BMW – Page 30 – Automobiles Review

2014 BMW X4 F26 – Price £36,590

BMW UK is now offering the all-new X4 F25 with pricing starting from £36,590 OTR for the entry-level xDrive20d SE model. The all-new SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) combines all unique features of the BMW X family with the stylish elegance of a classical coupe. It is positioned in the premium mid-size segment.

The X4 F25 comes with a number of new technologies including high-performance engines, the world’s most intelligent all-wheel drive system – xDrive, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics as well as BMW ConnectedDrive.

Initially, the engine range of the 2014 X4 will include xDrive20d, xDrive30d and xDrive35 with 2.0 and 3.0 liter common-rail diesel engines.

The xDrive20d has 190HP (140 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 211 km/h (132 mph). Average fuel economoy – 52.3 mpg UK (5.4 liters / 100 km).

The xDrive30d has 258HP (190 kW) and 560Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (145 mph). Average fuel economy – 47.9 mpg UK (5.9 liters / 100 km).

The xDrive35d has 313HP (230 kW) and 630Nm (467 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph). Average fuel economy – 47.1 mpg UK (6.0 liters / 100 km).

Standard equipment of 2014 BMW X4 includes: automatically opening tailgate, Variable Sport Steering, 18” light-alloy wheels, front and rear Park Distance Control, Performance Control and Xenon headlights. Inside the BMW X4 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, a Sport leather steering wheel, Heated front seats and BMW Business Media package.

The xLine trim level ads an exclusive18” light-alloy wheels, Satin Aluminium exterior trim, Dark Copper interior trim, Sport seats and exclusive xLine leather upholstery.

The ///M-Sport model offers: ///M Aerodynamics package, High-gloss Shadow Line trim exterior trim and an exclusive 19” M-Sport light-alloy wheels, M-Sport suspension, ///M door sill finishers, Sport seats and an Aluminium Hexagon interior trim add the finishing touches.

Source: BMW

July 23, 2014

Kelleners Sport BMW X5 F15

Kelleners Sport has unveiled their latest tuning project based on the latest generation BMW X5 – the F15. The tuning company, which is based in the southwest of Germany offers a sporting and elegant package including a wide-body kit, stainless steel tailpipes, aluminium wheels, a lowering kit and customising parts for the interior.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including a new front spoiler, extended wheel arches and a modified rear skirt. There is also a complete stainless-steel sports exhaust system with oval tailpipes – 106 x 71 mm, a new coilover suspension and a set of 10J x 22” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile high-performance tires – 295/30 ZR 22.

The interior features new premium leather upholstery as well as a number of carbon fiber or wood trim elements. There is also a set of new foot mats in black velour, the Kelleners Sport logo and the set of aluminium pedals. As a stylish finishing touch, the emblem can also be embossed in the front head rests.

Kelleners Sport offers performance package for the xDrive30d, xDrive35i and xDrive50i models. The diesel is boosted to 302HP (222 kW) and 655Nm (483 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 44HP and 95Nm. The small petrol unit now produces 358HP (263 kW) and 468Nm (345 lb-ft) – an increase of 52HP and 68Nm. The most powerful engine gets the KS Power 50 module delivering – 527HP (386 kW) and 761Nm (561 lb-ft).

All upgrades are now available to order through Kelleners Sport dealerships. Pricing is available upon request.

Source: Kelleners Sport

July 23, 2014

BMW 1-Series Sedan [render]

The designer – Theophilus Chin has created two nice render images of BMW 1-Series Sedan, which is only a rumor for now. The entry-level BMW is now offered only in 3- and 5-door hatchback configurations, while the 2-Series offers coupe and convertible models.

Besides the possible 1-Series Sedan, there is another bothering news – the model will come with front wheel drive as the recently announce 2-Series Active Tourer and the 2^nd generation X1.

“The NES (New Entry-Level Sedan) is integral to our growth plans,” commented unknown source.

“It will be an important pillar in the future 1-series lineup, particularly in the U.S. and China, where sales of small premium-brand four-door sedans are on the rise.”, he added.

BMW 1-Sereis Sedan is going to compete versus CLA and Audi A3 Sedan. Probably, both of them will be slightly bigger than the BMW, but they are in a same segment of FWD small saloons.

The engine range of the future 1-Series Sedan will be carried over – three- and four-cylinder direct-injection (with or without turbocharger) petrol and common-rail diesel units. A hybrid version will probably emerge, too because of the demanding on the market.

Stay tuned!

July 22, 2014

TAG Motorsports BMW M4 Coupe

2014 BMW M4 Coupe is already available on the market and a lot of tuning companies presented their tuning variants for the sports car. TAG Motorsports also unveiled their tuning program for the highly-appreciated vehicle.

The main highlight is the set of enormous 20” light alloy wheels finished in a nice gold paint and wrapped with ultra-low profile performance tires. The tuning company also offers different designs of those wheels and pricing is available upon request.

2014 BMW M4 Coupe comes with a newly-developed 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder engine delivering – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is connected to a speed manual gearbox as standard or optional 7-speed M DCT. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 (4.1) seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 300 km/h (186 mph) with ///M Driver’s package. Still, the combined fuel consumption is just 8.3 liters / 100 km.

As we recently discovered, the engine is even more powerful than the official data. It delivers around 480HP (353 kW) and 650Nm (481 lb-ft) of torque, which is 50HP and 100Nm more than stated. Probably, the main reason for the official data is tax-evading, but that obviously doesn’t bother anyone.

Source: TAG Motorsports

July 21, 2014

2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer officially launched

People looking for a vehicle that combines both mobility and style can now take a look at the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, freshly launched by the respected German auto maker. The new vehicle series offers users space, comfort, style, power and elegance and will surely be appreciated by customers who do not need a large car for every day needs yet they insist on having the BMW sign on their cars.

We will not waste time so we’ll take you straight to the engines department as there is some interesting news – the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout vehicle sold under the BMW brand. Designed to compete directly with Mercedes-Benz B-Class vehicles, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes with new turbocharged engines with three or four cylinders, BMW EfficientDynamics features and BMW ConnectedDrive technology. The total number of engines is three but they all come with transverse installation and BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology while at the same time they fully meet the latest EU6 emissions standard. There are two gasoline models installed in the BMW 218i Active Tourer and in the BMW 225i Active Tourer, and one diesel unit installed in the BMW 218d Active Tourer. The first gasoline engine comes with displacement of 1.5 liters and three cylinders that need 4.9-5.2 l/100 km (57.6-54.3 mpg UK) of fuel to deliver 100 kW (136 HP) of power under a six-speed gearbox. The BMW 225i comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 170 kW (231 HP) of power with 5.8-6.0 l/100 km (48.7-47.1 mpg UK) of fuel consumption; this model comes with a standard eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 218d Active Tourer needs just 4.1-4.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (68.9-65.7 mpg UK) to deliver 110 kW (150 HP) of power to the wheels. This car has a standard six-speed transmission with an eight-speed gearbox available as an option.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has another feature worth noting – the cars in this series feature compact dimensions of 4342 x 1800 x 1555 mm (171 x 71 x 61 inches) but despite this they come with impressive internal levels of space. The driver and the front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view at the same time as making it easier to get in and out. The wealth of storage facilities and the option of a fold-flat passenger seat backrest are just two examples of the interior’s impressive flexibility and cleverly devised layout. The cabin has a light and spacious feel to it, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look. There is also the option of a large panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior. Add a luggage compartment that can be enlarged from 468 to 1510 liters and you do have a really spacious vehicle.

People buying these cars will be treated with ultimate BMW quality on the inside that includes Radio Professional, including a hands-free telephone facility with a Bluetooth interface, the BMW iDrive control system with a controller on the centre console and a 6.5-inch Control Display, a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, a sports leather steering wheel, the Intelligent Emergency Call system and the Collision Warning with City Braking function and more.

Later this year the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will also be available in the M Sport specification. This version will come with special M Sport suspension, 17-inch or 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, an M-leather steering wheel and sports seats. The M version will be available in Germany on September 27, 2014 starting from EUR 27 200.

As to the other models there is no pricing information at the moment but given all the tech specs and the luxury that one will find inside, the new cars are not likely to be that cheap. Still you get what you pay for and this is also true for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Source: BMW

July 21, 2014

BMW X5 F15 M50d vs Range Rover Sport – Drag [video]

Here is an interesting test made from Cars.co.za between BMW X5 F15 M50d and the latest Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Although, there is a huge power gap between the two vehicles, it is quite fascinating to see them in a drag race.

2014 BMW X5 F15 M50d is powered by the world’s most powerful diesel – 3.0 liter three-turbocharged with 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power through xDrive AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). What is more, the big SAV is able to achieve 42.2 mpg UK – 6.7 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport Supercharged comes with a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine – 510HP (375 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is 13.8 liters / 100 km.

So, both vehicles accelerate to 100 km/h in the same time, but after that the Range Rover Sport is a lot faster, because of its 129HP advantage.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSMxYS6h2tw

Source: Cars.co.za via Youtube

July 21, 2014

BMW 2-Series M235i Track Edition – Price €83,000

BMW has unveiled a new special 2-Series M235i Track Edition in the Netherlands. The small coupe combines superior driving dynamics with a strong appearance and high quality. It boasts a number of upgrades improving the road behavior as well as the comfort of the driver.

The exterior boasts a complete ///M-Performance body kit including a new front splitter, a pair of revised side skirts and a new rear diffuser housing a stainless steel sports exhaust system. Other highlights include a black front grille, a trunk-mounted lip spoiler and a set of 19” lightweight alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires.

The interior also comes with a number of ugprades – a set of aluminum pedals, a carbon fiber handbrake with Alcantara upholstery and an Alcantara-wrapped sport steering wheel with a race display providing information like lap times, temperature, shifting moment, etc.

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i Track Edition is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (322 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically-limited.

BMW will limit the production to just 12 units with pricing starting from whopping €83,000.

Source: BMW

July 21, 2014

2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan vs E30 M3 DTM – Hockenheim [video]

Sport Autohas published a nice video with an epic battle between the latest 2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan and the classic E30 M3 DTM. There is a huge 22-year gap between the production dates of the two models, but the old racing car is faster than F80 M3. 2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan closed a lap around Hockenheim in 1 minute and 13.1 seconds, while the E30 M3 DTM needed just 1 minute and 9 seconds.

2014 BMW M3 Sedan is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 is able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

BMW E30 M3 DTM was driven by the former race pilot Johnny Cecotto, while the M3 F80 was driven by Sport Auto’s journalist – Christian Gebhardt. Alberto “Johnny” Cecotto is one of the few drivers who managed to compete in motorcycling, Formula 1, DTM, Formula Two, BTCC and Le Mans. The multi-talented pilot is currently supporting the racing career of his son – Johny Cecotto Jr.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pApuVB_UHg

Source: Sportauto

July 21, 2014

2015 BMW i8 UK – Price £94,845

BMW UK is going to offer the sensational 2015 i8 sports hybrid car from tomorrow. It is priced from “just” £94,845 OTR. The German manufacturer has finally developed something that looks like a supercar. Furthermore, it boasts extreme efficiency and a number of innovative technologies.

2015 BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The overall power is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft), which is enough for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The fuel consumption is impressive – 2.1 liters / 100 km (134.5 mpg UK or 112 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The 2015 i8 can go up to 37 km (23 miles) only on electricity with zero emissions.

The curb weight of the sports car is extremely low, considering the electric motor and the battery pack – 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs) and a drag coefficient (Cd) – 0.26. The dimensions measure – 4,689 mm in length; 1,942 mm in width and a height of just 1,298 mm. The wheelbase is 2,800 mm and the front/rear tracks – 1,644 mm/1,715 mm.

Some of the standard equipment includes the Navigation system Professional with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display and leather sports seats; choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants There are also 20” alloy wheels, a rear view camera, high beam assistant, speed limit info, Surround View, Head-Up Display and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition.

There is also BMW 360° ELECTRIC providing a package of assistance and mobility solutions, while the ConnectedDrive features intrinsic part of car’s connectivity.

Source: BMW

July 18, 2014

ST Suspension – Audi A3 and BMW 2-series Coupe

ST Suspensions has presented a range of ST spring sets for the latest Audi A3 and the BMW 2-Series Coupe. Through their sporty spring rate, ST springs enhance the driving dynamic and are made from a chrome-silicon steel alloy.

The cars equipped with ST springs respond more precisely to steering inputs and the drivers benefit from sportier handling characteristics. The different sets of sport springs allow a lowering between 20 and 40 mm on each axle. Like all ST suspensions components, also these ST spring kits include a German TÜV certificate. The pricing is available upon request.

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe M235i comes with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (322 lb-ft) 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is connected to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption is decent 7.6 liters / 100 km on combined cycle. There is no doubt that a set of lowering ST springs will further improve the fun behind the steering wheel of such car.

2014 Audi S3 comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine – 300HP (221 kW) at 5,500RPM and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed S-tronic automatic transmission.

Source: ST Suspension

July 17, 2014

AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 Based on BMW E92 335i – On Sale

AC Schnitzer has put on sale a unique GP 3.10 based on BMW E92 335i. It is currently available through ebay.de with a bid of €25,100. The vehicle is registered back in 09/2006 and since then it covered just 27,000 km (16,780 miles). It is finished in a nice Mineral-Grün paint and features a number of styling and performance upgrades.

The most important improvement is the replacing of the original 3.0 liter twin-turbo I6. The new “heart” is the mighty S85B50 – a 5.0 liter V10 from BMW M5 E60, which is boosted to 552HP (406 kW) at 8,000RPM and 540Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque at 6,200RPM. It is coupled to its original tranmission – a 7-speed SMG III gearbox. There is a new sports exhaust system with a sports rear silencer including centrally-placed tailpipe. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; 0-200 km/h in 13.9 seconds and a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph).

The brake system as well as the suspension are also improved. There are 8-piston fixed calipers at the front and rear with brake discs measuring – 374 x 36 mm. The suspension received special stabilizer bars and height-adjustable coilovers. A set of new wheels is installed – AC Schnitzer Lightweight forged alloy Type V – 9.0 J x 20” with 235/30 ZR20 tires and 10.0 J x 20” with 285/25 ZR20 tires, front/rear.

The exterior boasts a new front bonnet with additional air outlet for better cooling of the big engine. There is also a new front apron, modified front and rear fenders, a pair of new side skirts, a roof wing and a trunk lid spoiler with special tear-off edge.

The interior features bi-color leather and Nappa combination, racing seats, new aluminum pedals and black anodized handbrake and i-Drive controller, a set of floor mats with logo GP 3.10. Last, but not least is the three-spoke sports steering wheel “Evo” wrapped in Nappa leather.

Source: AC Schnitzer

July 17, 2014

BMW to Replace Passenger-Side Front Airbags on All E46 Models

BMW is going to replace the passenger airbags on 1.6 million 3-Series E46 vehicles produced between 05/1999 and 08/2006. The manufacturer reports that there are issues with gas generators that may rupture in vehicles produced the competitors using similar systems from the same supplier. Still, BMW is not aware of a case involving their vehicle.

The replacement campaign is a voluntary precautionary measure that aims at minimising the risk of faulty airbag activation, which may cause injuries. This is a voluntary extension of last year’s recall campaign, which included a recall of 240 000 3-Series vehicles (E46). The supplier has now extended the production period.

In order to ensure maximum safety of customers, the German manufacturer has decided to replace the passenger airbags in the vehicles from the suggested production period, and additionally, as a voluntary precautionary measure, the passenger airbags in all E46 models.

The customers affected will be informed by BMW. The rectification of the problem will take about 1 hour and will be done for free.

So, if you have a 3-Series E46 (all models including the M3 versions), make an appointment at your local BMW dealer to solve an eventual problem.

Source: BMW

July 16, 2014

Tag: BMW