Section: In the Press
Mar 17th, 2010
Anger and frustration have come to many of our readers with the realization that BMWNA will not be offering us the new F11 5 Series Sports Wagon (even possibly the next 3er version F31). To enthusiasts and to those that like a car with substance, practicality and looks; BMW not offering this all wrapped in one package is tough to chew on.
Since our creation of this site some two years ago it has been quite apparent that we are enthusiast oriented (intentionally) and that the overwhelming majority of our readership is passionate and well educated when it comes to vehicles, their needs and how different the BMW experience is from everything else out there.
Once in a while we all need a reality check; for better or for worse. Today we are starting the day off with a little humility towards those at BMWNA who are responsible for making the hard decisions of what and what not to offer. Most of us do not see the reason for the wagons exiting the market to be all that transparent- there are thousands that would buy wagons, no?
The reality of the situation is that the vast majority of Americans are not enthusiasts, have little brand loyalty and purchase vehicles like they are appliances by mainly relying on the Consumer Reports bubble charts or solely on looks. The amazing thing is that many of these consumers do find our site and others like it to ask questions about future car purchases. All I know is that I name my cars (they are family) and never have or never will give my dishwasher a name so to me the concept of cars being appliances is quite foreign. I do not blindly stay within the brand but also know (from driving/researching competitors offerings) there are very few cars that exceed BMWs product line.
The following question (a similar one was also emailed to us) was asked of Jonathan Welsh at the Wall Street Journal-
Q: I am currently driving a BMW 535. This is my third BMW and I am ready for a change. One of the problems with the BMW is the lack of leg room in the back seat. I am 6′2″ so I also need room up front. Can you suggest a sedan that offers more legroom? I am looking at the Hyundai Genesis.
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Mar 7th, 2010
Last fall we had a quick jaunt in the two-mode BMW X6 Active Hybrid. We have discussed the system at great length with Dave Buchko from BMWNA when he visited with us during a BimmerCast. Thanks to Dave we were left with a great understanding of the system and how BMW created a hybrid that provided both better fuel economy and performance than the V8 X6.
We have not discussed the vehicle much lately but Herr Spira over at The Diesel Driver recently had a week in the X6 Active Hybrid and has cued us back to the NiMH based hybrid. In his review he breaks down the vehicle systems and explains some of the plusses and minuses of BMW’s first production hybrid.
The secret sauce behind the performance is the two-mode active transmission that supports enhanced efficiency or greater performance, as desired by the driver. When the driver accelerates, the V-8 is joined by the two electric motors to provide additional power without increasing fuel consumption. The motors also supply power in most driving conditions (such as highway driving), reducing the power output required of the V-8.
For more of his take on things (including an unexpected conclusion) check out the complete review at The Diesel Driver.
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Feb 24th, 2010
Our friends over at MWerks recently sat down with BMW’s head of design Adrian van Hooydonk for a one on one interview of sorts. The interview is interesting as it discusses the current design of BMWs and some insight as to what the future may bring. There are some other facts about the man and his passions as well. It is a great read.
Excerpt from the Mwerks Interview:
MW- How will we remember the “van Hooydonk” era?
AvH- It’s too early to say. Plus, my mission is not to create a van Hooydonk era. I work for BMW, and I want to do good BMWs, good Minis, good Rolls-Royces. That’s my goal; history is written later.
MW- Which production car best exemplifies your design ethos?
AvH- I would say the new 5 Series is a good example. We are about to launch it soon; in Geneva we will show the car. The 5 Series is a very important car for BMW. It is bought by people who drive long distances, so they know what it means to drive a BMW; they like sporty driving. The 5 Series needs to express all of that, and it is really the 120% BMW. It’s what the brand stands for.
I think the design team did a good job on that car. We developed it in a way that is more elegant and more sporty at the same time. That is the essence of the BMW brand. Elegance combined with sportiness. It’s quite difficult to develop both of them. Sometimes you cam make a car more elegant but then it becomes less sporty, or you make it more sporty and it becomes less elegant. I think in the 5 Series we were able to do both.
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Feb 6th, 2010
The official 24 Hours of Le Mans website has posted the list of invitations for the June 12-13 race and BMW is on the list! BMW is said to be entering two ///M3s in the GT2 class under the BMW Motorsports flag. The works team will feature drivers like Jörg and Dirk Müller, Dirk Werner, Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus.
This will BMWs first race since their 1999 overall victory. The last BMW to compete in this famous race was was operated by a German privateer in 2000. BMW is back on the grid after a decade absence and needless to say we are very excited about this latest revelation. Looks like the F1 money is being well spent!
We expect an official announcement from BMW shortly but could not wait to spread the news!
+Official 24 Hours of Le Mans Invitation List+/ PDF
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Feb 5th, 2010
The New York/New Jersey Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC) is where all vehicles in the north east enter the US. This VDC currently is operated by BMW rather than a third party like some of the others in network. Many things happen to the cars at the VDCs before they ever reach the dealer; they are fascinating places as we learned a few years back on our tour with the BMWCCA.
Our friend Jonathan Spira at The Diesel Driver has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of his beautiful 335d. He was granted access to the VDC like never before (photos permitted) to help document the journey of this latest addition to his garage.
The BMW Vehicle Distribution Center, or VDC (previously called the VPC, or Vehicle Processing Center) is, for all intents and purposes, an extension of the BMW factory in Germany.
The 335d was driven directly to a segregated area at the VDC, where it remained until it was cleared by U.S. Customs inspectors, who physically inspect each car. New cars are cleared through Customs electronically before the ship reaches port. The 335d cleared customs in record time – within 48 hours of arrival. Customs clearance for tourist delivery cars can occasionally take up to two weeks.
For an in-depth look at the steps completed at the VDC with photos and commentary visit The Diesel Driver here.
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Feb 4th, 2010
Dan Neil at the LA Times ventured to Portugal for the 5 Series launch event. Did he come away impressed? Nah, not really. This is one of the first reviews that does not commend the newest incarnation of the beloved 5er. In his opinion the car is numb to drive, and the electric power steering has taken the feel out of it.
He mentions pouring syrup over gear changes and that the car is everything you want but fun, while we would love to retort or provide some insight we can’t just yet- until then you can read his review for a not so glossy view of the F10 5 Series.
Gearheads will palaver over the fact that the new 5-series uses a double-wishbone-like multi-link front suspension now as opposed to the time-honored strut suspension. The change helps stuff bigger brakes behind the wheel and has some positive effects for suspension geometry. By the numbers and by the stopwatch, you can’t really fault the BMW’s handling and road-holding. The big car is well stabilized by the active anti-roll bar, so the car’s body stays relatively flat in corners. At speeds under 35 miles per hour, the Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels 2.5 degrees opposite of the turn, for a tighter turning radius. Above that speed, the wheels turn in sync with the front wheels, giving the car more authority in cornering.
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