Archive for July 2010

Official Release: Munich. Exclusive insights into the design philosophy and development strategy of BMW are the central focus of an unusual media event at the home of the brand in Munich. At the BMW Design Night on July 21st 2010, selected media representatives will have the opportunity to take an intensive look at the fundamental principles and pioneering concepts of future automobile design. The speakers and dialogue partners presenting the event at BMW Welt in Munich are Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of BMW AG, Development and Adrian van Hooydonk, Director BMW Group Design.

As we know all too well, enthusiasts are extremely difficult to please. We are a demanding bunch that want things to be perfect, from new cars to those old timers we cherish. BMW has attempted to appease us (quite effectively I might add) in the new car department for decades but have stayed out of the business of restoring customer cars until recently.

For decades BMW restored cars as part of its Mobile Tradition program, cars the company felt were collectible and wanted as part of its own history on display. Mobile Tradition has transformed in BMW Classic and opened its shop doors to the demanding collector with a big wallet. A perfect restoration requires manufacturer involvement, so going to the very company that built the car originally just makes perfect sense.

The first customer car to be delivered was a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi-which was beautifully restored to its original state; minus the customer requested switch from a 4 speed manual to the prototype only automatic. While we are a little confused why anyone would spend the money on a perfect restoration the bastardize it by swapping in an unspecified transmission the final product looks like it just rolled off the line. The delivery was completed just as a new late model would be, at BMW Welt.

Andy Priaulx (GB) and Colin Turkington (GB) scored BMW’s second one-two in the 2010 FIA World Touring Car Championship in Brands Hatch (GB). In the 12th round of the season, Priaulx crossed the line after 16 laps 0.399 seconds ahead of BMW privateer Turkington of Team ebay Motors, claiming his fourth victory of the season. It was the triple world champion’s 16th career win in WTCC. No other driver has scored more wins than Priaulx. His fellow BMW Team RBM driver, Augusto Farfus (BR), dropped back to 13th following a collision with Chevrolet’s Alain Menu (CH), but managed to improve back to eighth over the course of the race.

Like clockwork BMW is giving us a preview of the M Sport package for it’s latest vehicle; the X3. The package includes a few unique options such as 19″ M wheels, M steering wheel, anthracite headliner, and M aerokit. Along with that BMW also throws in all the sport package suspension tuning and goodies. Look for it to be available in the US next summer.

Official Release: Dynamic and compelling, the M Sports package drives the sporty nature of the BMW X3 to even greater heights. The rich Carbon Black metallic paint finish and powerful 19-inch M light-weight alloy wheel rims set the tone, while the sports suspension tuning delivers the experience.

More Driving tools: the M multifunction leather steering wheel and variable sports steering. The M gear selection lever boasts particularly short throws. In the BMW xDrive35i with standard eight-speed automatic transmission Steptronic, the M leather steering wheel also features gearshift paddles. The sporty suspension settings give you stiffer dampers and deliver precise feedback.