BMW – Page 61 – Automobiles Review

BMW M Performance upgrades 3-Series and 5-Series

BMW announced new M Performance Parts specially designed for the new 2012 BWW 3-Series Sedan and 2011-2012 5-Series Sedan. The manufacturer is continuing the tradition, which already offers such kind of parts for the high-performance M3, 1 Series M Coupe, X5 M and X6 M.

All components are specifically designed for 3-Series and 5-Series models. These include a gloss black grille, carbon fiber mirror caps, body stripes for the 3-Series and a carbon fiber rear spoiler for the 5-Series. Other exterior goodies are a set of 20” alloy wheels and a stainless steel sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated 80mm exhaust tips for the mighty 335i and the 535i.

To accent the 20″ wheels and to improve braking performance, a Brembo big-brake kit with painted calipers is now available. It consists of 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle and 2-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle. The discs are cross-drilled, internally-vented in diameter 370 mm front and 345 mm rear.

The interior boasts a new Motorsport-derived steering wheel for the 3 Series Sedan. There is also a 7-piece carbon fiber and Alcantara interior trim set inspired by the world of Motorsport.

Lastly, the cabin can be equipped with a carbon fiber gear knob and a seven-piece carbon fiber and Alcantara trim package.

A BMW M Performance carbon fiber gear shift knob and selector lever is available for vehicles with manual or automatic transmissions. The same open-pore technology used in the interior trim kit can be found on these products as well. The gear shift knob also has an integrated shift boot made of Alcantara.

All products installed on or in the vehicle carry a BMW 4 year/ 50,000 mile warranty on the items if installed prior to delivery of the new vehicle.

Source: BMW

May 7, 2012

Project Visio.M Concept – the new electric mobility solution for urban environments

Project Visio.M Concept is an interesting project which will offer a solution for electric mass mobility in urban environments. The electric cars which are powered by electricity from renewable energy are one of the most attractive options for mobility in the future.

This not only concern long distance travel, but in fact the focus of this project is put mainly on mobility within the urban area.

In the history of the development of such technologies, the different approaches have lead only to vehicles which are either too expensive or too heavy. In addition to that they might not meet the mass-market safety requirements.

And here is where Project Visio.M steps in. It is a joint research project between scientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) and engineers from the automotive industry (mainly from BMW).

Their aim is to develop electric concepts cars which are efficient, safe, and inexpensive. In addition to this the electric vehicles are very silent and more importantly have no emissions. This makes them one of the most important options for future individual mobility in the city areas.

However, there are a lot of technical developments to be undertaken before this happens. For instance, small electric vehicles offer minimum level of safety. In addition, the models which are derived from gasoline-powered cars are usually too heavy and require large and expensive batteries.

Rroject Visio.M envisions to be a small electric vehicle, affordable and safe, and achieving the goal to share significant part of the mass market.

The information about this vision that we have is that this mobility concept will be powered by 15 kilowatts and will have a maximum curb weight of 400 kg (without battery). This will meet the requirements of the European regulatory category L7e.

The project is going to be built on the MUTE concept, developed by the TU Muenchen as their test carrier to explore innovations and new technologies for vehicle safety, propulsion, energy storage, and operational concepts for implementation under the framework requirements of large-scale production.

Most of the attention here had gone to the safety. Although this concept has a minimal weight, it is expected to have a level of protection equal to that offered by conventional cars with combustion engines.

Source: BMW

May 4, 2012

BMW X1 Revised

It’s the latest BMW X1 – moderately facelifted, with a revised interior, mind boggling trim choices and a whole new range of super-efficient diesel engines. The lowest sum of money you need to get one is £24,660 but that won’t be until July 2012 when the sales kick off.

All of the models share the same 1,995cc, all-aluminum BMW four-cylinder power plant that comes with a common rail direct injection and the company’s TwinPower Turbo tech. The one for £24,660 is an sDrive18d. The ‘s’ prefix means rear-wheel drive. Power output amounts to 143 hp and 320 Nm of torque. 0 to 60 is done in 9.6 seconds and the top speed stands at 125 mph. In return, you get 57.6 mpg of combined fuel economy and 128 g/km of CO2 emissions. Keep in mind, we are talking about a flare arched, highish SUV. A compact SUV but an SUV nevertheless. The xDrive18d has the same engine but performs less impressive in all the other areas.

The mid-range engine is marked by 20d. It too can send it’s power trough an ‘s’ or an xDrive system. Amazingly, the sDrive20d manages 57.6 mpg on the combined cycle – almost a mile more per gallon when compared to the sDrive18d. All the while we get 184hp with 380 Nm of torque. That translates into 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. The xDrive20d, compared to the 18d counterpart, fares better in every respect, yet it still is inferior to the sDrive20d. There’s also an EfficientDynamics version of the 20d that is designed for the extra conscious. It’s strictly a rear-wheel drive with a manual setup and with 62.8 mpg it’s the most frugal one of the bunch.

To balance things out, there’s an xDrive25d. It harbors 218 hp under the hood and peals its tires with 450 Nm of torque. It gets from 0 to 60 in no more than 6.8 seconds while still retains a perfectly sensible economy of 51.4 mpg and spews out only 145 g/kg.

Model	Power? Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 emissions g/km	Price from OTR
BMW X1 xDrive25d	218	450	6.8	142 (141)	47.9 (51.4)	154 (145)	£31,860
BMW X1 xDrive20d	184	380	8.1	133 (132)	51.4 (52.3)	145 (143)	£27,580
BMW X1 sDrive20d	184	380	7.8 (7.9)	136 (135)	57.6 (56.5)	129 (132)	£26,090
BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics	163	380	8.3	133	62.8	119	£26,090
BMW X1 xDrive18d	143	320	9.9 (10.1)	121	51.4 ( 52.3)	144 (143)	£26,150
BMW X1 sDrive18d	143	320	9.6 (9.9)	125	57.6 (56.5)	128 (132)	£24,660

As we mentioned above, the EfficientDynamics comes with an inseparable six-speed manual, but all the other models can be optionally fitted with BMW’s latest eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The fact that an electronic power steering replaces the hydraulic one in the ‘s’ models may explain why they are so much better at sipping fuel. However, in general all models do well at the gas station. That’s because Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start Stop systems come as default no matter the choice. The EfficientDynamics builds on top of that with low-resistance tires an on-demand operation of ancillary units and a climate control compressor that can be disengaged. There is of course a software present which tells you how you drive and how should you drive, change down, change up – a bit of harassment, no doubt.

The xModels on the other hand, get the full package of BMW X-series experience – a smart, adaptive AWD system fully integrated within the car’s Dynamic Stability Control. With the DSC come many other acronyms as standard – Advanced Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).

BMW say that the X1’s body is stiff, lightweight and rigid but don’t expect magic on the corners. That’s the 1-series’s turf. The facelift mainly manifests itself on the headlights – if one goest with the optional Xenon light technology, a ton of LEDs come as a compliment. Inside, the center console is now shallower and covered in a higher quality material. Minor changes on the trim of the gearstick surround, cup holders and headlamp switch complete the look.

In terms of equipment, even with the entry version (SE), one gets 17-inch alloy wheels, two-zoned climate control and a leather steering wheel. Stuff that didn’t come previously on the SE can also be seen – Bluetooth, USB radio and black roof rails.

The “Sport” line is the new one here. Its a level above SE and adds a dark chrome finish on the exhaust pipes, The kidney grille slats, bumper trims and side sills, along with the roof rails

are finished in a high gloss black. Inside, the Median upholstery in Anthracite with Coral Red highlights covers the set of sports seats. Pretty much, a hefty dose of cosmetic treats.

The other new package comes next: xLine. This time we get 18-inch alloy wheels, chromed exhaust tips and kidney grille slats. Some aluminum is used for the side sills and roof rails while the door sills now read xLine. Nevada leather wraps around the seats inside and an X is clearly visible on the headrests. Ambient lighting and floor mats with matching piping completes the package.

As usual, the M Sport trim line is the top of the top – super light 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic kit, Nevada leather sports seats inside as well as a multifunction leather steering wheel.

Source: BMW

May 4, 2012

2014 BMW M3 sedan [render] – F80

Wildspeed has released a new version of the 2014 BMW M3 F80. The sports saloon features an aggressive design influenced by the more recent offerings by the M Division – the new M5 F10 and M6.There are a lot of rumors that the new M3 will come with a twin-turbo V6, which will ruin a lot of the car’s reputation, so probably the manufacturer will keep the tradition with an in-line six-cylinder power plant. The power will be around 435HP and 550Nm of torque, which will make it the most powerful M3 model.Other rumors say that the M3 saloon will remain unchanged, but the coupe and convertible body styles will be relabeled as the M4. This is not so important, but it will be good, if BMW AG divide the models.The new M3 saloon is expected to hit the market during the next year.

May 4, 2012

Vorsteiner BMW 1M Coupe Kit

Vorsteiner have released something like a teaser for a program, but have also spilled pretty much all the beans on what’s it going to be. The project in question is a “1M Coupe GTS-V“ Surely we have to be talking about a BMW. The debut is set for the end of May while for now, all we get to see are the pieces of kit that are supposed to go on the finished product. It still is worth a peek, this carbon fibery goodness.

We have a carbon fiber pre-preg front spoiler with ducts that channel air to the brakes, a carbon fiber rear diffuser with the fins and splitters and everything and an entire boot lid – lighter and with an integrated lip spoiler. What we don’t see in the gallery are the 19/20-inch forged concaved wheels, the cat back exhaust system and the floor mats… apparently. They will have orange piping – thrilling.

The 19th of May will see full reveal at the Bimmerfest 2012 in Pasadena, CA.

Source: Vorsteiner

May 2, 2012

3D Design BMW F10 M5 offers more aerodynamism

3D Design BMW F10 M5 is a vehicle which will definitely grab the attention of anyone who’s into tuning. As exceptional as BMW, this car now can show off some really cool style.

This is happening thanks to the outstanding work of the professionals from 3D Design. They have managed to embellish the boisterous E39 M5 model of the German brand.

In details, the 3D Design program for the F10 M5 includes wide range of carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories which feature front lip, low splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk spoiler. Additionally, there is also a roof spoiler from the existing F10 line available.

Furthermore, there is additional work to be done in terms of aerodynamic improvements. In facts, 3D Design will have their trademark exhaust system created with their technology partner Arqray.

In details, the exhaust will be made of stainless steel with quad 100mm tips. Of course, this will delivers aggressiveness that perfectly matches this tuning. The exhaust will be made available in both a JASMA spec as well as Export spec.

Moreover, the work on the car will include another partnership – this time with Ohlins, where both companies will collaborate to bring about full suspension components line and external reservoir race application.

What is more to add here is that the already great BMW interior will be further enhanced by 3D Designs trademark pedal set, floor mats, and a gauge pod for more serious applications.

Source: IND

3D Design BMW F10 M5 is a vehicle which will definitely grab the attention of anyone who’s into tuning. As exceptional as BMW, this car now can show off some really cool style.

This is happening thanks to the outstanding work of the professionals from 3D Design. They have managed to embellish the boisterous E39 M5 model of the German brand.

In details, the 3D Design program for the F10 M5 includes wide range of carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories which feature front lip, low splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk spoiler. Additionally, there is also a roof spoiler from the existing F10 line available.

Furthermore, there is additional work to be done in terms of aerodynamic improvements. In facts, 3D Design will have their trademark exhaust system created with their technology partner Arqray.

In details, the exhaust will be made of stainless steel with quad 100mm tips. Of course, this will delivers aggressiveness that perfectly matches this tuning. The exhaust will be made available in both a JASMA spec as well as Export spec.

Moreover, the work on the car will include another partnership – this time with Ohlins, where both companies will collaborate to bring about full suspension components line and external reservoir race application.

What is more to add here is that the already great BMW interior will be further enhanced by 3D Designs trademark pedal set, floor mats, and a gauge pod for more serious applications.

Source: IND

April 30, 2012

BMW M3 E46 with 450hp by G-POWER

By today’s standards, it’s an antique. A ten-year old dinosaur. A car that uses coal for fuel. Okey, so we got a bit carried over here. It’s the BMW M3 E46 – a generation before the latest one. Don’t be deceived though. G-POWER, the guys who got their hands on it, say it is now more powerful than the current V8 powered M3.

The performance package installed is called the SK I „SPORTY DRIVE“ and if the figures they give are correct, the word “sporty” is a massive understatement – 450 hp and 460 Nm of torque. That’s a straight six engine we are talking about here. None of the pistons have been changed or altered in any way and the exhaust system is pretty standard. It’s not witchcraft either. No, those additional 107 bhp come from a humongous ASA T1-518 centrifugal supercharger – proper racing tech all the way. With it the venerable M3 can get to 200 km/h in 14,7 seconds (a massive improvement over the standard E46 – 18,1 seconds.). Compare that to the 200 km/h time of the E90 and you get a full second in favor of the G-POWERed predecessor.

One would imagine then, that a more iron fisted stopping power is required as a compliment to the supercharger. Something more up to date maybe. That’s why the package also includes a set of 370 mm front and 342 mm back brake disks that get clamped by calipers that nest up to six brake pistons per wheel. The heat from the significantly bigger pads will be dissipated more efficiently once you exit a corner.

And yes, you would be doing a lot corners. Especially with that new bound, rebound and height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension. Just be careful not to destroy those Michelin Pilot Sport tires that can, and will have to, endure speeds of up to 300 km/h. Probably it would be best just to keep the M in a garage and occasionaly marvel at them, wrapped around 20-inch G-POWER “Sileverstone Diamond” alloy wheels – prime example of how a 450 hp monstrosity can stay light on its feet.

As an optional extra, one can go for the G-POWER sports rear muffler – OEM standard product quality and four 76 mm pipes sticking out from the back. A car like that needs the sound to match the performance.

Source: G-POWER

April 25, 2012

Alpina B3 GT3 408 HP 0-309 km/h [HD video]

Cool video with the new Alpina B3 GT3 race car tested by Sport Auto’s drive editor Christian Gebhardt.

The B3 GT3 is based on BMW 3-Series E92 335i, which is boosted to 408HP (300 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque, which is 102HP and 140Nm more than the original factory power. The car also comes with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph), which you can see in the video below.

The B3 GT3 can be ordered with an optional Comfort Package including BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System and PDC (Park Distance Control).

The price will be exactly €90 000 in Germany. In the clip you’ll also see a sensational acceleration from stand still to 309 km/h (192 mph)

Enjoy the video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xJYTJWoC54

Source: cc8186 via Youtube

April 19, 2012

2012 BMW E92 M3 Coupe Frozen Silver Edition

After the presentation of BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Gray Edition, the manufacturer has released a new version – Frozen Silver Edition, which will be produced in limited series of just 100 units available to UK customers.

It is powered by the same hi-revving 4.0 liter V8 with 420HP (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, E92 M3 can easily pass 300 km/h (186 mph). The power transferred to the road via the standard 7-speed M DCT transmission and variable M differential.

The car comes with a 10 mm lowered suspension featuring a three-stage Electronic Damper Control, 19” light alloy wheels and a revised DSC+ system.

The Frozen Silver metallic paint, not seen before on any BMW, matt black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surrounds, and Jet Black bonnet intakes that set the car apart. A High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim completes the exterior look.

The interior boasts Black Novillo leather with contrast stitching and Palladium leather armrests and inserts. The steering wheel is sheathed in Alcantara and comes complete with an M3 chequered flag motif, while the door sills feature a similar logo. Carbon fibre is liberally applied to the interior to underscore the sporting credentials, the handbrake has M Power stitched onto it and there is a plaque to highlight the limited edition nature of the car.

The new BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition adds nearly £9 000 of equipment to a standard M3, but all for an on-cost of just £4,000. The car will hit the UK market on 1 June 2012.

Model	Price OTR	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW M3 Coupé Frozen Silver Edition	£58,720	420	400	4.6	155*	25.2	263

* Electronically limited. M DCT transmission is standard.

2012 BMW E92 M3 Coupe Frozen Silver Edition

Source: BMW

April 19, 2012

BMW M3 by ATT-TEC

An open top BMW M3 with 520 hp at hand, you say? Try the ATT-TEC guys from the city of Rastatt in Baden. They might just have what you are looking for. Oh, look! That matte black, rather inconspicuous looking thing here does fit the picture – 520 hp! Okay, so how do they do it? Simple. Spend a bag of money on it and then when you think it’s had enough, spend some more.

That orange bulk over the engine looks like an alien that’s sapping away the power of the engine but in fact, it’s the other way round – That’s a compressor kit by G-Power that costs €11,430 ($15,013). It does however, do the job by itself. It adds 100 hp on top just like that. 2 x 90 mm diameter stainless steel mufflers provide the appropriate escape route of the exhaust but that costs a further sum of €1,455 ($1,904).

The suspension has been overhauled with an Inox Line III Variant coilover kit which cost another €1,929 ($2,524). Then there are the wheels – Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires, 245/30R20 at the front and 295/20R20 at the back, wrap themselves around a set of one-piece forged ADV.1 wheels 8,5×20 and 11×20 respectively. But before they can start rolling, one has to pay the staggering sum of €7,150 ($9,356) for them.

Enough money to make your head spin? Maybe, but obviously not enough for the complete program. Throw in €2,600 ($3,402) more and you get a two colored special filming complete with a carbon wrapping foil. Final summation: the whole thing will set you back with €26,573 ($34,773) in total (including installation costs). Steep, but ATT-TEC are adamant that “individuality has its price”.

Source: Miranda-Media

April 19, 2012

Eisenmann BMW F10 M5 delivers impressive sound

Eisenmann BMW F10 M5 is the latest conversion made from the German tuning company Eisenmann. In fact, the tuners specialize in high-end sports car exhaust systems.

What they have done on this inclredible machine is that they are delivering the right fit for its growling engine.

Eisenmann has modified and redesigned the system of the vehicle, which now comes in Sport model for highway and the Race model for the racetrack.

They have done this with the help of their rear mufflers, which are known for their charismatic sound. In addition to this they also offer four tailpipe design, each with a diameter of 90mm or 102mm (3½ or 4 inches).

Not only do they have this gleaming brilliance, but also the tailpipes set themselves apart with the full-throttle roar of the typical Eisenmann sound. Hence, the new BMW M5 sport exhaus system is able to produce more than impressive sound. Furthermore, the racetrack model Race enhances the limits of sound even further.

Of course, the entire system is hand-crafted in high-quality, double-walled stainless steel. The design is puts high value on a streamlined appearance for the exhaust of the car.

More modifications can be made on the rear muffler whic can be expanded with an optional center exhaust box to make it a complete system.

Eismann has confirmed that the system will soon be available in Inconel alloy as well. Inconel has excellent characteristics such as heat resistance and a lower weight. For this reason it is often used in Formula 1.

Source: Eisenmann

April 18, 2012

2012 Tuningwerk BMW 1st M RS offers uncompromising 521 horsepower

2012 Tuningwerk BMW 1st M RS is an exceptional car, modified by the German-based company Tuningwerk.

What is specific about those tuners is that they specialize in BMW models. Situated in geographical grounds near to the area of Munich where the BMW head office is situated, they are keen on working on enhancing models of the famous brand.

Their latest project comes as an acknowledgement of the 1st BMW M-Version, and for this reason they have named the “1st M RS”.

What the tuning company has basically done on this machine is to entirely modify its engine. In particular, here the transmission of the back axis was shortened up to 3.25 transmission ratios, optionally 3.45 are also possible.

In addition, as a differential locking it includes a suitable for the power to weight ratio Drexler lock.

Furthermore, the cooling system was completely transformed as well. Now it includes the second oil cooler. What is more, the model features a titanic exhaust system. The engine clutch has unconditionally optimized stability, which makes it the perfectly suited for the city traffic.

Of course, a racing clutch is also an option. However, if one has the desire to race, then there is a demand for further small modifications for the FIA admission. For instance, one is the expansion of the case.

The additional weight reduction is still an option, while at the same time the door trims and insulation material are in the original state.

In this version are also included features made from carbon fiber, such as: GT4 front lip, engine hood, boot lid and also rear spoiler and Recaro seats called PolePosition. It is also possible to install doors out of the same material and plastic side glass. The 3-x club sport lorry running gear allow to be combined with H&R lightweight stabilizers upon request.

Furthermore, Tuningwerk BMW 1st M RS rides on forged ATS superlight 9×19 inches rims on the front and 10×19 inches rims – on the back. But this is not all, the vehicle is equipped with 245/35R19 Dunlop blow-up „Sport Maxx“ tyres on the front axis and 285/30R19 ones – on the rear axis. As an alternative option, there are also FlowForming Crosslight ATS rims of the same size.

The braking system of the car consists of 370 mm discs made by Mov’it, which deliver perfect braking.

And given all this information it is naturally to conclude that this interesting mixture of tuning means makes the driving dynamics of outstanding quality.

At last, but not least, the six three-liter cylinders with 521 hp (388 kW) enable 614 Nm (455 lb-ft) maximal torque from 2,800 rpm. Therefore it is very easy for the car to achieve a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

Source: Tuningwerk

April 17, 2012

Tag: BMW