The Full Monte On Upcoming BMW M Series Models

The Full Monte On Upcoming BMW M Series Models The high-performance BMW M GmbH sports cars enter the year 2009 both ideally equipped and in top shape. With specific body modifications to the BMW M3 Saloon, the introduction of the new iDrive generation for all versions of the BMW M3, the BMW M5 and the BMW M6 as well as a "competition package" for the BMW M6 Coupe, we have ensured that the respective models are able to continue to strengthen their pole position in the disciplines design, ease of operation and driving pleasure. The BMW M GmbH currently offers nine models, this being the most varied and attractive product portfolio in its 30-year history as a supplier of exceptionally sporty production cars. More than 300,000 BMW M automobiles have been handed over to customers since 1978. The most successful model was and still is the BMW M3, now being offered in three different body versions. After the launch of the BMW M3 Coupe, the BMW M3 Saloon and the BMW M3 Convertible were also successfully brought to market this year. All versions of the BMW M3 are powered by a 4-litre,V8 engine delivering 309 kW/420 bhp at 8 300 rpm. The power unit was especially developed for this model and possesses high-revving characteristics with unequalled acceleration. As an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, all versions of the BMW M3 are optionally available with the M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. It has seven gears and shifts without interruption of traction, thereby facilitating even more dynamic acceleration. The M DKG Drivelogic also has a positive effect on the BMW M3's efficiency. Furthermore, it provides gear shifting comfort on par with the supreme standards of a BMW automatic transmission. BMW M3 Saloon: New rear light design. In the model year 2009 and analogous to the BMW 3 Series Saloon, the four-door BMW M3 will also feature divided rear lights with the brand-typical L-shaped contour. The two LED light clusters for the taillights and the indicator lights, which also feature LED technology, have a distinctive and high-quality appearance. The new rear end design is rounded off by modifications to the bumper and rear lid. The list of interior refinements includes a newly conceived fresh air grille located in the centre of the cockpit, a newly designed storage area under the armrest on the centre console and a pearlescent chrome light switch cluster. The new start/stop button, also in pearlescent chrome, and the rotary controls for the air conditioning sporting the same design are not only featured in the BMW M3, but also in the Coupe and the Convertible. Likewise, from the autumn, all variants of the BMW M3 will be equipped with crash-active headrests that reduce the risk of cervical injury in the event of a rear end collision. The choice of exterior colours available for the BMW M3 will also be widened as from the autumn. The colour space grey metallic is now also available for the BMW M3 Saloon. Le Mans blue metallic is new in the range of colours offered for all body variants. Competition package for the BMW M6 Coupe. In the model year 2009, the BMW M6 Coupe in particular presents itself as a top athlete on the road to new all-time highs. With the new competition package, the two-door coupe has managed to strengthen its consistently high performance-oriented profile even further. The competition package comprises a newly tuned suspension, including lowering by 12 millimetres at the front and 10 millimetres at the rear, adapted suspension control systems and forged alloy wheels in double spoke design. The modifications are prominently noticeable through improved handling and the competition package also contains distinctive visual differentiations. A re-contoured bonnet featuring two raised precision lines also emphasises the enhanced dynamic characteristics. BMW M5 and BMW M6: New exterior mirrors with widened field of view and increased efficiency. With new equipment features and optimisation in safety and efficiency, product quality offered by the models BMW M5 and BMW M5 Touring, the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Convertible has increased even further in the model year 2009. In future, the high-performance sports cars powered by the 373 kW/507 bhp V10 engine will also feature brake energy regeneration and an air conditioning compressor which can be uncoupled - both features having been developed within the framework of BMW EfficientDynamics. Moreover, the new smooth-running bearing for the rear axle transmission is characterised by an optimised friction coefficient and its efficiency-enhancing construction. The new exterior mirrors with widened field of view are an additional safety highlight on all four models. Carbon black metallic has been added to the range of available colours. More supremacy through intuitive operation: The new iDrive generation enhances driving pleasure. From the autumn of 2008, BMW M models will also feature the new generation of the iDrive control system which will facilitate even easier activation and control of the most important entertainment, communication and navigation features as well as a number of other functions. The models BMW M5 and BMW M5 Touring, the BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Convertible are all equipped with the new iDrive control system as standard. It also comes with the BMW M3 in conjunction with an optionally available navigation system. It encompasses a newly devised controller which includes preference keys on the centre console and - in conjunction with the optional navigation system Professional - an 8.8-inch control display with a four times higher screen resolution (1280 x 480 pixel) for displaying high resolution graphics and a new menu structure. Flat menu trees and familiar systematic with cascaded main menus derived from computer technology provide improved orientation. Visual control aids which include, for example, an image of the controller displayed on the monitor, provide additional clarity. Town or street names are spelled and telephone numbers entered by means of a circular "speller". The functional range of the tried and tested preference keys situated below the radio control unit have been further optimised. Using these, it is now also possible to store not only radio stations, telephone numbers and destinations, but also all further menu items accessible via iDrive, which can then be retrieved at the push of a button. In the BMW M3, the new controller and the preference keys arranged in its vicinity are surrounded by a newly designed cover for the centre console. The central control element facilitates the operation of various functions by means of standardised rotary and toggle switches as well as push-buttons, whereby the additional keys can be operated without eye contact due to their individual haptic attributes, offering direct access to the most important menu options. The new iDrive controller is, therefore, now much simpler to use and can be operated intuitively without a long familiarisation period. Consequently, the driver gains additional confidence and can concentrate even more intensively on the job of driving. The perfect travel companion: Navigation system Professional with full screen display, preview maps, 3D symbols and guided tours. The new navigation system Professional for the models BMW M3, BMW M5 and BMW M6 offers full screen map display. Travel maps, details of the surrounding area and symbols for places of interest can be displayed as three-dimensional graphics. When defining a desired destination from a list of locations, a map preview of each proposed destination appears additionally on the display when the selection function is activated. Thanks to this geographical information, different destinations bearing the same name can easily be distinguished from each other. The travel planner with guided tours function integrates various destinations into an individual route and, if desired, the driver can also add his own choice of stopovers to the routeing. The storing of navigation data on an on-board 80 GB hard drive guarantees shorter access times. Moreover, this data storage medium can be used as a music archive. For this purpose, music files from a CD, an external MP3 player or a USB stick can be transferred to the hard disc, after which the music files are permanently accessible. New from BMW ConnectedDrive: Unrestricted in-car use of the Internet and enhanced remote functions. The further advanced iDrive controller also forms the basis for in-car use of the Internet. From the autumn of 2008, BMW will be the first car manufacturer worldwide to offer unrestricted access to the internet as an option. The function of the controller is similar to a conventional computer mouse. Internet pages can be displayed on the screen in high resolution. An additional function renders possible an enlargement of visible screen areas for highlighting details. Internet access is optionally available for the BMW M3, the BMW M5 and the BMW M6 on attractive flat rate terms. For safety reasons, the displaying of internet pages on the screen - analogous to the TV function available for BMW M models - is only possible when the vehicle is stationary. In addition to the Internet access, new remote functions provide an even wider variety of telematics and online services included in the BMW ConnectedDrive range. From the autumn of 2008, enhanced remote functions will be available for BMW M models as an integral part of the BMW Assist service. In the event of the car key being left inside a locked boot or when the driver is not sure whether he or she locked the vehicle when in a hurry, all he or she has to do in future is call the BMW Call Center. After confirmed identification, a BMW Call Center employee can then lock or unlock the car by remote control. Integrated use of a smartphone with USB connection for the Apple iPhone and other smartphones. Commencing in the model year 2009, the accessory range will include a new snap-in adaptor for the full integration of the latest smartphones into the vehicle and an optional compatible USB board will be available for the BMW M3, the BMW M5 and the BMW M6. Using the upgrade option of linking the music player to the mobile phone, it will be possible to utilise both the communication and entertainment functions of the respective mobile phone and to control them via the iDrive control system. Telephone numbers and music titles stored in the smartphone are displayed on the vehicle's control monitor. The driver has permanent access to both the telephone and the MP3 functions of the external device. Furthermore, the power supply to the smartphone and reception via the car aerial are guaranteed. The new interface is suitable for the integration of the Apple iPhone, the Sony Ericsson K850i and the Nokia 6500c cell phones.

BMW Ultimate Drive

For the last two days I attended the BMW Drive For the Cure events in Orland Park and Westmont, Illinois. I wanted to give you some quick thoughts on some of the models that I drove. The 335d- This was the diesel powered 3 Series Sedan. This was a euro model that they just happened to have on site. The only way I knew that it was a diesel was the lower redline (vs. the 335i) and the badge on the back. This car is a torque monster!!! It takes off with some serious kick. BMW could definitely make a case for this car in the states. Alpina B7- It's a beast. I wouldn't purchase one but I can see how some people would. I think its a bit large for that much power. The suede headliner was really nice and the shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel deserve special mention too. The 135i- I like the interior a hundred times more than the 3 series interior and the turbo motor feels especially strong in it too. Its just too small. Size wise it was like my first college car or something. I rather liked it for my girlfriend or if I had a teenage daughter. I wouldn't really call it a mans car though. The 335 Cabrio- The 335 Cabrio was cool. I wouldn't buy it for myself but the turbo motor felt very strong. Almost as strong as the V8 in my car. The thumb shifters were cool after I got used to them. The 535i- Im not a huge fan of 5 Series styling but I really think this was the best car at the event. Just as fast as the 550 but without the body kit. I would lose my license with this car. Its the perfect size and the steering was dead on. The only thing I didn't like was the lane departure warning system. Its an unnecessary gadget that was annoying. I don't need my wheel to vibrate everytime I get near the lines on the road.

Restyled BMW 2009 M3

It seemed like just a few days ago that we had the first official photos of the re-freshed 2009 BMW 3-Series. Now the updated 2009 BMW M3 photos hit the net and here is your first look. As we know the new iDrive is in and the taillights are now changed. BMW is moving super fast these days in comparison to the past where it could take over a year for the re-freshed models all made their introductions. Love the new tailights on the restyled M3. Thank you for visiting Restyled BMW 2009 M3 Blog

Madonna's 2002 BMW 7-series for Sale

Are you a big fan of Madonna? If you are, then this is your chance to have one of her cars. The original Material Girl Madonna is currently putting her BMW 7-Series on sale at Auto Trader. Madonna is the only owner of this 2002 BMW 745 Li, loaded with a range of luxury features and quality auto components just like the BMW 320 parts which is not really surprising, first of all because it's a BMW and second it's owned by the Queen of Pop who wants nothing more but the best. Anyway, Madonna's 2002 BMW 745 Li is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 and produces 333bhp and 332 lb-ft of pulling power. It can also sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100kph) in a matter of 6.3 seconds before running out of puff at an electronically limited 155 mph. Inside the 2.5 ton monster which cost $61,000 when brand new is a fitted sat-nav, TV, air conditioning, Nappa leather seats and all-round electrics. Madonna's BMW sits on 19-inch alloys and features anti-lock brakes, traction control, and six airbags. Madonna is one of the world's biggest female artists with a massive chart success over the past 20 years. Madonna has also recently headlined the Live Earth gig at the Wembley stadium which is an event organized by the former US presidential candidate Al Gore with the objective of highlighting climate change. Unfortunately, Madonna's BMW is not the greenest vehicle on earth. Its large V8 engine has a combined fuel economy of 24.4 mpg and emits 280g/kmof carbon dioxide requiring it an annual tax bill of £300 per year. The Material Girl's BMW is not the first car featured on Auto Trader belonging to a musical royalty. For the past six months or so cars owned by Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Pete Townshend, and Frank Sinatra have all appeared on Auto Trader. Even Madonna' husband, film director Guy Ritchie's BMW M5 is on the site. Guy Ritchie who married Madonna the Queen of Pop in 2000 was the first owner of the 2001 M5 before finally passing it on to another member of the UK film industry last August 2003. Ritchie's BMW M5 is powered by a 5-liter V8 engine that revs up 400 bhp. The M5 can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in a matter of 4.9 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Ritchie's five-door M5 enters the supercar territory dominated by Porsche 911 and Ferrari F430 with a top speed of 186 mph. Inside the M5 is a sat-nav, TV, climate control, heated seats, and a six-CD sound system. Its other features include ABS, traction control, rear parking sensors, and a six-speed manual gearbox. It has covered just 36,000 miles. The M5's black motor boasts of full BMW service history.

Spy shots: 2010 BMW Isetta

Two of the most important new cars ever are about to ‘bubble’ to the surface – and in a world exclusive head-to-head, Auto Express has brought them together for the first time! These are the clearest illustrations yet of BMW’s new Isetta and its sister, the Fiat Topolino. They are the result of a new deal between the two firms, which will also be extended to include next-generation versions of the MINI and Alfa Romeo MiTo. The Isetta and Topolino are crucial to BMW and Fiat’s attempts to reduce the overall CO2 emissions of their ranges – but they will also offer buyers 100mpg fuel returns! Reviving a name not seen since the bubble car of the Fifties, the Isetta will take BMW into a new sector of the motoring market. It will be joined by the Fiat Topolino – which we featured in Issue 1,013. Both machines will offer incredible fuel consumption and low emissions, as well as tiny dimensions, and rival the imminent VW up! and Toyota iQ. The Isetta will be hugely important, because it will help BMW comply with the European Commission’s plans to impose an average 120g/km limit on the model ranges of all firms selling cars across the Continent by 2012. And, as there are plans for an electric version, it would also enable the manufacturer to meet California’s upcoming zero-emissions vehicle legislation. As you can see from our artist’s impression, the Isetta harks back to the original bubble car shape. But it has been given a modern reworking by the design team, with the addition of some BMW-style chunkiness. The body is made up of simple panels, likely to be fashioned from plastic to save weight and help resist parking dings. Meanwhile, the Topolino gets a retro look inspired by the 500, with a cheeky front end featuring a smooth nose and large headlights. Under the skin of both models lies an all-new platform that places the engine in the rear and sends drive to the back wheels. With an electric-only Isetta some way off, small-capacity petrol and diesel engines will feature initially. And as Fiat is using a new 900cc two-cylinder petrol motor in the Topolino, the Isetta could benefit from the same unit. The new powerplant was previewed in Fiat’s Panda Aria concept at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and it arrives in dealers under the bonnet of the 500 later this year. While two outputs will be offered in this car – a 105bhp turbo and a normally aspirated 65bhp unit – it will be the latter that powers the Topolino. Twin-clutch semi-automatic gearboxes are likely to be used by both models, as is a stop-start set-up which switches off the engine when the car is stationary in heavy traffic. Combine this technology with a lightweight body, and the newcomers will be incredibly efficient. Expect combined fuel economy of 100mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km. The interior layout is still up for debate, but there is likely to be enough room for three occupants with an occasional fourth seat, allowing owners to juggle luggage capacity with passenger space. It will be interesting to see if BMW and Fiat can make the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout work efficiently. An insider at VW recently told Auto Express that a similar mechanical layout in the up! is being ditched in favour of a front-engined, front-wheel drive format, after it was found that the layout was too costly to develop and made the car unstable in cross winds. Although official production dates have yet to be decided, the Isetta and Topolino are set to arrive some time in 2010. Thank you for visiting 2010 BMW Isetta Blog

2011 BMW M5: the spy photos

The new BMW M5 is due in 2009, pointing to an M-powered version the following year. And the new M5 won't mess with a winning formula; it will still mix executive comfort with supercar-slaying performance. How so? Well, the new twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is said to send around 540bhp to the rear wheels. It's the same engine seen in the X6, but with attention lavished on it by the experts at M Power's experts in their HQ in Garching near Munich. [Source Spy shots: 2011 BMW F10 M5]

AC Schnitzer released BMW X6 tuning package

AC Schnitzer has released a new styling and performance package for the new 2009 BMW X6. As if the X6 wasn’t already turning enough heads, you can add an aggressive body kit to attract more attention (good or bad - that’s up to you). The AC Schnitzer X6 gets a new front skirt with diagonal intakes and repositioned fog lamps. A huge rear bumper is also added with repositioned exhaust pipes. AC Schnitzer says that it is offering a Motor Control Unit for the both diesel versions of the BMW X6 including the 3.0dX and the 3.5dX. Official performance data will be released at a later date. The tuner also added an upgraded suspension spring kit to enhance performance. The AC Schnitzer BMW X6 rides on Type VII 22-inch black racing alloy wheels. Thank you for visiting AC Schnitzer releases BMW X6 tuning package