2011 BMW X3 Pricing Released

• 2011 BMW X3

BMW has disclosed that its newly introduced X3, which marked the second generation of the vehicle since it was introduced in 2004, has been enhanced with new technology capable of establishing new benchmarks for agility, efficiency and comfort in its segment.

BMW said the design of the new X3 conveys elegance, agility and ruggedness, noting that the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and large headlight assembly combine with a powerful-looking front apron and hood boasting six contour lines sweeping down to meet at the kidney grill, giving the X3 a bold presence, while the twin round headlights combined with the round fog lamps form the triangular light pattern that is characteristic of BMW SAV design.

The automaker said the upper edge of the headlight assembly sports an accentuating chrome trim, creating the focused design typical of BMW vehicles, while its signature ‘Corona Rings’ are again illuminated to function as the daytime running lights, adding that when equipped with the optional Xenon headlights, the Corona Rings and daytime running lights are illuminated by bright white LEDs.

“The profile of the new X3 is also characterised by a unique interpretation of typical BMW X design features. Powerfully flared wheel arches and the short front and rear overhangs emphasize the robust character of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. The dynamic appearance of the silhouette is accentuated by three characteristic lines. The new BMW X3’s brand-typical upper contour line at door handle level rises steeply at first within the front wheel arch area, then flows gently to the rear. Two additional subtle lines follow this contour line above the wheel arches.

1980 BMW M1 Supercar: Yours For $250,000

BMW, a brand that prides itself on building the ultimate driving machine, doesn’t have a genuine supercar in its lineup. But this was not always the case because back in 1978 BMW launched its very own supercar. It was the mid-engined M1 homologation special, a car that made its debut more than 30 years ago at the 64th Paris Auto Show and went on to sell in several different variants until it was discontinued just three years later.

The M1’s body was based on a 1972 BMW concept car but was penned by Italian design house Giugiaro Italdesign and developed by BMW Motorsport with the help of Lamborghini. At the time of its launch, it was one of the fastest and most dynamic cars on the market. It featured a 277 horsepower 3.5-liter straight-six engine and could reach speeds in excess of 160 mph. The car's smooth six-cylinder revved freely to a 7,000 rpm cut-off and was capable of accelerating the M1 from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds.

BMW M5 N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition

2010 MWDesign BMW Z4 E89 Slingshot Official Revealed

At MWDesign, we are huge fans of all genres of design whether it is automotive, interior, architectural or even product design.











Inspiration for car themes often comes from random thoughts or from influences in our daily lives. These themes can be developed from something as basic as a single color or from something as complex as an abstract feeling provoked by an image or words but in this case was developed from a sport we are also passionate about; golf.

Like vehicle tuning and customization, golf is a highly technical sport, which requires top tier engineering and design of its precision equipment to enhance performance.

2011 BMW 5-Series pictures

2011 BMW 5-Series

2011 BMW 5-Series Sold Out Worldwide

2011 BMW 5-Series
the BMW brand new 5 Series sedan and its sold out in both Europe and in the US market. This is barely a month after its sales started in Europe and it was even faster in US where it went in a week, that the F10 were all sold. There is a waiting period of three to four months now for further deliveries.

BMW’s sales head, Ian Robertson mentioned at a conference in Bilbao , Spain that they had anticipated this sort of sales due to the fact that the 5 series has been BMW’s core object always. He also added that they expected by the end of the entire sales business they would be able to lap up about 15 to 17 percent of the market share.

Analysts attribute this massive crave for this 5 series models from BMW to its less divisive styling. This was stated by Georg Stuerze from Unicredit in Munich. He felt that the car held a stark resemblance to the extent of 70 percent with the flagship of BNMW the 7 series.

BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe

BMW has announced a special edition of its all-conquering M3 coupe, specifically for the American market. Called the Frozen Gray edition, the special M3 features a unique Space Gray matte finish with special clear coat, Novillo red leather interior and comes equipped with the Competition Package as standard. The 414-horsepower, 4-liter V8 carries over from the "base" M3, coupled to either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission. Only 30 examples will be on offer, each fetching a $77,600 list price.

BMW's Next-Generation M6 Gets Snapped

2010 has been the development of the upcoming 2012(?) BMW M5.
From spy photos to information, it seems as though there is a story about the M5 every waking moment.

But now it looks like it is going to have some competition by way of the upcoming M6.

The heavily camouflaged mule was spotted roaming about sporting the obvious M signs: massive brakes and quad exhaust.

Although the writer of this post seems to imply we could be getting a look at the first shots of the 6-Series hard-top convertible, don't be fooled. Take a look at the B-pillars closely. You can see that they are quite large and even have an interior lining. Sorry to burst the bubble, ladies and gentlemen.

And, before you run to look at the shots I think it would be wise to advise any enthusiasts expecting upwards of 600-horsepower to pump the brakes. BMW has put out products with less power than the competition and I would not be surprised to see them do it again.

For example, the E92 M3 was said to have upwards of 450-horsepower yet look what we wound up getting. But knowing BMW, the sky's the limit...


We bring you the world's first peek at the upcoming F12 M6 coupe (or perhaps hardtop convertible)! The telltale sign here are the quad exhausts, huge brakes, and cross-drilled rotors. This prototype wears camoflage body panels and the front bumper is that from the standard F12/F13 6-series that we've seen. However, the wheels appear to be upgraded 19" versions with some beautiful high concavity.

2011 BMW 5-Series xDrive Pricing Announced

BMW released the xDrive all-wheel-drive version of the 2011 5-series sedan based on the six-cylinder 535i and eight-cylinder 550i models. The 2011 535i and 550i xDrive Sedans start from $52,775 and $62,875, respectively which is $2300 more than what you pay for the RWD equivalent. So unless you live somewhere with frozen lakes for roads you better save the $2300 and get a normal 5er!

2011 BMW 335i Coupe Sleek and powerful, the 3 series keeps justifying its price

Crimson red with a cream beige interior, the subject of this weekend's road test turned heads and induced smiles.

"Now that is one that I would spend my own money for," said our younger-generation parking garage attendant/car buff as he broke into a wide smile. That was not an insignificant comment since he sees virtually all of the test vehicles.

"That is one pretty car," said the man fueling up his SUV next to the BMW here in Damascus.

And so it was throughout the week. Somewhat amazing actually, in that the basic design of the 3-series BMW hasn't changed much in recent times.

In fact the major change in the 2011 model is not visible until you open the hood and see the new turbocharged 3.0 liter six. It develops 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm with peak torque of 300 lb-ft from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm with a 7,000 rpm red line. Our test car was EPA rated at 19-25 mpg of premium petrol. I got 22 mpg.

BMW claims that the new engine burns cleaner, and produces better gas mileage than the previous turbo six. And it is about 150 pounds lighter; no bad thing since reducing automobile weight is the top goal of designers these days in order to improve gas mileage while enhancing performance.

The maker quotes a zero to 60 time with the 6-speed manual of 5.3 seconds and I have no quibble. There is no real "get acquainted" time needed with this smooth gearbox and lightweight clutch. You become just about instant friends.

Top speed is 130 miles per hour, and that increases to 150 if you check the optional sport package.

2011 BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe Limited Edition

To celebrate the 25th year of the ultra-popular M3, BMW just announced a new limited edition version of the race-bred sports car for the United States. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe is very limited, actually, with only 30 of them being made. So what’s so special about this edition?

Well, the “Frozen Gray” in the name probably gave away that it’s an exclusive color. Come on BMW, you get free reign on any color in the palette and you choose gray for the special edition? According to them it’s no ordinary gray; Frozen Gray is a “special matte-gray paint with a deep metallic luster to further accentuate the athletic lines of the legendary M3. To achieve this luster, a special BMW ColorSystem silk matte clear coat is applied over the Space Gray Metallic base coat.” Sounds fancy. But still…gray? Inside, lucky buyers of limited M3 get a unique Fox Red / Black bi-color Novillo leather interior with carbon leather trim.

2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Special Edition

25 years is a silver anniversary, and a big milestone for a nameplate to reach. 25 years just so happens to be approaching for one of the most recognizable performance models for enthusiasts since its introduction, the BMW M3.

Of course, it wouldn’t be 25 years without a special edition model, and BMW has released just that to commemorate the occasion. It is dubbed Frozen Gray.

The color is – you guessed it – gray. As far as the car’s appearance, the unique color and special 19-inch wheels are the only differences over the standard M3. It looks cool, but perhaps not as exciting as another special edition M3 model, the orange GTS. Unfortunately, that car didn’t make it to our shores.

Inside, there is Fox Red and black two-tone Novillo leather. Beyond that, the Frozen Gray Special edition stays the same. The Frozen Gray M3 comes standard with BMW’s M dual-clutch transmission, and isn’t available in manual-transmission guise.

If you want to buy one, orders start on Monday, June 21st at 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time. Be prepared to fork out the cash – $77,600.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

The new ActiveHybrid 7 is part of BMW's new line of hybrid cars. Unlike the more complex dual-mode system in the ActiveHybrid X6, the 7's system is designed to get the most from hybrid technology's ecological and fuel economy advantages while reducing the power, weight, and space penalties of more complex systems.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

As a result, the car is only 165lbs heavier than a normally equipped 7, and the lithium ion battery takes up only 1.4 cubic feet of trunk space. However, this limits the system's electric capabilities. While the X6 has two large motors that can push the car on electric power alone at low speeds, the 7 makes due with a single small motor and cannot move without using the gas engine.

The 8-speed ZF transmission is the same as found in the regular 7, but a smaller torque converter and higher gear ratios have been fitted to take advantage of the electric motor's low-speed torque. The motor itself sits between the engine and transmission adding 55 hp and 65 ft-lb torque for a total of 440 hp and 455 ft-lb torque when combined with the car's twin turbo V8. While it shares this engine with the regular 750, the ActiveHybrid can reach 60 mph half a second faster than its non-hybrid stablemate. EPA figures have not yet been released, but it's expected that this car will get 15% better fuel economy than base 7.

The gas engine runs when the car is first started, allowing start-stop mode only once the car has moved. The switch between regenerative and friction braking is seamless, something rarely seen in even the best hybrids. When this happens, the tach turns blue, indicating power regeneration instead of revs.

Unlike other hybrids, exterior cues identifying this model are limited to special aerodynamic wheels and a small "ActiveHybrid" badge on the rear. A new electric air conditioning system has been added with coolant lines running to the battery to keep it cool while also keeping passengers comfortable while the gas engine is off. Oddly, the ActiveHybrid doesn't have electric power steering. Whenever the wheel is turned, the engine has to start up to provide power for the steering pump, using fuel and giving a brief feeling of heaviness to the wheel.

Nissan may create performance line for Infiniti like BMW M-series

Nissan North America may soon create an performance line for Infiniti, similar to rival Mercedes-Benz's AMG models, BMW's M, Audi's S and Cadillac's V alphabet-souped-up versions of their cars, according to a report in Autoweek.

Nissan has filed with the feds to trademark the names "IPL" and "Infiniti Performance Line." According to application documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the IPL trademark cover use of "high-performance motor vehicle parts," including turbochargers and superchargers and performance exhaust, suspension and systems.

Autoweek said a spokesman at Infiniti's U.S. HQ in Franklin, Tenn., declined to discuss the trademark or product, but that this month the VP of the Infiniti Business Unit, Ben Poore, told reporters he intends to reveal a new performance-oriented offering this summer.

2010 BMW 320d EfficientDynamics travels 1,013 miles on a single tank of gas

2010 BMW 320d EfficientDynamics

BMW announced that its most fuel-efficient and greenest 3-Series ever completed a record-breaking journey from the UK to Munich and back on one tank of gas. Fueled up and ready to go at the Channel Tunnel, the new 2010 BMW 320d EfficientDynamics sedan made it to Munich and back – a total of 1,013 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics was piloted by Tom Ford (of Fifth Gear) who averaged a combined figure of 57 mpg and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km. On his way to Munich, Tom was achieving a 63 mpg and said that he didn’t hit below 54 mpg the entire trip.

Luxury BMW carjacked in Sydney CBD

A man was carjacked at gun point in the CBD last night, with two masked men demanding the keys to his BMW. It is the second BMW carjacking in five days.

Police said about 9.40pm, a 31-year-old man was getting something out of the boot of his blue BMW M5 sedan, parked on Elizabeth Street near King Street.

"It is alleged a silver-coloured BMW stopped near his car before two men wearing balaclavas exited the vehicle and approached the victim," a police statement said.

2011 BMW 5 Series Diesel Headed for America

Early rumors about a 5-Series diesel making it to US soil have finally been confirmed by a BMW official. According to the new report, the diesel-powered BMW 5-Series will debut in the United States for sure.

As stated by Inside Line, the BMW official has not provided any details about which engines will head for US shores, but it is speculated that the U.S. market will get the 3.0-liter diesel engine found on the 530d. The 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque seems quite ideal for the new 5 Series and has already been calibrated to pass U.S. 50 state emissions regulations. The engine gives 0-62 mph in 6.3 with a top speed of 155 mph.

2011 BMW 335is – First Drive

Here's something new: For once North America will be getting a special performance edition of a popular European model that the Europeans won't receive (at least for now). This performance edition shall be known as the 335is and it comes courtesy of our friends at BMW North America.

2011 BMW 335is

The is ("i" for injection, as in fuel, and "s" for sport, as in fun) follows a tradition of s-badged sport-enhanced models, including the 320is, 325es, 325is, 535is, and most recently, the X5 4.6is and 4.8is.

This 335is features a massaged version of the N54 turbocharged inline six and an array of M Sport accoutrements to put it on a tier above the current 335i.

In spite of the recent revelation of BMW's next-generation turbo six (the single-turbo N55), the 335is will employ the more familiar N54 twin-turbo. Precision fuel injection, Double-VANOS stepless valve timing, and an advanced Digital Motor Electronics (DME) control system collaborate to push peak power from 300 to 320 hp, and torque from 300 to 330 lb-ft. There's also an overboost function that briefly kicks the peak torque to a massive 370 lb-ft under hard acceleration in "certain circumstances." (We love those kinds of circumstances.)

Other engine upgrades are placed to compensate for the increased performance, like an additional radiator behind the left side bumper intake, an oil cooler behind the other intake, and stiffer engine mounts.

The 335is comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or, for the first time on a non-M car, the seven-speed DCT automated manual (which includes a launch control function) as an option.

While all 3 Series coupes and convertibles have received a midlife facelift for the coming model year-including massaged body panels and front and rear light clusters-M Sport styling cues vistually set the 335is apart from its more pedestrian siblings, including a front fascia and side skirts designed to move more air to critical locations, a rear fascia with diffuser, standard Shadowline window trim, gloss-black side mirrors, 335is badges on the front quarters, and standard 18-inch wheels (19s are optional). On the inside, the M Sport upgrades include the steering wheel, sport seats, an anthracite-colored headliner, stainless steel pedals, 335is branding on the dashboard and tachometer, and M-branded sill plates, dead pedal, and gearshift knob.

BMW 5 Series Diesel Coming to U.S.

After a February test-drive in the diesel-powered version of BMW's all-new F10-generation 5 Series sedan, the most we could say about whether the U.S.-market would ever see it: maybe.

BMW 5 Series Diesel

The gloves are off now, though, with BMW confirming at a media event this week that the magnificent new 5 Series also will be available to U.S. buyers with one of BMW's magnificent turbodiesel engines. The company won't yet say which diesel — or when.

But for compression-ignition aficionados, the news gets even better. BMW is planning to give us diesel power for another as-yet-unnamed model, too.

Willem Rombauts, product manager for the 5 Series, X5 and X6, said two more models in the U.S. will offer diesels. "The 5 Series will definitely be one of them," he revealed.

Currently, the 330d and the X5 xDrive35d are the only two U.S.-spec models fitted with diesels. Both use BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel that generates 265 horsepower and a sinful 425 pound-feet of torque. Both have been on sale since 2008. Neither, however, has recorded the kind of sales numbers that make the accountants back in Germany break out with spontaneous yelps of Wagnerian rapture.

Limited Edition BMW Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia

Still amazed by their victory at Mille Miglia race 70 years ago, BMW released a new special and limited edition of the Z4 Roadster called of course the Mille Miglia Edition. Based on the sDrive35is variant powered by a 335 bhp twin-charged I6 engine, it is developed in Italy and it’s limited to 99 units.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia Limited Edition - This car must have the longest name in automotive history!

The Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia comes standard with a M-power body kit and a special Polaris matte grey color, and it’s distinguished by a couple of 1000 MIGLIA badges, blaked-out BMW grilles and 19-inch dark wheels.

Inside the car you get sport red/black seat covered in leather and alcantara with Q-citura style stitching. There’s also a M steering wheel, red/black floor mats and a big 1000 MIGLIA emblem on the center console.

2010 BMW Z4sDrive35is Mille Miglia Limited Edition Unveiled

2010 BMW Z4sDrive35is
MW saw enormous success with its 328 MM Touring Coupe at the Mille Miglia Italian road race in 1940, finishing first, third, fifth, and sixth. In order to commemorate the company’s historic win, it crafted a Mille Miglia Limited Edition version of the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is and built a replica of the 328 Kamm Coupe.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6643453/auto-news/2010-bmw-z4sdrive35is-mille-miglia-limited-edition-unveiled/index.html#ixzz0nIRWOSkK

BMW Recreates a 328 Kamm Coupé for the Mille Miglia

BMW The 328 Kamm Coupé recreation.

The Mille Miglia, the road race from Brescia, Italy, to Rome and back that began this week, marks the 70th anniversary of the year BMW swept the race’s top spots in 1940. To commemorate, the company has entered what it describes as a contemporary replica of the so-called 328 Kamm Coupé. The replica was unveiled at the recent concours d’elégance at the Villa d’Este on Lake Como.

In the 1940 race, BMW’s 328, with its powerful in-line six, won the top spot and took third, fifth and sixth places, although the Kamm Coupé didn’t finish the race because of mechanical problems. Another 328 tied to that race, the 1937 BMW 328 MM ‘Bügelfalte,’ or trouser crease, named for its sharp fenders, was offered at RM’s auction in Monaco on May 1. Bidding on the car reached 4,300,000 euros, or $5,835,100, but because it did not exceed the reserve the vehicle remained unsold. Instead, it was purchased privately the next day.

The 1940 race was in April. But France would fall in May, which kept most participants away from the Italian road race. The result was a battle of the Axis powers, with five silver BMW 328s set in a sea of Italian Fiats, Lancias and Alfa Romeos. (Two blue French Delages were driven by Italians.)

The 328 was given many different bodies, and models varied a good deal. All used space frames with thin aluminum bodies. The Italian company, Touring, provided bodies using its trademark superleggera system of tubes and skin. The cars also helped demonstrate the idea of a streamlined, closed racer using aerodynamics to optimize power and handling.

2012 BMW 3-Series - Feature

2012 BMW 3-Series

Platform: Internally called the F30, the next 3-series is based on a new compact, rear- and all-wheel-drive architecture. Like today’s lineup, expect a station wagon, a coupe, and a hardtop convertible. They will be joined by a hatchback version similar to the recently introduced 5-series GT.

Powertrain: BMW will continue to sell an inline-six version, but also expect turbocharged fours, which could make upward of 300 horsepower. The M3 is likely to lose the V-8 in favor of a 400-plus-hp turbo six.

Competition: Acura TL, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-class.

What might go wrong: After the styling excesses and inconsistencies of the past decade, the new 3-series might end up ugly and possibly unloved. Ah, who are we kidding?

Estimated arrival and price: First view happens at the 2012 Geneva auto show or maybe a few months earlier. Prices remain in the $35,000-to-$50,000 range. The new 3 goes on sale in the fall of 2012.

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - First Drive

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo
Even through the dark economic downturn, and the auto industry subsequently floundering as a whole, it's sort of amazing the variety of vehicle species we continue to enjoy. And they seem to just keep coming.

Enter the 550i Gran Turismo, a seemingly whole new automotive genus-visually at least. What is it exactly, what does it do? Haul you, three of your best friends, and your things for a weekend or week-long getaway? Yes. Haul kids, groceries, IKEA, ass? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Is it an SUV? No. Is it a crossover, sport sedan, or both? Sort of, sort of, and most likely, yes-it's a crossover sport sedan. Or something like that.

Confused? Don't be. At its core the 550i GT remains distinctly a BMW automobile-not a BMW SAV. It's based on the new 7 Series platform, as will be the new 5 Series sedan.

Even so, it seems something entirely different from either the 5 Series or the line of BMW SAVs-and a rather distinctive, and when you come down to it, rather deft grafting of the two. You might not like the way it looks at first-I have to admit I still think it looks kind of weird-but in the words of that old cliché, it really seems to offer the best of both those worlds.

Granted, it's probably not quite as utilitarian as the X5, but seems at least as good as an X6. And in fact, it's said that the GT actually has more headroom than an X5-and headroom can be an issue in the X6. And the seating positions are lower and more sports-car-like than either of those two vehicles.

And it drives like a car, because, well, it basically is, just one with a generous ceiling profile and a big, hatch-like rear end.

Preview of the 2013 BMW 3-Series

2013 BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3-series has remained unchanged since as long as 2005. So, it is only natural that the luxury automaker has decided to finally revamp the existing 3-series as a 2013 model. Many experts seem to agree that the new styling of the car has been modeled on the recently unveiled CS concept. Some have also suggested a fair amount of the styling from the recent 7-series induced in the car.

One thing is for sure though- the next generation 3-series will have a longer wheelbase than the earlier model. The new vehicle is also expected to be lighter than its predecessor. Also, the new car will be offered in five models rather than the usual four.

BMW’s special EfficientDynamics technology will help this car to achieve better efficiency through the use of smaller engines, low drag aerodynamics and high-tech electronics. Also, more of aluminum and similar materials will be used to construct the body of the car to make it lighter.

The present six-cylinder engines will be replaced by the turbocharged four-cylinder engines delivering anywhere between 150-170 horsepower and 150-220 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the engine will be an eight-speed transmission and efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling.

One Million BMW 1-Series Built, M1 On The Way?

BMW`s entry level 1-Series has been a huge hit since its debut in 2004. The 1-Series has been so popular that BMW recently built the one millionth car. The plant where most are built in Leipzig, Germany can build up to 700 cars a day, according to Motorauthority. BMW may be drumming up even more excitement over the 1-Series with a high performance M1 soon, according to Autoblog.

The 1-Series comes in two flavors in America. The entry level 128i starts at $29,150, meaning that you can just barely buy a BMW for under $30,000. The sportier BMW 135i has a 3.0 liter twin-turbo inline six engine that makes 300-horsepower and gives the car a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds.

Autoblog spotted a modified and slightly camouflaged 1-Series doing laps of the Nurburgring in Germany this week. From the pictures, it looks like the car will have much wider tires along with some styling changes borrowed from the M3 that set it apart from the run-of-the-mill 128i and 135i cars. No news has come from BMW on the high performance 1-Series, so it remains to be seen whether the new model will be an M1 or just an M package for the 135i.

NY Auto Show Best Cars: BMW 5 Series

The world badly needs the sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which got its U.S. introduction at the New York International Auto Show. Without the new BMW 5 Series, competitors wouldn't be able to run ads saying "brakes faster than a BMW 5 Series" ... "more shoulder room in back than a 5 Series" ... "tighter turning radius" and so forth. Everybody's better than BMW in one facet. The BMW 5 Series is the benchmark for mid-size luxury-sport sedans and the 2011 model continues the sporty handling flair of a BMW 3 Series while picking up as much room inside of the last-generation BMW 7 Series, especially in formerly cramped rear seat. BMW worked out some of the design quirks on the 2003-2009 model and it may be the handsomest BMW sedan you can buy today. With prices starting in the low 50s (most likely decreasing compared to 2009s with similar content), this is not the car for everyone. But it will be the benchmark.

2011 BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series amends much of its predecessor’s cutline-and-eyebrow styling. In my estimation, it looks as good as the beloved 1997-2003 E39 5 Series – all the reserved elegance of the 7 Series without that car’s pointlessly wide lower air dam. The taillights, in particular, are a job well done.

The cabin feels on the smaller side for a midsize sport sedan. The rear seats have long cushions and ample thigh support, but 6-footers will find legroom tight, particularly compared with the Mercedes E-Class’ voluminous backseat. Materials up front are good, though BMW’s penchant for businesslike austerity will distinguish the car from its Japanese luxury competition. (Even among the Germans, the 5 Series feels all business.)

Like in the 7 Series, the 5’s climate settings illuminate out of inky black surroundings that you’d otherwise mistake for some sort of trim piece. Behold, there are real cupholders below – not the sturdiest ones, but worlds better than the flip-out dashboard cupholders employed elsewhere in BMW’s lineup.

For some time now, the automaker’s electronic automatic shifter has never been my favorite. The new 5 feels more ergonomic, complete with a gathered boot at its base. Still, its operation imparts the same robotic sensation. God bless BMW for still offering a stick shift on the 535i and 550i, though. Here’s hoping it will be more like the short-throw unit in the Z4 and less like the rubbery manual in the outgoing 5 Series.

BMW Launches Restoration Service

April 9, 2010

By Dan Fritter

BMW is, by most accounts, a relatively new auto manufacturer. Although born in 1916, BMW spent a few years perfecting its game with motorcycle and engine production before launching its first car in 1928.

But, new or not, there’s no disputing the existence of the brand’s various historic models. From the 507 to the 3.0 CSL, there’s plenty of vehicles wearing the roundel that are more than worthy of restoration. Sadly, thanks to the brand’s relatively small production and even smaller importation numbers, restoring one of these classic Bimmers can be a task and a half. But, thanks to the thoughtful folks at BMW, you can finally pull that 2002 Tii out of the barn. Offering complete restoration services to privately owned vehicles, the new BMW Historic Workshop will even remanufacture long-discontinued parts for your restoration and approve your restoration with its factory certification process.