German Car Zone

So this actually is NOT an excercise in 'CSL-ing' the M5...as in, there were no attempts to actually reduce the weight of the car using extra carbon-fibre, or stripping the interior...it was merely an exercise in increasing displacement and overall horsepower ?

Great engine mod however... makes the need for twin-turbos in the RS6 seem a bit silly and amateurish. This shows the engineering prowess that it still VERY strong at M-Division, so if this is what they can do with a 5.5L V10, then what impressive numbers could they produce with a 5.0-5.5L V8TT ?`

I think it does have cf roof and they reduced the weight by 100 lbs.

Well, it's still the V10 engine, but I would say yes.

Gotta say though... that is one horrible job with the M-Division pin-striping. I guess you can't blame them though... they're engineers, not designers or stylists.

Exactly my thoughts!

But BMW could do a nice final-edition of 500 cars before the next M5 is released in 18-24 months time. They are finally doing justice to the venerable V10 engine and giving it the transmission it deserved all along.

The other purpose of the final-edition is to have customers testing the double-clutch transmission and giving feedback to BMW and make sure the transmission is perfect for the next M5.

I usually gave a lot of respect to M edition on the design, but BMW is making this M5 CSL look ridiculous and gaudy!

I think it's the exact opposite.

BMW and M wouldn't be teasing, let alone fully showcasing the F10's powerplant. It's all about suspense and anticipation, it wouldn't make sense to let out the secret this early.

In my opinion, this vehicle is a confirmation that BMW and M have decided against using an updated V10 for the upcoming M5. This engine was probably one of the prototypes that was developed, but now (my guess and my opinion) that BMW have opted for the V8TT, they just released this M5 'CSL' simply because it coincides with the 25th Anniversary for the M5.

It might just be a last swang-song for a naturally aspirated M5...and the awesome V10 that will soon be replaced for the F10 (IMO again).

Think about it...if this M5 'CSL' was really in the works for a while, you'd think they at least unveil it at some autoshow, and give it a tad updated styling, just to do a proper and deserved 25th Anniversary M5...but the low-key media release, and even the lack of quality in info and photos shows that this wasn't planned much.. just thought of 'last minute' since they had this barnstorming updated V10 sitting in the testing facility with no future.

Yes, a timely gift to itself to celebrate 25 years of the M5. But I think BMW just wants to give us a little glimpse of what they have in store for the next M5. There is no market for a stripped-out M5 CSL. A M5 (even in CSL guise) must have some level of comfort and luxury.

I hope the V10 survives as it is one cracking motor. A forced-induction V8 just doesn't produce the same sound. All turbos sound flat. The double-clutch tranny will definitely find its way to the next M5 and the M6.

Typical BMW ghayness. It makes no sense at all to make a stripped out track sedan, let alone badging it a CSL. Should have rather made a limited production (500 units) of the M6 CSL and it would have made much more sense.

Very true. Eni and Scott27 should take note.