Tag Archives: Videos

BMWBLOG Podcast Ep.49 — F80 BMW M3 CS, New M3/M4

In our latest episode of the BMWBLOG Podcast, Horatiu joins our own longtime contributor, James Bachici to discuss topics such as the new BMW M3, electric vehicles, and, of course, his very own F80-gen BMW M3 CS. First up, though, must be James’ BMW M3 CS. The F80 M3 CS was such a special car and one that must look incredibly desirable now. Back when it was new, Horatiu ironically drove the identical spec M3 CS as James’ in Munich and came away feeling it was what the F80 M3 should have been all along. Its steering was significantly better, its exhaust note was better, and its handling was just that little bit sharper. Even James notes just how much better the M3 CS is, versus his standard F80 M3.

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So if James owns an M3 CS, one of the most special M cars of the modern era, how does he feel about this new generation of car, which is quite possibly the most heavily criticized M car of the modern era? James likes the look of the new M3, which he admits is an unpopular opinion. Though unpopular, it’s not as if his opinion is wrong — as he rightly mentions, people like what they like. Ironically, after seeing the new M3 and M4, James’ own M3 CS is becoming more desirable than ever before for most enthusiasts.

After the new M3, they both discuss electric cars and how they’re going to attract enthusiasts in the future. Without exhaust notes, engine noises, and the shifting of gears, will electric cars still be able to attract car enthusiasts and how will car journalists approach the changes in reviewing cars? It’s going to be an interesting future for sure.

So have a listen, James is a great guest who has a ton of experience with the brand and is the owner of one of the its best modern M cars. Check it out. As always, the podcast can be found anywhere major podcasts can be found; Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon and Radiopublic.

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VIDEO: This BMW M1 Rally Car is Absolutely Glorious

If you know me even a little, you’d know that the BMW M1 is one of my absolute favorite cars. It’s a car I’m not shy about loving. At parties, I’ll tell people that the BMW M1 is not only one of my favorite cars but actually invented the everyday supercar segment but, mysteriously, they all seem to walk away from me after that… But I digress.

I know I’m not alone in loving the BMW M1; it’s one of the most revered and beloved Bavarian products of all time. Its gorgeous Giugiaro styling, its Paul Rosche-designed and motorsport-bred 3.5 liter inline-six, and its everyday supercar usability all make it one of the most iconic cars of its era. But did you know that there was actually a rally car version?

Few enthusiasts know that there actually ever was a BMW M1 rally car but, in fact, there were a few. Admittedly, only a handful of teams in the early ’80s rally raced M1s, with the most famous one being raced by the French Oreca rally racing team (which is the Motul-sponsored car in the video below). Most of the rally M1s were French, to be honest.

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Most BMW M1 rally cars were converted M1 Procars, which were widened to accommodate a wider wheel track and were given accompanying fender flares. They also featured larger rear wings, to provide more downforce to the rear-wheel drive only rally car. Though, most of the French rally races were held on tarmac. The already incredible 3.5 liter I6 engine was also bumped from the standard 277 horsepower to a whopping 430 bhp.

Sadly, the BMW M1 never really worked as a rally car. It never won a single race, with any driver from any team, and it only managed one or two second-place podium finishes. Most of the time, the M1 was forced to retire races due to technical failures. The BMW M1 was too big, too heavy, and not reliable enough to be a successful rally car, which is kind of sad because the car seen in this video below was absolutely glorious. It looked fantastic and sounded even better. Have a watch and dream of what maybe could have been.

[Source: Jalopnik]

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VIDEO: Listen to the E31 BMW M8 Prototype Start and Rev

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If you’re a massive BMW enthusiast, you know the story of the BMW M8 Prototype (if not, click these blue words). It’s a great story but one with a sad ending because the original M8 never made it to production, despite being impossibly cool. Instead, the prototype sat in BMW’s collection for over thirty years and only saw the light of day a few years ago. So the fact that BMW Classic displayed it in this video and actually started it up is incredible.

In this video, we get to learn about the BMW M8 Prototype’s incredible naturally-aspirated V12 engine. Not only is it beautiful to look at, with its carbon fiber intake manifold (!) but it’s also a technically fascinating engine as well. Modifying the 850CSi’s V12 for more power and performance as a challenge but not as much of a challenge as getting the entire package to work properly.

However, once it starts up, you realize it was all worth it. This video lets you actually hear the M8 Prototype start and rev, which is likely the first time you’ve ever heard it. BMW hasn’t really showed it off much, never mind actually start it up.

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I’m fortunate to have had the chance to actually get up close and personal with the E31 BMW M8 Prototype. During a BMW even in Palm Springs, California, BMW had a closed-door room filled with all sorts of special cars at the time and one of them was the E31 M8. I was positively giddy just being in its space, as I had loved it ever since I learned about it. Thankfully, someone at BMW was gracious enough to actually let me sit in it and it was wonderful.

I can still remember sitting in the seat, thinking about how few people had actually done so and trying to capture just how truly rare and special it was. After hearing the V12 bark to life in this video, those feelings came back.

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EXCLUSIVE: The Sound Of The M Performance Exhaust for new 2021 BMW M3 and M4

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Here is the first sound clip of the M Performance Exhaust system for the new 2021 BMW M3 and M4. We also included a comparison clip with the regular exhaust for the 2021 BMW M3 and M4. The M Performance Exhaust system for the new M3 and M4 is the first of its kind. It features a triangular layout of its titanium pipes and is placed in the middle of the diffuser. The lightweight exhaust system has flap control and weighs around five kilograms less than standard exhaust. It also delivers a sportier sound, thanks to the exhaust gas routing.

The exhaust is paired with the S58 engine, which is specifically enhanced by the BMW M division using the B58 unit as starting point. The straight-six petrol engine is offered in two output stages. The entry-level M3 and M4 models receive the 353 kW / 480 PS (473 hp) iteration of the powertrain, whereas the range-topping Competition versions are powered by the 375 kW / 510 PS (503 hp) version of the S58 unit.

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Power delivery is performed either via six-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with M Drivelogic management unit. The output essentially reaches the rear-axle wheels for both the 480 PS and the 510 PS Competition variants. There is no pricing available yet, but considering the previous M Performance Exhausts sell for over $2,500, we expect a similar or even higher price point. The new M Performance Parts, along with the exhaust, will be available from market launch this Spring.

Take a look at the video below, along with another clip featuring a sound battle between the G82 M4 and F82 M.

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VIDEO: Magnus Walker Drives the E39 BMW M5 on The Next Big Thing

Hagerty has just exploded its YouTube car content, with several new shows hosted by very familiar faces in the car world. There’s a show with Chip Foose, a show with our friend Jason Cammisa and one with famed Porsche-file Magnus Walker. In Walker’s, he drives classics that are still affordable for many people to see if they’re the next big collector’s item, called The Next Big Thing. In the first episode, Walker drives the E39 BMW M5.

The specific E39 BMW M5 in this video is owned by California-based gearhead Paul Zuckerman, whose Alpine White M5 has been tuned by Dinan and has made its rounds on shows like The Smoking Tire. Zuckerman is also a frequent guest on another famous gearhead Spike Feresten’s podcast. Zuckerman is a big fan of BMW, having wanted to sort of push back against the Porsche crowd when he was younger. In his eyes, BMW has lost its way since the E39 M5 and no longer makes the sort of Ultimate Driving Machines that he’s accustomed to. It’s an opinion shared by a vast population of the BMW fanbase.

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His E39 BMW M5 isn’t stock but it’s not heavily modified, either. It has just a few simple mods that he finds essential for E39 M5 ownership. For instance, it has a cold-air intake, Dinan Stage 3 tune, Dinan free-flow exhaust, a short throw shifter and a limited-slip rear diff. With all of that, Zuckerman says his 4.9 liter naturally-aspirated V8 makes around 440 horsepower, versus the 396 horsepower from the factory.

Walker also really appreciates the analog, yet modern looking, interior. It’s simple and intuitive, while also feeling modern enough to not feel dated. The E39 BMW M5 is regarded by many as the best driving M5 of all time and it’s not hard to see why; it seems to be the perfect blend of power, speed, agility and comfort. While pristine examples have become absurdly expensive, you can still find high-mileage, but well taken care of, examples for affordable money and those are the cars you want. You want something to look new but have enough miles on it that not only is it easily affordable but you’re also not afraid to drive it, for fear of depreciating it. If you can find a car like that, it’s a home run classic.

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50 Cent Features Some ’80s and ’90 BMWs in New Video

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Maybe it’s because I’m a ’90s kid but Youngtimer cars — cars from the ’80s and ’90s — are among my favorite of all time and I know I’m not alone. After the now-famous “Youngtimer” video of Chris Harris walking through an incredible collection of ’80s and ’90s cars, those eras have become even more popular among enthusiasts than they already were. Which is why we love seeing all of these Youngtimer BMW’s in the new 50 Cent video “Part of the Game”.

As the official song of the upcoming Starz series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, 50 Cent drives around in both an E30 3 Series Convertible and a Dakar Yellow E31 BMW 8 Series. The upcoming series is a prequel to the current Starz series, Power, and is set in the ’90s, hence the cars in this video.

There are a ton of great cars in the video, not just BMWs. There’s a killer Saab 900 Turbo and an A90 Toyota Supra, among several other great ’90s cars. However, the BMWs are the standout, as they’re the cars driven by 50 Cent. The first one he drives, the red E30 Convertible, looks gorgeous on its polished BBS wheels. The E30 Convertible was never a hugely desirable car but for some reason I want one now. Then he drives the E31 8 Series, which is even better. Who doesn’t love a yellow 8 Series?

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For the making of the video, the cars were borrowed from BBS Boys, an enthusiast group in Newark, NJ that has an incredible collection of ’80s and ’90s cars. They apparently rent their cars out to movie and music video producers often, which isn’t surprising. If you want to shoot something set in the ’90s and need a modded car, they’re gonna have you covered.

Watch the video and check out 50 Cent driving around in some ’80s and ’90s BMWs.

[Source: The Drive]

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VIDEO: Watch The Stig Drift James Bond’s E46 M3-powered Aston Martin DB5

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When the first trailer for the upcoming Bond film No Time to Die debuted, fans were jazzed about seeing Bond do gunfire-filled donuts in a 1965 Aston Martin DB5, the classic Bond car. However, for the actual filming of the movie, the production team did not use a real 1965 Aston Martin. Instead, they built a kit car, with a perfect replica body and custom-built chassis for stunt car-duty. However, for the engine, it’s believed that the stunt team actually went with something more Bavarian.

Of course, the stunt team won’t disclose what sort of engine this specific DB5 stunt car uses but they did say that it uses a naturally-aspirated straight-six engine that’s relatively modern and makes just over 300 horsepower. There aren’t many engines that fit that bill, so it’s commonly believed, and we’re all almost certain, that it uses an E46 BMW M3 engine. That theory is all but confirmed but the noise of it as well, as it has the same signature BMW I6 wail at full chat.

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In this video, we get to see The Stig lap the E46 M3-powered Aston Martin DB5 stunt car around a closed road loop and it’s glorious. Not only does it look awesome but it seems like so much fun. The stunt car’s chassis, being specifically built for stunt driving, looks incredibly well balanced and controllable. The Stig slides it around beautifully and it just holds onto big drifts. All the while, you hear that unfiltered six-cylinder engine screaming along, making genuine motorsport noises and it’s highly addictive.

What’s funny is when you see the POV on-board camera, you see The Stig working a massive diameter wooden steering wheel from a ’60s Aston Martin. From that view, the noise and rate of pace seem completely at odds with the car and it’s awesome. Check it out and have some fun.

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VIDEO: Joe Achilles Gives the Verdict on the Audi RS6 Avant vs BMW M5

The new Audi RS6 Avant is an interesting rival to the BMW M5 Competition because it uses a very similar formula but with a twist. Both cars uses 4.0-ish liter twin-turbo V8s with 600-ish horsepower, eight-speed ZF automatics and all-wheel drive. However, the BMW M5 is a sedan and the Audi RS6 is a wagon. They both have their strengths and weaknesses but which one is actually better? In this video from Joe Achilles, we find out.

Achilles recently spent a week in a BMW M5 Competition and then spent a week in the Audi RS6 Avant, without too much time in between. So he was able to draw an accurate comparison between the two cars and judge them properly. In his review, he’s only driving the RS6 but drawing comparisons between it and the M5 throughout, trying to determine which car is better.

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In terms of outright speed, both cars are astonishingly quick but the M5 is quicker. His RaceBox-recorded time for the Audi RS6 Avant was 3.31 seconds, which is three seconds faster than Audi’s claimed time. While his recorded time for the BMW M5 Competition was 2.99 seconds. So the Bimmer is considerably faster. However, he does note that it feels that Audi has trouble accelerating hard within the first five meters or so. After that initial delay, though, he claimed that it seems to pull every bit as hard as the M5.

The BMW M5 is also the sharper car but only by a bit. Through some twisties, the Audi RS6 Avant is a great handling, genuinely exciting car to drive and one that defies physics. However, the M5 is just a bit more precise on the road and certainly more so on track.

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Where the Audi RS6 Avant does get an on-road advantage, it’s in its ride comfort. The RS6 is one of the best riding sports cars in the world and quite a bit better than the BMW. Not only is it more comfortable than the M5 but it’s also no slouch in the corners. So it’s nicer to drive on a regular basis but it’s also nicer to drive quickly, as the more supple suspension keeps it planted through choppier pavement.

In the end, though, Achilles chose the BMW M5 Competition as the car he’d rather have. It’s a close contest and there’s a lot to like about the Audi RS6 but it’s the M5 Comp that he feels is best for him.

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VIDEO: The BMW R18 is One of the Coolest Motorcycles on the Road

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know the first thing about motorcycles. The extend of my motorcycle knowledge begins and ends with the fact that they have two wheels. When it comes to motoring, I much prefer doing it with four wheels. I have nothing against bikes, nor do I disagree with bikers that they provide a more visceral experience than cars. However, I’ve just never had the desire to ride them. Fear does come into play a bit but it’s not the main reason for my lack of interest. That said, there are some bikes that I just find to be icy-cool and the BMW R18 is one of them.

In this new video from Auto Trader UK, we see Rory Reid test out the new R18 and he shows off how BMW has made a German Harley-Davidson.

There are actually some bikes I like and they’re all vintage BMWs from the 1950s and 1960s. Which is why I think the R18 is so damn cool, as it looks like them. That’s no coincidence, as the BMW R18 was designed to look like those vintage bikes and its retro styling works.

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Most people associate BMW bikes with high-speed superbikes but the R18 is not such a bike. Instead, it uses a massive 1.8 liter (1,800 cc) V-twin engine, with a whopping 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque. Not only that but it makes a killer, smooth and sophisticated burble. It’s like a Harley with manners. Lovely.

It’s also a comfortable bike, with an ergonomic seating positing and comfortable seat. Though, its vibrating V-twin engine can cause some bum numbness over time. There’s also a curious lack of options for such an expensive bike. For instance, there’s no fuel gauge, which seems problematic, and no navigation, which is sort of odd for a cruiser. That said, the BMW R18 seems like an excellent, stylish cruising bike. Check it out.

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VIDEO: Joe Achilles tests Michelin Cup 2 Connect Tires on his BMW M2 Competition

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Of all the BMWs on sale, the one most likely to see track duty is the M2 Competition. Sure, cars like the M340i and M5 are great on track but who is realistically going to take those cars to a track day? Very few. It’s the BMW M2 Competition that’s going to see track time. So if you’re an M2 Comp owner and want to have some fun in your car, you’re going to need the right tires. In this video from Joe Achilles, he tests out Michelin Cup 2 Connect tires on his very own M2 Comp on track.

Like all things in today’s world, the Michelin Cup 2 tires are connected tires, so they can connect to a mobile app that gives you a readout of what they’re doing. So, as you can see in Achilles’ video, you can have your mobile phone mounted somewhere in your car with the Michelin app up, as it displays all the necessary info about your tires. For instance, the app told him that three of his tires needed a bit of deflating before heading out on track. Also, the app gave him an exact tire temperature readout for each corner, allowing him to know when they were up to temperature enough to push them hard.

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As always, the BMW M2 Competition also looks like a riot on track. I’m personally jealous of Achilles, as he owns the M2 Comp, so he can track it whenever he wants. I have to wait until BMW press events. Still, the M2 Comp is a genuine riot on track, even though it’s scared the hell out of me a few times.

This video does show that tire technology can be extremely helpful for any enthusiast that actually wants to push their BMW on a track day and get the most performance out of it. So if you’re an M2 Competition owner and want to really see what your car can do, make sure you invest in the right tires.

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