BMW currently offers buyers the the ability to stream music (wired) and use a mobile phone wirelessly. You can use your Apple iPod (or many other music player) through the optional USB audio interface – and for wireless hands-free mobile phone calls use Bluetooth (included with BMW Assist or the premium package) both can be easily controlled via the car’s infotainment system (iDrive or the radio).
The real news is that BMW is currently developing an in-car Bluetooth-based playback solution for music files. It will offer stereo quality music streamed from a device (must be compatible) wirelessly to the cars infotainment system. The files would remain on the device and not need to be transfer to the car system in any manner.
Official BMW AG Press Release: The star came in pure white: When the 64th Paris Motor Show opened its gates in autumn 1978, sports car fans and lovers had only one destination – the stand of BMW Motorsport GmbH. There they were able to admire a super-low, dynamic new model which made it clear at very first sight that this was Germany’s fastest road-going sports car: the BMW M1, 1,140 millimeters (44.9″ ) high, 204 kW (277 bhp) strong, and well over 260 km/h (160 mph) fast. “Everybody was crowding around BMW’s new mid-engined sports car”, wrote the press. And: “The list of orders coming in exceeds even the wildest expectations – an American fan of BMW, just to mention one example, has already put in an order for three M1s.”
That was quite something, considering that BMW’s super-sports car had a price-tag back then in 1978 of exactly DM 100,000, enough for four BMW 323is plus a couple of optional extras. It is fair to say that few cars have ever been expected with such excitement and anticipation as the BMW M1 which represented all of BMW’s know-how in motor racing. Project E 26, as the then still nameless M1 was initially called within the Company, had started in 1976. This was to be the first really unique car built by BMW Motorsport GmbH, BMW’s motor racing subsidiary established in 1972. The racing company, having already made a great name for itself in the international racing scene with the fast BMW 2002 and the highly successful BMW 3.0 CSI, now planned to lift this success to an even higher level with a competition car specially built and prepared for the Group four and five racing series.
We have received a good deal of interest/inquiries about the upcoming diesel models in the US. Though we are not currently scheduled to receive this model the guys over at Top Gear have turned out another fascinating review and comparison between the gas and diesel powered 5.
It is worth noting they did not compare the diesel against the gas six-cylinder but to the monstrous V8. The 3 series with this diesel should be even quicker. Also, the block is aluminum not steel so the weight difference is minimal! Enjoy.
Official BMW Press Release: BMW Group Mobile Tradition stands on the threshold of an eventful year. In June the BMW Museum in Munich will reopen its doors; the legendary BMW M1 sports car celebrates its 30th anniversary this year; and BMW Group Mobile Tradition models will again be lining up at a wide range of major events. As ever, Mobile Tradition will be attending the traditional start of the classic calendar – Techno Classica, held from 26th to 30th March 2008. At this, the world’s largest classic car show, visitors to Hall 12 will once again find an array of classic models sporting the BMW and MINI badges. This year’s novelty is that practically all the cars and motorcycles displayed on the BMW stand will be the property of club members. “I am delighted that we have gone down a route with the clubs that will convey to visitors the fascination and enthusiasm generated by our products,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Mobile Tradition.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
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Sections: Technology Mar 31st, 2008 4 Comments 
