BMW Spy

The BMW Logo, A Bimmer Gearhead History Lesson

2010-06-10T18:17:00.001-07:00

To that extent the purpose of this article is to show a short history lesson to those who don't know what I'm talking about.

Most of those who actually know something about the history of the infamous logo aren't completely right.

Popular belief is that the BMW logo derives from the company's history with aircraft engines and that the idea came from a white propeller turning round a blue sky. BMW themselves agreed to this interpretation in 1929 but this isn't the full story, as by that time the logo had been in existence for more than 12 years.

The round logo actually evolved from the similar circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, a company from which BMW was to expand into more and more products. However, while among aficionados there still is a dispute on whether the blue and white represent white blades cutting through the blue sky or the colors of the Free State of Bavaria, we have a short video to prove what's what.

From: http://ping.fm/dUIS7

BMW Megacity EV Electric Sports Car

2010-06-10T18:13:00.001-07:00

Apparently BMW are considering offering more than one variant of the Megacity and are even considering adding a sports car to the line.

BMW sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson has admitted to the fact that we could be expecting these multiple versions of the Megacity, when interviewed by Autocar, and also referred to the Vision EfficientDynamics sports car concept as something with a strong potential for becoming a pure electric sports car.

This said though it is to be expected that a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics will be different in some ways but one thing has been set clear about the Megacity and this potential EV Sports Car, they will both be sold with BMW badges and no different brands are going to be started. They will still have a certain distinction, pretty much what you can expect from the M powered cars.

Until we see either of them on the road there's a few things you need to know, neither will come cheap since BMW are very decided on killing weight as much as possible so most of the construction will be made of carbon fiber. Add to that pretty high cost of development and low target sales and prices aren't going to be joyous.

Either way I have to say I'm eagerly awaiting an EV that's done properly.

From: http://ping.fm/GoMbC

ActiveHybrid 7 2010 BMW gets tax credit

2010-06-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7

In having done so, both versions of wheelbase of the 2010 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid join the list of Bavarian creations to qualify for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit.

The first of the special German cars to obtain this distinction were the BMW X5 xDrive35d, the BMW Advanced Diesel 335d Sedan and the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is powered by a 4.4L V8 engine that produces 440 horsepower and a peak torque of 475 lb-ft which is mated to a 3-phase synchronous electric motor that produces an additional 15 horsepower and some 41 lb-ft of torque (available from 0 rpm).

The whole setup is teamed with a 8 speed automatic gearbox which will help get the car from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 150 mph (electronically limited) and all of these happen while it achieves an EPA rating of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

If I were the Lexus LS600hL I'd be pretty worried, and this is despite the pretty consistent price bump which will take make the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 see list pricing start at $103,125.

From: http://ping.fm/7xrwU

BMW for B&G at Mugello will be tested by Smrz

2010-06-10T18:07:00.001-07:00

Jakub Smrz has been given the opportunity to test the factory-prepared BMW S1000RR during a test at Mugello as his B&G Racing team evaluate a switch of machinery.

BMW is currently present at the Italian circuit to work on set-up during the month-long break between races and reportedly invited Smrz to test over two days.

Despite rumours he was being courted to replace the out of favour Ruben Xaus earlier this season, the motivation behind Smrz's test is more to do with the PATA B&G outfit he currently races with in the World Superbike Championship.

The amalgamated team, which was formed earlier this year out of the Borciani and Guandalini squads, has been running a sole Ducati this season after an initial deal to run satellite Aprilias fell through.

With BMW's own satellite representative, Reitwagen Motorsport, folding three rounds in, both parties are well positioned for future collaborations, even if B&G is still looking at the possibility of running the championship leading Aprilia RSV-4.

"We threatened him", said BMW team manager Davide Tardozzi told GPOne, "We told him not to take any chances: we need this bike for Troy tomorrow. But the boy is good..."

Setting an unofficial lap time of 1min 53secs over approximately 30 laps, Smrz is currently classified 13th in the overall standings with a best finish of seventh this season. He has, however, qualified as high as second.

From: http://ping.fm/8KZfK

DEKRA tests BMW's Adaptive Cruise Cotrol

2010-06-04T01:36:00.001-07:00

Germans from DEKRA tested the effects of a drive system that automatically brakes if an accident occurs. The test was made in world premiere using real vehicles and involved two BMW 5 Series F10. The orange vehicle had the brake intervention system deactivated, while the black vehicle had the system active. The test made by people at DEKRA was conducted in collaboration with those from BMW and is a first step in testing under real conditions of such an active safety system and the different scenarios before an accident.

The new BMW 5 Series F10 offers as optional, like its older brother 7 Series F01/02, a system that combines the autopilot with the warning and automatic braking function in case of accident. The people at BMW have called this system Active Cruise Control Stop&Go.

From: http://ping.fm/jzd8A

Electronic noise canceling technology by BMW

2010-06-04T01:31:00.001-07:00

While the noises produced by a vehicle don't have a direct influence on fuel efficiency, soundtracks are important because they are often a prime determinant in whether a given engine is acceptable to drivers and passengers ears.

Companies the likes of General Motors, Honda and others have been actively pursuing mechanisms destined to control noise right at the source in order to create more flexibility for modifying the powertrains. So far the only successful application of active sound engineering lies within the Chevrolet Equinox's 2.4 liter engine but the tables may change.

It's the turn of our beloved Bavarian company BMW to showoff their take on soundtracks of their engines. BMW has been carefully studying the structures of engine blocks and engine bays. Careful application of ribs and tuning of the structural shapes have allowed these structures to be made lighter without risk of excessive vibration.

There's more, BMW are considering adding insulation materials closer to the engine in order to reduce the amount needed overall as well as facilitating the use of other types of engines that might be inherently noisier. So all in all what this may mean is that you can have a diesel that won't make that unmistakable clatter at low speed or while idling.

While the noise of an engine may not seem the most important factor in purchasing a new car it is one of the first things that hit you when test driving it so if it doesn't please you or at least not bother than all the features on the car are pointless.

From: http://ping.fm/v7mjw

BMW 5 Series M-Sports package SPYSHOT

2010-06-04T01:30:00.001-07:00

As BMW are working on getting you half way there with a M-Sports package for your nice simpler and more affordable BMW 5 series.

The 5 Series is pretty much available at dealers round the world so this special option is almost here but for now itâ€™s going to be hidden under specific BMW camouflage.

As previous M-Sports packages have shown us and as these photos are hinting, this prototype suggests that the new model will receive a deeper front air-dam with larger intakes, side sill extensions and a re-contoured back bumper to accommodate the larger the tailpipes.

Besides what's visible here, a M-Sports package for a BMW will offer you some trim upgrades like aluminum or carbon-fiber, some M badges everywhere along with more aggressive sport seats and perhaps a different steering wheel.

There are a few mechanical components of serious importance to come along with this package such as, wheels, tires and suspension or brake packages.

From: http://ping.fm/FTOBT

BMW powered 1000cc bike will be tested by Suter

2010-06-04T01:28:00.001-07:00

Moto2 front runner Suter is close to making its MotoGP debut after it was revealed that plans to test a BMW-engined 1000cc machine are reaching an advanced stage.

The Swiss constructor is currently developing a prototype to hit the track in the next couple of months, possibly as early as July or August when it could join its prospective MotoGP rivals in a group test following the Czech Grand Prix at Brno.

â€œWe think we can have the bike on track already in July, GPOne.com quotes Eskil Suter as saying. â€œWe would like to be ready for the second MotoGP test at Brno in mid-August. Our rider would likely be Roberto Rolfo, who is already our test rider for Moto2.

The move to the premier class would coincide with the decision to revert back to 1000cc bikes from 2012, although it is anticipated the option to race a larger capacity bike could be brought forward to 2011 in a bid to boost ailing grid numbers.

The eponymous owner is no stranger to MotoGP having had a hand in developing MotoGP chassis for Kawasaki, Ilmor and Petronas in the past.

Suter is currently competing as a constructor in the inaugural Moto2 series where the chassis has proven to be a popular option with 13 customers in a field of approximately 40 riders.

From: http://ping.fm/bqNvO

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics did 1013 miles on one tank

2010-05-25T16:50:00.001-07:00

The car he used for this feat was a BMW E90 320d and the journey was destined to take Tom Ford from the UK to Munich and back, but unfortunately the car needed a refill back at Lille.

The fact that he didn’t manage to complete the trip is a bit disappointing but this is still an amazing achievement by distance in itself.

There’s more too, Tom Ford stated that he did not use the air conditioning but he also didn’t do a completely economical run using techniques such as coasting, or driving deliberately slowly for the trip. The trip was covered in yesterday’s Sunday Times newspaper.

BMW can be proud and owners of the E90 320d who must have known the car was capable of such range. Biggest reason for the good news is that the car achieved figures of 75.9 mpg UK (63.2 mpg US or 3.7lt/100km), and never went below 65 mpg UK (54.1 mpg US or 4.4 lt/100km) for the entire trip. The overall figures for Tom Ford and the BMW 320d come in at an average speed of 59.3mph (95.4km/h) and 68.9mpg UK (57.4 mpg US or 4.1 lt/100km).

All things considered, if you’re a bit less careful you should be able to achieve at least 700-800 miles on one tank which would easily cover a medium sized commute for a month on a single tank.

From: http://ping.fm/xgTEu

Frankfurt: BMW Z Spyder Stradale Concept

2010-05-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

Germans from BMW may create a successor for Z8 and the model might be called Z Spyeder Stradale. Spyder Stradale name comes from the 328 Mille Miglia model, which had a special version to carry that name and some voices say this project would be the “child of heart” by Norbert Reithofer.

From: http://ping.fm/Uo7dN

BMW’s Energy & Environmental Test Center got a Special Visitor

2010-05-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Katarina Witt at BMW ETC

In case you’re not sure, it’s because this particular Test Center, can, at the push of a button, take you to any place in the world. Well, at least as far as the weather is concerned.

So BMW Group’s best looking ambassador, at least to my mind, had some fun over there as within a few hours of photo shooting she enjoyed a summer’s heat and a nice breeze from “driving” a Z4 and also had the opportunity to do a bit of skating next to a 1 Series they were testing in Alaskan weather conditions.

Katarina Witt greeted the Manager of Efficient Dynamics at the BMW Group, Dr. Johannes Liebl, during her visit to the BMW Group’s Energy and Environmental Test Center and he also gave a few details on the importance of the facility but mainly there was some fun involved.

Besides the climatic wind tunnel, which can reproduce speeds of up to 250 km/h, temperature (from minus 10°C to plus 45°C), sun, wind and humidity under simulated conditions, there are also four other thermal wind tunnels and test chambers in the ETC facility. This comes in handy as the company’s efficiency grows in terms of cold and hot weather testing, no longer does it take weeks between testing in Dubai and in Norway as that timetable can now be fit into a period of 8 hours all of which are spent in northern Munich.

From: http://ping.fm/Ej68l

Farfus puts BMW on pole at Monza

2010-05-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

Augusto Farfus has taken BMW's first pole of the year after leading the way in qualifying at Monza.

The Brazilian set a time of 2min 00.672secs which was good enough to edge Rob Huff for pole while Farfus' BMW team-mate Andy Priaulx was third. Norbert Michelisz was top rookie in eighth, with Darryl O'Young leading the Independents in twelfth.

With the top three drivers all setting their times in the early stages of Q2, it was left to Alain Menu to secure fourth on the grid ahead of Yvan Muller with Jordi Gene the quickest SEAT in sixth.

Gabriele Tarquini was seventh fastest ahead of Michelisz with Fredy Barth and Tiago Monteiro.

Michel Nykjaer just missed out on a slot in Q2 at the wheel of his SEAT and lines up eleventh ahead of O'Young and Tom Cornel – who was the big casualty of the first stage of qualifying and managed just one flying lap en-route to twelfth on the grid.

From: http://ping.fm/RpYzk

BMW X6 Optional 5 Seat Packages

2010-05-19T18:57:00.001-07:00

Citing sources within the Bavarian brand, we find that the Germans from BMW would “fix” very soon one of the major shortcomings of the X6. If this time the model has only four seats, the two individual rear seats creating much discussion between potential customers and not only, X6 could be put up for sale soon with an optional rear seat which comprises three separate places.

The current configuration of the rear seat of the BMW X6 stands out through the center console separating the two seats available for the customers. It is removable, being one of the factors that BMW hopes to impart their model a picture of an ultra comfortable SUV.

From: http://ping.fm/n5t3k

BMW 3 Series will be available in Hybrid Version

2010-05-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

BMW 3 Series is the next BMW model that will be available in hybrid version. The news was announced just by Norbert Reithofer, Head of BMW Group, in a broader statement. The release date has not been announced yet, but early information indicates a start ready for 2012, given that the 5 Series in hybrid version will start next year.

Thus, besides the hybrid versions of 7 Series and X6, BMW will have at least two versions of hybrid models in the range in the next two years. The two models will inherit the hybrid technology directly from the the 7 Series and X6, but will use it more efficient through reduced mass of the 3 Series and 5 Series models, the last of these being already announced as a full hybrid.

From: http://ping.fm/73gF0

2011 BMW M5, More Spyshots

2010-05-19T18:55:00.001-07:00

With that in mind, every time a major manufacturer is putting an eagerly expected new model (and seriously now, is there anything you’re looking to more than the F10 M5?) somebody manages to snap some photos of it out in the wilds. Even though there is some camouflage on it, fanatics will still be able to tell other what to expect.

In the case of the 2011 F10 BMW M5 what you will be getting is a bulky M3 inspired front fascia, something expected as Adrian Van Hooydonk stated not long ago that future BMW’s will unify design in order to synchronize with global taste of the customers.

Other interesting looks of the car come with the hood that be one of those tight t-shirts that cover up a flexing muscle such as the massive engine that will be in the new M5 and the wheels this car is running on. Not bad, not bad at all.

From: http://ping.fm/LlKuX

BMW M3 GTS-R may celebrate Nurburgring victory

2010-05-19T02:54:00.001-07:00

Apparently BMW are so pleased with fan support of this race and the performance in itself that they are working on a limited edition of the BMW M3 GTS to celebrate the occasion.

While this is just a rumor for now i can’t help at get a bit excited to know that BMW may be doing an ultimate version, of the ultimate version, of their ultimate sports coupe.

This ultimate version is rumored quite well (which is a delight) in terms that it will allegedly have a matte-black exterior, a front spoiler, wider rear fenders and lighter alloy wheels. BMW will also use plenty of carbon fiber in addition to the carbon fiber roof on the regular BMW M3 GTS and areas where this extra carbon fiber is expected to be seen are on the deck-lid, hood and rear spoiler.

From: http://ping.fm/oJ54D

Custom order the X3, BMW wants more people to

2010-05-18T00:35:00.001-07:00

Basically what they want stateside buyers to do is to buy a car with what they want on it in terms of trim levels instead of just buying what the dealer has to offer at a particular time. Since the next car they will be launching in the U.S. is the 2011 BMW X3 that will be the one that they plan on starting this car buying revolution with.

This form of sales helps BMW with their projections and inventory but it also helps you get the car you wanted and it is a system that is successfully applied in Europe where almost 50% of all BMW’s sold are custom ordered.

From: From BMW Coop/

VIDEO: Camouflaged Future BMW X3 spotted in Munich

2010-05-18T00:34:00.001-07:00

The next generation of the BMW X3 was caught while testing in Munich. As you can see, the model have external dimensions comparable with the current generation X5. From the video we can see that the taillights are equipped with LED technology, the optical blocks are bigger, but also the model received some air slots and the grille of the front bumper is lower.

From: http://ping.fm/tg37C

Oem Bmw Parts Vs. Aftermarket Bmw Auto Parts

2010-05-17T00:03:00.001-07:00

If you own a BMW chances are you have scoured the internet searching for great deals on BMW parts and accessories. Who can blame you? BMW's are infamous for their great handling, but with great handling comes the associated wear and tear of the suspension and steering parts (ie BMW control arms and thrust arms). When these parts begin to wear, its not surprising when you get an outrageous quote from a dealership for hundreds, if not several thousands of dollars to replace these steering and suspension parts. I'm just using BMW control arms as an example, but its across the board for any European cars such as Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, and Volkswagen.

From: http://ping.fm/WroPp

BMW wins at 24 Hours of Nurburgring

2010-05-17T00:01:00.001-07:00

In full admittance the BMW M3 GT2 was slightly slower than the top competitors but it was far more reliable despite some gearbox concerns towards the end and had backing from a very organised team that helped the car through a radiator change during the night.

The final results of the race were as follows:

1. 25 BMW M3 GT2 – 154 laps
2. 43 Ferrari F430 GTC +3:53.191
3. 97 Audi R8 LMS +1 lap
4. 76 BMW Z4 GT3 +2 laps
5. 102 Audi R8 LMS +2 laps
6. 20 Porsche GT3 Cup S +3 laps
7. 26 BMW M3 GT2 +4 laps
8. 18 Porsche GT3 Cup S +4 laps
9. 69 BMW Z4 GT3 +5 laps
10. 35 Porsche 997 GT3 +6 laps

From: http://ping.fm/FIAJN

BMW Megacity, more news

2010-05-15T16:03:00.003-07:00

It’s only been about three weeks since we’ve had confirmation of the first BMW series-production of an electric-vehicle coming to the market with the launch of the Megacity Vehicle, scheduled for 2013. Back then, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer stated that this BMW will move the bar and set a new industry tone as the Megacity.

From: http://ping.fm/thDWh

Rare BMW Number Plates Have Been Put Up for Auction

2010-05-15T16:03:00.001-07:00

The Classic Name Plate with only the letters 'BMW' have been put up for auction by Evens Clarke Auctions. Woodville North, South Australia, January 16, 2009 -- A distinctive or unique vehicle deserves a distinctive or unique identifier.

From: http://ping.fm/arkkl

1 Series! The name of the BMW’s front-wheel drive model for 2013

2010-05-14T15:23:00.001-07:00

BMW is preparing for 2013 a cheaper alternative for their fans. The model will be called 1 Series, will have front-wheel drive and will offer more interior space. The successor of the current 1 Series, expected in 2011, will keep the rear propulsion.

From: http://ping.fm/zhhFp

More news on BMW front wheel drive model

2010-05-14T08:42:00.001-07:00

According to sources quoted by with egmCarTech, BMW have recently held a clinic group study on the east coast and west coast to show owners a new entry-level hatchback.

From: http://ping.fm/E2nzc

The new BMW M3 GTS on Nurburgring’s Asphalt

2010-05-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

BMW has recently published a promotional spot for the new M3 GTS, the extreme version of the Bavarian model. To better illustrate what the coupe model can do, the Germans chose the asphalt on the Nurburgring circuit.

From: http://ping.fm/uZh7V