M Performance Automobiles
  • New BMW M GmbH product range based on current BMW models; BMW M Performance Automobiles complement the model family with their clear focus on sports performance combined with unrestricted everyday usability and outstanding efficiency; new product category launches with four models: BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.
  • Rigorous use of BMW M GmbH development expertise in the optimization of agility, precision and emotion; BMW M Performance Automobiles with harmonious interplay of powertrain, chassis technology and design features typical of M models; exclusive, extremely powerful engine; detailed modifications to chassis technology and power transfer; aerodynamically optimized body.
  • World premiere for a new six-cylinder in-line diesel engine developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles; new, globally unique M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology: three turbochargers, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 2,200 bar; 3.0-litre displacement, 280 kW/381 hp, maximum torque: 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft); instantaneous responses and outstandingly dynamic power delivery into the upper reaches of the rev range; maximum revs: 5,400 rpm; impressively economical thanks to optimized efficiency and extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.
  • Eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics fitted as standard on all BMW M Performance Automobiles
  • BMW M Performance Auto specific interior design shows clear emphasis on the cars' sporting character
  • M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering; result is significantly enhanced agility and precision in dynamic driving situations, with the linear build-up of lateral forces familiar from M cars.
  • All BMW M Performance Automobiles contain a wide range of comfort-enhancing equipment as standard; extensive individualization possible.

Read more about the BMW M Performance X5 M50d and X6 M50d
BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 1BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 2BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 3BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 4BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 5BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 6BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 7BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 8BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 9BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 10BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 11BMW-M-Performance-M550d-xDrive 12


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51 responses to First BMW M Performance Automobiles includes two F10 variants - M550d xDrive

TJPark01 commented:
January 25, 2012, 7:11 pm

love the rims, hate the name...
Stealth.Pilot commented:
January 25, 2012, 7:28 pm

Looks like a 550 M-Sport with 650i 20" wheels and aluminum mirror covers.





TJPark01 commented:
January 25, 2012, 7:31 pm

the badges need to go. BMW's nomenclature department needs streamlining.
Stealth.Pilot commented:
January 25, 2012, 7:35 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by TJPark01 View Post
the badges need to go. BMW's nomenclature department needs streamlining.
I'm wondering if this means 550i M-Sport will be M550i in the US. Also if this impacts resale and if I should sell my car before the year is out. Or I could update it by adding the M badge and the rear spoiler.

Also that partial Alcantara interior is nothing new - it is already available on European F10 M-Sport models from the beginning.
alex md commented:
January 25, 2012, 7:59 pm

M550 D xi SW/touring/ will probably be dream car for me
i hope BMWNA will listen and bring this car to US
i also hope that by then BMW will start using better tires/rim combination to make this car go anywhere, otherwise it will be useless vehicle in NE US
p.s. agree with changing name, to many letters and numbers
TJPark01 commented:
January 25, 2012, 7:59 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stealth.Pilot View Post
I'm wondering if this means 550i M-Sport will be M550i in the US. Also if this impacts resale and if I should sell my car before the year is out. Or I could update it by adding the M badge and the rear spoiler.

Also that partial Alcantara interior is nothing new - it is already available on European F10 M-Sport models from the beginning.
it's not clear to me that these are even coming to the USA.
tim330i commented:
January 25, 2012, 8:01 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by TJPark01 View Post
the badges need to go. BMW's nomenclature department needs streamlining.
Agreed but the M550d isn't as bad as the X5 M50d or X6 M50d badges IMO -

BMW M performance auto X5 M50d badge
scuzzlebutt commented:
January 25, 2012, 8:04 pm

Looks like they got rid of the front reflectors or is that a European thing?
scuzzlebutt commented:
January 25, 2012, 8:06 pm

If you flip the car on its roof you will have a POSSWII
tim330i commented:
January 25, 2012, 8:07 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by scuzzlebutt View Post
Looks like they got rid of the front reflectors or is that a European thing?
These are European cars. As of right now we don't know if these hot rides will come state side.

Tim
TJPark01 commented:
January 25, 2012, 8:07 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by tim330i View Post
Agreed but the M550d isn't as bad as the X5 M50d or X6 M50d badges IMO -

BMW M performance auto X5 M50d badge
they should just go for the full monty and put the XDrive badge below it too. Replace cabin courtesy light with Discoball.
wdimagineer commented:
January 25, 2012, 8:54 pm

I wouldn't mind those mirror caps. The stitching in the seating is also nice. Would be a nice touch for M-Sport vehicles with leather.
nhs156 commented:
January 25, 2012, 9:01 pm

Cool car, though I think M badging should be reserved for true M cars. BMW is emulating Audi with the S Line, and I think it's rather pathetic and uncalled for. That said, I'm sure they've done the research and come to the conclusion they can sell more cars as a result - so I suppose that's good the them.
dalekressin commented:
January 25, 2012, 9:09 pm

Nice to see new models, but it is clear BMW is not focused on performance more than luxury.
TJPark01 commented:
January 25, 2012, 9:10 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by nhs156 View Post
BMW is emulating Audi with the S Line, and I think it's rather pathetic and uncalled for. That said, I'm sure they've done the research and come to the conclusion they can sell more cars as a result - so I suppose that's good the them.
Not true. S-Line emulates M-Sport versions and are cosmetic in nature. This is an entirely new category and the performance upgrades are real.
TJPark01 commented:
January 25, 2012, 9:23 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by dalekressin View Post
Nice to see new models, but it is clear BMW is not focused on performance more than luxury.
I think they're focused on making money. It's great that Audi can build an R8 but do they make money off that car? They still make an M5 for the hardcore enthusiast, in manual (only US). These new cars maybe for the enthusiast with a conscience about getting 10mpg.
swajames commented:
January 25, 2012, 9:50 pm

The engine in this bad boy must be an absolute monster. 381hp and 546lb/ft will make for an incredible driving experience. Really hope these come Stateside, and all credit to BMW for innovating with the tri-turbo and raising the bar on diesel performance. These will be great cars.
solstice commented:
January 26, 2012, 2:12 am

The current X5M and X6M are not mentioned among the true Ms. I wonder if they will be one model wonders? This new brawny diesel makes a lot more sense in them anyway. The new F10 models sits a lot lower which is promising for the suspension and with hydraulic steering in the rwd car these cars could be a lot better and closer to the M5 than they are to the regular F10s
Needsdecaf commented:
January 26, 2012, 2:38 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stealth.Pilot View Post
I'm wondering if this means 550i M-Sport will be M550i in the US. .
Nope.
Munich77 commented:
January 26, 2012, 6:36 am

I don't think that is coming to the US. I remember reading in the Roundel that a BMW NA said it would not be coming.
davesf commented:
January 26, 2012, 8:01 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by TJPark01 View Post
....Replace cabin courtesy light with Discoball.
Isn't this already a $2500 available option? .. also not available in the us.
cwsqbm commented:
January 26, 2012, 9:34 am

I've always loved 5-series wagons. A BMW M550d xDrive Touring would be close to my ultimate real-life dream car (just lacking a manual transmission to be perfect).


So its definitely NOT coming to America. I'd just like to find the idiot that thought giving us the 5 GT would be a good idea instead. Even Mercedes gets it, with the E63 available as a wagon (although stupid USA certification costs mean we can't have a E350 Bluetech 4Matic wagon even though all the parts are sold in America in the S350.)
mason commented:
January 26, 2012, 9:51 am

Total abuse from BMW. It just keeps teasing us with these high quality diesel while it practically only sells one model in US. The worst part is that they are striking deals left and right to supply diesel engines for other companies. BMW CEO put up white lie that it can't build enough engines to meet demand. Hello? Where is the capacity coming from for Volvo and Toyota?
dunderhi commented:
January 26, 2012, 10:08 am

I would love to get an F11 M550d xDrive for Mrs Dunderhi. Of course, I may need to borrow it... frequently.
DreamCar commented:
January 26, 2012, 10:43 am

I dont see a point, why these many variants? 550 with M psorts, M550 and M5???!!!
Does this really help the sales? why cant they just put a new package called performance package and sell it along with regular 5 series and mandate M sports package for the same?
DreamCar commented:
January 26, 2012, 10:44 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by TJPark01 View Post
love the rims, hate the name...
+1 by far those are the best looking BMW wheels.

Hope they are cheaper than M5 wheels
solstice commented:
January 26, 2012, 10:58 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by DreamCar View Post
I dont see a point, why these many variants? 550 with M psorts, M550 and M5???!!!
Does this really help the sales? why cant they just put a new package called performance package and sell it along with regular 5 series and mandate M sports package for the same?
Seems like BMW has decided that they want to get paid for class leading performance and handling. With earlier five's you just added a $2k sports package then with the F10 you needed to add another $4k for a dynamic handling package but were still stuck with average steering, suspension and seats. Now it's clear that they made room for this M light cars which probably are $10-20k dearer. Smart or overly greedy? Time will tell.
Phoenix1 commented:
January 26, 2012, 11:48 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by mason View Post
Total abuse from BMW. It just keeps teasing us with these high quality diesel while it practically only sells one model in US. The worst part is that they are striking deals left and right to supply diesel engines for other companies. BMW CEO put up white lie that it can't build enough engines to meet demand. Hello? Where is the capacity coming from for Volvo and Toyota?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Given the additonal costs of diesel cars/trucks and the (mostly) higher US prices for diesel, I think the US the market for diesel sedans and wagons is limited.

HOWEVER - These are no doubt great engines and excellent vehicles and would have a rabid group of followers - just not sure how many the would sell at over $100K.

Would I trade my 535XiT with Dinan S2 for a M50d F11 if I could - HELL YES! If someone else was paying...
Needsdecaf commented:
January 26, 2012, 11:51 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by DreamCar View Post
I dont see a point, why these many variants? 550 with M psorts, M550 and M5???!!!
Does this really help the sales? why cant they just put a new package called performance package and sell it along with regular 5 series and mandate M sports package for the same?

There is limited appeal in the US where gas is cheap and a 550i MSport is a viable option.

Where gas is expensive and cars are taxed on CO2 emissions and displacement, this car is about having your cake and eating it too.

Likely the reason they won't come to the US according to reports. Not many in this country would chose an M550d over a 550i MSport or M5.
Stealth.Pilot commented:
January 26, 2012, 12:39 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Needsdecaf View Post
Likely the reason they won't come to the US according to reports. Not many in this country would chose an M550d over a 550i MSport or M5.
Agree. The issue is that if you are spending 80k on a high performance car you don't care about MPG. You care about smoothness, and there is no way a triturbo 6 cylinder diesel can match a petrol biturbo V8 for smoothness.
alex md commented:
January 26, 2012, 1:07 pm

i can afford gas for wtin-turbo V8, but GIVEN A CHOICE i would prefer tri-turbo diesel V6
it has a lot of torque and i d like to see my average MPG in a mid or even high 20
plus i think tri-turbo diesel is very sophisticated tecnological marvel that i want to explore
solstice commented:
January 26, 2012, 1:59 pm

It seems that it's getting riskier than ever to be an early adopter of new models with these frequent and significant upgrades. M-Sport, Combox, Extended LCD, Re-tuned suspension and now this new performance line. Without free upgrading or even retrofit abilities it becomes scary to purchase an early model, not only do you miss out on many goodies it got to impact your re-sell value as well.
DreamCar commented:
January 26, 2012, 2:12 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by solstice View Post
It seems that it's getting riskier than ever to be an early adopter of new models with these frequent and significant upgrades. M-Sport, Combox, Extended LCD, Re-tuned suspension and now this new performance line. Without free upgrading or even retrofit abilities it becomes scary to purchase an early model, not only do you miss out on many goodies it got to impact your re-sell value as well.
I heard about the rest but when did they retuned the suspension? are you reffering to
F10?
solstice commented:
January 26, 2012, 2:35 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by DreamCar View Post
I heard about the rest but when did they retuned the suspension? are you reffering to
F10?
In 2012 the sports package got the EDS included and DHP was removed with ars becoming standalone. This configuration was not available prior to 2012 and the change from active to passive sway bars is a retune in itself and I would also think that the EDS was re-tuned both electronically and mechanically ( other springs ).
dunderhi commented:
January 26, 2012, 5:57 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by alex md View Post
i can afford gas for wtin-turbo V8, but GIVEN A CHOICE i would prefer tri-turbo diesel V6
it has a lot of torque and i d like to see my average MPG in a mid or even high 20
plus i think tri-turbo diesel is very sophisticated tecnological marvel that i want to explore
+1

Owning a 335d made a diesel believer out of me.
swajames commented:
January 26, 2012, 7:21 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stealth.Pilot View Post
Agree. The issue is that if you are spending 80k on a high performance car you don't care about MPG. You care about smoothness, and there is no way a triturbo 6 cylinder diesel can match a petrol biturbo V8 for smoothness.
That's true, but the TT V8 can't match 546lb/ft of torque out of the box and can only get anywhere even close with a remap. Once the tuning community get their hands on this engine, you'll be looking at low to mid 400s for the horsepower and well over 600lb/ft of torque. These are simply insane numbers.
DnA Diesel commented:
January 26, 2012, 7:34 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by dunderhi View Post
+1

Owning a 335d made a diesel believer out of me.
+2

Some folks say they would prefer smoothness, but those of us who drive a (sort of) high performance diesel already know that the flat torque of a diesel makes for very constant, smooth acceleration...the big electromagnet pulling you forward, and less peaky hills and valleys of a gasoline engine.

This car is clearly not for those who want a peak performance, mid-size sports sedan (M5), but I'll take "slightly off peak" performance from a "whatever-they-want-to-call-it" 5-series diesel monster in a heart beat. My wife would be entirely willing to take my "hand me down" 335d, I'm certain.

Would love to see this car come over the West side of the Atlantic...actually, I'll come over and do ED!

Regards
D.
DerStig commented:
January 26, 2012, 8:20 pm

This is just horrible, so why would you have M sport package in regular models? They have so many packages and models now its confusing. And the badges in the trunk is ridiculous, what is the ///M X5 M50d, are you for real?
sdg1871 commented:
January 26, 2012, 9:52 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by swajames View Post
that's true, but the tt v8 can't match 546lb/ft of torque out of the box and can only get anywhere even close with a remap. Once the tuning community get their hands on this engine, you'll be looking at low to mid 400s for the horsepower and well over 600lb/ft of torque. These are simply insane numbers.
+1
swajames commented:
January 26, 2012, 11:23 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdg1871 View Post
+1
I know you're a torque fiend, Scott - you'd love that tri-turbo! Still - your Dinan S2 isn't exactly lacking in that department
quackbury commented:
January 27, 2012, 12:25 am

I find it hopeful that the 20" wheels are shod with Dunlop Sport Max RFT's (The DSST on the sidewalls is Dunlop-speak for RFT). Maybe BMW can convince them to make a 19" version, and we will finally have an alternative to the LS2's. (Fine with me if they are summer tires, as I have dedicated snows). Do you think we could start a write-in campaign?
anE934fun commented:
January 27, 2012, 12:45 am

I would buy one.
Stealth8 commented:
January 27, 2012, 2:27 am

So...M5 Price at subpar performance--where do I NOT sign up!

I really doubt these machines wiill: (a) come to the US; or (b) have any type of sales success if they do come.
sdg1871 commented:
January 27, 2012, 6:29 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by swajames View Post
I know you're a torque fiend, Scott - you'd love that tri-turbo! Still - your Dinan S2 isn't exactly lacking in that department
Correct. At 580 foot pounds it should be a monster off the line. My car has now entered production

Correction: my car had now completed production and has left the factory and awaits shipment to the US
Needsdecaf commented:
January 27, 2012, 8:41 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stealth8 View Post
So...M5 Price at subpar performance--where do I NOT sign up!
That's why it won't be sold here.

German pricing of a 2013 M5 -102k Euros
German pricing of an M550xd - 81k Euros.

So it's not M5 pricing. Not even close.
yellowmattei commented:
January 27, 2012, 5:26 pm

I don't mind saying, the Touring looks great with the M package on it. I wish they still sold them here. I've got three kids, and could use the space. Taking the minivan would be an option, instead of a requirement when the whole family comes along.
sdg1871 commented:
January 27, 2012, 6:26 pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by yellowmattei View Post
I don't mind saying, the Touring looks great with the M package on it. I wish they still sold them here. I've got three kids, and could use the space. Taking the minivan would be an option, instead of a requirement when the whole family comes along.
I agree. I think the touring is so much more an appealing car than the GT. Unfortunately American buyers are not buying station wagons and prior 5 Series station wagons have not been good sellers in the US. Hence BMW stopped bringing them here.
Stealth8 commented:
January 29, 2012, 12:00 am

So it's not M5 pricing. Not even close.[/quote]

To clarify, the stated prices for the new models are approximately the same price as the new M5 in the US. Most here do not live in Germany.
Stealth.Pilot commented:
January 29, 2012, 12:04 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stealth8 View Post
To clarify, the stated prices for the new models are approximately the same price as the new M5 in the US. Most here do not live in Germany.
You cannot compare European and US prices because the former include tax and the latter do not. Compare only pre-tax prices.
tim330i commented:
January 31, 2012, 5:03 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv5b5ZPh2N4#!

Video of the M Performance Auto Diesel M550d sedan/touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d in action at the track - > http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=597855
Tanning machine commented:
February 3, 2012, 9:14 am

Quote:
Originally Posted by tim330i View Post

BMW M550d xDrive Touring:
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.9 seconds,
average fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp),
maximum torque: 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft);


Oh to live in Germany. And have 100k euros lying around.