Hamann’s Tuning Program for BMW 5-Series Models fitted with M Sports Package

Buyers looking to tune their cars these days can choose between factory packages and aftermarket kits, and usually it's one or the other. But that's not the case with Hamann Motorsports, which is extending its offerings for the latest generation 5-Series to include an individualization program for those that have opted for BMW's recently launched M Sports Package (see here).

The German tuner's program includes a set of aerodynamic components that are adapted to the original M Technik front and rear aprons, along with a boot lid and roof spoiler, and bespoke side skirts.

Even though BMW's M package already includes 18-inch or 19-inch alloys, Hamann will more than gladly replace them with its own set of 21-inch wheels wrapped around 255/30 ZR21 tires at the front and 295/25 ZR21 at the back, at a price of €4,760 or close to US$6,500.

A suspension kit that drops the ride height by another 35mm, a four tailpipe sports exhaust system and a number of interior upgrades such as a 10 piece carbon fiber trim set, aluminum pedals and a unique steering wheel complete Hamann Motorsport's offerings.

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BMW Adds Three-Seat Rear Bench Option for the X6 and New Equipment Goodies for X5

Starting from April 2011, BMW X6 customers will be able to specify the crossover model with a three-seat rear bench. Up until now, the X6 was offered exclusively with a four-seat layout. The extra accommodation is available for all X6 models with the exception of the X6 ActiveHybrid, and can also be ordered for the X6 M. Besides the third seat that replaces the previous storage unit between the two rear passengers, the five-seat model also gets new leather options.

BMW also announced that the new batch of X6 models will feature shift paddles on the steering wheel whose operating logic follows the principle familiar from the M cars: for manual shifting of the eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, the right paddle is used for upshifts and the left for downshifts.

Furthermore, both the BMW X5 and X6 can be ordered with new Y-spoke design 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 275/40 and 315/35 front and rear tires respectively, plus a Comfort Access system that illuminates the car’s surroundings, and an updated range of ConnectedDrive services. The latter includes the BMW Apps option, which means that iPhone users will be able to access Facebook, Twitter and international radio stations, regardless of the car’s location.

By Csaba Daradics

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