BMW BAVARIAN MOTOR WORK

BMW Z4 Series

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:18:00 +0000

Mansory Strikes With BMW 7-Series F01 Tune

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:51:00 +0000

Mansory's Geneva Motor Show world premieres, the tuning house's Swiss subsidiary came out with a set of photos announcing its upcoming program for the latest BMW 7-Series.

Mansory Switzerland is keeping all details under wraps for now, so we can only tell you about the styling treatment which includes a new front bumper with massive air vents that incorporates vertical LED daytime lights and carbon fiber spoilers, and an alternative version of BMW's trademark kidney grille with horizontal instead of vertical bars also made out of carbon fiber.

The new alloy wheels complete the exterior look, while Mansory has also fiddled around with the BMW's interior.

Source: Mansory via Autoblog.nl

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW M Car Sales Increase by More than 14 Percent in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Sales of BMW's M car series continue to sprout as the Bavarian company's performance division concluded the 2010 business year with a 14.2 percent increase to 16,967 units, despite the phase out of the V10-powered M5 and M6 models.

The M brand's most popular model remained the M3 with 5,729 units of the coupe, 2,544 units of the Convertible and 1,843 Saloons. Worldwide sales of the newly introduced all-wheel drive X5 M and X6 M totaled 2,778 and 3,082 respectively.

The USA was once again the most important single market in 2010 for the performance brand with overall BMW M car sales up by more than 6 percent to 6,821 units. As before, the number two sales region was the German domestic market with sales of 1,716 cars, followed by Britain and Northern Ireland with 1,264 units.

BMW M's division saw its most dynamic growth in China where sales rose by 355 percent to 1,088 units, making the country the fourth-strongest market for the brand. Significant gains were also registered in Brazil (+ 237 percent) and Russia (+ 104 percent).

The German company said that it also recorded a 1 percent increase in sales of the M Sport packages, with 138,800 units in 2010. The main market for M Sport packages was Britain and Northern Ireland, followed by Germany and the USA.

The was also a significant jump in the demand for the firm's Individual program, with 24,155 options being ordered in 2010, an increase of 47 percent over 2009.

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ItalDesign’s Nazca Reborn in Sabino Leerentveld

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 06:20:00 +0000

Since the demise of BMW’s M1 in 1981, designers and illustrators alike have speculated on the look of a possible successor to the Bavarian automaker’s only mass produced, mid-engined vehicle. Some – like industry stalwart ItalDesign – have gone so far to build full scale, drivable mock-ups.

One such speculative mock-up was ItalDesign’s Nazca M12 of 1991 featuring a mid-mounted V12 and BMW’s ubiquitous rear wheel drive.

The Italian design house also presented a race-spec version of the car called the Nazca C2 at the 1992 Tokyo Motor Show, followed by a Spyder model in 1993.

Now, twenty years later, Dutch designer Sabino Leerentveld has resurrected the Nazca C2 in the form of this rather slick homage.

With its sculpted aerodynamic flanks, EfficientDynamics-inspired nose and pillars cleverly secreted behind its massive glasshouse, Leerentveld’s Nazca homage is quite a wonder to behold. In fact, one could also most say it's more production ready than ItalDesign’s 2008 concept. And, dare I say it, slightly less fussy in the styling department.

As always, you shouldn’t take my word for it. Check out our gallery below and deliver your verdict in the comments.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Sabino Leerentveld

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Kelleners Sport Spices Up the F10 BMW 535i

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:26:00 +0000

The German tuner developed a complete aerodynamics package, designed to make the car more "athletic" - or so they claim. At the front, there's a new bumper, with integrated (and ever so popular) LED daytime running lights and oversized air intakes. Aggressive front spoiler lips widen the car, as do the beefy side skirts.

The rear end of the modified 535i boasts a boot lid spoiler and a redesigned bumper incorporating a diffuser. Kelleners also added a four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system.

A choice of 19- or 20-inch lightweight wheels, codenamed "Hamburg" and "Berlin", replace the standard alloys. The new rims are shod in 255/35 front and 285/30 rear high performance tires and come in different finishes, such as Matte Black, Polished Graphite Silver or Polished Platinum Silver.

Under the hood, the 306 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six was fitted with the KS Power35 module, boosting peak output to 367 hp and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. No performance figures were released. Kelleners also mentions the lowered (-30 mm) sports suspension, which, it claims, improves handling.

Interior appointments were kept to a minimal and consist of personalized floor mats and aluminum pedals, both available as standalone options.

By Csaba Daradics

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The 2011 BMW 5-Series

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:11:00 +0000

The tuning specialists over at AC Schnitzer in Germany have endowed the latest BMW 5-Series saloon, codenamed F10, with exterior and interior styling accessories, as well as hardware upgrades.

The company's engineers got under the bonnet and came up with a performance upgrade for the 530d's straight-six turbo diesel pushing output from the 245HP to 286HP.

Optimizations for the rest of the diesel range, including the 520d, 525d and 535d models in Europe, are also under development and will become available soon, according to AC Schnitzer.

There's also a new sport exhaust system with chrome tail pipes that offers a throatier tone and is available on the 550i and 535i petrol, and 535d and 530d diesel models.

To improve handling, AC Schnitzer has come up with some minor enhancements to make the 5er more sporty on the road, including stiffer springs that lower the vehicle's road height by 25mm and an 8-piston caliper brake system for the front axle.

Buyers can choose from two different alloy wheel designs that are available in sizes 19- and 20-inches. The 20s are fitted with high performance tires size 245/35 R20 on the front and 285/30 R 20 on the rear.

For the exterior, there's a body kit package with a new front spoiler, a chromed twin kidney grille, side skirts, roof and boot lid spoilers, and a rear apron incorporating a diffuser.

Inside, the cockpit and steering wheel can be trimmed in black carbon fiber with silver accents, while the tuner also offers aluminum foot rest and pedal sets, gear knobs trimmed in leather and aluminum (with or without the digital gear display) and an aluminum cover for the i-Drive system controller.

AG's BMW Shark

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

This is the AG Shark, not the Mercedes CL-based AG Excalibur (although both are big, red, and kind of freaky-deaky), and it was snagged in Latvia by a reader of the Autogespot forums.

The Shark is based on a BMW 6-Series and features a carbon/Kevlar/fiberglass body over a steel and aluminum frame.

The AG website says that the Shark wears 24s out front (like the Excalibur) and 26s out back, while its CL-based buddy has super-sized 30s at the rear; all rims can be chromed, powder coated, or gold plated.

Behind those rims is a set of 380-mm discs (probably up front), although the big brakes are probably due to the added rotational mass than the extreme power of the car: it's running with a 333-horsepower 4.4-liter V8. This car is clearly meant more for show than go, anyway. Speaking of "show": Swarovsky crystals roam freely throughout the Alcantara-bathed interior.

The exaggerated Shark looks like a 6-Series with details from a Z4 Coupe and a Fisker Latigo's headlights, all as seen through a fun house mirror. Barring how awkward the ride and handling must be (with or without an adjustable suspension), this thing looks pretty neat. I mean, who wouldn't want a life-size Hot Wheels car?

By Phil Alex

Via: Autogespot

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BMW’s Turbo Sixes – Dyno-ed

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:07:00 +0000

BMW has always had a gem of an inline-six on its hands, regardless of which particular powerplant you’re referring to.

But over the last few years, the German automaker’s turbocharged 3.0L N54 engines have enthusiasts chirping with glee and steering more than a few buyers away from the M3 and into the seat of a 335i. And when the N54 proliferated across the rest of the automaker’s lineup, it was well-received in nearly every application.

For 2011, though, there’s a new engine, and the big question is whether or not the single-turbo N55 is better than the previous twin-turbo N54 or, at the very least, not worse.

A trio of various N54-powered 3-Series, of which one was a 2011 335is that uses a high-output version of the older N54 as well as one newer model powered by an N55.

The results? it was found to be about the same with good peak horsepower (266bhp) and a nice flat mid-heavy torque curve, cresting at 410Nm. However, the new N55, while seemingly offering less turbo lag than its predecessor, appears to be just a tad under the N54′s power

2010 BMW Concept ActiveE

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:19:00 +0000

BMW’s electric “Megacity” vehicle may be approximately five years away from reaching production, but that’s not stopping the automaker from toying with electric vehicles to develop, test, and refine the technology.

After sending nearly 600 electrified Mini Es into the world, BMW will prepare a second batch of test cars, which will closely resemble the Concept ActiveE shown here.

Based largely upon a stock 1-series coupe, the ActiveE represents the second stage of BMW’s electric drive technology. While somewhat similar in nature to that used in the Mini, the ActiveE’s system was completely developed in-house specifically for the 1-series’ rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Propulsion is a 170-hp (125 kW) electric motor built into the rear axle. The motor produces approximately 184 lb-ft of torque, and can move the car from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds -- approximately 1.5 seconds slower than a 128i with a manual transmission.

Electricity comes courtesy of a new modular lithium ion battery pack developed by BMW, Bosch, and Samsung. A modular design, BMW is able to tuck the package into the space previously occupied by the transmission and drive shaft, allowing the ActiveE to exhibit close to 50/50 weight distribution. In its current form, the battery allows for approximately 100 miles of range, and when using a 50-amp, 240-volt charging source, can be replenished in approximately three hours.

As is the rage these days, users can control and configure a number of systems via a mobile device like the iPhone. Drivers can control the car’s climate system from afar to pre-heat or cool the interior. Charging information and battery status, can be displayed in real time, allowing drivers to see if the car will have enough range for an upcoming trip.

Styling wise, the ActiveE follows in the footsteps of the Mini E, which, aside from graphics proclaiming its high-voltage bits, largely resembled its gas-powered counterpart. Front spoiler and the special aluminum wheels are designed to help reduce aerodynamic drag, while the closed rear fascia (i.e. there’s no cut-out for an exhaust tip) is a give-away to bystanders that they’re looking at an electric car. Blue highlights inside and large, vibrant decals on the exterior could likely make their way to a production vehicle, but don’t expect the translucent filler flap and trunk panel to carry over into the real world.

Although the ActiveE makes its conceptual debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the batch of test vehicles won’t likely reach consumers and fleets until later in 2010. As was the case with the Mini E, the cars will only be leased to select consumers, and we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW again restricts where the cars are offered.

Hamann's Tuning Program for the New BMW 5-Series Sedan

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:44:00 +0000

BMW's own M-Sport styling packages for the new 5-Series saloon, Hamann Motorsport's has launched its new tuning program for the midsize luxury sedan with an assortment of aero parts, chassis upgrades and interior enhancements.

For the car's looks, Hamann has readied a bodykit that consists of an adjustable front lip spoiler, new front bumper trim with built-in daytime running LEDs, sculptured side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser, a not so elegant boot lid spoiler and for those that don't mind going overboard, an additional roof spoiler.

A set of matte black 21-inch alloy wheels with polished rims shod in 255/30 ZR21 tires up front and 295/25 ZR21 at the rear, along with a 35mm lowering kit finish off the vehicle's sportier stance. Especially for the 550i, Hamann also offers a sport exhaust system with four enlarged tail piped.

For the interior, Hamann's offerings include carbon trim for the dashboard, central console, door handle panels and steering wheel, special badges and logos, and aluminum sport pedals and footrest.

The engine performance upgrade kits for the new BMW 5-Series are expected to follow shortly.

BMW X6 Interceptor

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:26:00 +0000

2012 BMW Development Chief Confirms Gran Coupe, with Prices Aligned 6-Series

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:21:00 +0000

BMW official has confirmed the production of the Gran Coupé, a four door sports sedan designed to take on the upcoming Audi A7 and next Mercedes-Benz CLS, as well as the Porsche Panamera.

Speaking with Autoweek, the company's development chief Klaus Draeger said the Gran Coupé will launch in 2012, a year after the debut of the next generation of the 6-series Coupe in 2011.

Draeger said the production version of the Gran Coupé, which was shown as a thinly disguised concept on the sidelines of the Beijing Auto Show in April, will be "closely aligned" with the 6-series coupe both in terms of technology/platform, and pricing.

In the US, the current 650i starts from $78,450, while in Germany, the entry-level 630i costs €70,450.

The company has yet to decide on the name (the grapevine makes word of a 6-Series badge with a second moniker in the likes of the 5-Series GT nameplate) and whether or not it will offer the five-meter long sedan with a hybrid powertrain.

"We are in position to bring out an additional hybrid version since we are using the same powertrain architecture as the 5, 6 or 7 series," Draeger said.

As for the standard variants, since the Gran Coupé will be closely related to the new 5- and 7-Series premium sedans, expect to see the same lineup of straight-six and V8 powerplants, including an "M" model featuring the upcoming M5's turbocharged V8 flirting with the 600-horsepower barrier.

Source: Autoweek

South Africa News - BMW 3 Series M Sport Dynamic Edition

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:46:00 +0000

A new, limited edition version of the BMW 3-Series Sedan called "Dynamic Edition" is being launched in South Africa. It will be available only in the four-cylinder 320i petrol and 320d turbo diesel, and the turbocharged straight-six 335i sedans, with production set at 300 units.

The Dynamic Edition models combine all the goods from the M-Sport package with several items from the BMW Performance program including carbon fiber front splitter, mirror caps and rear spoiler, along with dark chrome 18-inch alloy wheels, dark chrome tail pipes and Blue Shadow Cloth and alcantara upholstery with Royal Blue stitching.

The special edition models, which are available only in Alpine White, Blue Water Metallic and Space Grey Metallic exterior paint finishes, also get unique floor mats with Royal Blue piping and branded door entry sill strips.

Source: BMW SA , Via: BMWblog

1980 BMW M1 with 27,000 Miles

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:33:00 +0000

One of the rarest and most sought after production BMWs, the iconic M1 mid-engined sports coupe of which only 451 examples were built between 1978 and 1981. This particular M1 is a 1980 model with only 26,999 miles on the odometer and it's offered for sale for $250,000 by a dealer located in Scotts Valley, California.

The first and only mid-engined production BMW to date, was developed in partnership with Lamborghini and styled by the legendary Giorgetto Guigiaro. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter straight-six delivering 277-horspower hooked up to a five-speed manual gearbox, and it could reach a top speed of 260 km/h or 162 mph.

When it went on sale in Germany in 1978, the BMW M1 was priced at around 100,000 DM (US$45,000).

In April 2008, BMW celebrated the M1's 30th anniversary by introducing the supercar's modern-day successor with the Homage Concept. Unfortunately, the Bavarian company has no plans to build a production version of the concept.

Source: Canepa

New BMW X3 - Beautiful Mega Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:32:00 +0000

European Engine variants:

BMW X3 xDrive20d:

-Straight four-cylinder diesel engine with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger and common Rail direct injection,
-Displacement: 1,995 cc, power output: 135 kW/184 bhp at 4,000 rpm, max. -Torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 – 2,750 rpm,
-Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.5 seconds,
-Top speed: 210 km/h,
-Average fuel consumption according to EU: 5.6 litres/100 km,
-CO2 emission according to EU: 149 g/km,
-Exhaust emission standard: EU5.

BMW X3 xDrive35i:

-Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct injection and VALVETRONIC,
-Displacement: 2,979 cc, power output: 225 kW/306 bhp at 5,800 rpm,
-Max. torque: 400 Nm at 1,300 rpm,
-Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 5.7 seconds,
-Top speed: 245 km/h,
-Average fuel consumption according to EU: 8.8 litres/100 km,
-CO2 emission according to EU: 204 g/km,
-Exhaust emission standard: EU5.

2011 BMW X3 M Sport

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:17:00 +0000

BMW has released new details about the M Sports package for the 2011 X3. The 2011 BMW X3 M Sports Package includes an optional Carbon Black metallic paint finish, Redesigned 19 inch M light-alloy wheels were also fitted and some of the elements that are also included in the 2011 BMW X3 M-Sport Package but cannot be seen in the photos are the sports suspension, the M multifunctional leather wrapped steering wheel,and the M gear shifter.

The 2011 BMW X3 M Sports Package price will be announced at a later date, the M Sports package will be available during the second quarter of 2010.

Press 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.

Ergonomically shaped sports seats provide side support against strong lateral forces, such as when cornering at speed. The Pearlpoint cloth-leather upholstery offers a beautifully tactile surface; matching the BMW Individual roof liner, it comes in sleek Anthracite.

With the M Sports package, the side skirts, wheel arches and front and rear aprons are in body colour - for example, the Carbon Black metallic paint finish that is exclusive to the M Sports package. Window surrounds and roof rails are in the high-gloss BMW Individual Shadow Line.

Available from the second quarter of 2011 (subject to change).

BMW signs diesel-engine withpolice USA

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:08:00 +0000

BMW has agreed to supply turbocharged diesel engines to Carbon Motors Corp. to power Carbon’s purpose-built police cars.

In a deal signed on Monday, Carbon ordered more than 240,000 units of BMW’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbodiesel–the same engine used in the X5. In the X5, the diesel is rated at 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.

The deal calls for BMW to deliver the diesel engines complete with a cooling system, exhaust gas recirculation and an automatic transmission.

Carbon is developing the E7, a purpose-built patrol car that will be sold only to police agencies. The E7 is expected to launch in 2012, and the company says it currently has 12,500 reservations for cars. The company is based in Connersville, Ind., where it plans to build cars in a former Visteon plant.

According to the Carbon Web site, the E7 will use an aluminum spaceframe structure, will be built to survive a 75-mph rear impact and designed to last for 250,000 miles. It lists the performance targets at 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a top speed of more than 150 mph and combined city/highway fuel economy of 28 to 30 mpg, which is where the BMW diesel comes in.

“America’s largest, and most visible fleets of government-owned vehicles, now in excess of 450,000 units, deserve the most durable, efficient and reliable powertrain available,” said William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “The strength of BMW as a partner will allow us to provide our women and men in uniform with a diesel engine capable of the performance they desire along with the significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions that U.S. taxpayers need.”

It is estimated that the U.S. law enforcement fleet consumes an estimated 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline and emits an estimated 14 million tons of CO2 annually; the Carbon E7 will cut that by up to 40% using clean diesel technology. Clean diesel is the technically correct solution for law enforcement operations due to its inherent performance, safety, operational, fuel efficiency, and durability characteristics.

Admin

BMW High-Performance 1 Series,New M5 to use X5 M and X6 M engine

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:51:00 +0000

In a recent interview with German car mag Autonews, M Division boss Dr. Kay Segler confirmed that they are currently developing an entry-level M-powered Bimmer based on the 1-Series, the 135i to be exact, which will give the younger generation of drivers to live the M dream!

The details about the engine and pricing has not been confirmed yet, but the powerplant will almost certainly be based on the famous twin-turbo six-cylinder unit.

The so-called 135i M—which likely will get a different nameplate—is expected to feature a higher-output variant of the turbocharged 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 that powers the 2011 135i coupe and convertible.

In the same interview, Segler said the next-generation M5 due in 2011 will eschew the current 500-hp 5.0-liter V10, in favor of a version of the 555-hp turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that powers the X5 M and X6 M.

2010 BMW 550i GT Review And Test Drive

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:49:00 +0000

‘A BIGGER AND BETTER 5-SERIES?’

Another niche found and filled by BMW, but will anyone bite on the bait. The all-new 2010 BMW 550i GT is a mix of a near 7-Series sized, luxury sport sedan with a sport utility like double-tiered hatchback. The only competition is BMW itself with the X6 multi-tasking vehicle, and you can probably add the new Acura ZDX that I tested a few weeks ago into the mix.

The 550i GT is all about loading cargo, whether its boxes, golf bags, or luggage for long vacation getaways, or when shopping locally. With the hatch fully opened, taking care of your cargo is a snap. Inside the fully carpeted cargo area are chrome tie-downs and straps at both sides to secure small or large items.

For longer items, the luxury heated and reclining leather trimmed second-row seat is split 60/40 and folds flat. You can also option for two heated and ventilated rear bucket seats with a full length center console for an even sportier interior look, plus the seat backs also folds flat. There is also a removable rear security plate over the cargo hold that disengages easily and stores in the underfloor storage area. LED lit cargo lamps in the rear make loading or unloading at night safer.

The coupe like silhouette, double kidney grille 5-Series front fascia, low front overhang, and frameless door glass give the new 550i GT a sportier look than the X6. I guess this marks the end of the 5-Series Sportwagon.

How many consumers, even BMW enthusiasts, will be willing to pay a base price of $63,900.00 for the V8 equipped 550i GT? I don’t know but this new 5-Series BMW is a true BMW, the ultimate driving machine, and rides on the 7-Series frame that is 3.8 inches longer than a new 5-Series sedan at 120.7 inches, and is 3.6 inches longer in total length, at 196.8 inches. That’s plenty of room to fit into the average garage. If you combine the extra length, giving you a more comfortable ride, and the very functional hatchback, it looks like the GT becomes the most accommodating and practical 5-Series vehicle.

The new BMW 550i GT is powered by a 4.4 liter, DOHC, direct fuel injected, twin-turbo, Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing V8 generating 407hp and 450lb.ft. of torque. This mighty powerplant is the same found in the new 7-Series.

Also just like the new 7-Series, torque to the rear wheels flows through a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting that felt like the gears melted through my right hand; always the correct shift in automatic, quick with no hunting around. From 0-60mph at launch, BMW claims 5.4 seconds.

Like all BMW’s the new 550i GT is fun and easy to drive, and at the right time and place, very exiting when you put the car into Sport or Sport+. Instantly the unique multi-link, 4-wheel independent suspension’s electronic, multi-valving, gas-charged shocks, rear air springs, and stabilizer bars tightens up, the steering becomes heavier yet quick to respond as the active steering measures the angle and yaw of the steering wheel turning all four wheels to enhance handling control, while the onboard computer recalibrates the gearing and the electronic throttle response. Normal idle climbs 500rpm. Two tubular engine braces keep the front end taut and enhances the reaction to your steering inputs.

The 4,900+lb. 550i GT was surprisingly neutral and very nimble during normal driving around slow city traffic, and terrific at handling steep, curving mountain roads. With Sport+ engaged, the Traction Control system is automatically turned off and you can let the rear end slide through the turns.

Quickly slowing the new 550i GT down from speed are massive, four-wheel vented rotors. Up front are 14.5 inch discs clamped with six-piston calipers, and 14.5 inch discs clamped with dual-piston calipers in the rear. Braking control and response are enhanced with standard ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Assist, Brake Wipe and Regenerative Brakes that return the electric energy back into the battery.

The 550i rides on standard 18X8 inch cast aluminum wheels and tires, with 19X8 inch cast aluminum wheels and tires and 20X8.5 inch cast aluminum wheels are wrapped with Goodyear 245/40R20 inch front and 275/35R20 inch Excellence low-profile tires in the rear for excellent traction and a compliant, quiet ride.

The interior is inviting, roomy and very comfortable. The forward and side visibility is excellent but the rear view is somewhat pinched with the higher seatbacks of the second row and small hatch window. The interior is signature BMW with excellent materials, workmanship and details. All around you are large pieces of real wood veneer, real aluminum trim, quality soft-to-the-touch dashboard, with hand-cut sewn leather trim around the doors. The instrument cluster is a great, well designed and easy to see and understand.

The center stack is canted slightly to you making it easier to locate important buttons, dials and switches. The center console is finished in black piano veneer and contains dual cupholders, the ergonomic, aluminum stick shift lever and an armrest with storage down below.

The 3-spoke, leather wrapped/heated/power tilt/telescoping steering wheel feels perfect in your hands and contains buttons for the audio system and cruise control. The 12-way powered/heated, leather trimmed front bucket seats are a perfect fit for long drives, and are well bolstered when you are hunting down curving roads to enjoy the thrill of the 407hp twin-turbo V8’s power. The heated, second-row, leather seats are also very comfortable, and feature a pull-down center armrest with dual cupholders, storage, and the ability to move fore and aft plus the seat backs can also be adjusted. Legroom and headroom in the rear is excellent for taller passengers.

BMW 550i GT test vehicle came equipped with these features not mentioned above: Xenon Adaptive Headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling, LED Corona headlights-rings, cornering lights and rear LED lights, push button start/stop ignition, halogen free-form foglamps, AM-FM-CD-MP3 player audio system with 9-speakers with HD radio, dual temperature electronic climate control with air filtration, aluminum scuff plates at each door with a BMW logo that lights up in red when the door is opened, a panoramic dual moonroof with power shades, front and rear Park Distance Control, storage slots in each door, rain-sensing wipers, iDrive system with on-board computer and Controller and programmable memory buttons, all express power windows/door locks, grab handles above each door, cruise-control, universal garage door opener, auto dimming rearview mirrors, power remote/power folding/heated/self-dimming sideview mirrors, retractable headlamp washers, power lumbar support, iPod and USB adapter, BMW Navigation system, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, dual map lamps, and full perimeter, thick-cut carpeting and front/rear floor mats. Options include ventilated front/rear seats, radar-sensing cruise control, Blind Spot warning, and Lane Departure warning.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger airbags, front driver/passenger side airbags, front and rear-seat head protection system, height-adjustable, three-point safety belts for all 5-seating positions with front load limiters/pretensioners, anti-whiplash head restraints, LATCH anchors for child seats, BMW Assist system, Tire Pressure Monitoring system, full perimeter anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lamps, front/rear crumple zones, and steel beams in each door.

BMW has created and filled another niche in the luxury, sport segment by bringing to market a sedan that also offers the versatility of a hatchback for those consumers that need the ease of loading and unloading cargo of all sizes and shapes.

SPECIFICATIONS
Price: Base $63,900 As-Tested $74,025
Type: Large Sedan
Where Built: Germany
EPA Class: Large Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 196.8 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Height: 61.4 in.
Wheel Base: 120.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.7 in.
Curb Weight: 4938 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5975 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 59.3 in.
Rear Head Room: 39 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 57.7 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room: 41.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.5 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 60 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 4.4 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 400 hp
Max Horsepower: 5500 rpm
Torque: 450 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 1750 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4630 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 40 ft.
0-60mph: 5.4 seconds

Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 15 mpg / 21 mpg / 17 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 277.5 mi. / 388.5 mi. / 314.5 mi.

2010 BMW X5 SUV Update

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:49:00 +0000

BMW has given it second generation X5 SUV a mid-life upgrade with some minor tweaking to its external appearance, new driver assistance features and significant changes to the drivetrain that provide more power and better fuel economy.

Given the ongoing sales success of X5 – it’s been the market leader in the luxury SUV for far longer than its competitors would care to remember – the minimal changes to the body are hardly surprising. Both front and rear bumpers have had much of the previous black plastic replaced by body coloured panels that tilt the off-road/on-road styling balance more than ever towards the sporty and away from the functional. The shape of the air intakes has been altered, with the side vents now square rather than rectangular; the fog lamps have been raised closer to the headlight; and the tailpipes have a new shape and have been pushed closer to the sides.

The big news in the second generation X5’s midlife update comes from under the bonnet where the big SUV has become the latest model to receive BMW’s Efficient Dynamics package that combines the seemingly contradictory benefits of improved performance and lower fuel usage.

There are four new engines, two petrol and two diesel, all more powerful and at least as fuel efficient than the ones that they replace, and all with some level of turbo assistance.

With a large majority of X5 buyers now choosing diesel engines, BMW has made the xDrive30d its entry level model, replacing the previous petrol-powered xDrive30i. The xDrive30d generates 180 kW of power at 4000 rpm, 7 kW more than the outgoing model, while fuel consumption is down by around 10 per cent to 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the Australian combined cycle test. With torque of 540 Nm between 1750 and 3000 rpm it’s not hard to understand why, despite a price increase of around $3500 over the outgoing model, BMW Australia anticipates it accounting for around four out of five sales.

The second diesel engine, powering the xDrive40d, is of the same capacity but comes with two turbochargers and so provides significantly more power (225 kW) and torque (600 Nm). Despite this extra performance, fuel consumption is only fractionally higher than that from the xDrive30d, at just 7.5 L/100km, an amazing figure for a vehicle with a kerb weight of 2100 kg.

The xDrive35i, which replaces the previous entry level xDrive30i, has a 3.0-litre turbocharger petrol engine that uses BMW’s TwinPower technology combined with variable valve control to enhance performance to 225 kW and 400 Nm.

The range-topping model is the V8 twin-turbo petrol xDrive50i. Although engine size is down from 4.8 litres in the previous xDrive48i to 4.4 litres output has been increased by 39 kW (to 300 kW) and 125 Nm (to 600 Nm).

All X5 variants now come with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, previously only available with the flagship 760Li model.

New driver assistance features, some standard, some optional, include a new Top View enhancement to the reversing camera system that uses rear and side cameras to transmit a ‘bird’s eye’ picture to the screen in the console. There’s also a Head-Up display that projects speed and satellite navigation onto the windscreen in front of the driver. At this stage the speed limit information that combines SatNav and cameras that ‘read’ street signs is not available, although BMW Australia does expect it to be here by the end of 2010.

There’s also Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function that maintains a selected distance from the vehicle in low-speed traffic conditions; Lane Departure Warning to alert the driver if they drift out of their lane; and many more. See your local BMW dealer to delve further into the full range of fascinating features offered.

We were able to test all four X5 models on a variety of roads and conditions, ranging from inner city Melbourne to winding country roads in central Victoria, and incorporating a 50-kilometer dirt road segment. In its natural habitat, long motorway running, it was the consummate cruiser that we’ve come to expect while even in the, often slippery, off-road sections it coped well although the 20-inch wheels on the xDrive50i weren’t suited to such conditions and provided us with a few harsh bumps.
The updated BMW X5 range, with prices (excluding government and dealer charges) is:

xDrive 30d 3.0-litre diesel: $92,100
xDrive 35i 3.0-litre petrol: $103,900
xDrive 40d Sport 3.0-litre diesel: $113,300
xDrive 50i Sport 4.4-litre petrol: $133,400
xDrive M 4.4-litre petrol: $176,900

2011 BMW M5 powered by turbo V8

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:32:00 +0000

BMW’s M Division has finally confirmed that the new generation BMW M5 will be powered by a turbocharged V8 engine in lieu of the current V10 powerplant.

While speaking about the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Dr. Kay Segler, head of BMW’s M Division, made a subtle comment confirming earlier speculation that the new generation BMW M5 will receive a turbocharged V8 powerplant.

“There is a lot more for BMW M fans to look forward to in the second half of 2011 as well. We will be presenting the next generation of the BMW M5 with V8 turbo engine. But let’s talk about the details another time.” said Dr. Segler.

Specifically, this is likely to be a boosted version of the current twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine powering the current BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.

Hamann Motorsports Reinterprets the BMW 530d GT

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:09:00 +0000

BMW/Land Rover/Ferrari tuner Hamann just revealed its take on BMW's unfortunate 5-Series GT. Coming from Hamann, one would expect a car as divisive as the 5GT to be insane and over the top. Sadly, it's more subtle and understated.

Hamann's 5GT (all engine variants) gets a new suspension setup across the range, functional front/rear spoilers, skirts, and a special rear apron to effectively house Hamann's new mufflers.

Especially for the 530d GT, the German tuner has developed a reprogrammed Motronic, allowing it to pick up 30 ponies to peg output at 275 horsepower (and a huge 620 Nm / 457 lb-ft of torque); wheels are standard Hamann (bling-y).

Hamann hits the nail on the head, saying that the 5GT is "an unusual top-class, multi-purpose vehicle when it leaves the plant". After it's tuned you're still driving an unusual top-class, multi-purpose vehicle; just one lightly-tuned by Hamann.

BMW X1 Review And Road Test

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:13:00 +0000

It has the X factor

Model Tested:

2010 BMW X1 xDrive20d; 2.0-litre, four cylinder, diesel; six-speed manual; five-door SUV: $52,700*

Options:

Metallic paint ($1,700); BMW light alloy wheels 18” Y-Spoke style 322 ($2,249); Panorama glass roof ($3,000); Navigation system Business ($2,900); Performance control ($400); Rear view camera ($900); X Line Package ($1,200); Park distance control (PDC) front & rear ($715); Design Cool Elegance package ($2,340) – Price as tested – $68,104*

It’s the cheapest BMW SUV you can buy. Starting at just $43,500, BMW’s newest car, the X1, is extremely competitively priced, and on paper, competitvely specced as well. There’s rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive versions, with four different engines available. BMW’s entry level X1, the sDrive18i hasn’t arrived in the country yet, so we decided to test the lowest price X1 we could get our hands on, the xDrive20d.

There is a problem with the X1, and it’s not so much a fault of the car, but rather charged-couple devices and curved glass – it looks awkward in photos, but fabulous in the metal. Indeed the angry snout combined with four lovely creases on the bonnet draw your eye to the front end, and with frosted glass-styled eyelids over the headlights, it even has character.

The black plastic skirts to the front and rear bumpers blended in nicely with the dark blue of our test car, with the silver lower inserts (part of the X Line Package) along all four sides serving to give the X1 a more utilitarian appearance.

The body sides, with their swage-line which intersects the door handles and scalloped lower half, give the X1 a sense of girth, despite its compact dimensions. Indeed, the X1 may look quite large, but walk up to it and you’ll realise how small it actually is. By co-incidence, we parked next to a 120i hatch, and the X1 looked not much bigger – in fact it’s only 21cm longer, most of that being a slightly larger wheelbase (100mm) and longer rear overhang.

But despite what you might expect, the X1 is not based on the 1 Series platform. It uses the 3 Series Touring’s platform, with the identical 2760 wheelbase giving it away. The 18-inch wheels, despite their size, do look a little small for the wheelarches, although the non-round shape prevents higher profile rubber being fitted.

No matter, because even on the optional 18-inch alloys, the ride is quite firm but nicely controlled. There’s little harshness, with the latest generation of run-flat tyres absorbing the hard-edged ridges our wonderfully maintained roads offer. Yes, you can feel the bumps, but that fits in perfectly with the personality of this car.

You see, the X1 is without a doubt the best driving compact SUV on the market today. The Tiguan has been dethroned. It’s a big call, but if you love your driving, you cannot go past this little gem. On its 18-inch wheels, the grip is just fabulous, mostly because the centre of gravity is so low. This is not a car you will be wanting to take to the beach, because it’ll bottom out pretty quick. But if you love being involved with a car, and the missus just has to have an SUV, this is the car for you.

The steering, for an SUV, is simply brilliant – plenty of heft and immediate reactivity from dead centre. The steering may be a little heavy for some though; in carparks it can take a little strength to wield the wheel, but the tradeoff is so much feedback your fingertips will be singing. It turns in so sharply and handles so neutrally the X1 sets the benchmark for all soft-roaders. A $400 option called Performance Control also contributes, by its gentle braking of the inner rear wheel and diverting extra torque to the outside rear wheel – definitely check that box.

We had the manual gearbox in our tester, which offers a solid, positive shift with defined gates and a nicely progressive but light clutch (an automatic can be had for an extra $2200). It all makes for a package that integrates man and machine. In fact, dynamically, there’s not much wrong with this car at all. The brakes feel great, the balance is perfect and the steering is brilliant.

Even the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel sounds sweet and is willing enough. Of course, if a grunty diesel is your thing, then you’d best opt for the xDrive23d with its twin-turbocharged version of this engine. But for daily transport, the xDrive20d’s oil-burner is quiet, smooth and very efficient.

Helping things is BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, which uses Brake Energy Regeneration, auto stop-start, and an optimum shift point indicator. It pops up on the dash, telling you which gear to change into for maximum economy. The stop-start also occurs when you’re in neutral and you’ve pulled up to a stop and let the clutch out. Once you press the clutch pedal to engage first gear, the engine springs into life immediately. In our week of driving, with no freeway or country driving, we averaged 7.5-litres/100km, which for an urban-only SUV is absolutely fantastic.

With 130kW, and 350Nm, it’s no slouch, either. The benchmark 0-100km/h time is a not-too-shabby 8.4-seconds, and being a diesel with peak torque coming in at 1750rpm, it’s super flexible in all gears and at just about any point in the rev range. As a driver’s car, then, the X1 has all the bases covered.
We never took it off road, but we suspect most owners wouldn’t either. If it was destined only for the city, with no snow or gravel driving, we’d suggest sticking to the sDrive versions, as they’re rear-wheel-drive only – the xDrive nomenclature signifying all-wheel-drive.

The interior, while not perfect, is also a pretty nice place to be. Front seat passengers experience the best of the X1 with miles of headroom, decent visibility and when you option the Design Cool Package with its sports seats and pneumatically adjustable bolstering, body hugging comfort is the only way to describe it. The gold stripe across the seat backrest would look more at home on a sports shoe than in the car, and the woodgrain could be a little more convincing. While we’re having a winge, the back seat squab length is simply inadequate for under thigh support, so you’ll be relying on your feet on the floor to prop your legs up.

The X1 is not as well suited to young families either, and I can say that as someone who has one. Let me explain. We have one of the narrowest booster seats on the market that can be legally used with the new child-restraint laws. The X1’s rear seat is shaped in such a way that the backrest curves around toward the rear door, while the squab angles up from the same point. This serves to force the booster seat more toward the centre of the car.

It wouldn’t be a problem, except the car is built to take three people, which means the two outboard seatbelt buckles are closer to the doors. As a result the booster sits over the top of the buckle, so once your child has sat on the booster seat, you can’t clip the seatbelt together.

The rest of the interior fares better. There are a few cheap details, like the cutlines which join the centre console to the centre stack, but in the duotone of our press car, the X1 feels a lot more expensive than it costs. The faux-leather doortrims are stitched beautifully, and the curvy styling of the doors echoes the exterior design. The instrumentation is just like every other BMW – clear and functional. If you option the Business Navigation System, you also get a crystal clear, high resolution screen along with iDrive – a clearer nav screen is yet to be found in this price range.

BMW says that the X1 is the world’s first luxury compact Sports Activity Vehicle, and with that it’s hard to argue. But it does let itself down in practicality with its small rear seat and small boot. But if you’re a young couple, or even an older retired couple – if you are truly after a SUV that rewards the driver, something that really involves, you cannot go past it. It really does have the X factor.

Specifications:

Engine: 2.0-litre, four cylinder
Power: 130kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1750-3000rpm
Induction: Turbocharged, direct injection
Transmission: Six speed manual
Driven Wheels: All
Brakes: Disc brakes, vented, front and rear
Top Speed: 205km/h
0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds
CO2 Emissions: 153g/km
Fuel Consumption: (ADR) 5.8-litres/100km
Fuel Consumption: (As Tested) 7.5-litres/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 61 litres
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Five stars (EuroNCAP)
Airbags: Eight
Safety: ABS, CBC, ESC, TC, EBD, EBA
Spare Wheel: None (run flats)
Suspension:
Cargo Capacity: 420 litres
Tow Capacity: 550kg unbraked
Turning Circle:
Warranty: 3 year/unlimited
Weight: 1575kg
Wheels: 18-inch alloy

BMW Vision M8 V10 hybrid possibility

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:06:00 +0000

The design used a 265kW three-cylinder diesel engine matched to a lithium-polymer battery stack and two electric motors. German website and newspaper Auto Zeitung is speculating the possibility of BMW now using the 5.0-litre V10 from the E60 M5 though, which would turn the ultra-green hybrid into a super-green supercar.

Rumour has it the 378kW V10 would be accompanied by a 60kW electric motor at the front axle and a 37kW motor at the rear axle. The result? 475kW. Sources expect a 0-100km/h time of under four seconds too. Even more remarkable though, with the addition of those electric motors – which would also be powered by the same lithium-ion battery stack as the diesel concept – the supercar should be able to achieve an average fuel consumption of about 3.7L/100km.

Sources also say the front motor will be capable of short boosts in power providing up to 86kW, further increasing the car’s tendency to supply supercar-like performance. The batteries are said to need just 2.5 hours to charge at a general power socket and give the electric motors enough juice for about 50km, alone. So the supercar could actually be driven using only battery power.

The 2-plus-2 seating arrangement will mean the car weighs in at around 1500kg, but it will be built using light-weight, exotic materials such as aluminium for the chassis, carbon-fiber for the panels and polycarbonate for the windows.

The concept is believed to be under development and could hit the showrooms by the end of 2013. Expect an M-like price tag of $300,000-plus.

BMW 2015 Concept | Auto Car Concept

noreply@blogger.com (budiman mohd) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:01:00 +0000

BMW 2015 Concept | Auto Car Concept