FAQ on BMW M5/M6 Competition Package and Little Known (Until Now) Updates From March

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

FAQ on BMW M5/M6 Competition Package and Little Known (Until Now) Updates From March

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We promised recently to try to get answers for some commonly asked questions our members have about the M5 and M6 Competition Package which begins production this month, and here they are below. First, a primer on the package:

2014 Competition Package details:

• Power increase by 11kW (15HP) to 423kW (575 HP)
• Stiffer stabilizer (anti-roll) bars
• Stiffer and lower suspension (shocks and springs) (10mm lower than standard M5).
• Stiffer front axle bushings
• Active M Differential with a unique tune for the competition package for improved traction
• New hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with the M-specific Servotronic function with A MORE DIRECT PROGRAMMING to improve agility during cornering
• M Dynamic mode (MDM) of DSC tuned with higher thresholds of intervention
• New 20" M light alloy wheels
• Sport exhaust with black chrome tips
• Note: BMW M ceramic brakes still remain a separate option, unrelated to this package.
• 2014 US pricing: $7300 (see price guide)

BIMMERPOST Q&A (answers are a mix of direct quotes, paraphrases and my own contributions):

Can Competition Package parts/software be retrofitted?

No, official retrofit support will not be provided by BMW here in the U.S. But, of course some parts can be retrofitted by individual owners if they went to enough lengths to do so. Some things would be easier of course, but steering and software would be difficult. The demand for retrofit is lower in U.S. due to the higher lease penetration and higher car turnover. In comparison, Europe supports retrofitting more than the U.S.

Are the M differential "tune" and MDM software updates going to be available to upgrade pre-LCI M5/M6?

No official retrofit will be available for Competition Package features. But, a high level update was made to all M5 and M6 produced from March 2013 (to prepare it for ceramic brakes option). Changes included 1) smaller torsion bar in the hydraulic steering system which affects how the steering system (better) responds on center, 2) programming for the steering system and 3) stiffer front bushings to better deal with increased brake forces from optional ceramic brakes.

Note: the steering and suspension changes mentioned above are not the same ones that come with the Competition Package.

How much lighter are the competition wheels?

They are not lighter.

Is the Competition Package Sport Exhaust different than upcoming M Performance Exhaust?

Yes, it's positioned between the stock exhaust and the M Performance Exhaust [our details and clips]. It's not titanium like the M Performance Exhaust. It's sportier sounding than the stock exhaust by having its baffles pulled from the muffler. No power gains and no flow change.

What are the changes made to steering with the new Competition Package and how does it make the M5 "feel"?

In addition to the changes made in March 2013 (detailed above), the Competition Package includes a faster steering rack and related steering software. It has a faster on-center steering ratio compared to stock, which eventually ends in the same ratio as stock at the end of the rack. So, the on-center ratio is faster, quicker, and more direct which provides for a more precise feeling around center.

The +15 HP increase comes from which component(s)?

Only boost mapping - the effects of which take place at the top of the rev range.

How is the suspension improved exactly?

The following is my own summary: 10mm lower suspension (M5), stiffer front bushings, revised springs/shocks and stiffer swaybars.



For your reference, we've reposted M5/M6 Competition Package photos and video feature:

BMW M5 Competition Package Wallpapers

BMW M5 Competition Package

BMW M6 Competition Package

[RPiM5]

Good info. I'm still on the fence about retro-fitting some of the simpler items like the Comp Pack springs, sway bars and bushings. We'll see though.

Other option might be to just wait a year or two and pick up a used LCI M5 with the Comp Pack and Carbon Brakes for way cheaper.

Also good to know that the Comp Pack Wheels offer no benefit performance wise over the 343M's, they are just for looks.

[VintageFerrari]

Originally Posted by Jason

It has a faster on-center steering ratio compared to stock, which eventually ends in the same ratio as stock at the end of the rack.

This I don't understand. How is this possible? The F10/F06/F12/F13 M platforms DO NOT have active steering/(aka a variable ratio steering rack)

[M54ccibo]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Good info. I'm still on the fence about retro-fitting some of the simpler items like the Comp Pack springs, sway bars and bushings. We'll see though.

Other option might be to just wait a year or two and pick up a used LCI M5 with the Comp Pack and Carbon Brakes for way cheaper.

Also good to know that the Comp Pack Wheels offer no benefit performance wise over the 343M's, they are just for looks.

LOL Dave. I am waiting patiently for the comp springs which I will be putting on my car. Other than that, it is wait until my lease is up (two more years) and then go with a new M5 w/comp package or a GT3...decisions decisions.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by M54ccibo

LOL Dave. I am waiting patiently for the comp springs which I will be putting on my car. Other than that, it is wait until my lease is up (two more years) and then go with a new M5 w/comp package or a GT3...decisions decisions.

Haha! Nice! Depending on how much the springs, swaybars, and bushings are and how easily they will be available, I might to the upgrade too.

On a side note, I really wish BMW ///M wasn't so much about nickel and diming ///M customers with things like the Competition Package when McLaren is offering retrofits on upgrades that they design on the newer model MP4-12C's for FREE!!!! Including a 25hp increase, which brings the MP4-12C up to 616hp again for FREAKING FREE!!!!!!!!!

Here's the article. Check it out yourself.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-...aren/mp4-12c/#

I can understand charging BMW customers for such upgrades on high volume models such as the 335i, but ///M owners should be different. Oh well. 1st world problems.

Oh and I will own a McLaren MP4-12C one day. She be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine.

[chong0]

what a load of bull!

glad to know the early adapters are well taken care of...

[TC M3]

Thanks for the detailed info ! Can't wait for it

[PJFLA]

Anyone retrofit the shocks/springs yet?