We are less than one day away from the official launch of the next generation 5 Series. BMW, keeping up with current traditions has released some teaser photos to the web in advance of the official showing. The family resemblance to the current 7 Series is easily identified.
Stay tuned for the full unveil tomorrow at 2 pm est. We’ll have dozens of photos and the full official US and Global press release with the model and specification listing.
For some of our readers that have been on the fence with what to do for their next vehicle since the X3 has been delayed and the next 5 is not to hit the US until late April early May, have no fear BMW FS has a solution.
BMW Financial services is granting lease extensions for maturing X3 and 5 Series vehicles.
It is for leases expiring before 12/31/09 but may be applied to others on case-by-case basis. It is a 12-18 month lease extension term. It is a minimum 1 year extension with a month to month until 18 months. Contact BMWFS lease end agents for full terms and qualification requirements.
This option will also help lessen the effects of leasing a new to market vehicle for those that can utilize this option.
We’ve got a special show for you this week. Michael is back from “BMW University” where he drove a number of cars from the MINI E to the new 5er GT. We also have Todd and DB on hand from White Roof Radio to talk about the MINI E, electric cars in general and the new MINI Crossover. That leads into talk about four cylinder diesels and how they relate to both the X1 and the MINI Countryman (since theoretically it’s the same engine). IMHO, it’s our best show yet.
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As many of you may know by now, the IIHS recently announced its 2010 “Top Safety Picks”. What may have been eye opening and utterly surprising is that not a single BMW made the list. Not a one. The problem with such safety awards or best picks is that the general public tends to automatically assume that every vehicle that is not mentioned can be viewed as unsafe or not as safe as the ones given these accolades whether deservedly or not. In BMW’s case, this assumption is undeserved. The other interesting problem I have is with the way in which the IIHS releases its information, they never state the test pool and allow consumers and reporters to make conclusions based on on the list of “Top Safety Picks” they provide something that is at its simplest form: poor reporting of results.
I not only drive BMWs for the sporty driving characteristics but the emphasis the brand places on safety. As I say to my wife regularly, “You drive the car you do because I know you will be safe and that is worth the price of admission alone.” This IIHS announcement probably made some quiver but there is more to this than you think and BMWs are some of the safest vehicles on the road (still).
Official Release: The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will arrive in US showrooms right on the heels of its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The one-of-a-kind Sports Active Coupe featuring two-model hybrid technology will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $89,725, including destination and handling.
In addition to BMW’s interpretation of two-mode hybrid technology, mated to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 the price includes a number of standard features which are optional on the X6 xDrive50i. These include a unique 7-speed automatic transmission, Extended Nappa leather (including the dashboard and center console), 20-inch Aero Wheels with mixed-sized performance tires, Rearview camera with Top View and Head-up display.
Hot off the presses from a reliable source comes the official pricing for the recently launched 2010 BMW 550i GT. Base MSRP will start at $64,725 (including $825 destination), well below the 7 Series it shares much of its technology with, and a relative value considering the luxury and versatility of the final product. For full pricing and packaging contents please see the attached PDF as there are a good number of options this fine vehicle can be equipped with.
We have heard from several sources that the introduction of the 2011 BMW X3 (F25) has been pushed back. The reasons have varied from market conditions, construction delays, contractual obligations and electrical design issues. These reported delays are also impacting the MINI crossover which was said to be introduced last month.
The newest take on the delay according to Automotive News, via Autoweek is that BMW is planning on launching custom ordered cars. Changes can be made up to 5 days before the vehicle is built and this change in the ordering process is the reason for the delay. Having custom ordered my BMWs in the past, I know when the car hits status 112 and you are given a production date you can already make changes up to 5 days before then (My wife’s car is an E90 and not an E91 thanks to this handy feature) so I am not so sure as this is a viable reason for the delay.
Another reported benefit of the delay would also be that more than one motor would be offered in the US, coincidentally this is something we have been reporting on for quite some time now.
The current X3 was launched initially in the US with 2 power plant offerings, so this is nothing new (The 2.5 was very underpowered for a vehicle of its size in the US) unlike the Automotive News reported that the X3 was only offered in the highest output 6.
This is just another take on a well documented delay, could it be the reason? Sure, but to me this is not as plausible as even a simple engine design/certification process. We may never know what the reason for the delay truly is, and next week this delay may not be a delay any longer. In the land of BMW and cars in general things can change at a moments notice and we of course will keep you as up to date as possible.
Official Release: Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has today announced that BMW has become the Automotive Partner of London 2012. BMW will provide the 4000 or so vehicles which are required at the Games to transport athletes, technical officials, media, LOCOG operational teams, national Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, the IOC and marketing partners.
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: F10 5 Series Nov 22nd, 2009 4 Comments 
