Feb 8th, 2010
BMWNA is substantially extending the maintenance plan on all 3, 5 and 7 Series 2007 cars to boost sales over the next two months according to a report from Automotive News. The plan will run a full 6 years or 100,000 miles according to the report. Here’s an excerpt from the Automotive News:
“The intent is to attract additional customers to BMW’s used car business who still have reservations about the reliability and overall value of certified pre-owned cars,” BMW said in a statement.
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Feb 6th, 2010
The original X5 was a vehicle that redefined what an SUV could be. It was a vehicle designed with on-road driving performance in mind while still retaining the ability to tackle some unpaved terrain if called upon. It had the versatility that many required for cargo, passengers and towing. It introduced us BMW loyalists to the term Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). While some cringed at this term or the fact that BMWs had gained some weight and grown a bit taller its versatility could not be shrugged off. When BMW introduced the second generation X5 several years ago they had improved upon what they had started. The X5 has always driven better than the competition, provided ample luxury and the highest safety to its occupants so it is no surprise that BMW is upping the ante. The X5 is about to get an overhaul for model year 2011.
BMW says, that there are over 4,000 new parts in this Life Cycle Impulse but the most immediately noticeable are the new bumpers and lighting elements. The front and rear appear more sporty or aggressive much like its sibling the X6.
For 2011 the X5 will be equipped with two new to the model engines. The X5 xDrive35i will be powered by BMW’s newest inline-six cylinder featuring Valvetronic and a dual scroll turbo (300hp/300 ft-lbs). The V8 version in the X5 xDrive50i will feature the stump pulling 400hp /450 ft-lbs reverse flow twin turbo which originally debuted in the X6. The lineup will continue to feature the eco-friendly but not performance starved X5 xDrive35d that gets an impressive 26 mpg on the EPA highway cycle.
BMW will additionally be introducing an 8 speed automatic transmission and brake energy regeneration in gasoline powered X5s in an effort to decrease fuel consumption as part of the Efficient Dynamics program.
New for 2011, the X5 xDrive35i will be offered not only in standard form but also in trim levels. The two levels of trim will be “Premium” and “Sport Activity”. These trim levels will give the purchaser greater value while equipping their individual vehicle to specific wants and needs.
Most enthusiasts do not dream or actively desire to own an SAV but many do simply because it is functional and provides the towing or space one needs to get things done. The X5 may not take a corner like an E30 ///M3 but it will get you and your family home safe when the weather has turned bad and may even put a smile on your face in a turn. It will even tow that cat-less E30 to the track for a BMWCCA event making it worthy of a place in a BMW only garage.
Official BMWNA Release after the break:
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Feb 6th, 2010
The official 24 Hours of Le Mans website has posted the list of invitations for the June 12-13 race and BMW is on the list! BMW is said to be entering two ///M3s in the GT2 class under the BMW Motorsports flag. The works team will feature drivers like Jörg and Dirk Müller, Dirk Werner, Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus.
This will BMWs first race since their 1999 overall victory. The last BMW to compete in this famous race was was operated by a German privateer in 2000. BMW is back on the grid after a decade absence and needless to say we are very excited about this latest revelation. Looks like the F1 money is being well spent!
We expect an official announcement from BMW shortly but could not wait to spread the news!
+Official 24 Hours of Le Mans Invitation List+/ PDF
Feb 5th, 2010
One of our more trusted sources Scott26 has surfaced some details on the new M1 (or is it an M2?) recently throughout the web. This is by far the most thorough information we’ve had from a reportedly internal source on the new M1 and it would seem (based on the level of detail) that BMW is close to showing this car publicly in the guise of a concept. Geneva? That’s our hope.
Here are some excerpt from Scott’s posting on 1addicts.
The M1 will differ from the standard 1er with a more muscular appearance especially at the front which receives a trapezoid grille flanked by two intakes to allow air to cool the six piston brakes. The larger grille at the front of the car also allows air into the High Performance Intercooler. Underneath the headlights the M1 follows the typical M look by having enclosed headlights or “eyebags” this helps pronounce the front of the car and providing a more sporting look than the conventional 1er Coupe.
Summary:
- More muscular appearance than standard 1-series
- Trapezoid grille flanked by two intakes to allow extra brake cooling
- Six piston brakes
- High performance intercooler
- Sportier looking headlights than standard 1-series
- Small lip spoilers above brake duct inlets to provide extra air flow and downforce continued →
Feb 5th, 2010
Missed the news around the 2011 BMW model changes? No worries, we have you completely covered with BimmerCast #13. We talk 335is, F10 5 Series and a dash of every other BMW model sold in the US. If you want some insight into the 2011 model year, click play below.
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Download (30 MB MP3)
+ BimmerCast / iTunes Link
