BMW BLOG

Just a few weeks ago, the new entry level Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW, X1, made its debut in Europe. Those of us that live in the U.S. would have to wait until 2011 to see the X1. Automobile magazine Autoweek shares with us their impression of this car that BMW has high hopes for.

“BMW has been spectacular in its reinvention during the past decade. It moved away from traditional volume-selling models, often becoming the first European luxury-car maker to enter important new market niches–much to the chagrin of Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which have attempted to follow its lead.

But if you thought BMW had every luxury niche covered, think again. With the arrival of the X1, it has become the first European luxury-car maker to make a compact SUV, setting up a likely sales battle against class favorites such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V and, from the Europe perspective, the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Ford Kuga.

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Press Release

If you like to drive fast and topless, here you are seated just right. The dual turbo six-cylinder car from ATT out of Rastatt convinces primarily through its increased engine power to spectacular 362 hp and 536 Nm.

The tuner offers two power enhancements. At power level I (2.355,00 Euro) the 335i achieves 345 hp and 481 Nm by the use of an additional controller. At power level II (4.130,00 Euro) the bi turbo achieves entire 362 hp and 526 Nm – therefore accountable is not just the additional controller but also the stainless steel sport exhaust system, which adds to the ideal output effect.

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Inside Line has the story of the day: BMW plans to bring the highly awaited four cylinder diesel engines to the U.S. If you have been a long reader of our website, you probably remember the rumors that started a year ago and then recently they somewhat become more real.

BMW is indeed planning for new diesel engines in the U.S. offering a smaller displacement. Along with the new diesel four bangers, we also expect to see the gasoline ones as well.

While the six cylinder diesel in the 335d is being considered a great performer and performance engine, BMW plans to offer a downsized oil-burner that will provide similar performance as the six cylinder, but far more fuel efficient.

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With a unique combination of High Tech engineering and an innovative, solely for maximum power constructed design, LUMMA Design introduces, in cooperation with G-Power, one of the fastest limousine worldwide. Do you need a true-bred sports car for a spectacular appearance?

By no means! With this unique sports limousine CLR 730 RS LUMMA Design, basic vehicle BMW M5 E60, benches many sport cars. Ten cylinders, bi compressor engine, 730 hp and 700 Nm. Is there any room for improvement? Definitely not! The new LCR 730 RS from LUMMA Design is a commitment to racing. But also concerning style and luxury the CLR 730 RS goes strong.

Aerodynamics is of elementary importance to get a more then 360 km/h maximum speed. The body of the BMW M5 is improved with ultra light but extremely compact carbon components. The LUMMA Bodykit “CLR 730 RS” consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders – all made of carbon.

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To date the BMW Sauber F1 Team has 304 World Championship points to its name. In 2008 Robert Kubica claimed the teams maiden pole position in Bahrain, while the 24-year-old and his team-mate Nick Heidfeld achieved a magnificent one-two at the Canadian Grand Prix in the same year.

In 2007 and 2008, BMW Sauber team scored the second and third place in the Teams World Championship. With sadness, BMW exists the Formula 1 championship at the end of this season leaving the impression that more could have been achieved.

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The fellas over Sport-Cars are back with another review of an AC Schnitzer model. Based on the BMW M3 Coupe, the AC Schnizter ACS3 Sport Coupe takes the powerful M car to a new level when it comes to vehicle tuning.

Unfortunately for us living in the U.S., we don’t have access to these vehicles, but we’re going to rely on our European friends to relate all their findings and of course, the photos we all crave for.

Review translated with Google (not perfect, but it will get the point across):

“Let’s be very honest from the start. The AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon takes you from point A to point B in comfort and it’s a head turner with its design lines and custom wheels. In comparison, the AC SchnitzerM3 goes unnoticed (well almost), until you press that gas pedal…… Small gesture, big consequences! The sound that emerges when two titanium exhausts will awake all bystanders…..

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The BMW Group and the SGL Group have agreed on the establishment of a joint venture for the production of carbon fibres and textile semi-finished products (CFRP) for use in vehicle construction. The total investment volume is € 90 million in the first development phase, the two companies stated on Thursday.

The joint venture will be operated through two companies, one based in North America (SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC), and the other in Germany (SGL Automotive Fibers GmbH & Co KG). The BMW Group holds 49% of the shares, and the SGL Group 51%. The two groups will be equally represented in the management of the two companies; major corporate decisions must be made unanimously by both partners. The joint venture will initially create around 180 new jobs in North America and Germany. Its establishment is subject to approval by the cartel authorities.

“This joint venture is designed to be a classic win-win situation. We are acquiring pioneering future technologies and raw materials that we need for our Megacity Vehicle on competitive terms. The SGL Group is moving into the automobile business with us as a strong partner”, BMW AG Management Board Chairman Norbert Reithofer emphasised in Munich. “With our concepts within project i, we are breaking new ground when it comes to vehicle architecture, lightweight design and the use of materials”, Reithofer continued.

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The votes are in and….the popular site …..”Popular Mechanics” names the 2010 BMW 335d as the “Best Luxury Vehicle”. The annual Automotive Excellence Awards focus on a variety of categories, from “Best Vehicle Design” to “Best Fuel Efficiency”.

The 335d needs no further introduction, I’ve been saying for months that if I had a choice a few years back, the diesel would have taken over the 335 gasoline, but that’s just another story. With their latest performance diesels, BMW hit the jackpot when it comes to combining luxury, performance and efficiency and the multiple awards they’ve won, confirm that.

So, let’s see what PM has to say about the only 3er diesel in the U.S.

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As our editor Andrew said in a previous article, the BMW 320si is a “hidden pearl”, a car known in the BMW community as a real driver’s car. Browsing Germancarzone today, came across a member of this forum, Nikos who has just taken ownership of a gorgeous 320si model.

Since the car was never available for the U.S. market, some of you might have overlooked it or simply never heard of it. No worries, we’re here to refresh your memory and …..to make you a bit jealous, just as we are at this moment.

In late 2005, when BMW announced its new E90 entrant for WTCC, BMW had to homologate the 320si by producing 2,600 road-going versions to compete. A lucky few in countries outside the U.S.(typical) were able to snatch up the low production series cars when they were first sold.

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In 2009 the BMW Berlin plant can look back on a 40-year tradition as the production site for BMW motorcycles, with over 1.9 million BMW motorcycles having come off the assembly line to date. With the anniversary motorcycle “40 years of Berlin” based on the BMW roadster R 1200 R, BMW Motorrad not only celebrates its 40th anniversary of production at the Berlin-Spandau plant but will also support the children’s rights organisation “Save the Children” by auctioning the exclusive motorcycle on eBay.

“Supporting young people through educational activities has been part of our corporate culture for many years,” says Hendrik von Kuenheim, Director of Motorcycles in the BMW Group. “It gives us great pleasure to be able to make a small contribution to a social cause in Berlin and its surrounding area by auctioning this unique model.”

The 80 kW (109 hp) R 1200 R “40 years of Berlin” is a unique specimen constructed especially for this purpose at the Berlin-Spandau plant, fitted with the legendary BMW flat twin “boxer” engine which has been enhanced with numerous features as compared to the serial production model. For example, it has special fittings such as a chrome exhaust system, ABS, white direction indicators, heated grips, on-board computer, low comfort seat bench and the Sport windshield.

The refined appearance of the R 1200 R “40 Years of Berlin” in mojave brown with white lines highlights the special BMW accessories incorporated such as chrome cylinder head covers and rear mirror and cover caps for the Telelever and fork bridge. This special model also features classic wire spoke wheels to mark 40 years of manufacturing tradition at the Berlin site. The rear frame and headlamp casing in silver finish form a classic, aesthetically appealing contrast to the painted body features.

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