Archive for June 2008

BMWCCA Track Day at Gingerman

Sections: //M3\\, Motorsport Jun 30th, 2008 8 Comments

Including a sneak peak at one of our upcoming reviews…

BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i Auto

Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series, Review Jun 26th, 2008 21 Comments

When we last reviewed the BMW 135i in February the car had yet to go on sale in the US and there were numerous questions about everything from design and packaging to performance. What we learned with that initial drive is that the 135i delivered well enough in the areas of performance to negate any niggling design or packaging issues. However that was over the course of a day in and around some of the best roads Northern California has to offer. Our question this time around; how would the 135i fare through the rigors of a week in Chicago.

Our Montego Blue 135i came equipped with almost every option available. The most notable were the Sport package, Premium package and the 6-speed Automatic Transmission. The Sport package consists of just a few options on the 135i since the car comes standard with a M developed suspension, aero-kit and unique steering rack. However the thick, perforated M steering, shift knob and ebrake handle that come on the package add some subtle yet noticeable improvements to the touch-points drivers interact with the most. The Premium pack delivers leather, auto wipers, power seats w/lumbar support (a surprisingly nice addition), auto dimming mirrors along with some nice touches like the power folding mirrors and exterior door lighting. While I would consider all of it purely a luxury from an enthusiast point of view, it can be hard to pass up considering the cost of leather alone.

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Top Gear: BMW //M3 vs. Toyota Prius

Sections: //M3\\, EfficientDynamics, Video Jun 26th, 2008 11 Comments

It is once again Friday so what a better way to kick off the weekend then showing a clip of the guys at Top Gear doing what they do best. Once you watch the clip and then do a double take we would love to hear your comments on hybrids in general, BMW will be releasing hybrids in the X6 and 7 series sometime next year so even BMW fans are not immune to the wrath of the hybrid!

NEWS FLASH:2009 MY held until 10/13.

Sections: Sales/Marketing Jun 25th, 2008 17 Comments

We have been hearing for the past several days that deliveries for 2009 3 series cars are being moved back until October 13th. The original info we had received was for European Delivery cars but what we are hearing now is that it is across the board. All 3ers are affected and not just the E90. This has to do with EPA requirements for re-certification. Production of German made cars will begin in September; October for Roslyn builds. Also, worth noting is that with the option of the front park distance control on the E90 it will need to be re-crash certified as well. There are other rumors circulating as to the reasons for this and as always we will bring you the facts as soon as we can! At this time we are also not sure if other models are affected.

7 Series: A brief history

Sections: E23 7 Series, E32 7 Series, E38 7 Series, E65/E66 7 Series, EfficientDynamics, F01 7 Series Jun 25th, 2008 No Comments

With the upcoming release of the next generation BMW 7 Series we thought a nice stroll down memory lane would be in order. We have compiled a brief history of the model line since the inception of the 7 moniker in 1977.

The first 7 Series followed the BMW design that was introduced in the 1977 6 Series coupe. It combined an elegant exterior along with new technical innovations. This original 7 (E23) was designed to provide the sporty handling of a BMW along with powerful refined engines in a package for the upper class of society. The initial flagship of this first 7 series was released in 1980 as the 745i. Interestingly enough the car’s designation did not indicate displacement (and many thought today’s models started that trend!) it was powered by a 3.2 litre turbo 6-cylinder engine. It was one of the performance leaders in the sedan segment at the time. Over the 9-year span it was built (1977-1986) about 280,000 of this model were produced. It was a huge success for BMW.

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BMW PAS debut: Frankfurt ‘09

Sections: Concept, Design Jun 24th, 2008 5 Comments

All indicators are go for the PAS (Progressive Activity Sedan) according to Auto Motor und Sport and it will hit the stage in Frankfurt next year.

Essentially think F10 5 series, in hatch back form rather than a sport wagon, an X6 without the “X”. There have been some spy shots on the net but this artist impression is a good look at what the overall theme of the vehicle will be.

It is interesting that they are going to build this “hatch” and more than likely target the US with it but have no plans to bring the hatch people actually want, the 1 Series. BMW does intend to design and build a car for each niche market moving forward but the real question is if this model will replace the sport wagon and/or just impact the sales number of them.

Source: Autotelegraaf.nl via eGMcartech.com

2009 Ordering Guides

Sections: E60 5 Series, E63/E64 6 Series, E90 3 Series, Official News, Sales/Marketing Jun 23rd, 2008 1 Comment

We just obtained the ordering guides from a source and are needless to say a bit disappointed. There is no mention of the 335d, E92/93, the 1er or any of the SAVs. This may just be a preliminary guide to be further updated later on but something just does not seem “right” about this. We expect things to change but for now this is what we have. Note these are indeed dated last week.

While the models we mentioned here the other day will see those changes, there is little in these documents that mention any other changes excluding “615 Online Information Services”, which could translate to a variety of things, including Connected Drive.

Here is the pdf

335d LCI spotted in Death Valley

Sections: E90 3 Series, EfficientDynamics Jun 23rd, 2008 3 Comments

Autofiends.com has some nice photos of a new 335d hot weather testing out in Death Valley. Interesting to finally see the AdBlue filler cap (circle in bumper) for the urea injection system in body color.

We have been hearing rumblings from sources and in the community that the 335d release has been moved from October to December, though this has yet to be confirmed.

From the rear angle shots they were able to obtain you can see the new rear bumper fascia and body lines. There appears to be some change to the area behind the Hoffmeister kink in addition to the lights and bumper.

For further info on the BMW Advanced Diesels please see our previous articles here.

F01/02 2009 7 Series gets CS turn signals.

Sections: F01 7 Series Jun 23rd, 2008 No Comments

Though the CS concept has been shown many times and described by BMW countless more times some of the finer design points get lost. One of these is the incredible moving turn signal located on the front fenders and doors. Essentially that due to the location and position on the front door the turn signal pops out and slides to allow the door to open. You can view this at 2:18 in the following movie.

What the recent spy shots of the “F” from our friends at Bimmerpost reveal is that the production car will have its turn indicators in nearly the same location as the CS, part on the fender and part on the door. How they implemented those lights to remain in that position is still up for debate but the shape and location is similar to the CS. The light appears to be smaller in size so the setup may be two hinged pieces allowing the light the remain fixed, we will no more shortly.

This image allows the long and short wheel bases to be compared, the rear door is larger than the front on the long wheel base. These shots are from final testing on the “Ring”.

More info on the soon to be released 7 can be found here

BMW Museum Opened in Official Ceremony

Sections: Official News, Vintage Jun 20th, 2008 2 Comments

Official Press Release: On 19 June 2008, Chairman of the Board of Management of the BMW Group, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, opened the BMW Museum in an official opening ceremony. He highlighted the importance of tradition for the company: “Awareness of our heritage, the experiences and developments that our company has been through give us direction, power and inspiration for our work”.

After a period of construction lasting two and a half years, visitors can look forward to more than 120 exhibits in museum space covering 5,000 square metres. They will be presented in a completely new exhibition concept. The circular museum building right next to the company head office tower will continue to be a landmark. The adjacent low-level building now complements the “Bowl” - as the circular museum building has been designated ever since it was opened in 1973. This has entailed increasing the available floorspace fivefold. The museum will open its doors to the public this coming Saturday, 21 June 2008 from 10.00.

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30 Years, 300,000 Vehicles: BMW M GmbH

Sections: //M\\, Official News Jun 19th, 2008 3 Comments

BMW Group Press Release: 30 years, 300 000 vehicles and a BMW M3 Coupe - these are the most significant earmarks of a remarkable anniversary. Three decades after commencing with the assembly of their first series production model, the BMW M GmbH has now delivered its 300 000th vehicle. The alpine white BMW M3 Coupe was handed over to a customer in Regensburg. This East Bavarian town is also the location of the BMW plant in which the high-performance sports car is produced.

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E90 LCI suspension changes?

Sections: E90 3 Series, Official News Jun 18th, 2008 1 Comment

It looks like BMW has begun prepping all of us enthusiasts for a change. The following two press releases were dated Monday (the same day the MY2009 info was to be released) but they just appeared today.

Usually when a manufacturer starts talking about the past they are changing the future. These releases discuss the handling and suspension of the 3er up to this point in the cars history.

We had heard from our sources months ago that the track (width) of the car had been increased and handling was to be much improved but we did not receive any further specifics. Though we are not sure of what these press releases serve it is fairly certain that they would not go through all the trouble just to write a history piece if there was not a change eminent.

As always we will inform you as soon as we hear the news.

Press releases:

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