As many know, the X1 debuted as a concept last fall and is destined to be shown in production form in the not so distant future. It continues its testing but has begun to shed much of it’s camo as the release date approaches.
The X5 is getting a bit long in the tooth and the mid-cycle refresh (facelift/ Life Cycle Impulse) is approaching. The X5 will gain some cues from the X6 on the exterior and will see minor (but welcomed) changes on the inside to increase the level of luxury and add some newer technologies that are already available on it’s cousin the X6. The front fenders (like on the X6) will now project under the front lights rather than the bumper coming up to them.
Official Release: BMW is extending its range of security vehicles by an additional model in a new protection class. The BMW X5 Security Plus complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6 (APR 2006), bringing versatile mobility and comprehensive protection against criminal assault into line with each other. It is the first vehicle produced by a high-volume manufacturer to offer a security concept aimed at lessening the danger of attacks using the world’s most widely used handgun of the type AK 47. The vehicle, which was developed on the basis of the successful BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), offers room for up to four persons inside an exceptionally well-protected passenger cabin. Moreover, its superior drive and suspension technology also allows the driver to cope effortlessly with demanding situations, both on the road and on rough terrain. With the BMW X5 Security Plus, BMW is defining a new benchmark in protection against crime on the road.
Official Release: The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team is coming off of a strong second place finish in St. Petersburg, FL, and aspires to continue the momentum for the second consecutive street circuit race in Long Beach, California.
The Long Beach Grand Prix will mark the first-ever appearance of a BMWNA M3 at one of motorsport’s premiere events and the team will look to take advantage of the lessons learned at St. Pete and continue to improve. While similar in nature, the Long Beach circuit features many faster corners that play to the M3’s strengths. A key point of the track will be the 180 degree hairpin leading onto the long Shore Line Drive start finish straight; the M3s will be required to use every bit of their outstanding traction to be able to fend off competitive attacks going into turn one.
Not much more needs to be said beyond what the video says for itself. BMW once again outshines Audi. Here’s the press release from the Juggernaut Advertising that ran the local campaign:
Juggernaut Advertising, an independent advertising agency headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, has initiated a tactical outdoor marketing campaign on behalf of BMW of Santa Monica. The campaign is in response to Audi’s current billboards challenging BMW with the headline “Your move, BMW.”
Tired of hearing about 5000lbs M cars? Let’s get back to basics; the 2002. Why is the 2002 so important in BMW history? Why does every BMW (from the E46 M3 to a lowly E90 320i) owe its existence to the 2002? The 2002 model was introduced in 1968 to the US market after two years of sales within Europe. American car buyers viewed the car as roomy for a two-door, with a large trunk and that German engineered quality that we have come to love. Over 850,000 of the model were sold around the world until in 1977 the beloved 3er replaced it.
Our friends at Jalopnik are featuring the venerable M10 4 cylinder as their Engine of the Day. As you may or may not know the M10 was designed by noted engineer and race driver Baron Alex von Falkenhausen. Yes (as Jalopnik mentions) that is a helluva a name. In between designing engines you’d expect someone named Baron Alex von Falkenhausen to fly zeppelins and slay large game. What he did do was to go against BMW bosses and design a 1.5L (instead of the asked for 1.3L that was eventually expanded to 2.0L. Here’s more from Wikipedia:
As BMW M12, the engine is also one of the most successful engines in racing. Starting with the European Touring Car Championship, it was also used in Formula 2 and in the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, where it was turbocharged by Paul Rosche according to FIA Group 5 rules.
It’s the biggest, toughest and most outrageous 24 hour race in the world happens May 24th and BMW will be debuting the new BMW M3 GTA race car. Based heavily on the stock M3, the race car will be offered through BMW normal Customer Racing Program throughout the world for the SP10 division. Imagine the sound of one of these V8 M3′s rumbling through the woods of the ‘Ring at 2am as you sit around a camp fire with friends. Now imagine driving one…
Official Release: The BMW works drivers Augusto Farfus (BR), Jörg Müller (DE) and Andy Priaulx (GB) will line up at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife on 23rd/24th May 2009. This will also mark the debut of the BMW M3 GT4 at this legendary endurance race.
Müller and Priaulx will be behind the wheel of the BMW M3 GT4 when they race for Schubert Motorsport in the Eifel region. The two drivers, who are normally involved in a battle for glory for BMW in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), will join forces with motor racing journalists Marcus Schurig (DE) and Jochen Übler (DE). The editors of the specialist “sport auto” magazine in Germany have many years of racing experience behind them, and have entered the “Green Hell” numerous times in the past. Together with tyre partner Dunlop, this quartet of drivers has its sights set on a top position in the SP10 class.
We were in New York for the world premiere of the X6 ///M. This SAV looks menacing in person and it sounds like it will have the technology and power to back up those looks. The ///M division has gone to town with new technologies in this vehicle, and along the way developed a new patented manifold system that in the coming weeks we will explain in further details.
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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.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: E70 X5, E84 X1, Spy photos Apr 16th, 2009 3 Comments 
