Sep 21st, 2011
We are taking in all the ///M5 we can in the beautiful Andalusian city of Sevilla, Spain piloting BMW ///M’s latest itineration of the iconic M5. Spending a significant amount of the day driving the fifth generation of the world’s most successful high-performance sedan has been thrilling and nerve racking thanks in part to high temperatures and Spanish pavement that apparently has been coated with olive oil; all kidding aside, the roads are some of the slickest we’ve ever encountered.
continued →
Sep 21st, 2011
For years we’ve been secret admirers of P-cars. We’re not afraid to admit the 911 and Boxster can be pretty compelling products when specced appropriately. Now with the Cayman added to the mix, Porsche has an even more compelling product for enthusiast that’s led to more than a few BMW owners going over to the ‘other side’. It wasn’t until recently that the Boxster and Cayman became particularly interesting to us. For 2011, Porsche released two hardcore models based on its entry-level cars; the Cayman R and the Boxster Spyder. We drove both recently (and briefly), outside of Chicago, at the Autobahn Country Club to see how these Porsche’s would stack-up to the two smallest M cars – the 1M and M3.
continued →
Sep 21st, 2011
Official Release: With the proliferation of mobile technology, BMW Financial Services now provides account functionality via smartphones. Customers now have the ability to make payments and monitor their account status from their phones. BMW Financial Services provides a web-based solution for customers to access common account requests, which functions on all leading smartphone platforms.
continued →
Sep 21st, 2011
According to German publication Auto Motor und Sport BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has officially confirmed that BMW will build the F26 X4. The X4 will be based on the X4 but (as with the X6) will feature a sloping rear and much more coupe like silhouette.
continued →
Sep 20th, 2011
BMW UK launched it’s iOS My BMW Remote app last year that finally (officially) connected the car with the phone in your pocket. It’s relatively simple but the tech is undeniably cool. The only problem? It’s only available in the UK and Europe. But before we talk about a work-around for the US, let’s talk about what it does do once you’ve successfully downloaded it:
- Remote Door Lock & Unlock (available on vehicles built after 08/08 except first gen Z4 and X3)
- Remote Climate Control (only available in the 5, 7, and X3 vehicles built after 10/10)
- Remote Light Flash: remote control of configurable exterior light functions to locate the vehicle (only available in the 5, 7, and X3 vehicles built after 10/10)
- Google Local Search: Sends an address from your phone directly to your vehicle’s navigation system (available on vehicles built after 08/08 except first gen Z4 and X3 with Navigation)
- Vehicle Finder: displays current vehicle position on map (available on vehicles built after 08/08 except first gen Z4 and X3)
Unfortunately all of this goodness only comes via a UK or EU iTunes account. But US BMW owners don’t need to miss out on the action. Here are some stepby-step instructions on how to get the app working on your phone.
continued →
Sep 19th, 2011
The following story has been corrected to indicate that the X6 Active Hybrid will not be sold in the US as a 2012 model, it has not been confirmed to end production for other markets at this time. The original story stated that production had ended.
The X6 Active Hybrid was BMW’s first foray into hybrids- a joint development with Daimler, Chrysler and General Motors. Entering foreign ground and jumping into an increasingly competitive hybrid market, BMW set about making a vehicle that was more powerful and just slightly more efficient. This created an even more limited client base than the base X6 was targeted at. The original price for the X6 Active Hybrid at launch in late December 2009 (2010 model) was just shy of ninety-thousand dollars. One of the most expensive vehicles in the BMW lineup. Sales were limited to say the least. And as of today, the era of BMW’s lone two mode, nickel metal hydride hybrid has come to a quiet and abrupt end in the US.
continued →
Sep 19th, 2011
We previewed the kit last winter and BMW released it earlier this summer with the 135i and 335i Performance Editions. Today BMW has finally (and officially) released details around the two BMW Performance Power Kits for the N55 equipped 135i, 335i and X6 models. Both kits are aggressively priced with the first coming in at a surprising $599. Granted it’s all software but still it’s hard to argue with a 20 hp increase. Version two is the same with an added Auxiliary Water Cooler and an Enhanced Radiator Fan to reduce engine temperatures during extreme (i.e. track) driving. Obviously the second kit is highly recommended if you plan on doing any track days. Which of course you should be doing anyway.
Official Release: Now, more invigorating horsepower and torque, is available with two new power kits bring crisp stimulating performance to the Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW 135i and 335i Models can now be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program to an unprecedented level of performance. These new Power Kits ensure that new car buyers and current owners are in for that extra thrill beyond the outstanding performance that can already be realized with these exciting vehicles.
continued →
Sep 19th, 2011
Official Release: Virtually no other historical motor-sport event transports visitors back to the flair and glamour of yesteryear as stylishly as the Goodwood Revival. The successful racing history of MINI and BMW makes the Goodwood Revival the focal point for presenting some fascinating vehicles taken from the illustrious past of both brands. “For BMW Group Classic, the Goodwood Revival is one of the highpoints in the classic calendar,” enthuses Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Classica, about the weekend in the South of England.
(Full gallery after the break)
continued →
