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.

BMW Launches New Divisions Dedicated to Classics

It has never been a better time to own or race a vintage BMW. The German automaker has announced two new divisions specifically aimed at assisting the proprietors of its classic vehicles.

The first is actually an expansion of what was previously known as the Heritage Workshop. Previously dedicated to maintaining the company's own fleet of classic automobiles and motorcycles, the division has been re-christened as the BMW Classic Center, opening its doors to the public in the process.

BMW's China sales jump 100% in Q1

BMW X5

BMW AG, the world's largest premium car maker, said yesterday that its first-quarter sales in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan more than doubled to 34,179 units, Dow Jones Newswires reported.

In the first quarter, sales of BMW- and Mini-brand cars reached 11,902 units and 1,853 units, respectively, the company said.

BMW sold 12,662 vehicles in March, the luxury auto maker said.

The auto maker sold a record 90,536 BMW-brand and Mini-brand cars in mainland China last year, 38% more than the 65,822 it sold in 2008.

For 2010, BMW expects double-digit growth in China, said Ian Robertson, head of sales and marketing.

2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe SPy Shots

2011 reveal looking more and more likely. We’ve been seeing prototypes for the Convertible variant for more than a year now but this is the first time that the Coupe has been spotted.

Comparing previous spy shots of the Convertible and these latest shots of the Coupe, several clear differences can be seen. The rear side windows are a different shape on the two cars, the roof profile is also slightly different and the rear window on the Coupe is slightly wider than the one on the Convertible as well.

This suggests that BMW is preparing two separate 6-Series models unlike what it did for the latest Z4 Roadster, which now only comes with a folding hard-top roof. BMW will sell both a 6-Series Coupe and a 6-Series Convertible with a conventional soft-top roof.

BMW to Supply Diesels for Police Car Venture

BMW police Car

Carbon Motors and the BMW Group announced at a Washington news conference on Monday that the companies had reached an agreement for BMW to supply 240,000 turbo diesel engines for a police car that Carbon Motors would produce called the E7.

Although there are working prototypes with BMW engines, the E7 remains somewhat speculative. Stacy Stephens, the company’s co-founder, said Carbon Motors, of Connersville, Ind., would begin building the car three years after closing on a $310 million loan from the Energy Department that the company applied for last August. “We’re extremely confident of being awarded that loan,” he said. “We’ve made it past the first milestone.”

Carbon Motors has been working since 2003 on the concept of a police car with built-in enforcement features (the list includes automatic license plate recognition, siren, video and audio surveillance of the rear compartment, remote start, integrated shotgun mounts, spot lights and special police seats). The company, should it get the government loan, would provide 1,550 direct jobs (and thousands more indirectly) in economically disadvantaged Connersville, Mr. Stephens said. The company would occupy a 1.8 million-square-foot plant vacated by the auto supplier Visteon in 2007.

2010 New York Auto Show: BMW X5 SAV

BMW X5 SAV

BMW has added new engines and a fresher look to its X5 for 2011.

The fourth-generation Sports Activity Vehicle features the new xDrive50i and xDrive35i, with all-new powertrains, joining the existing diesel-powered xDrive35d X5.

The gasoline X5s feature BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission for better acceleration and fuel efficiency, says the automaker.

BMW says its designers and engineers have added more than 4,000 new parts to the 2011 X5, including new front and rear bumpers, new front fenders, new headlights and new tail lights for a fresh new look.

The X5 also offers a 10% drop in fuel consumption and emissions, according to BMW.

2011 BMW X5 Begins Production, Features Extensive Efficiency Upgrades

The 2011 BMW X5 has begun production and will be hitting dealerships in the very near future. This latest generation of the brand’s flagship sport-utility vehicle makes a number of substantial improvements over the departing 2010 BMW X5. Immediately obvious are the changes that have been made to the SUV’s appearance. The 2011 BMW X5 sports far more graceful sheet metal than any edition of the vehicle to come before it, with much of the 2010 BMW X5’s anonymity having been purged from the design. The front aero package is both purposeful and sleek, and the truck’s entire look has been cleaned up dramatically to present a much simpler and more engaging face to the world.

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to like the new BMW X5. In addition to its fresh looks, the crossover SUV has been gifted with two new drivetrain options for the 2011 model year. The entry-level xDrive35i features a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six that has been redesigned to offer better response and reduced fuel consumption when compared to the unit found in the 2010 edition. The xDrive50i trim replaces the six-cylinder with a V-8 engine that features twin-turbochargers that together help to produce 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The final rung in the 2011 BMW X5 engine ladder, the xDrive35d, is unchanged with 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque on tap from its 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive

BMW Alpina B7 xDrive.

2011 Alpina B7 xDrive

What is it: The Alpina B7 xDrive sedan takes the idea of the 2002 tii sports sedan of yore to new heights. And new price levels: expect a sticker of more than $123,000. As with the Alpina that was shown in February in Chicago, this all-wheel-drive variant is propelled by a 500-horsepower version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 found in the regular BMW 7 Series on which the B7 is based. Peak torque is 516 pound-feet.