BMW – Page 69 – Automobiles Review

Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10^th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

“We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

“Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

Check out all rankings, below!

Most reliable cars

BMW 3 Series
Honda Accord
Volkswagen Golf
Audi A3
Toyota Avensis
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Passat
Audi A4
Mazda6
BMW 5 Series

Most reliable car manufacturers

BMW
Audi
Honda
Volkswagen
Toyota
Nissan
Mercedes-Benz
Ford
Lexus
Skoda

Most reliable vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen Caddy
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Transporter

Most reliable van manufacturers

Volkswagen
Ford
Mercedes-Benz
Fiat
Renault

November 9, 2011

2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition

BMW of North America has announced the 2012 M3 Competition Edition with Frozen Silver exterior paint and other nice upgrades. The vehicles is specially created to celebrate 40 years of the M division. As you may suggest, only 40 units of the special E92 M3 will be created and sold to U.S. customers.

The unique exterior treatment also includes black hood intakes and dark chrome exterior trim, including the kidney grills, the M side gills and the exhaust tips. Black 19” M3 GTS wheels complete the striking exterior.

The interior comes with black Extended Novillo Leather with unique palladium silver accents and palladium silver-contrast stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest. There is also an Alcantara-covered multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay. Finally, genuine Carbon Fiber trims the dash and center console are added.

2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition Interior

The E92 M3 Competition Edition is powered by a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 with 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). It is mated to a M-DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). The acceleration to 60 mph is in 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The included Competition Package consists of lowered suspension -by 10mm, M3 GTS 19″ wheels in black with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.

The 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition is priced at $81 060 including destination and handling.

Check out the full specs, below!

2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition

Exterior

• Frozen Silver exterior paint
• Black hood intakes
• Dark Chrome exterior trim
o Kidney Grills
o M side gill elements
o Exhaust tips
• Black M3 GTS 19-inch wheels

Interior

• Extended Black Novillo leather upholstery with Palladium Silver accents
• Palladium Silver stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest
• Alcantara multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay
• Carbon Fiber interior trim, including dashboard and center console.
• Door sill finishers with M3 Checkered Flag logo.
• Handbrake lever with embroidered M Power logo.

Packages

• Competition Package
o Dynamic Damper Control
o M3 GTS 19-inch light alloy Y-spoke wheels (black)
o Competition package suspension with 10mm lower ride height
o Modified programming for the M Dynamic Mode
• Cold Weather Package
o Ski-bag
o Heated front seats
o Retractable headlight washers
• Premium Package
o Power folding auto-dimming mirrors
o Universal garage-door opener
o Comfort Access keyless entry
o Power rear sunshade
o Power front seats with driver seat memory
o Interior rearview mirror with compass
o Rear Park Distance Control

Options

• M Dual-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
• Navigation System with Real-time Traffic Info.
• Bluetooth connectivity
• iPod and USB Adapter
• BMW Apps iPhone integration

Source: BMW

November 8, 2011

BMW E92 M3 vs tuned BMW E92 335i

Here is a tough dilemma, when you want to buy a sports car and you are sure that this will be 3-series BMW. Whether to buy an expensive E92 M3 with true motorsport spirit or a nice everyday overpowered E92 335i. It is really a very difficult choice.

Firstly, BMW E92 M3 is simply brutal car, which hardly can be compared with anything else. It is powered by a magnificent high-revving S65B40 – 4.0 litre V8 delivering 420PS (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 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 price is astonishing as the car itself – € 72 900.

The “real deal” in E92 M3 is its spirit. No other BMW build revs, goes and sounds like those came out from Motorsport GmbH. It is simply astonishing with the unique style and stance. You can’t mistake a real M3, when you see it. It is more aggressive with its aerodynamics package, a big bump on the front bonnet and four tail-pipes.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new generation SMG III dual-clutch gearbox, which is even faster than the manual version. Everything in E92 M3 “screams” – SPORT… and nothing else.

On the other hand, we have a nice E92 335i, which is the top-of-range 3-Series (except M3). It comes with N54B30 (International Engine of the Year award in 2007 and 2008) – 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged straight-six with 306PS (225 kW) at 5800RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) between 1300 and 5000RPM. The redline is at 7000RPM, so you have enough time to change gears even with such amount of power. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, E92 335i can hit 280 km/h (174 mph). Although, it is a lot slower than E92 M3, the twin-turbocharged model has many advantages and the biggest is the tuning potential.

With a simple and cheap DirectFlash N54 ECU software by ESS Performance, the everyday sports car become a real beast with 400PS (294 kW) and 550Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. The RPM limit is moved to 7200RPM and the top speed governor is removed.

A boosted E92 335i is definitely a better choice for everyday use and especially when it comes to a price and running costs. However, one thing is for sure, when you step inside E92 M3, you’ll feel much better. Heart or brain? It’s up to you!

October 27, 2011

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Here is a little riddle! Rear-wheel drive, wind in the hair, aggressiveness, style, unique driving pleasure and 245PS?

Volkswagen Eos? No! Mazda MX-5 Miata? No, again! There is only one answer having all these qualities – 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i. Although the car is not an entirely new model, it received BMW’s brand new 2.0 liter twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine with a nice power of 245PS (180 kW) and a train-pulling 350Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. This new engine replaces the well-known 3.0 liter six-cylinder petrol in 25i and 30i.

2012 Z4 sDrive28i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and still returns a nice 41.5 mpg on combined cycle with emissions below 160 g/km. This is possible thanks to a number of modern technology – Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening. The top speed of the roadster is 250 km/h (155 mph), doesn’t matter whether the roof is up or down.

The latest BMW’s roadster has a lot of advantages over the other rivals, but price will not be one of them. Stay tuned for more details and full pricing list of 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW Z4 sDrive28i	245	250	5.7	155*	41.5	159
* Electronically limited

Source: BMW

October 24, 2011

BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon – 62.8mpg

Do you remember BMW E39 525TDS Automatic? Yep, this old huge saloon, which was meant to go at long journeys with minimal fuel consumption. Fail! The car was so heavy and underpowered that it was a nightmare to drive. Still, there are thousands of them even now and they still work or kind of…

Now, you’ll be able to buy the brand new BMW F10 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon, which is also meant to be driven for a huge distance with minimal expenses. This time, BMW created a very nice drivable machine having decent dynamics and extremely low fuel consumption.

The sixth-generation of 5-Series sets a class-leading figures with its 520d EfficientDynamics model. The car comes with Auto Start-Stop, an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension. Furthermore, it returns whopping 62.8 mpg, which is below 4 litres diesel per 100 km and this is on combined cycle. The harmful emissions are also very low – only 120 g/km.

And if all this is not enough, check this – 184PS (135 kW) and 380Nm (282 lb-ft) of torque meaning 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed somewhere around 232 km/h (144 mph). Not bad, not bad at all for big family saloon, which will carry you, your children and even the dog through more than a thousand kilometres with a single tank of fuel.

Source: BMW

October 24, 2011

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan F30

BMW has revealed the all new 2012 3-Series F30 Sedan. This is the sixth generation of the world’s best-selling premium saloon. The car will hit the market in February next year and it will build on the current model’s position as the ultimate drivers’ car in its sector. It will also be the most logical business proposition, thanks to new powertrains and additional EfficientDynamics fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies.

BMW F30 is larger and more spacious than E90. It is also lighter and quicker, more fuel-efficient; and more nimble and agile while even safer. There have been big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification for only a minimal price increase. A wider choice of trim levels and an extensive personalisation programme will allow 3 Series Saloon buyers to order virtually a bespoke car.

F30 continues to be the ultimate driver’s car by featuring rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, agile chassis set-up and responsive engines.

The engine range includes a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol unit with whopping 245PS and 350Nm of torque. This engine is installed in 328i and replaces the six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines in the previous 325i and 330i. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a staggering 44 mpg on combined cycle with CO₂ emissions below 150g/km. The new unit features High-Precision Direct Injection, BMW’s new TwinScroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening technology. The other petrol engine on offer is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo unit in the 335i.

The diesels are an improved 2.0-litre in 320d with 184PS and 320d EfficientDynamics with 163PS, which is capable of doing 68.9mpg fuel consumption and just 109g/km CO₂. Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics is also now available with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added. There will be 316d and 318d diesels, powered respectively by 116PS and 143PS variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus another version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will slot into the new 320i, and will be tuned to deliver 184PS and 270Nm of torque, with the same free-revving, supremely flexible character of all other BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engines.

BMW UK can confirm that towards the end of 2012 it will introduce four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains to the 3 Series Saloon for the first time in the UK. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been available on the 3 Series in some markets previously, and has now been engineered for right-hand-drive cars. It will be of particular benefit to owners who live in areas prone to extremes of bad weather, and will be available with selected petrol and diesel engines.

The ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive at roughly the same time, and will use the powertrain recently announced for the ActiveHybrid 5. This pairs the 335i’s 306PS six-cylinder engine with an up to 40kW electric motor in a particularly intelligent and efficient way.

Check out the price list, below!

Model	Price OTR from	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW 328i Saloon	£29,060	245	350	5.9 (6.1)	155*	44.1 (44.8)	149 (147)
BMW 335i Saloon	£35,525	306	400	5.5 (5.5)	155*	35.8 (39.2)	186 (169)
BMW 320d Saloon	£28,080	184	380	7.5 (7.6)	146 (143)	62.8 (64.2)	120 (118)
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon	£28,080	163	380	8.0 (8.1)	143 (141)	68.9 (68.9)	109 (109)

*Electronically limited.

Source: BMW

October 14, 2011

Tuningwerk BMW 7-Series 760iL

BMW 7-Series 760iL received a serious upgrade package from the German specialists – Tuningwerk. The long wheelbase version of the model is boosted to whopping 720PS (530 kW) and 1090Nm (804 lb-ft) of torque.

The performance is rather impressive – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (218 mph). More is better, but in terms of power, but the weight has been reduced for maximum performance.

The huge car is 120 kg lighter than the original version thanks to some carbon fiber parts including lightweight carbon-ceramic brakes and a new sport exhaust system. The total weight of the car is 2030 kg.

The price is hefty, too. Tuningwerk BMW 7-Series 760iL costs €198 000, which is decent for such comfort and speed. This is the fastest full-size luxury car on the planet.

Source: Tuningwerk

October 12, 2011

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe Price – £59 565

BMW now offers the new 6 Series Coupe in the UK. This is the third generation since the 6 Series are available on the market. It features a sweeping coupe roofline while the long bonnet, short over-hangs, set-back passenger compartment with Hofmeister kink, long wheelbase and flat waistline embody the typical proportions of a BMW coupé more than any other model.

Usually, the 6er are offered with big petrol engines, but the new 640d Coupe boasts nice six-cylinder diesel engine with a hefty 313PS (230 kW) and 630Nm (467 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). It also boasts incredible 51.4 mpg and 145 g/km of CO2.

There are two petrol engines – 650i and 640i.

The bigger is 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with whopping 407PS (300 kW) and 600Nm (444 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), electronically limited. The fuel consumption is not very good – 26.6 mpg and emissions of 246 g/km of CO2.

The smaller petrol is six-cylinder turbocharged direct injected engine with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. The results are awesome – 320PS and 450Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It returns up to 36.2 mpg and 181 g/km of CO2.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW 650i Coupé	407	600	4.9	155	26.6	246
BMW 640i Coupé	320	450	5.4	155	36.2	181
BMW 640d Coupé	313	630	5.5	155	51.4	145

All models are fitted with an 8-speed ZF Sport automatic gearbox. Its wide range of ratios offer a perfect balance of muscular, sprinting performance, refined high speed cruising and low speed efficiency.

The standard specification includes 18” light alloy wheels for 640i/d, while the 650i Coupe comes as standard with a 19inch light alloy wheel. All derivatives feature Dakota leather upholstery, eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment with memory, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear Park Distance Control to name but a few of the standard specification highlights.

The BMW 6 Series Coupe is now available in M Sport specification. The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic body-styling package, 19inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake callipers.

Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multifunction leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted.

At the same time as M Sport and the 640d derivative come to the UK for the Coupé, the 6 Series Convertible can now also be specified with M Sport.

Optional equipment:

Includes Surround-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Display and, still unique in the segment, Head-up Display.

Pricing:

Model	Price OTR
BMW 650i SE Coupe	£67 340
BMW 650i M Sport Coupe	£71 840
BMW 640i SE Coupe	£59 565
BMW 640i M Sport Coupe	£64 230
BMW 640d SE Coupe	£62 080
BMW 640d Coupe M Sport	£66 745

Source: BMW

October 10, 2011

Prior Design BMW 3-series E90 PD-M

Prior Design has announced a complete styling package for all BMW E90 models except the M3, of course. The Widebody-Kit not only gives the saloon more aggressiveness, but improves the airflow as well.

All parts are made from Dura-Flex, which is a high quality material, characterized by exccelent surface structure that provides sufficient flexibility and stability. Furthermore, all parts are easy to paint, so you won’t have any problems with matching the original colour of the car.

The package consists of Front Bumper, a pair of Side Skirts, a pair of Front Fenders, Rear Bumper, a peir of Rear Widenings and all mounting materials. TÜV parts certificate is also included.

If this is not enough, you can always order PD-M Front Bonnet, Rear Trunk and Mirror Panels.

Source: Prior Design

October 4, 2011

2012 BMW Active Hybrid 5

BMW has introduced a new hybrid version of the latest 5-Series – F10. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 combines the famous TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque coupled to a 56PS (40 kW) and 210Nm (155 lb-ft) electric motor. The interesting about the drivetrain is that the electric motor is integrated into the housing for the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car have an auto Stop/Start system as well as an ECO PRO mode. The Active Hybrid 5 can also coast with the engine shut off at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

So, the combined power is 340PS (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), which is enough to catapult the car from stand still to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, so this is more like a sports car not a family saloon with hybrid powertrain.

The lithium-ion battery pack provides range up to 4 km (2.5 miles) only on electricity with maximum speed of 35 km/h (22 mph). This is perfect, if you have incredibly short trips to the neighbourhood store for example.

The fuel economy is just great – 6.4 liters per 100 km (44 mpg) with only 149 g/km of CO2 emission.

To further enhance comfort and individuality, the standard-specification includes 4-zone automatic climate control and navigation system Professional. You can also order active seats, active seat ventilation, Comfort Access, the Smart Opener for the tailgate, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, a power-operated glass roof and high-end audio and rear entertainment systems.

Source: BMW

October 1, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS

G-Power has unveiled the fastest road legal BMW M3. The M3 Tornado RS now is equipped with SK III “Sporty Drive” supercharger system and the results are really mind blowing.

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS produces 720PS (529 kW) at 8100RPM, which is exactly 300PS more than the original E92 M3. The torque is 700Nm (519 lb-ft), which is also 300Nm increase over stock.

The performance as you may suggest is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 9.5 seconds. The top speed is somewhere over 330 km/h (205mph+).

All this is achieved thanks to a new crankshaft increasing the displacement of SK III-equipped M3s by 15%, from 4.0 to 4.6 litres. The powerful ASA T1-723 supercharger makes just 0.5 bar pressure. There is also an optional carbon fiber airbox weighing just 4 kg.

Finally, the specialists from G-Power fitted the tuned M3 with a titanium exhaust system featuring free-flowing 100 cpsi metallic catalytic converters.
The price for this pleasure is € 35 000 including installation.

This is The Devil itself.

Source: G-Power

September 29, 2011

Manhart MH1 Biturbo

M3, M5, M6 … What was really lacking in this sequence was a smaller M1, which – with due respect to its famous predecessor of the same name – has now been officially called “1 Series M Coupe” by BMW. The engineers at BMW M GmbH are mighty proud of their smallest M-Racer, which thanks to an in-line six cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo-charging and direct fuel injection, sends out a whopping 340 hp on the crankshaft. Alongside so much power, even a Porsche Cayman R must back off.

As one of the foremost engine tuners in Germany, the Manhart Racing Company, led by the engine tuning icon, Günter Manhart, will offer from now on a completely remodelled 1 Series M Coupe. The Manhart MH1 Biturbo stands out with its standard consistent increase in power to 415 hp, which catapults it directly into the same league as the M3 Coupe and the Porsche 997 Carrera GTS. The in-house sports exhaust system, including down pipes and stainless steel silencers, ensures not only a few extra horsepower, but also an aggressive sound.

This is of course still by no means the end, for, so that high performance can also be efficiently reached without large losses in traction propulsion, Manhart Racing built an in-house specially tuned coilover suspension and a magnificent Concave One wheel-set. The exclusive MHR forged wheels rotates with 9×20 inch turn forward, on the drive axle in 10.5 x20 inch turns, in combination with a 245 and 295 Continental Sport contact 5 set of tyres. For more down-force on the front axle, there is also a fine, handmade carbon-fibre front splitter, including a central bar. In the rear section, Manhart has built in a diffuser on the 1M Coupe, made also of course from high-quality carbon fibre fabrics. A set of quality carbon mirror covers completes perfectly the changes to the exterior.

For the interior of the MH1 Coupe, the experts form Geilenkirchen offer sports performance seats in the front and an Alcantara rear seat at the back, both enhanced with red stitching.

Prices:

MHR full carbon fibre front splitter	1,990 Euro
MHR full carbon rear diffuser	1,820 Euro
MHR coilover suspension	2,580 Euro
MHR Concave One forged wheels in 9×20 and 10.5×20 with 245 and 295 tyres
Complete set	7,499 Euro
Performance improvement up to 415 hp	3,900 Euro
MHR stainless steel silencers	1,890 Euro
Down pipes	799 Euro
MHR complete exhaust system	3,799 Euro
MHR performance seats	2,522 Euro
Decoration panel	399 Euro

All prices include 19% VAT

Source: Manhart Racing

September 20, 2011

Tag: BMW