The specific problem with the headrest restraints seems to be that in the event of a collision, they have the potential to move down by roughly 25 mm, which could significantly increase the risk of a neck injury.
BMW will notify owners later this month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Local dealers will then install a small clip on affected cards to restrict the headrest restraint’s movement for drivers whose cars are affected.
For more information, see the official press release below:
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / 3-SERIES 2012
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: APR 19, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V176000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,600
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,”HEAD RESTRAINTS.”
Consequence:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

new BMW Dealer in PA

Otto’s BMW Dealer in Downigntown PA is pleased to announce that once again, BMW is on the forefront of a brand-new automobile technology innovation.  The German auto mogul is currently dedicating at least some resources to researching methods that would enable drivers to select and book a hotel room from their vehicle’s navigation system.  From that point, drivers would be directed to their hotel room via their BMW navigation system, and then have the capability of proceeding directly to their hotel room and unlocking the door via their BMW car key!!  If this technology were successful, it would essentially enable BMW drivers to surpass the often busy and burdensome front desk process altogether, saving time and increasing convenience and efficiency for not only the drivers, but the hotel itself as well.

To pursue this innovative product idea, BMW has began collaborating with BinCard Elsafe (a well known and reputable electronic lock and safe company) and Micros property management.  The technology, if successfully developed and marketed, would operate utilizing short-range wireless technology, also known as “near-field communication.”  Still, that is not to say the new technology is without its kinks.  BMW researchers are currently working to ensure that they can prevent others from scanning the microchip located in driver’s keys and obtaining room codes or other personal information from that key.

Despite rumors to the contrary that circulated this past April, VinCard Elsafe recently issues a press release confirming that the technology is by no means finalized.  VinCard Elsafe was also unable to confirm whether the technology would be exclusive to BMW, or a universal system available for sale to any auto manufacturer.

To test drive a new or used BMW, visit your local Otto’s BMW Dealer in West Chester today, you won’t be disappointed!

The interior of the X1 has been modified in several ways.  According to BMWBlog, the interior changes constitute “a long list of mechanical, electronic, hydraulic and aerodynamic elements that incrementally improve overall efficiency and fuel economy.”  In typical 1 Series fashion, the X1 is quickly winning the hearts and capturing the attention of consumers and car experts alike.

BMW made clear that Brake Energy Regeneration will be offered standard on all X1 models.  Brake Energy Regeneration is a feature that utilizes the brakes to generate extra energy.  Automatic Start/Stop will be offered on both the sDrive28i and xDrive28i versions of the X1.  The Automatic Start/Stop feature operates to shut off the engine when the driver is idling at a stoplight or some other stopped position, which results in decreased energy consumption and harmful emissions.

With all of these upgrades, it is no wonder that the X1 is quickly winning the hearts and capturing the attention of consumers and car experts alike.

According to the recent press release posted by BMW Car Club of America, “Earnings before interest and taxes rose 19 percent to $2.8 billion from $2.34 billion a year earlier, the company said Thursday. The figure beat the $2.26 billion average estimate of nine analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Sales rose 14 percent to $23.8 billion, outpacing the 11 percent rise in deliveries…BMW shares rose as much as 3.6 percent to $95.75 and were up 2.1 percent as of 9:35 a.m. in Frankfurt trading. The stock has risen 41 percent this year, making it the top- performing carmaker in the 14-member Euro Stoxx Autos and Parts Index and valuing the company at $60,58 billion… BMW’s auto unit recorded 11.6 percent return on sales, down from an 11.9 percent margin a year ago. The figure beat Audi’s 11.4 percent return and Mercedes’s 8.4 percent. BMW’s auto deliveries rose to a record 425,528 vehicles in the first quarter from 382,758 a year earlier, as 1-Series sales climbed 20 percent and the X3 SUV surged 55 percent.”

Hans-Peter Wodniok, a German analyst at Fairesearch, had this to say about the financial report: “The higher revenue gain shows that prices increased, which led to higher profit.   The sport-utility vehicles did very well and the 1-Series shot off like a rocket.”

To test drive a new or used BMW car in Pennsylvania, visit your local Otto’s BMW located in West Chester near Philadelphia today, you won’t be disappointed!

For the same price as the Sport Package the is a Convenience package that consists of auto dimming rearview mirror, rain sensor, auto headlamps, universal garage door opener, comfort access system, and Bluetooth and USB/iPod adapter. For those who are wondering, comfort access is a fancy type of keyless entry. Sensors recognize that the key is within a 1.5 meter radius of the vehicle, simple the door handle and your Mini is unlocked. You can loc it up the same way when you exit the vehicle. The best thing about comfort access is that it makes it impossible to lock your keys in your car. Additionally, you can store individual driver settings with the key.

The last option package to choose from is the Value package, which will cost $1,500. This group consists of a rear spoiler, Bluetooth and USB, iPod adapter, aero kit, and a cold weather package. The aero kit it a front end feature that enhances the appearance of the car, and makes the vehicle marginally more aerodynamic, while the cold weather package offers heated front seats, powerfold heated mirrors, and washer jets. Interested? Contact Ottos BMW dealership located in Exton, PA for your Mini and BMW related requirements. To check on new Mini availability, visit coopclubcountry.com where you can schedule a test drive for the Certified BMW of your dreams.

Many other interesting features and specifications have been integrated into the M3. From the power-assisted brakes to the 6-speed manual type dual-clutch transmission, it seems that the stars have been aligned to allow for the creation of this nearly perfect luxury performance vehicle. The M3 has a voice command system that allows operators to dial, add, or delete phone numbers while operating the phone hands free. It can also be used to control certain aspects of the navigation system, or to record messages up to 5 minutes in length.

Another perk that comes with this and any other new BMW is the access to the Ultimate Service Plan for a period of 4 years or until 50,000 miles have been put on them. The plan covers all of the factory recommended maintenance as well as any unforeseen repairs that happen to occur. Unlimited mileage roadside assistance is also part of the package, as is a 4-year unlimited mileage BMW Assist safety plan subscription. The list of extras goes on and on. It is much more fun to experience them than it is to read about them. Test-drive a 2011 M3 convertible to see for yourself.

A new shift knob is a relatively inexpensive way to go. There are a number of really nice choices available. You can purchase one that is 100% stainless steel or stainless steel with an inlaid vinyl checkerboard pattern and Mini logo for about $150. A cheaper and some would argue better looking option is a shimmering carbon fiber version that will probably sell for around $70. If you want to get tacky, you can even pick up a billiard ball replica shift know for about $100. Apologies to anybody who owns them, they just don’t seem to mesh with the Mini’s classy interior. As a side note, you may want to trade off your Mini for an 87 Camaro Iroc-Z. Make sure that there is at least one blatantly mismatched body part to go along with it.

If added performance is the goal you are trying to achieve, there are a lot of routes to take you there. For around $150, a 2% crank pulley will reduce rotational mass, therefore increasing torque and horsepower. A direct flow intercooler may cost about $900 but it does come with a hood scoop. Intercoolers work with turbochargers to allow for heat exchange without there being any physical interaction between the fluids.  A ram intake hood scoop sells for just over $200. It is stylish, dynamic, and comes with air flow and cooling characteristics of its own. Pick out a Mini of your own to spruce up at your local Pennsylvania BMW Dealer. If you live near West Chester make it Ottos BMW to check out their new and pre-owned Mini options.

Up until the first round of the World Touring Car Championship, a Chevy Cruze held was on a winning with an undefeated record.  Gabriele Tarquini and his teammate Aleksei Dudukalo broke that streak in Slovakia, taking the title.

The BMW team recognized Chevy’s temporary moments of weakness (or, realistically more like seconds) and attempted to take advantage of it.  However, in the end, the BMW team was simply unable to surpass Chevy.  According to BMW Car Club of America, “the BMW 320 TC of Norbert Michelisz took the race one pole ahead of Dudukalo, but a tap from Tarquini early in the race set him back, and a spin courtesy of Chevrolet’s Yvan Muller prevented his recovery. He finished sixth. Chevrolet’s Alain Menu finished third behind the two SEAT drivers, while ROAL’s Alberto Cerqui finished fourth. It was the best finish so far for the nineteen-year old Italian, who joined ROAL this season.”

Aside from Cerqui and Coronel’s cars, two additional BMW drivers were able to cross the finish line in respectable positions as well. Stefano D’Aste finished fifth and Michelisz was able o finish sixth.  Coronel actually ended finished eighth on the track.  However, he also received a 30 second penalty for putting Franz Engstler off the track.  That penalty ended up ultimately putting him in fifteenth place.

The next race in the series is in Hungary a week from today.

At the same time as BMW is gearing up for more production, the German automaker is also prepared for a slump in demand due to the state of the economy.  “I think we could absorb fluctuations of between 20 percent and 30 percent,” Arndt said.

BMW will manufacture “Significantly more than 1.6 million vehicles in 2011,” Arndt stated, “That is not our maximum capacity. That’s because we still have some reserved capacity due to the phase-out of the (current generation) 1 series and the 3 series.”

Capacity will be increase in factories in the U.S., Africa, China, and India.  The German automaker may also open a plant in Brazil.

The German press reports that BMW will select “Brazil’s biggest city as the site for its first car assembly plant in Latin America,” but according to Arndt, no decision has been made yet.  “Just from the full utilization of the network capacity expanded in this way, we are in a position to produce the 2 million units that we aim to sell as part of our Strategy Number ONE for 2020. There will only be a need for further production facilities if we raise our sales goal beyond the 2-million-unit figure,” Arndt said.

To test drive a new or used BMW cars, visit your local Pennsylvania BMW Dealer, Otto’s BMW, you won’t be disappointed!

One of the best things about these MINI E scooters would be the potential to customize them. The colors of the prototypes are vibrant and contrasting. We are talking neon green-on-gray color schemes. How cool does that sound? Mix a touch of chrome on there and you are ready to roll, with zero emissions. Long gone are the old two stroke scooters that have been around since the 1960’s. Let’s make way for the new generation of two-wheeled transportation.

This MINI E would be marketed toward a younger group of consumers. For that reason, they would potentially even include cool features such as an iPod docking station. Use your iPhone as an ignition key, a music device, and a navigation system. This package just gets better and more interesting the deeper that you dig into it. Think about driving a fully electric scooter with a helmet based Bluetooth device that allowed you to operate your mobile phone hands-free, of course. What a great way to tool around, especially for college students or city drivers trying to move around in congested urban environments.

Trying to decide whether or not to purchase a MINI Cooper? Visit Otto’s BMW in West Chester, PA to pick out and maintain your next Certified BMW or MINI