MINI & BMW are celebrating two victories in reliability. Europe’s largest automotive club has named the MINI, the X3 (made in the same factory the Countryman it about to be produced in) and the X5 as the most reliable in class.

Official Release: With two class victories and top marks for a host of other models, BMW and MINI have again performed excellently in the ADAC breakdown statistics. In the ranking list produced by Europe’s largest automobile club MINI emerged as the most reliable small car to take top spot in its class. Meanwhile, the BMW X3 and BMW X5 secured first and second places in the off-roader class. The two Sports Activity Vehicles suffered the fewest breakdowns due to technical problems in their segment, regardless of registration date. The BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series range also earned top marks for an extremely low breakdown rate, putting them among the star performers in their respective segments in terms of reliability. The latest ADAC breakdown statistics include all models achieving more than 10,000 registrations in Germany in 2009.

The most comprehensive and representative reliability analysis covering all cars sold in Germany has again confirmed the high quality and reliability of BMW and MINI models. The latest statistics are based on analysis of over two million call-outs handled by the ADAC road patrol staff – popularly known as “yellow angels” – in 2009. In all the vehicle categories, BMW and MINI models are among the vehicles providing the least work for the “yellow angels”. Regardless of the vehicle segment, the probability of suffering a breakdown in a BMW or MINI is exceptionally small – proof that the high quality standards of the BMW Group apply across all its model series.

The ADAC calculate what they refer to as breakdown ratios to compile the ranking lists in the various vehicle classes. These figures are calculated using the breakdown frequency and registration figures of each model over the last six registration years. This list shows that BMW Group vehicles are among the most reliable in their categories, not only when newly registered, but also – thanks to an enduring level of premium quality – over later years. For example, MINI models registered between 2005 and 2009 are given the top mark “very good” (denoting extremely infrequent breakdown). The BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series also stand out with their consistent level of reliability. All the model series achieve the top marks for cars registered between 2006 and 2009. The BMW X3 and BMW X5 – which have been included in the statistics since 2004 and 2007 respectively – have also been awarded the top rating “very good” without exception. These positive ratings enable the BMW Group to build on its outstanding showing in the ADAC breakdown statistics from earlier years, as well as in other studies carried out into the reliability and quality of cars. Their success has come as the result of a rigorous application of extremely high quality standards. The company’s premium claim spans the entire product creation process and includes vehicle development and material selection, as well as manufacturing processes across the BMW Group’s global production network. This gives customers the peace of mind that, by purchasing a BMW or MINI they will be able to enjoy not only exceptional driving pleasure, but also unbeatable quality and reliability.

With their typical fun-to-drive qualities, superior all-wheel-drive technology and powerfully expressive styling, the BMW X models occupy a position all their own in their respective classes. The unique attractions of this concept, now successfully established in four different market segments, received further confirmation recently with an excellent showing in the latest readers’ poll by the German magazine Off Road. The BMW X5 was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” in the “Luxury SUV” category, while the BMW X1 and BMW X6 came first and second in the “Crossover” category and the BMW X3 took second place in the “SUV” category.

Topping off this strong result was a special award for the newest arrival in the BMW X family – with its launch countdown already under way, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 took the Eco Award for its innovative powertrain. This first full-hybrid model from the BMW brand uses its highly intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive to maximise both performance and efficiency. These latest successes in the Off Road readers’ poll seamlessly continued BMW’s strong performance of the previous years. The “Off-Roader of the Year” awards, which are decided by the votes of an exceptionally knowledgeable readership, were first presented in 1982. This year readers chose from a field of 97 models in eight categories.

The BMW X5’s first place in the “Luxury SUV” category is a further indication that the Sports Activity Vehicle concept – a segment first pioneered by BMW in 1999 with the predecessor of the current model – is still a firm favourite. The combination of sporty on-road handling and surefooted off-road traction was a hit right from the start. With its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, powerful and efficient engines and an interior which is both flexible and luxuriously equipped, the current BMW X 5 is doing even more to set the standards in its class.

In the “Crossover” category, first and second places both went to BMW. After some internal jockeying, last year’s winner, the BMW X6, was beaten into second place by its brand sibling the X1, which was launched on the market just five months ago. The X1’s concept – which extends the hallmark fun-to-drive qualities of a BMX X model to the premium compact segment – was instantly voted into the number one spot by Off Road’s readers. The BMW X1 impresses with its sporty handling, versatile interior and unrivalled efficiency for a vehicle in this category. The most fuel-efficient X1 is the BMW X1 sDrive18d, which achieves average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle. The X1’s outstanding safety standards also earned it the highest Euro NCAP crash test rating of 5 stars. In spring 2010, two new engines will be added to the range with the arrival of the new BMW X1 sDrive18i entry-level model and the six-cylinder BMW X1 xDrive25i. The X1 line-up will then comprise three petrol and three diesel engines.

Meanwhile, the appeal of the BMW X6 remains as strong as ever. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupé delivers typical BMW driving pleasure in a unique form. Agility, responsive steering, directional stability and traction have been taken to a new level – in part thanks to Dynamic Performance Control, a technology that made its debut in this model. While the electronically controlled BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system splits the drive in a seamlessly variable ratio between the front and rear wheels to suit the current driving situation, DPC performs the same function between the rear wheels. The BMW X6 combines its outstanding dynamics with impressive efficiency, which will be further boosted by a revised engine line-up scheduled for spring 2010. The BMW X6 xDrive30d will then set new benchmarks, with an output of 180 kW/245 hp from its six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and improved average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle.

The original pioneer in its segment, the BMW X3 too impresses with still unsurpassed agile handling and surefooted traction on unsurfaced terrain. Its enduring popularity has played a major role in introducing new target groups to the benefits of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Second place for the BMW X3 in the “SUV” category reflects the high popularity the BMW X3 continues to enjoy in its – now substantially expanded – segment. This model, which has raked in numerous awards for its outstanding reliability and safety, now comes in a choice of three petrol and four diesel versions, with power ratings ranging from 105 kW/143 hp to 210 kW/286 hp. The entry-level BMW X3 xDrive18d boasts exemplary fuel efficiency, with average EU fuel consumption of 6.2 litres/100 km.

Something that unfortunately has gone under our radar over the last few days has been the 2010 edition of the Dakar. For the second year in a row it is being held in South America over 9000 km of the world’s nastiest terrain from Argentina to Chile. It consists of 14 stages and takes place from January first to seventeenth. BMW is represented by four X3s as members of the teamBMW X-Raid . The X3 (CC)s used are heavily modified (to say the least) and are powered by a BMW 3 liter variable twin turbo diesel putting out around 286 hp and 425 lb-ft.

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -France’s Stephane Peterhansel has kept his overall lead in the Dakar Rally, driving his BMW to second place in Tuesday’s fourth stage as the grueling race left Argentina and entered Chile. Peterhansel, a nine-time Dakar Rally winner, was a second behind stage winner Robby Gordon of the United States. Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar was third.

The stage took the racers across the Andes at about 13,000 feet and through the Atacama dunes, one of the driest places on Earth.

For a brief synopsis of the stages completed thus far read on after the break!

(from the Dakar site)

Stage 1 – Buenos Aires > Cordoba Friday 1 and Saturday 2 January

Cars / Trucks Liaison : 349 km Spéciale : 251 km Liaison : 84 km Total : 684 km

Going through Calamuchita

In the first days of the rally, overtaking is sometimes tricky. To make things easier between the bikers and the car and truck crews, a doubled course has been designed with just a few kilometres less for the riders. While the course will be separated, the program remains similar with tracks that will seduce the sliding specialists. In the car class, experts will have noticed a tribute to the Argentinean leg of WRC that usually goes through the Calamuchita Valley. The steering wheel virtuosos will be able to express themselves.

Stage 2 – Cordoba > La Rioja Sunday, January 3

Cars / Trucks Liaison : 56 km Spéciale : 355 km Liaison : 276 km Total : 687 km

Double sensation

Again to avoid tricky manoeuvres, bikes and quads will have, like on the previous day their own course. On the major part of the special, the motocross and enduro specialists will enjoy the blind jumps and series of fast bends. They will then have to take on a wilder environment: less sinuous but rockier. The drivers in cars and trucks will have to take good care of their brakes on a long descent at the middle of the special.

Stage 3 – La Rioja > Fiambala Monday, January 4

Liaison : 259 km Spéciale : 182 km Liaison : 0 km Total : 441 km

The white pit

It’ll be on the third real day of racing that the competitors will have to deal with a first test. The change of context will be radical: with a switch from earth to sand and especially a dune portion of close to 30 kilometres. Other than their dimension that suits perfectly a first part of rally, these dunes are noticeable thanks to their white colour. In this new landscape, the crews will enjoy off-piste. They will also have to adapt to a change of climate and especially sand storms that are frequent in the area.

Stage 4 – Fiambala > Copiapo Tuesday, January 5

Liaison : 394 km Spéciale : 203 km Liaison : 32 km Total : 629 km

Welcome to the Atacama

The organisers have made sure of taking good care of the competitors during this day that will first of all be used to cross the border. After a very early start, the crossing of the Andes Cordillera will be done during a liaison. At an altitude sometimes over 4000m, the shivers will be linked to the temperature as well as the beauty of landscapes. The descent, Chile side, will take the competitors to an absolute desert special. The rather short distance of this exercise will allow one to work on the last settings for a ‘sand’ configuration that the vehicles will keep during several days.

Tonight BMWNA announced price bumps across the lineup. This is nothing new, it is somewhat of a BMW tradition to ring in the New Year with a less than one percent increase. This time it is a .4% increase per vehicle. Destination and handling was also increased but by a flat rate of $50 per vehicle. The newly launched 5 GT, and Active Hybrids will not see the MSRP price increase but will still suffer the inflated shipping charge.

Official Release

BMW of North America Announces January 2010 Price Adjustment

12.12.2009

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 11, 2009… BMW of North America, LLC today announced a minor base price increase of 0.4 percent for BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. effective January 1, 2010. Additionally, the Destination & Handling charge increases by $50 to $875 on the same date.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6, BMW ActiveHybrid 7, and the BMW 550i Gran Turismo, which were recently introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, are unaffected by the price adjustment but will be subject to the $50 increase in Destination & Handling, effective January 1, 2010. The ActiveHybrid X6 and the 550i Gran Turismo went on sale December 5, 2009. The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will go on sale late in the second quarter of 2010.

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.

I’m currently driving the X6 50i and pondering how it slots into what BMW has been historically. There has been lots of talk among automotive enthusiasts about the influx of SAVs at BMW and how they may or may not have impacted the brand. Yet they sell. But better news for BMW, they offer more profit per vehicle than anything else in the fleet.

And that leads to the idea… did the SAV save BMW from being gobbled up by a larger automaker years ago? During the corporate buying spree of the early and even mid 2000′s, BMW was ripe for a take-over. It’s worth considering that the additional sales and profit from the X5 and the X3 (the single most profitable vehicle in the line-up) sured up BMW’s financials and helped elevate the company to where it is today.

Granted the full answer is probably a little less dramatic. BMW’s line-up has appealed to more people and surely benefited from the rise of the luxury class in the 2000s.

Additionally, one could make the argument that MINI had a hand in that success as well. Yet you can’t overlook the SAV in all of this. And as an enthusiast who has typically cast aside the SAV (rightly or wrongly over the years), I have to admit it’s been an important part of the equation for many reasons.

Agree? Disagree? Sound off below.

Last year around this time we featured an article on what BMW models are made where entitled “Made in Germany?” . BMWAG has graciously done this work for us this year by releasing a list of production facilities, what models are produced/assembled at each plant and the total number produced at the plant for 2008. This saved us a good deal of time and we thank them!

Worth noting in this official document is that the 5 Series GT will be in production this year as will the X6 Hybrid, but there is no mention of the new X3 or X1 which are both expected this year as well (now possibly in the Spring of 2010?). If you are questioning BMW producing cars in Asia, you will be happy to know that CKD stands for Complete Knock Down, and these are cars produced elsewhere in kit form and assembled for the specific local market in which they are assembled.

Full BMWAG PDF can be found here.

A while back we had reported BMWNA was working on publishing a list of recommended oils to be used in gasoline engines.

This was a welcomed move as oil specifics have not been listed in the owner’s manual and some people like to have an independent garage (or alone) complete a mid recommended interval oil change. Then there is the occasional need to top the engine off; it has always been a question as to whether that quart of oil, the life blood of the motor, was up to spec.

The oils listed below meet BMW’s Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in BMW Passenger vehicles and SAVs in the US market with gasoline engines. (Excludes ///M and Alpina models).

BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market

• Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
• Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
• Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

• Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

  Use only oils with an API rating of SM or higher.

For ///M or Alpina models as well as the view the BMW document here

As many may know by now, this new generation of X3 will move production to the good old US of A from it’s current birth place at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. The South Carolina plant expansion must be complete before they can start rolling off the line and it is anyones’ guess at the moment when that will be. Note the slope to the roof now that some of the cladding has been removed. Enjoy!

If you have the chance to look over this 70 page guide to the show it is worth the time as it has a lot of great info in it, though much is not geared to our market. It details the new models (again) and explains changes to the other model lines; new X3 versions, diesels being offered in the One series convertibles for the EU, and other mobility technologies. Much of it has been summarized here before but it puts it all in one place in a downloadable format.

Worth noting is that on page 48 it states the new iDrive will be introduced this autumn in the 5 and 6 series cars but once again we are reminded this is for the EU so the states may not see this until later.

You will not see the X1 mentioned but all indications are it will be there!

BMW at the Paris Motor Show

Over the next several weeks and months BMW will be introducing a wide variety of new or refreshed cars and technology. Today we thought we would take some time to sketch a rough timeline of these and what they entail while also linking you to our original stories. Much of this information is geared towards those in the US, so things may vary a bit for those reading in other markets.

1- Series: Will see the newly upgraded i-Drive system from start of production (SOP) 9/08 onward.

3- Series: The sedan (E90) and sport wagon (E91) will see a refresh with a SOP for 9/08. This includes new exterior styling, lighting, suspension, wheels and slight tweaks to the interior along with the new i-Drive system and color choices. The coupe and convertible (E92/93) will not see the same refresh until the next model year, as they were introduced about a year after the sedan debuted. The latter two will however see the new iDrive system starting this fall.

Additionally, the E90 335d will be released in time for the year to close though there is still no pricing or ability to place an order.

5- Series: Not much going on here in terms of changes aside from some new wheels. The new iDrive will not be introduced in this car at this time, though there is some speculation that it may see a mid-year introduction. The “F” model has already begun testing along with the PAS and will debut within the next year.

6- Series: There will be a new sport package for the 6 and some upgrades in the name of color choices for the Individual package. Like the 5 series there may be a mid-year upgrade to the iDrive system though it is speculation at this point.

7- Series: The F01/02 7er will make its word debut in several weeks at the Paris auto show. The newly designed model departs from much of the prior generations controversial styling for a more subdued appearance. This car is laden with technology and has been extensively tested to promote a more finished product. It will compete as one of the top executive class cars. Expect this new model in showrooms Spring 2009.

X1- The X1 is anticipated to be displayed at the Paris Auto Show in “concept” form. We placed concept in quotes because this will be a near production ready version of the SAV, much like how the ///M3 Coupe was display as a concept. The X1 is based on the 3 Series sport wagon and is designed to be more efficient, sporty and smaller than the X3.

X3- The X3 is rumored to end its current production run a year early due to its declining sales, dated technology/styling and the move from being built in Austria by Magna Steyr to BMW’s own plant in South Carolina. There will be some tweaks to the current car but nothing major. The next generation X3 has already begun testing and may be introduced some time next year.

X5- Some insiders are indicating that the new iDrive will appear mid model year for the X5. Adding to the lineup will be a diesel version sometime in late 2008/early 2009, though BMW is trying to make it 08 from what we gather. Rumors and spy photos are pointing towards a possible ///M version due to be released as a MY2010.

X6- Like the X5 the new iDrive should appear sometime later in the 2009 model year. The V8 twin turbo xDrive50 version was just recently released and a hybrid version should make its debut spring of ’09. There is also a proposed ///M version in the works, possibly utilizing F1 technology in a KERS hybrid system.

Z4- The E89 Z4 (or will it be Z6?) will premiere at the LA auto show this winter. It will feature a convertible hardtop, along with specialized performance suspension and differential.

The marketing department in the US made the decision to launch the non-///M version of the DCT in this model so do not be surprised to see the launch cars featuring it. As we all know now, much of the world is graced with this DCT transmission in the 335i coupe for MY 2009. Indications are that this car will be arriving at dealers in the Spring of 2009 and may include a new name similar to those of the “X” models.

There will be other niche models (such as the PAS) to come as well and we will go into the details of them at a later date.

We hope that this little summary was helpful and provides you some insight into the future BMW models and their changes. As always we will continue to provide you with the latest information as soon as we can.

We are happy to report that we can now provide you with the complete 2009 ordering guide and pricing for all 2009 models (excluding diesels).

2009 Complete Ordering Guide

2009 Pricing by Model:

• 1 Series

• 3 Series

• 5 Series

• 6 Series

• X3

• X5

There was an update to this list, but it was a retraction of the X5 xDrive30i requiring the Premium Audio package until further notice…. that was a quick further notice!

This still leaves us wondering what the new name of the upcoming “Z” will be if there is more than one engine version.Is it possible that if a 4 cylinder engine is an option it would be the Z4 and if it is a 6 it would be the Z6? We will let you know as soon as we hear!

Update No sooner was this written it was brought to our attention that BMW has already given us a clue to the possible naming game of the next Z4, sDrive.

sDrive, as in SPORT drive could be utilized in much of the same way Xdrive is. Last year BMW filed for a trademark on ’”sDrive”. According to the trademark application it lists applications as: electronics, motors, transmissions, differentials, axles, brakes and coupling drive shafts, gear change and gear reduction mechanisms in the nature of gearboxes, gear shifts and gear wheels. This could be what we were originally clued in on as “Agile Drive” but details are still thin.

BMW has also registered trademarks on a possible vehicle names, such as: sDrive35, sDrive18, sDrive20, sDrive30.

So we could see: Z4sDrive35

Sources:United States Patent and Trademark Office

additionally, LeftLaneNews via Google.

For all you SAV lovers out there we give you the test mule of the next X3. Yes it is an X3 in underpinnings and drive train but looks like an E91 with some serious fender flares. This is a drive train mule. It is still in the early stages of testing, the actual prototype sheet metal will begin its testing mid summer.

The real news is that the current X3 will be replaced before 2011, decreasing the length of run for the current version. We are happy to hear this since in reality the current model is based off the exiled E46 and is archaic compared to the other models in design. As we had discussed in the past, production will be moved to Spartanburg, SC where it will join the X5 and X6 in production. The current contract production with Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria will be replaced by the future MINI crossover dubbed “Colorado”.

Our sources have indicated to us that the X1 will debut well before the new X3 and that it will be about the general size of a Rav 4 and be based on the 1 series platform. You can see more of the X1 here

We have just received some breaking news courtesy from an internal BMW memo that confirms our original speculation. The names of the models in the X6 lineup were not created because of some marketing plan. The xDrive50i and xDrive35i may have some competition in the amount of (nomenclature related) weight added to the rear of BMW models in the not so distant future.

Here’s an excerpt from the internal BMW memo:

Due to upcoming U.S. regulations in effect for Model Year 2009, we are changing some of our naming protocol. The new naming protocol will affect all products that currently have an engine displacement designation within the name—X3, X5, X6, Z4 and Z4 Coupe.

With that quote one can only imagine what other names we will see! What do you think they will name the Z?

We have also obtained a full copy of the dealer ordering guide which shows all the options (includes 1 and X6) so enjoy! There appears to be some added benefit of purchasing a 1 series with a production date after March as more colors will be available and some changes to equipment are being made. We will try to find out why some of these changes are being made.

BMWNA has added several new paint colors as Priority 1 options for the 5 series and released the options for the 1 Series. We at Bimmerfile thought you may be interested in some of these niche items so we will break it down by model. Pictures are scarce because they are rare in the states so we recommend using the BMW.com configurator to get some idea of the colors.

X3 E83

X5 E70

1 Series E82/E83

3 Series E92/E93

3 Series E90/E91

5 Series E60/E61

7 Series E65/E66

2008 Ordering Guide (PDF)

Until recently US bound 335i sedans were solely built in Germany but due impart to the weakness of the dollar and ramp up in production of the 1 series coupe, production has begun to join the 328i sedan in Roslyn, South Africa. The Roslyn plant has won several awards for its quality so it is by no means a substandard product. This move in production is not indicated for other models within the 3 range.

Currently, US bound cars are produced at 6 BMW facilities around the globe and 1 model is out-sourced. Factories may produce specific models, variants or a variety of each. Additional facilities produce cars for other markets outside of the US.

Germany

• Dingolfing- Vehicles of the BMW 5, 6 and 7 Series as well as M5 and M6 are completely manufactured here. The almost entirely hand made bodies for the Rolls-Royce Phantom are also produced here.

• Leipzig- The newest plant within the family produces the BMW 3 Series Sedan and since late 2007 the 1 series (specifics are hard to find on which variant and if for US).

• Munich- This facility produces the BMW 3 Series as Sedan and Touring (including some all wheel drive XI models). Many of the engines are also assembled here. US bound 6, 8, and 12-cylinder engines. //M performance engines are also built here for the M3, M5 and M6. Future US bound diesel engines are to be manufactured here as well.

• Regensburg- BMW produces the US 1 series and the 3 series coupes and convertibles only here. Other 3 series variants are also produced here including XI models (possible X1).The successor of the Z4 will reportedly also be manufactured here keeping all the coupes and convertibles under one roof.

Outside of Germany

• Roslyn, South Africa- 75% of the cars produced here are exported outside of the country, many of these are US bound. In addition to the 328i sedan, the 335i sedan has begun being produced here and transported stateside.

• Spartanburg, USA- Recently updated, this single line factory produces the X5 and Z4. When the X6 reaches production status it will be built here as well. The next generation X3 will join the other “X” models here along with the proposed X1 (which may be built in Germany, sources are unclear).

• Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)- The X3 is manufactured under contract by Magna Steyr for BMW here.