BMW news
Find out the latest BMW news
The car industry has a very dynamic pace so you must keep up with it and stay very well informed. Using state of the art technology and being one of the world’s most innovative automakers, things at BMW move pretty fast. You can easily find out the latest BMW news thanks to our colleagues at Autoblog. The information is updated regularly so you will not miss any important BMW news.
Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, BMW
Our ever-vigilant readers have struck, proving yet again that in the age of the camera phone, almost anyone with a mobile device can emulate Jim Dunne, Brenda Priddy or Hans Lehmann. The latest capture we've received comes from reader Charlie Hung, who recently spotted this black roadster on a Southern California freeway. A quick inspection of the images reveals it to be the next-generation BMW Z4 that's been spotted periodically for some time now. The bodywork on BMW's latest offerings would suggest that the current Z4's flame surfacing will probably be radically toned down. Much of the contouring we see on this prototype is likely just camouflage. Underhood, we'll probably get the same powertrain lineup as the 3 Series, with the next M Roadster getting the M3's V8. Judging from the size of the rear window, the Z4 will probably pick up a retractable hard top as well. When the new Z4 debuts, BMW will move production from its current home Spartanburg, SC to Germany. Spartanburg will take over production of the X3 crossover.
[Source: Charlie Hung]
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BMW working on M3 CSL with 470 hp
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Euro, BMW
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW M3.
The rumormongers at AutoZeitung are reporting that BMW plans to unveil a stripped-out, track-ready M3 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The E90-based M3 CSL will use many of the same tricks BMW employed on the E46 model in an effort to shave the coupe's curb weight. Luxuries like air conditioning, stereo and navigation won't be included, while the hood, bumper, trunk and fenders will all be swapped out in favor of carbon fiber pieces.
In addition to keeping the pounds down, BMW will reportedly boost the output of the M3 CSL by an additional 50 horsepower, for a total of 470 bhp. That should allow the E90 CSL run to 60 in around four seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 185 mph.
Production of the 2010 BMW M3 CSL will be limited to 100 units and pricing is estimated at 90,000 euro, or just over $140k.
[Source: AutoZeitung via EGMCarTech]
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VIDEO: E92 BMW M3 racer rolls out to the track
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, BMW
Click above to watch the E92 M3 race car in action
The previous generation M3 had a short but dominant history in the American Le Mans Series. Competing in the 2001 season with a 4.0-liter V8, the M3 GTR decimated the GT (now GT2) class. Porsche cried foul, citing a lack of an "authentic" V8-powered M3 production car. Despite a small run of V8 M3s to satisfy regulations, the ALMS changed the rules so that BMW had to either produce 1000 road cars or face weight and intake restrictions. BMW decided it wasn't worth it and didn't return for the 2002 season. But with introduction of the E92 M3, BMW is free to race with a V8 unrestricted and announced their racing program in cooperation with Rahal Letterman Racing, as well as unveiling a new racecar at the Chicago Auto Show this year. We haven't heard much about the car since then, but BMW Motorsport released a video showing some pretty awesome footage of the car on track. It's design is aggressively beautiful, and we can't wait to see it rub fenders with Porsche and Ferrari next year in GT2. Follow the jump to watch the video or adorn your desktop with the gallery of images below.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: E92 BMW M3 racer rolls out to the track
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BMW 7 Series gets ballsy unveiling in Russia
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., BMW
You would think a car company with BMW's brand recognition could roll out its redesigned flagship 7 Series covered in burlap at a mid-December reveal in Siberia with no concerns over public perception, but BMW apparently feels the up-and-coming Russian market needs to be romanced with a glitzy intro right in the middle of Red Square. That's where the carmaker held the official unveiling (though we already got the official photos earlier this month) July 8th.For two days, the 7-Series was hidden in 180,000 silver balls that filled a giant glass-and-acrylic hourglass almost 40 feet tall that had been built right in front of the Kremlin. Then, on the night of the 8th, as 400 invited guests watched, the top of the hourglass emptied to reveal the car.
BMW officials say the stunt was meant to illustrate the event's tagline, "Never stand still." Hey, if it sells a few Bimmers in Russia, maybe giant hourglasses are the way to go. Still, maybe next time they should at least consider the burlap. It's gotta be cheaper than silver balls, and we'd still blog about it.
Check out a high-res gallery of photos from the event here and BMW's press release after the jump.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Continue reading BMW 7 Series gets ballsy unveiling in Russia
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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 BMW M3 MT6
Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupes, BMW
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW M3 coupe.
Third-party performance tuners like Alpina, AMG, Brabus, Ruf and others have thrived in the land of the autobahn, typically modifying cars from one particular brand. In the late '70s, BMW became the first of the German automakers to establish its own in-house tuning division, incorporating its motorsports arm into what's now know as the M division. The firm's racing knowledge disseminated down to its production cars with the introduction of the M1 and later the M535i. In subsequent years, M followed up with the M5 and M3. Eventually Mercedes followed suit by buying out AMG, while Audi launched Quattro GmbH. Over the past two decades, M has continued to create ever faster iterations of mainstream Bimmers and for 2008 the M brain trust brings us the fourth generation of the M3.
The original 1986 M3 used the boxy body of the E30 3-series coupe, equipped with a high output, 16-valve four cylinder engine to homologate the body and engine for Group A touring car racing. Over the years, M3s, like all other BMWs (and pretty much every other car on the road), have grown bigger, heavier and more powerful. The E36 and E46 M3s both drew motive force from in-line six-cylinder engines ranging from 240hp to 333hp. The new E90-based M3 has what could turn out to be the ultimate engine of the series, with an all-new 4.0-liter V8 generating 414 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. But what's it like to live with? Follow the jump to find out.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 BMW M3 MT6
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2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Euro, BMW
Click above for 40 hi-res images of the freshened 3 series
BMW has unveiled photos and details pertaining to the facelifted, Euro-spec 2009 3 Series sedan and wagon. We touched on the visual updates yesterday, but to recap, the car sports a revised front fascia, a new hood, restyled mirrors, and reshaped taillamps. The changes are subtle, but good. Inside, the new iDrive trickles down to the 3, which also gets BMW ConnectedDrive in-car internet, as well as an 80-gig hard drive. The 3 Series sedans and wagons are available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 7-speed DCT doesn't make it into the four- and five-doors at this time, but it becomes available on the 335i coupe and convertible. Read on after the jump as we run down the model variants and engine offerings.
[Source: BMW | Photos: BMW via BMW Blog]
Continue reading 2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled
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Hamann announces tuning program for new BMW 6-Series
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, BMW
Click above for a high resolution image
With BMW giving the 6-Series a refresh for 2008, it was just a matter of time before the tuners brought out the new goods. Hamann has announced its new line of products for the 6er starting with two different styles of aerodynamic packages that including the basic kit and a race edition version. As always, a variety of wheel options are available in 20 and 21 inch sizes. Performance upgrades are also available, including engine tuning for the 630i, 650i and 635d, a sport exhaust system, an adjustable coilover suspension system, and a sport brake system. Full details are in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Hamann]
Continue reading Hamann announces tuning program for new BMW 6-Series
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BMW 3-series refresh confirmed for Paris debut
Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Paris Motor Show, BMW
The 2009 BMW 3-series will be revealed in all its facelifted glory at the Paris Motor Show and sales will begin across North America this October. The only discernible differences up front are a new fascia that apes the recently unveiled 7-series, new headlamps with "altered graphics," a contoured hood and modified mirror housings. Out back, the subtle changes continue, with a new taillight design that integrates more cleanly into the trunk lid and a reworked bumper that will join a one-inch wider track on high end version of the 3-series.
Inside, you'll find a revised armrest on the driver's side door, an updated iDrive controller and software, a high-resolution 8.8-inch screen, with options for an 80-gig hard drive that can store MP3s and the sat nav software.
The 335i's (claimed) 300 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo six will remain, as will the 328i's 230 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. The new addition to the family is the 335d, which is packing a 265 hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, equipped with urea injection to keep the U.S.'s SMOG sniffers happy. However, if you were hoping for a 335d coupe, you're out of luck - the oil burner is only available in the sedan and fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the tranny choices will include the six-speed manual or six-speed auto 'box. However, Autoweek makes no mention of the DCT gearbox. Too bad.
Expect all the details to be revealed shortly.
[Source: Autoweek]
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2009 BMW 3-series to get DCT gearbox
The 2008 BMW M3 won't be the only 3-series to get Bavaria's newest dual-clutch gearbox. According to documents leaked out of BMW's Australian arm, the 2009 335i coupe will be available with a revised version of the DCT gearbox, at least Down Under... for now. The dual-clutch transmission is the same unit fitted on the V8-powered M3, but some changes to the software are planned to better suit the turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six powerplant. There's no word on when the DCT gearbox will be available on U.S. shores and we don't know what kind of premium the seven-speed tranny will carry, but a DCT-equipped M3 commands an additional $2,700 over the six-speed manual, so expect a similar price when the revised 335i goes on sale, likely later this year.
[Source: BimmerFile]
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BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike
Filed under: Motorsports, Tech, BMW, Motorcycles
Click on the image above for more shots of the 2WD BMW concept bike
A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.
With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.
[Source: The Biker Gene]
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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3
Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, BMW
Boy howdy does that camouflage make it difficult to suss out what's underneath! BMW's cooking up a new X3, expected to drop in 2011, and the changes don't look to be huge. The smallest SAV - BMW's acronym for [Source: BMW blog, Photo: Priddy]
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VIDEO: BMW Museum takes "kinetic" to a new dimension
Filed under: Etc., Videos, BMW
Some designers engage in strange practices to gain inspiration for their next big creation, but the creative types at the Bavarian Motor Werks had to have some serious... bearings to whip up its newest ode to "kinetics." After the jump is video of 714 metallic spheres that appear to be floating in mid-air in the new BMW museum. The display is pretty wild and we have no idea how it was done, but it's worth taking a look at. You may want to supply your own tunes though, as three-minutes of elevator music will make you want to apply your finger nails to the nearest chalkboard. Enjoy!
[Source: Engadget]
Continue reading VIDEO: BMW Museum takes "kinetic" to a new dimension
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BMW plans 500 Electric MINIs for California
Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, BMW, MINI
BMW's MINI brand already produces some of the most efficient vehicles for sale in the US, and sources say the pint-sized cars will soon go emissions free, at least in California. BMW is planning to lease 490 Minis in California, with an additional 10 vehicles planned for show car duty. The emissions-free MINIs will be silver with a yellow roof, which should stand out nicely in the land of fruits and nuts.
There are no details at this point pertaining to EV range or date of availability, but BMW claims it will make an announcement regarding electric vehicles later in the year. With all the talk of game-changing vehicles coming in the near future, we're getting the feeling that the upcoming auto show season could be one of the more memorable on record.
[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]
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BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008
Filed under: Car Buying, BMW, Earnings/Financials, By the Numbers
Demonstrating that there is good news still to be found in some sales departments, BMW Group announced their worldwide January through June 2008 sales for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands increased 4.7 percent compared to last year. The sales total of 764,874 automobiles marked the most successful half-year of sales in the history of BMW Group. All three brands contributed to the sales increase, in varying capacities. BMW sales grew 2.4 percent, thanks to the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series Cabrio, while MINI sales were boosted 17.9 percent as the MINI Clubman rolled into showrooms. Most impressive was Rolls-Royce, boasting a 68.4 percent increase in sales compared to last year. The only segment where BMW Group was unable to maintain sales levels was with its motorcycles, as sales fell 5.6 percent compared to last year.
[Source: BMW Group]
Continue reading BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008
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Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall
Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, BMW
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.
KPG's crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don't expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.
The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.
Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance," - with the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.
[Source: KGP]
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BMW and Fiat teaming up for new small car platform
Filed under: Euro, BMW, MINI, FIAT, Rumormill
Fiat wants to become the platform-sharing kings of Europe, and with deals with Tata, Suzuki, Ford, and PSA, the Italian automaker is well on its way. Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News Europe that another cooperation would be announced tomorrow, but details were scarce. Suppliers in the know are saying that a new deal is imminent to share the next generation Punto platform with BMW. The platform would be used to underpin the third generation MINI, which would help keep BMW engineers out of the FWD business and cut costs for Fiat at the same time. Fiat has been trying to produce a competitor to the popular MINI Cooper, and now it appears the Italian automaker will be working with an even playing field when it comes to platforms.
[Source: Reuters]
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Next BMW M5 will nix V10 in favor of twin-turbo V8
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, BMW
BMW may begin straying from its long held tradition of equipping its M models with rev-happy, naturally aspirated engines. According to a source speaking with Automotive News, the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently equipped on the new X6, could be stroked out to 4.8-liters and fitted on future Ms, including the new M5, due out in 2011. The twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter inline six found in the 335i, 535i and entry-level X6 proved that BMW has the chops to create highly efficient and eminently entertaining blown mills, and there's no doubt that significant tweaks to the turbocharged V8 could boost power levels over the stock mill's claimed 407 hp, to take take serious aim at Audi's 572 hp RS6.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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VIDEO: New BMW 750Li and 730d out for beauty shots
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Videos, BMW
Hit the jump for video of the 2009 BMW 7-Series
The new BMW 7 Series has undergone a makeover, with less polarizing looks and a healthy dose of Concept CS all around. It has only been a couple days since we got our first official eyeful of the new Bavarian top dog, and now we've got video of the 750i and 730d. Hit the jump to seeand hear the oil and petrol powered Bimmers as they tackle the twisties and pose for the cameras. There is no soundtrack, no fancy graphics, just the redone 7 Series. Enjoy!
[Source: World Car Fans]
Continue reading VIDEO: New BMW 750Li and 730d out for beauty shots
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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5 Series
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, BMW
Now that the world has a good idea of what to expect from the next BMW 7 Series, our attention naturally turns to BMW's tweener car, the 5 Series. Spy photographers have managed to snap off a few shots of the upcoming sedan, and although it is still heavily camouflaged, some of us are already beginning to appreciate the end of the 'flame surfacing' that defined the propeller-brand's last generation of products. Instantly noticeable are the huge double-kidney grilles up front, which appear to mimic those introduced on the Concept CS sedan and featured on the new 7. Reports indicate that the 5 Series will add a fastback coupe similar in concept to the X6 to go along with the expected sedan and wagon. The interior shots show the newly-revised iDrive system with its enlarged display. BMW still plans to cover its center-mounted navigation screen with a gigantic domed hood, and the joystick-style gear lever used in some of its current models also returns, but the iDrive controller appears to be relocated to a more natural spot forward on the console.
[Source: The Car Connection]
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