BMW Announces Performance Accessories for the U.S.-spec X5 Series

BMW has decided to spice up its U.S.-spec X5’s line-up by releasing numerous accessories from its in-house Performance division. Meant to improve aerodynamics and give the interior a sportier appearance, the parts will go on sale at Authorized BMW Centers by the end of this month.

American customers can opt for an aero kit, which includes redesigned bumpers and different side skirts. Tested at the German maker’s Münich wind tunnel, the aero parts are claimed to reduce drag and lift, improving stability at high speeds.

The aerodynamic package can be fitted to all X5 variants, minus the M model and those specified with trailer hitches. Furthermore, there’s also a set of black “kidney grilles” available.

The list of interior appointments is comprised of aluminum pedals and footrest, alongside a thick-rimmed and racing-inspired steering wheel, which is wrapped in hand-stitched Alcantara. Again, the latter is not available for the X5 M and models equipped with Lane Departure Warning system.

By Csaba Daradics

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Hamann Presents the BMW X5 Flash Evo M with up to 670HP

With 555 hp on tap, the stock BMW X5 M has enough power for most mortals, but Hamann disagrees, hence the birth of the Flash Evo M. Featuring an aggressive bodykit, the German tuner's version of the X5 M can be specified with one of two engines upgrades, delivering up to 670 hp, 22 or 23-inch alloys, tweaked suspension bits and bigger brakes. Various interior appointments are also available.

To improve the SAV's looks, Hamann designers used a new front spoiler, which can be fitted with two or four strips of LED daytime running lights, a carbon fiber bonnet, with additional vents for cooling the engine, and lowered side sills, connecting the massive fender extensions.

Engineers quickly ditched the standard exhaust and opted for two, centrally mounted tailpipes, integrated into the diffuser. Other exterior modifications include an equally aggressive rear spoiler and a roof spoiler (also made of carbon fiber), which increases downforce and improves stability at high speeds.

Buyers can choose between 22- and 23-inch wheels, but Hamann thinks you should take the bigger set claiming it gives the car "a truly sporty appearance".

Two power upgrades are offered, the first of which optimizes the ECU by removing the factory-installed 250 km/h (155 mph) speed-restriction and increases power to 610 hp and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft).

For those who think that more is better, Hamann supplies the HM 670 kit, which, besides the ECU tweak, comes with a sports muffler and catalysts. In this case, peak power is 670 hp, accompanied by 950 Nm (701 lb-ft) of torque, constant between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. According to Hamann, the Flash Evo M can reach a top speed of 300 km/h (or 186 mph).

A sports suspension kit that lowers the ride height by 30 mm and larger brakes (405 mm front and 340 mm rear discs with 6- and 4-pot calipers, respectively) round off the performance upgrades.

Inside, there's a Hamann sport steering wheel as well as a modified speedometer, which maxes out at 320 km/h (199 mph). As with every Hamann-tuned vehicle, there many additional options, like special leather for the seats, combined with Alcantara, carbon fiber panels, aluminum pedals and stainless steel sill plates with illuminated Hamann logos.

By Csaba Daradics

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BMW Recalling 151,000 Vehicles in the U.S. to Repair Fuel Pumps

BMW's North American division has issued two separate voluntary recalls of some 151,000 vehicles sold in the USA to fix fuel-pump defects that may reduce engine performance and in some models, even a loss of power assist for the steering and brakes.

The first recall concerns certain model year BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines, including the MY2007-2010MY 335i, MY2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes, and MY2009 – 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i. The Bavarian company said approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected from this recall with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump.

"Symptoms include long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of the "Service Engine Soon" light. In certain cases, the driver may experience reduced engine performance in a Safe Mode accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the "Engine Malfunction" light," BMW said in a statement.

According to the company, the recall will entail replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and/or a software update.

The second recall from BMW affects a total of 20,800 MY 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engines to replace the low-pressure fuel pump.

BMW said that in this case, if the fuel-pump experiences a failure, "the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes although both the steering and the brakes remain operational."

For more information on the recall, owners of the affected models can contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-563-4269 or email CustomerRelations [at] bmwusa.com.

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