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Stories, news and owner features from the BMW world — starting with the legendary M5 E60 and its V10.
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Maintenance
· 5 min read
BMW high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) problems: symptoms and causes
The BMW HPFP is a key part of every direct-injection engine. What the high-pressure fuel pump does, the typical symptoms of a failing pump, why the N54 is famous for it and how the fault is diagnosed.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0Maintenance
· 5 min read
BMW carbon build-up: why direct-injection engines need walnut blasting
Direct-injection BMW engines can collect carbon deposits on the intake valves. Why it happens, the symptoms, how walnut blasting works and what owners can do to slow it down.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0Maintenance
· 5 min read
BMW star-marked tyres: what the star means and do you need them?
Many tyres for BMWs carry a small star on the sidewall. What BMW star-marked tyres are, why BMW develops them with tyre makers, whether you need them and how to choose tyres for an M car.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0 M3 E46 · 6 min readBMW E46 M3 buying guide: what to check before you buy
The E46 M3 is one of the most loved M cars ever made, with a high-revving straight-six and a great chassis. What to check before buying one: engine, gearbox, body, suspension and history.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0 Tech explained · 8 min readBMW Active M Differential explained: how it works and why it matters
The Active M Differential is an electronically controlled limited-slip differential used in modern BMW M cars. How it works, how it evolved from earlier M differentials and how to look after it.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0 Tech explained · 7 min readBMW launch control explained: how it works and how to use it safely
Launch control lets a BMW accelerate from a standstill as quickly as possible. How the system works, which cars have it, how it is used on a closed circuit and why it should be used sparingly.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0 History · 7 min readBMW M5 Touring history: the E34, E61 and G99 super estates
The BMW M5 Touring is one of the rarest and most loved M cars. The story of all three generations: the hand-built E34, the V10 E61 and the plug-in hybrid G99.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0 Comparisons · 7 min readBMW N54 vs N55 vs B58: which turbo straight-six is best?
Three generations of BMW turbocharged straight-six engines compared: the twin-turbo N54, the single-turbo N55 and the modular B58. Design, character, known weak points and what to look for.
Read post →♥ 0💬 0 History · 7 min readBMW M8 history: from the secret E31 prototype to the F92 coupé
The BMW M8 waited almost 30 years to reach production. The story of the secret E31 prototype, the 850CSi and the modern M8 coupé, convertible and Gran Coupé.
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