BMW M760LI xDrive quick review

2017 BMW M760LI XDRIVE – LUXURY ON OVER-DRIVE

Originally published on the new performance oriented website, Fuelcurve.com:  https://fuelcurve.com/2017-bmw-m760li-xdrive-luxury-over-drive-review/

Seeing a factory matte finish BMW raises the eyebrows. Strolling nonchalantly toward it, spotting the V-12 emblem puts a pause in your pace. Then reading the back emblem and seeing “M760i” denoting BMW’s 601hp technological tour-de-force definitely raises both eyebrows. Who knew a 2017 model year V-12, twin turbo sedan was available anywhere for nearly $172,000.

This is a CEO car. It’s for the business owner who, nicely put, gives zero cares about what anyone thinks about his or her 16mpg highway Q-ship. They worked hard, employ many, and get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Or maybe wants something that is extremely modern, smooth and quiet and not care where the charging station may or may not be.

Start-up and driving is like any other car in the basic sense. But extra attention is given to the passengers both front and rear. Like it’s a perfect host or hostess for wheeled travel. Maybe that would be a coastess? The rear passengers share a center tablet and there are display screens behind each front seat. Each passenger can set their own seat adjustments in the rear as well.

BMW’s flagship is a first-class experience matching the turbine-like power plant under the hood. Calling it a motor or engine is just too mundane. Acceleration is swift, it leaps when need be and effortlessly closes gaps in traffic with a slight provocation of the foot. Turn-in can be surprisingly quick when manhandling the steering wheel. With the all-wheel drive, traction is never really an issue despite the V-12s best attempt to smoke the tires. Of course it’s heavy, but BMW’s new Carbon Core technology resulted in a massive 285lb weight reduction from the previous 7-series. Granted, adding four cylinders puts some weight right back, but you don't argue with a V-12. Nuff said.

Of course the suspension has adjustments but even in the comfort setting it couldn’t iron out some of the bumps on a backroad, but they were minimized greatly.  Regardless, the sheer insulation and isolation is instantly apparent. As soon as we turned onto the main road my wife immediately looked at me and said, “This is a really nice car!” With particular emphasis on the “really” part. 

It’s the technology that demands time to get familiar with the car, reading the manual, and spending hours learning it but the payoff is priceless. The gesture control seems to work in front of the steering wheel. Perhaps doing so unintuitively, performing gestures in front of the infotainment screen just made me look inept. But in describing this car, inept is not a word that comes to mind, ever.

Be sure to check out the new performance enthusiast website Fuelcurve.com where this article was first published:  https://fuelcurve.com/2017-bmw-m760li-xdrive-luxury-over-drive-review/

BMW 318is - Better Mileage With Gearing? Ask Rob About Cars

Hi Rob,
Great articles and photos, thanks so much ,
I have a 1994 BMW 318is. It gets great gas mileage and would love to get even better mileage . The rear end (3rd) member locked up when I first got the car, so I found a deal on a 325 axles and rear end , put it in never changed any gears do you know if the 325 is different than the 318is both were manual transmissions. Should I leave well enough alone ?
Thanks,
FAN

Hello Fan and thank you!
I found this excellent website that lists a LOT of BMW gear ratios, perhaps all of them: http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/GearRatios.htm

It seems that you now have a less-aggressive final drive ratio of 3.15 vs. 3.45. So if you like your mileage and the acceleration is adequate, I would leave it alone and congratulate yourself on a fuel saving modification.

I wouldn't suggest trying anything numerically lower than 3.15 such as the 2.93, even if you can find it. My concern would be inadequate acceleration with the 4-cylinder engine. This would mean using higher revs and consuming more gas, effectively negating your intended result. Also, it may mean using a higher gear for cruising at certain speeds and poor acceleration in 5th gear. If you know anyone that has done it, be sure to write back and share!

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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

BMW M5 - The Best Exhaust Sounds

Take a 500 horsepower V-10 engine and unrestrict the exhaust system you've got automotive music. The second installment in the Best Exhaust Sounds series was brought to my attention by an associate of VS Motorsports in Schaumburg, IL.

If you like the responsiveness of a normally aspirated engine in a practical 4-door sedan with excellent handling, buy one soon. BMW will be replacing the V-10 with a twin turbocharged V-8 due to emission and mileage goals. Albeit quicker with more horsepower and a likely dual clutch transmission vs. the somewhat jerky single clutch automated manual.

The predicted replacement engine, already in the X5M, is a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V-8 currently producing 555hp and 500ft lbs of torque. I would be very curious to know if this engine weighs more than the current V-10. Also, the turbos are in the "V" on the top of the engine along with the exhaust ports and the intakes on the bottom/outside. Just the opposite of virtually every other V-bank engine. It will be interesting to see this radical design is incorporated into a serious performance sedan.

This BMW sounds extraordinary. Imagine while "under load" how it sounds. Check out this video of an accelerating M5 and see if you like it. Link to Evosport website.



What is your favorite exhaust sound? Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

performance · cars · Ask Rob About Cars · BMW

2011 BMW 335is - Are the Changes Enough?

BMW recently announced the 2011 model 335is twin turbo will have power, transmission and cooling enhancements vs. the prior year 335i. I question if these enhancements will enough to sway the enthusiast to purchase the standard 335i with the single turbo. Not giving the car a limited slip differential remains a huge disservice.

The 335is will have 320 horsepower with its revised twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine, up from 300hp. Also 7 seconds of overboost will be available raising the torque figure from 332ft lbs to 370ft lbs. This isn't really an improvement over existing aftermarket tuners such as Dinan (which offers a warranty) and Burger Motorsports Juice Box series.

Potentially bigger news is the Non-S model now has a single turbo instead of the "twins". Likely significantly larger in size than the twins in the "S" and last year's model, this will mean greater potential for adding power in the aftermarket.

The 6-speed automatic is replaced by the 7-speed dual clutch transmission which probably won't mean turbo boost levels will fall off since the Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo manage. But if the gear ratios are the same from the M3, the 6-speed manual has been shown to be the quicker car once the speeds are above 120mph. Will the DCT transmission withstand higher-than-stock power levels?

An upgraded radiator and motor mounts are included as well for track duty. What is really questionable is the decision to leave out a limited slip differential. Making a car more track ready with more power, a fast shifting automated transmission and cooling enhancements without adding an LSD is like making it a better burnout competition entry. Check out this article on the new McLaren MP4-12C supercar not having an LSD and the problems this poses.

While improving the breed, BMW potentially makes the base 335i the enthusiast's choice with a single turbo system and the "S" model still doesn't have a key performance element. Still world class, will the 335is meet sales expectations vs. the non "S"? Will the automatic transmission, now no longer available, be the desired transmission at the 75,000 mile mark? And will the need for an LSD make itself even more apparent?
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!
BMW 335i Coupe

Will the single turbo 335i be the model to choose vs. the 335is? Is the lack of a limited slip becoming a bigger detriment?
View Slideshow »

More About: drag racing · performance · Car and Driver · racing · cars · Ask Rob About Cars · BMW

Buying Tips for Performance Chips

Chips, handheld tuners, engine control units; they are all used to change the power output of an engine and the shifting of automated (automatic and automated manual) transmissions. The problem is how to choose based on their claims. Based on a friends 997 Porsche Twin Turbo shopping experience, there are certain things to be aware of and questions to ask if you're new to modding your car and there are no clear choices.

It's easy enough to buy on owners recommendations and write-ups in the forums. Not everyone is of the mindset for maximum horsepower though. Some don't even want to void their warranty. Go figure. Sometimes ownership of the car determines your choice. Not so with an LS1 Fbody (Camaro/Trans-Am). There are a ton of choices written up here.

The biggest controversy is horsepower claims. Where do the numbers come from and how are they measured? Keep in mind the biggest horsepower gain isn't always the best choice for your application.

Factors to consider are numerous. Will quality be affected? If supercharged or turbocharged, will the sparking life be shortened? Will there be an octane sensitivity other than a simple race gas tune? Is dyno tuning allowed for more exact and correct tuning or is a "canned" tune all that is available? Perhaps both are possible. Sometimes other vehicle electronic controls are tapped to control the level of the tune from stock to tuned to race gas. For example of this is using the cruise control button to select the tune. Sometimes, you just don't have a choice and have to go with what's available.

Are the horsepower claims taken directly from flywheel or from the dynometer? If taken from the flywheel, the implication is that the engine was removed and tested under controlled conditions. A time consuming and expensive process but more accurate.

If taken from the dynometer, and quoted as an estimated flywheel increase, what percentage loss are they calculating? Keeping in mind there are minor variations in production tolerances for horsepower ratings. One engineering team said 2% is allowable for their line of performance engines. An engine can also make more power when running cool vs. at normal operating temperature vs. running hot or "heat soaked". Taking all this into consideration, claims AND your results can vary wildly.

Was the car modified with intake and exhaust changes that show a greater horsepower enhancement than bone stock? Was 91 octane gas used vs. 93 octane? California is stuck with lousy 91 octane gas and therefore the goofballs at C.A.R.B. (California Air Research Board) dictate the octane auto manufacturers must comply with, among other restrictions. But other parts of the country have 93 octane available at the pump and there is and that allows for a little more power if tuned for it.

It's possible your emissions may be affected negatively. But that is why the "stock" tunes remain accessible. The performance aspect of the tune may not comply with emission requirements. But many times, the car will get better mileage.

As far as warranty concerns, some say their modified tune doesn't leave a trace when the car comes in for warranty work. Some manufacturers may claim otherwise. Well known BMW tuner Dinan matches the manufacturers' warranty and has a relationship with BMW. If your fellow owners have history, and there are a lot of established ones, enjoy that extra kick in the back and head snap with those shifts!
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Have a question about cars you would like answered? Want to know about performance, racing, modifying, shopping, makes, models, events, etc? Ask me here: AskRobAboutCars@gmail.com and I'll do my best to answer your question and publish it here on Examiner.com!

A clever move for Volvo?

What is every car manufacturer doing these days? Promoting fuel economy, alternative fuel or energy source in current or upcoming models. How many are looking into expanding into a performance oriented market? Very few are doing so. However, Volvo seems to be doing just that.

A small manufacturer like Volvo, while innovative in certain areas such as safety, and under the cloud of sale by parent company Ford, http://www.businessinsider.com/ford-taking-steep-loss-as-it-trys-to-sell-volvo-2009-3 hasn't gotten the press of Honda, Toyota, Tesla and Chevrolet with the Volt. But what about a NEW market segment for them while they continue along with alternative fuels and powertrains like everyone else? Performance!

Despite a miserable showing by Volvo race cars in Speed GT a few years ago, why not partner with last year's championship winning K-Pax race team with no financial investment (technical data can be free), and see what they can do for the brand. If it fails again, no big deal right? It's a segment Volvo never had foothold in anyway. If it succeeds, great! No investment, it got the attention of the enthusiasts and opens the door for future programs and more sales.

There is no question the guys and girls with high powered sports cars in their garages, or sporty sedans and coupes in the driveway also own a Volvo, and granted an S60-R may be included in that. Of course, we think of them as a conservative product line with safe but boring cars and SUVs. But now, if Volvo succeeds, they capture some more sales that BMW, Audi, Acura and Mercedes may have had. And, the door is open for more performance oriented models.

So while I'm sticking to my prediction of a poor showing during the racing season, the risk to Volvo is minimal. Clever, very clever. But I still say the Speed Touring class would be an ideal choice vs. the faster GT class. Photo of a racing Volvo station wagon of the past courtesy of http://www.psfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/volvo_850_btcc.jpg

Edit: The Volvos did quite well but Volvo still has virtually no performance credentials compared to the competition (Alfa, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes).

The Key for more viewers of SpeedTV and Koni Challenge Racing

SpeedTV televised the Koni Challenge Series at Daytona in Florida. The same reoccurring problem with racing coverage was evident for this race. However, it is even MORE essential in this series! Why? Because these cars are the closest to what is sold in the showrooms and driven on the street.

If viewers can't understand how cars can compete against one another, the interest will diminish. If SpeedTV would give a review of each car with some details and Grand-Am provided some information, the viewing audience will grow.

Racing is the most expensive sport in the world. Many can only dream to race, let alone at a professional level. Even a "track day" is about $200 plus thousands of miles taken off the life of brakes and tires. These performance cars being televised are sold based on their abilities. When obvious disparities are reduced and these various cars compete against one another head-to-head, the viewer must be informed how this is done. Not only that, many owners want to make street-legal modifications to their cars to make them closer to what is being raced. Faster is better, right?

The following cars were racing each other: Ford Mustang GT, previous generation BMW M3 with a 333hp 6-cylinder engine, current generation M3 with a 414hp 8-cylinder, a Dodge Challenger SRT-8 with 425hp but a very heavy, large car; Porsche 997 - the quintessential race car. Unmodified, the Porsche and V8 BMW would dominate the rest, hands down. And these are just the "GS" or Grand-Sport class cars:http://grand-am.com/koni/schedule/results.cfm?eid=877

In NASA, these cars are spread over 3 to 4 classes due to how much of a difference they are in performance:
http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/Performance-Touring-rules.pdf

While the names of the drivers and teams is good information that must be provided, it is equally or more important for the masses to understand what makes this racing possible.

Car & Driver's mysterious Pontiac Solstice GXP cover story results

The April '09 issue of Car & Driver had the cover story of four best-buy sport coupes. The dominant winner in the last two SCCA National Championships came in last place. The Pontiac Solstice GXP was the car to race in the SCCA Runoffs for 2007 and 2008 in the SCCA T2 class. In this story, it was last against the Mazda RX-8, BMW 135i and the new Nissan 370Z.

What is the SCCA? The Sports Car Club of America. Founded in 1944, now with 114 regions in the US, virtually everyone considering competitive racing at a "grassroots" level has looked into or participated in the SCCA. Some new cars have been sold from the factory with 1-year memberships!

In the Runoffs, the Solstice GXP had multiple podium finishes, beating other notables such as the Nissan 350Z, BMW E46 M3 (the 333hp 6cyl model), Mitsubishi Evolution, Subaru STi, Cadillac CTS-V, Pontiac Firebird and GTO and the Chevrolet Camaro. For the most part these cars are significantly faster than the Solstice in a straight line. The popularity of these cars dictates better and more in-depth coverage.

Now granted the new 370Z, the first place pick, is pretty tough competition. Maybe the best sportscar buy for the money. But there was a key element mentioned but not expanded upon. A $650 dealer-installed package that adds 40 horsepower. An absolute bargain! Was this the key to the SCCA domination? Surely this should have been researched. And if two of the four cars in this test make over 300 horsepower, wouldn't be fair to test the Pontiac with this option? And by the way, horsepower upgrades like this from the dealer with the factory blessing, are very, very rare. Especially a 40hp jump which is significant for virtually any car, let alone one weighing 3080lbs.

Another absolutely key element completely missed was publishing the lap times. There was mention of lapping at Willow Springs, but oddly, no results given. This is one of the most elemental pieces of data for a test of cars such as this. A big error of omission without explanation. After all, they evaluated the cars for five days.

Road & Track recently reported the 370Z experiencing high oil temperatures after 4 laps and needing a cool-down. If this is due to a design flaw, not only is it absurd for the best new sports car value, but it should have been reported by Car & Driver if noticed! Edit: Car and Driver notoriously discovered a severely braking cooling problem....

Granted the ranking of the cars was warranted by the disclosed test data. Digging deeper, is the SCCA T2 two-time dominator allowed to have a horsepower upgrade that makes the rest of the field impotent? Should the car be demoted to the slower SCCA T3 class? Investigative journalism was severely lacking when covering sports cars like these.