Dynamic ability, comfort, efficiency, aesthetic allure and a profusion of innovations designed to enhance driving pleasure – the BMW 5 Series contains all the signature ingredients of a best-selling model at the premium end of the executive segment. Indeed, consistently rising … Continue reading

Hugo Becker

Column: Book Review – “Crash Course”, by Paul Ingrassia
3

In Others, on May 2nd, 2010

We read them so you don’t have to. The ink is hardly dry on the pages of this 2010 book and yet the story is as old as time; hubris followed by a fall. While focusing on GM and Chrysler, … Continue reading
Editorial: A Brief History of Front Wheel Drive
16

In Featured Posts, Interesting, on April 6th, 2010

Start. In the beginning was the Cugnot artillery tractor. More than one version of the three-wheeled front-wheel-drive (FWD) steamer came off the drawing boards in the second half of the eighteenth century. The apocryphal story goes to the affect that … Continue reading
Analysis: The N55B30 engine
20

In Featured Posts, Interesting, on February 24th, 2010

The BMW N55B30 represents the current workable technical edge of gasoline engine performance and economy. It is a state-of-the-art powerplant available in the 535i GT and soon the 535i from BMW. It is possible, that before long the N55B30 will … Continue reading
Interview: Dr. Oetker Speaks of Joy
8

In Others, on February 22nd, 2010

I bumped into Dr. Oetker in the frozen food aisle of our local super market. BB: Hello Dr. Oetker, fancy running into you here! DO: Where else would you expect to see me? What’s cooking? BB: Well, the latest buzz … Continue reading
Safety of cars’ keyless entry and how to disengage ignition in case of emergency
18

In Featured Posts, How-To, on January 29th, 2010

In the next few sentences, we will describe how the keyless entry technology works in a BMW and how to disengage the ignition in case of emergency. BMW uses a ‘throttle-by-wire’, like a lot of other manufacturers, the gas pedal … Continue reading
Column: The Zaftig GT
21

In 5 Series GT, on January 26th, 2010

There seem to be multiple definitions of the term, Gran Tourismo Turismo . How else could such disparate vehicles like a Mustang GT, Bentley Continental GT, Nissan GT-R, Ferrari 599 GTB, Pontiac GTO and the new BMW 550i GT all … Continue reading
Interview: Dr. Oetker and the BMW M3/335is Dilemma
41

In 3-Series, Featured Posts, on January 25th, 2010

We’ve been having an internal debate here at BMWBLOG as to which car represents the greater value, the 335is or the M3. After the dust settled we decided to consult with our resident expert, the good Dr Oetker. But before … Continue reading
Analysis: BMW 1 Series Coupe Styling
10

In BMW 135i, on January 20th, 2010

The Amish are renowned for their restrained appearance, and a well crafted simplicity. Loath to emulate what they view as the discordant modern world, they have shunned any affect of modernity. Amish building and furniture making is highly praised but … Continue reading
Origins of the BMW Roundel
10

In Interesting, on January 10th, 2010

A recent story in the New York Times dispels the ‘spinning propeller’ myth of the BMW roundel. Much to the dismay of many, the article is 100% correct, the origins of the blue and white checker in the BMW roundel … Continue reading