Archive for April 2008
Apr 26th, 2008
Photos of the new BMW M1 concept have hit the web. The concept car is intended to pay homage to the M1 and (if rumors are to be believed) generate interest in a potential production model. Does this mean that what you see to your right may actually point towards the long rumored mid-engined super-car? We’re doubtful but it’s certainly fun to speculate. And speaking of super-cars, Supercars.net has the entire scoop. Here’s an excerpt:
At the Villa d’Este Concours, BMW ignited passion for its heritage by reincarnating the seminal M1. The new design was shown at a private party over the weekend to generate interest in the program. It was placed alongside an original M1 as well as the 1972 Turbo Concept.
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Apr 25th, 2008
Acoustics and aesthetics blend harmoniously in the new premium Klipsch® Palladium P-3(TM) 9F floorstanding speaker designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. This collaboration resulted in a compelling design and enhanced concert-quality sound for the company”s flagship speaker series, and audio industry authorities have seen and heard the difference.
Earlier this year, the innovative P-39F garnered a top-ten spot on Germany’s Audio magazine ranking of speaker reviews in recent years. Also, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) TechHome Division recognized the speaker as one of three finalists for the 2008 Mark of Excellence Awards in the “Best Speaker – Floorstanding Speaker” category.
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Apr 24th, 2008
First we saw the updated iDrive interface on the F01 2009 7 Series. Then it was the facelifted E90 2009 3 Series. Now we’ve recieved word (and an exclusive image) that the new interface controller could make it’s way to the E60 for the ’09 model year.
As you can see in the photo the controller features the same button configuration seen in recent photos of the E90 and F01 with the updated iDrive. The idea behind the change is to allow for the driver or passenger to access data in a more efficient manner by creating shortcut buttons to common tasks and even a back button. Also seen in a recent picture of the new F01 7 Series is a thumb scroll wheel meant to allow the driver easier access to long lists of data. It’s interesting to note that we do not see that feature in the E60. From that can we expect any current generation car with the update won’t be getting that handy addition? Or is this feature only there on cars equipped with navigation (remember the E60 doesn’t come standard with the option). We’ll hopefully have more on this soon.
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Apr 23rd, 2008
As we’re previously reported, the current 3 Series sedan and wagon (internally dubbed the E90 and E91) will be undergoing the usual mid-cycle refresh next year. Expect several key changes to the exterior of the car. Notably the front and rear fascia will be tweaked. Also outside, look for the rear lights to incorporate LEDs similar to the X6 design and for the addition of upgraded halo daytime driving lights.
Inside the car BMW will likely offer an updated iDrive system (pictured) complete with a vastly improved input system that will allow for quicker access to information. As previously reported on BF, the new design will be a little closer to what Audi has had for several years with it’s MMI interface. Also inside look for some of the interior trim to be slightly tweaked.
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Apr 22nd, 2008
We have just received some information that the two brands are in fact in the early stages of an agreement.
BMW and Daimler have agreed (in principle) to work in cooperation for purchasing and in research and development. This is still in the early stages but we have learned that BMW pressured Daimler into this via stock owners of both companies. BMW is (the Quandts) seeking a minority share in Daimler AG to ensure long-term cooperation and an ex-BMW board member on the board of Daimler.
This agreement once finalized will be limited. It will only be relative to new technology and to lowering emissions. This cooperation is much like the current agreement for hybrid technologies but now will also include purchasing and development of other electronics. The agreement or one like it is necessary for the two to achieve greater economies of scale and to lower the R&D costs associated with developing lower emissions vehicles that will soon be required in many countries.
The original story about discussions being underway can be attributed to the AP via Business Week here
Apr 21st, 2008
According to Jonathan Spira (of Roundel fame), 
Spira tells BimmerFile that the key difference between BMW’s new cockpit controller and the competitions’ is button placement.
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Apr 21st, 2008
Reuters had an interesting piece recently on BMW in the ever expanding Chinese market. Worth noting is that BMW did not rule out producing cars for export from China all together but for the time being the expansion would be used to fill the demand within the country.
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Apr 21st, 2008
Last summer BMW began the 
The N63 produces 400 hp and over 450 ft/lbs of torque according to BMW. It utilizes a newly developed concept in the location of the turbos. The turbochargers are mounted in the “V” of the engine and the intake manifolds are located on the sides of the block. This allows for a more compact engine and reduces the overall width of the assembled engine.
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