The next generation Z continues to lose some of its pasties as we get closer to the official release date. Anyone notice something about those hood lines? We have seen them before on a relative; GINA. Don’t be alarmed at the Monster Truck like ride height, BMW is celebrating Halloween a bit early and trying to scare us by leaving the shipping blocks in!
Looks good! As always you can click on the image for a larger version.
We reported earlier in the year that BMW and Daimler Benz were working on finalizing a deal that would allow the companies greater economies of scale in purchasing. The deal was said to incorporate items from third party vendors with both brands making purchases together of non-specific items. “We meet with suppliers, assess where we require equal parts and subcomponents, such as xenon ballasts and burners, heat exchangers and actuators of air conditioning,” said Draeger to the German Magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
Though no deal was officially announced, Draeger told the magazine that things were in motion and that no official deal needed to be announced for the two to see the benefits of furthering their economies of scale. Spokesmen from the companies followed up by saying that cooperation has not been finalized but both companies explore opportunities for joint purchasing continuously.
With all the debate about whether BMW should have brought over the smaller 3 Series diesel and the recent announcement of the 7 Series Active Hybrid we were happy to see this review from Business week.
Business Week recently had the opportunity to compare the Lexus GS 450h, MB S-class Blue-hybrid, and a new BMW 7. The 7 they compared to these hybrids was in diesel guise. It is interesting to read whether or not the hybrid makes the most sense for practicality and what the trade offs are between each car and engine configuration.
BMW and NXP semi-conductors have just unveiled a prototype of the world’s smartest key. It features contactless payment, personalized access control, a public transportation e-ticket and more. It can do this all thanks to a SmartMX security chip from NXP. In other words, it is a key with a built in Mobil Speed Pass with additional functions. An interesting concept. What if you lose your keys? You now have no car or money!
It is officially official. The diesels will begin production in November and will be delivered to dealers mid December.
The 335d will have a best in class EPA fuel economy of 23/36 MPG making it the most fuel efficient BMW ever sold in the US as well as the highest rated EPA MPG 6 cylinder engine ever in the US. With 0-60 in 6.0 seconds it is quicker to that mark than the all new Audi A4 3.2 and the MB C350.
While not a BMW, the MINI E represents a milestone for BMW AG and will surely foreshadow what’s to come for other upcoming BMW AG projects.
The BMW Group will be the world’s first manufacturer of premium automobiles to deploy a fleet of some 500 all-electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic. The MINI E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, transferring its power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox nearly without a sound and entirely free of emissions. Specially engineered for automobile use, the battery technology will have a range of more than 240 kilometers, or 150 miles. The MINI E will initially be made available to select private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in the US states of California, New York and New Jersey. The possibility of offering the MINI E in Europe as well is currently being considered. The MINI E will give its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20, 2008.
The MINI E’s electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Newton meters, delivering seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h (95 mph). Featuring a suspension system tuned to match its weight distribution, the MINI E sports the brand’s hallmark agility and outstanding handling.
Update 10/20 535s have been delivered to dealers today so cars are indeed moving and dealers are finally getting them.
It appears that the certification for the 2009 MY BMWs equipped with the N54 twin turbo have been completed. Cars should begin to be released the VDCs and be processed as normal.
Hopefully these cars will get moving and people will have them by the end of the upcoming week. We will update you when we here more but we feel these documents are enough evidence to signify that processing should begin.
here is a link to ARB document for all models but the 3er and here is the 3er
Car production in the US has taken another hit today; BMW too will join the list of manufactuers letting employees go. With the reported temporary plant closures in Germany and these layoffs BMW hopes to weather the current market. Approximately 733 temporary workers at the plant in South Carolina will go to work on December 19th and not anticipate returning until economic conditions improve. BMW has stated they will be paid until the end of this year.
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
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.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: E89 Z4 Roadster, Spy photos Oct 24th, 2008 8 Comments 
