The reviews are coming fast and furious of the new 7er after the press introduction last week. One of the most important historically has always been from the NYT and this time the story is a little more positive than it was with the E65:
Unfortunately, the delights of the 7 Series, which include blowing away rosy-cheeked lads in Subarus, had become weighed down by baggage. The often-derided iDrive controls made it hard to tune in Neil Diamond without wanting to punch out the display screen. And while I usually have no beef with icy Germanic interiors, the outgoing model took the dominatrix-in-Berlin theme too far; no flagship luxury sedan should make people suffer for their driving pleasure. Cabin demerits included obtuse controls and rigidly minimalist appointments.
We have been asked this question a lot lately: “What is going on with the turbo lag software update?”
We have some good news for all of you that fit the criteria BMWNA laid out in their official statement. The software is out and obtainable, though some dealers may need an arm twist.
Our original post here help spread the word initially. This follow up should answer the questions in regards to obtaining the update and what it entails.
It may sound a little sinister but BMW is working on software within their navigation system that actually predicts where you’re headed while driving. The system will then display some potential routes based on compiled data on how and where you drive. Here’s the an excerpt from 4wheelsnews.com
According to BMW the system, which is aptly called the ILENA, short for Intelligent Learning Navigation, is already 80 percent accurate with regards to it guesses of the car’s next possible stop. This system besides the convenience also aims at efficiency. The onboard computer can do some computations and analyses based on the information it gathers and automatically adjusts the car’s performance and power utilization accordingly. When this idea is brought to all of the car’s system, it can effectively lower costs between 5-10 percent.
Cool or way too intruding? Sound off in the comment section below…
The ///M version of the X6 is undergoing BMW’s winter testing program in the frigid North and today we have some photos of it. While many true enthusiasts are not enamored with this vehicle being brought to market from the famous Motorsports division, it still makes you wonder how this thing must drive if they are willing to put their name on it.
Even the ever popular MINI isn’t immune to the current economic situation. BMW AG has laid off all 850 workers who worked weekends and has shut plant production down for one week. Additionally BMW will be laying off 150 at the MINI engine plant in Swindon UK. Here’s the latest from the BBC.
“Mini plant Oxford will be bringing in a new shift pattern in response to continuing volatile market conditions,” a BMW statement said.
Official Release: BMW Manufacturing Co. today announced that it has begun a study into the feasibility of using wind energy on the plant site. BMW will partner with Gold Ring Power, LLC to conduct an energy audit to gather data on wind speed and patterns throughout the site. The results of the test will reveal the viability for BMW to add wind to the list of alternative energy resources used to power the facility.
Official BMW Release: Introducing progressive new models offering that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand and at the same time allowing conscientious use of natural resources, BMW is making a signifi cant statement at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show 2009.
The range of technologies upgraded to production standard as part of the
BMW Effi cientDynamics development strategy is indeed greater than ever
before, helping to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions and enhance
the driving experience to an even higher level. At the same time the public
in Geneva will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of technical
innovations and new features in BMW’s current model portfolio at the
Motor Show from 5–15 March 2009.
While here at BimmerFile we do not usually cover the Rolls Royce brand in detail we thought we would make a bit of an initial exception for this model. The reason is simple, it is based on the new BMW 7 Series and will also debut the new V12 powerplant that will grace the 760Li in the future.
Just north of 20% of this car is rumored to be shared with the 7er, BMW and the Rolls Royce division worked hand in hand designing many of the components. Taking that into account it gives you a bit more respect for the luxury in the new 7 and the driving dynamics and technology (including a Rolls version of iDrive!) of the 200EX (RR4). Where the 7 Series tops out this car steps in; pricing should begin in the $190,000 plus range and go up to near $300k.
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: F01 7 Series Feb 28th, 2009 2 Comments 
