New F10 Owner: Intro + Questions

[chrison600]

Hi all,

The wife and I took delivery of a new F10 M5 this past Monday so I thought I'd introduce myself and the car. Also have a few questions.

We were originally going to do Euro Delivery, but that trip fell through so we were just going to order one and have it delivered locally. The wife decided she wanted Alpine White, so I had a look at local dealer inventory. Turned out they had one almost exactly like what we would have ordered so we just bought it (no waiting!). It's an Alpine White with black (extended) interior (anthracite inserts), almost every option (no carbon brakes or infrared). It's got the 20" style 343 wheels.

I've been a BMW fan for decades having worked for a dealer in the '90's. Bought an older 3-series for the daughter several years ago, but this is the first BMW I've owned for myself. Quite a car.

The car will mostly be a commuter for the wife, but I'm a track day junkie (motorcycles) and have been given "permission" to track the car when possible, so this car will likely see some track time. I live in Austin, so it's also likely that this car will see time on COTA. I did a track weekend at COTA a couple of weeks ago, so I'm really looking forward to getting the 5 out there.

A few questions if you don't mind:

What's the current rage in paint care? It seems that back in the '90's it was Zymol, then in the 2000's it was Zaino Bros. What's the big thing now? I'm looking to probably hit it with some clay bar then a quality wax. Opinions?

How about leather/vinyl care? I've always been a big fan of Lexol/Vinylex.

We're still learning our way around the iDrive and settings. Is there a way to turn off the fake exhaust noise?

I'd like to get a few minor accessories. Who is the go to source for body painted reflector swaps? Alternatively colored grills and gills?

Are there any insider tips I should be aware of or take advantage of?

Thanks,

Chris

[(H)]

Congratulations and welcome! very nice that it is your wife and you car ;-)

I am assuming that you mean the active sound when referring to "the fake exhaust noise". That is something that you would have to have coded out. I had it done on mine and love it. Can't be just turned off with a button or iDrive.

For any modding needs, you can start with @Nate@IND, he will take excellent care of you.

Be aware that this is a VERY powerful car. Enjoy and drive safe! Let us see some pictures.

Best,#H

[shellbmb]

Chris,

I'm here in Austin and just had my car coded last night. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet, but I had V12 code out the active sound. That and a few other changes. PM me if you have any questions.

Welcome to the M5 club.

[VZehn]

Welcome and congrats! I beat you by 3 days picking up a new M5. I can't stop giggling when I drive this beast.

Jealous that you can get on the Circuit of The Americas! If you get a chance you should go the BMW Performance Driving School in South Carolina for a day with the M cars. Great instructors and a wonderful opportunity to get intimate with the limits of M5 performance - with someone else's machine.

As for paint care, I'm still a big fan of Zaino, and although my cars have been black, I think Zaino gets even better raves on white. But it is a process to put it on, so lately I have been using Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection. And then you can add Blackfire Ivory Carnauba Paste Wax on top for what they call the Fire & Ice treatment.

Enjoy the beast - amazing machine to have for your first BMW!

[pochesq]

Welcome. I second using V12 to code. If you buy the Eisenmann Race axleback you can't hear the piped in exhaust! As for a paint protectant I use Opti Coat Pro.

[wrsbmw]

Welcome, I am in Austin too and one word of advice, get the tire warranty. I got two new tires on my 2010 535i from 2010-2013 and now on the M5, I have gotten three new ones in one year alone. Apparently our roads suck these days and any nail is death to these tires.

My wife is always picking up nails in her tires but on the X5 we have been able to just plug them and the tire is good to go. So far we haven't replaced a tire on that car and we have had it since Feb 2013.

[chrison600]

Originally Posted by wrsbmw

...get the tire warranty...

We did. The wife's old car has had to have too many tires replaced to pass the warranty up.

Thanks,

Chris

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by chrison600

What's the current rage in paint care? It seems that back in the '90's it was Zymol, then in the 2000's it was Zaino Bros. What's the big thing now? I'm looking to probably hit it with some clay bar then a quality wax. Opinions?

How about leather/vinyl care? I've always been a big fan of Lexol/Vinylex.

I'd like to get a few minor accessories. Who is the go to source for body painted reflector swaps? Alternatively colored grills and gills?

Are there any insider tips I should be aware of or take advantage of?

Thanks,

Chris

Paint care - this is the age of coatings. The best ones are Opticoat and Modesta

Leather - See Leather Masters and Swissvax. Zaino also good.

Accessories - IND Distribution

Insider Tips - you can spin your car off the road in M Dynamic Mode. Best to leave DSC On unless you are super disciplined with the throttle pedal.

[boots]

I did not get the tire ins. Perhaps I should have. 17 months no probs so far. But......

[shahano]

congrats on the car. Go and enjoy it on the track. It sure is fun.