BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 18.6 percent in October for a total of 16,443 vehicles compared to 20,203 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago.  The sales volume met BMW’s expectations for the month and reflected limited inventory of the new 2010 model lineup, which began to arrive at dealerships in the middle of October. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales were down 25.6 percent to 160,666 vehicles compared to 215,836 vehicles sold in the same period of 2008.

“In October, we continue to see the trend of high volume premium models grabbing the majority of sales while lower volume specialty vehicles lag their previous year’s performance,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “That’s  why we are concentrating our efforts on our core 3, 5, 7 and X5 series – all of which performed well with the 7 Series showing its best single month performance, outselling the same month last year by 10.3 percent to now lead the segment for the first time this year.”

BMW Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
In October, sales of BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned vehicles increased 31.9 percent to 10,467 CPO vehicles versus 7,937 vehicles reported a year ago.  Year-to-date, CPO sales were up 11.6 percent to 94,982 over the 85,081 reported in the same period of 2008.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 4,176 automobiles, a decrease of 20.8 percent compared to 5,272 cars reported in the same month a year ago when MINI benefited over-proportionally from $4 dollar gas prices.  Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 39,172 automobiles, a decrease of 14.8 percent, compared to the 45,966 cars reported in the first ten months of 2008.

“October played trick or treat with us and we got a mixed bag of news with no clear trend,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “While our dealers reported a lot of cautious customers and pragmatic buying choices, we also saw an inspiring performance in the West with sales being above last year.”

[Source: BMW ]

I drive an E46 3 Series and I’ve got nothing but praise for the M54B25. It’s not the most powerful engine ever made, not by a long shot, but above 3,500 RPMs the engine absolutely comes alive and pulls with all of its might to the 7,000 redline. The engine’s sense of urgency and pull along with the scream it produces at the back makes for an absolutely wonderful driving experience. One of my favorite characteristics of the M54 is the fact that is bullet-proof reliable while also being able to deliver more than satisfying performance. But, while the M54B25 is a great engine in its own right, the S54 is the king of the hill for me.

With 333HP and 3.2 liters of displacement, the engine found its way into the the world-class E46 M3 followed by the  Z4 M Coupe and Roadster. For those that have driven with the engine or even had the privilege of riding with it, you know how special it can be. Like it’s smaller brother the M54, above 3,500 RPM’s the sedate hum of the engine grows and grows to a full metallic roar, letting you know it means business and won’t dare disappoint on the way up to the 8,000 RPM redline.  It is truly one of the finest examples of BMW’s high-revving inline 6-cylinder engines. What could make it better? A bigger airbox, revised cams and engine management and you’ve got yourself an M3 CSL.

However, BMW have produced many, many more engines of all sizes and types, many of which have been acclaimed by critics. The M10 block that, in one form or another was in service for nearly 20 years in a bog standard 2002 or the 1983 Brabham-BMW F1 car, or the S62 V8 of the E39 M5 and often-forgotten Z8, they never disappoint.  The current N54B30 twin-turbocharged engine found in the 3 and 5 Series has, by reputation, already become one of those engines that twenty years from now people will look back on and still be wowed by the power, speed and finesse the engine has managed to deliver. A modern day BMW 2002tii? Perhaps, but time will tell.

What about the famed BMW S14 engine that found its way under the hood of the M3 in both road-going and racing spec? The S14 was built to race first and then built to pilot you to the office or track second. It’s hard to deny an engine that dominated DTM and the touring car scene for the latter part of the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The S14 was essentially a modified M10 block with the best bits of M88 that powered the M1, M5 and M6. I’ve not even touched on the diesels as I’ve not been able to drive one but the 335d has received rave reviews and even the typically harsh BMW critic Jeremy Clarkson walked away impressed by the 535d.

So, we want to know, what’s your favorite BMW engine? Why? Is it the the 2.0L diesel from its peppy yet frugal demeanor or the potent little S14 for its revs or do you want the muscular S85 V10 engine hiding under the hood of the M5 and M6? What about the monster 600+HP S70 V12 stashed  in the middle of the McLaren F1? Let us know what your favorite BMW engine of all time is!

Let’s take a look at the incident and how the 7 Series “reacted”:

“In addition, while not perfect, features such as real-time traffic reporting via the navigation system, which provides information about any accidents ahead and other traffic patterns, and head-up display, projecting navigation, road geometry, and speed information in the driver’s field of vision, add to overall safety.

But there is one thing that none of these systems can do and that’s protect against other drivers who have made a huge miscalculation and, in an instant, are hurtling towards your car without apparently seeing it.

In my case, this happened two weeks ago as I was proceeding on a major street with a green light.  An Acura SUV made a left turn from opposing traffic and entered my path a second or so before impact.  This gave me barely enough time to react, let alone successfully complete an evasive maneuver.  I instinctively stomped on the brakes and tried to steer my way out of its way.  The braking slowed the car down sufficiently so that I avoided a side impact to my car (which could have caused significant injury) but nonetheless, we still made contact as the SUV passed in front of me.

I heard the accident take place but I didn’t feel it at all. The car’s front crumple zone absorbed the impact so well that it was a minor thud to me at most.

The most important thing is that the car I was driving, a new BMW 7er series, not only allowed me to walk away from the accident but absorbed so much of the impact that I was left completely unscathed.    No safety system that currently exists can stop another driver from executing a maneuver that may result in an accident.  What matters most is that the car you are in can keep the consequences of the impact to a minimum.”

Read through to find out more about the safety systems in BMW 7 Series.

In the past ten years, there has been at least a BMW in my garage and almost all of them were 3 Series. I started out with a manual BMW E30 318i Coupe, the successor of the BMW E21 and replaced later by the BMW E36. While not the hottest 3er in the history of BMW, the 318i held a special place in my heart and has been a car that connected me to the brand.

Powered by a 4-cylinder engine outputting 113 horsepower and 100 lb-ft torque, the 318i was far from being the fastest BMW I’ve driven, but its smaller footprint and handling has won me over.

Fast forwarding a few years, I was ready to let go the E30 and jump into one of these E46 bodystyles that everyone has been bragging about. To get the best buying experience, I decided to take delivery of a BMW 325i at the Delivery Center in Munich  through the somewhat unknown at that time, BMW European Delivery program. If the E30 318i connected me to the brand, this program and the new car have totally won me over and most likely forever.

E46 325i was clearly an upgrade over my last model and the “Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan was a perfect fit.

But three years later and I was ready again to move on and up. The twin-turbo engines have just rolled out and everyone was uber excited about them and the performance they deliver. When the Engine of the Year was awarded to the N54 several times, I was already on my way back from the bank. The 335i model has been “eyeing” me for months and just couldn’t resist the urge anymore. So, I decided to get again that amazing buying experience, but this time, doubled the pleasure. The new BMW Welt has just opened its doors and my Montego Blue 335i was patiently waiting for me.

In between these 3ers, a small SAV made its way into my garage: 2004 X3 3.0. A great family car with decent MPG, perfect for a crowded city like Chicago and a savior in our six months winters.

Now this brings me to my original question and I will go first at it. Next year, I’m planning on replacing the E90, but the options are far more extensive this time. Would I move up a class and get the new 5? Sure, that’s an option. Or should I go for that X6 35i that I fell for last year? Even better, how about that M3 Sedan that it’s one of the best Ms I’ve driven? There is always that extreme case where I could hold off for another two years and get ready for the next 3 Series….choices, choices and more choices….

But to summarize this, the new 5 is definitely my first option for now, followed closely by the M3 E90.

So, what’s YOUR next BMW?

A BMW owner listed his 1997 BMW Z3 for sale, 1,000 miles and Buy It Now price set at $20,000. You’re probably saying nothing unusual so far, but wait, the story gets way better.

His/hers Z3 is not just any Z roadster – we see these every day and still enjoy the early BMW Z roadster look- but rather a heavily modified one in an “unique” way.

The owner replaced the motor with a small block Chevy crate motor and to top it off, he added a 471 GM blower, a Predator carburetor with an an Iroc 5-speed manual T10 transmission. Okay, he lost me at the the small block Chevy crate, but let’s go with the flow.

The owner also mentions that it has an MSD ignition along with an MSD distributor.

He/she already agrees that the car is a head-turner (not sure if in a positive way) and has heard plenty of comments so far:

“This car gets incredible attention- out favorite 2 comments about this car 1) a German man telling us “what a waste!” 2) engineered in Germany, perfected in the USA.”

Well, I’m speechless at the moment, but if you have anything to add, let us know.

Check out the eBay listing here.

It started with the grandfather, the patriarch of what would be a long line of champions, its heart was a high-revving 3.5L inline-6. Not surprisingly, that same engine was a large part of the car’s soul and character. It was the BMW M1 – the very first BMW to be produced as an official M GmbH(then M Division) vehicle. On July 10, 1978 with that first crank of the massive M88 engine of the first M1 to roll out of the M Division workshop started a tradition that spanned another three decades – naturally aspirated, high revving, high horsepower engines to power the best BMW’s made.

The M88 itself would stay in service for another 10 years, filtering down from super car status to super sedan status in the first M5 and M6. A modified version of the M88 would lose 2 cylinders and 2,200cc of displacement and be dubbed the S14 to go on and power the screaming E30 M3. Time marched on and models continued to evolve but the same principles of the engine remained – the engines must rev freely and as high as reliably able to. Examples would include the E46 M3 with a 3.2L inline-6 that redlined at an impressive 7,900 RPMs or the E60 M5 who’s naturally aspirated V10 ran out of steam at 7,750 RPMs.

For many, the naturally aspirated, high-revving engines are what defines the M Series cars to enthusiasts. Only in those higher RPMs did the engines come alive and show their since of urgency to bear their soul. Wind out an M-constructed engine on a back road or a track, keep the gears low and the revs high and you will understand the appeal of M cars. The E46 M3 and its S54 engine don’t feel particularly special but above 3,500 revs on the tachometer, the driver is rewarded with a growing metallic symphony from the exhaust. Even the current naturally breathing V10 of the M5/6 is surprisingly sedate until the engine is wound up and at full force.

But, is that all threatening to change? Yes, actually it is. BMW’s famed M GmbH has decided to use forced induction on its next generation of engines as a means of increasing horsepower and efficiencies. After 31 years of naturally aspirated, peaky, well-tuned engines, the NA engine may disappear from one of the most vaunted specialty divisions of any car company in the world.  Sources quoted by Edmunds a few weeks back, mention the 2012 F10 M5 being powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 compared to the free-breathing V10 of the current M5 and they’ve already released the X5 and X6 M’s, both sporting turbocharged V8’s. Rumor has it the next M3 will carry turbos under its hood as well.

Many may feel that this isn’t a big deal and really just an easier way, from an engineering standpoint, to produce higher horsepower figures from lighter engines in the not-yet-kaput power wars between the Germans. And why not? Audi and Mercedes have both used forced induction with success in the B5 S4 and it’s turbocharged 2.7L V6 and the previous E55 AMG with its 5.4L V8, respectively. Both companies are now dabbling in both turbo- and supercharging for high performance vehicles – and that’s a great thing.

But perhaps it isn’t for BMW as they’ve always strived to be more than just what the competition was. With so many other ways and technologies at BMW’s disposal, why not turn to lighter weight vehicles for improved performance?

Sure, Audi’s RS6 sports a turbo’d V10 pushing out 570HP to offset its scary weight figure – but why does the M5 have to do this with its engine too? the N54 in the current 335i is an incredible engine – just look at the awards it’s won ad nauseum, but max torque is achieved by 5,800 engine revolutions. It doesn’t have to carry with it a sky-high redline – and the current forced induction V8’s of the X5/6 M’s top out at 7,000 RPMs.

Yes, power is there, but is the urgency and that special feeling of keeping revs wound up like M cars of soon-to-be-yesterday still going to be present? By adding turbos do you remove the soul and passion of the Teutonic engine?

Perhaps. Many enthusiasts used to say that the further M GmbH got away from the E30 M3, the worse things got for the driver involvement – it looks to be that they could be wrong: the further we may be getting from the E92 M3, the worse off we may be. I only hope that in another 10 years, technology will have moved on allowing BMW to move back to naturally aspirated, high-revving M engines – only time will tell though!

Here is an excerpt, followed by the PDF file to download and an extensive gallery of photos.

In the Car of the Future

Walking up to your car – particularly at night – the first thing you notice once you have unlocked the car by remote control is the interior lights coming on. And precisely this was the starting point for the BMW Group’s light designers, in asking what new technologies would be able to offer in this respect.

Once you have arrived at your car, the seat is your permanent companion, generally remaining unnoticed, on every trip you take. So how can the car seats of the future be made lighter but nevertheless remain comfortable and safe? Answering this question, BMW Group experts have developed three different seat concepts, the best features of which will go into the series development of future seats.

Information and entertainment functions in the car are increasing in both magnitude and significance. So what must displays be able to offer in technical terms in future and how can they be integrated attractively in the car to meet these demands? Different display locations call for new technical solutions – and again, the BMW Group is perfectly prepared.

The acoustic experience in the car has a sub-conscious but significant effect on the driver and passengers. The research prototype by the BMW Group’s acoustic engineers therefore offers personalised and emotional driving experi- ence through active sound design.

Creating the Right Light Architecture within the Car.

Inspired by the use and presentation of light in interior architecture, specialists at the BMW Group have revised and updated the complete interior in terms of light
technology. For like in a building, light in a car may also structure spaces, set highlights, emphasise certain features or conceal others, guide the occupants through the interior, and even create powerful emotions.

An important source of inspiration in this context was the BMW Group’s cooperation with a strong partner company working so far only in architecture. The result is a brand-new world of experience in the automobile.

“The automobile is part of the world we live in. And, using light appropriately, we would like to make this world a pleasant place where you feel at home.”
(Hans-Peter Bailer, High-Value Light Design Project)

Specific, individual use of light may give the same interior a very different look and experience ranging, for example, from calm to dynamic. This is achieved by positioning light sources at appropriate points within the interior, by using different light colours and light intensity. Theoretically, each vehicle is able, through the style of illumination used, to present its particularly character also at night, helping to make the driving experience more intense. Today and in future new technical solutions offer greater choice and individual potentials light experts are carefully testing and introducing in creative style.

The new concept no longer makes do with just one central source of light. Instead, several sources of light arranged in different positions illuminate, say, the pillars in the greenhouse, the instrument panel, the centre console and the driver’s seat. This new light concept is astounding in its effect even from outside. Opening the car by remote control, the driver and passengers experience a welcome scenario with a stimulating feeling of generosity right from the start through the windows. Then, getting into the car, they will receive an even more positive impression, with everything looking bright, pleasant, and spacious.

“The welcome scenario virtually begs the driver to take a seat.” (Jan Seeburg, responsible for interior space design)

BMW Innovation Days 2009 –Interior, Infotainment, Mobility – PDF (14MB)

7. Runflat Tires
The idea was to remove a spare tire to give more trunk space and enable engineers to create a more sophisticated rear suspension, but in theory, all you’ve got was rock-hard ride over bumps and holes. Runflat tires have enforced side skirts which makes them usable even when the tire loses all presure, but the comfort is sacrificed because the tires cannot absorb road damages, due to their stiffness. All BMWs have a wonderful balance between ride comfort and sharp responses so this new change wasn’t exactly received with a warm welcome. Of course, the ride would improve with speed, but perhaps a tire-repair kit as a standard would be a better idea.

6. BMW X3
The X5 was a major breakthrough, initially as a response to the infamous low-quality Mercedes-Benz ML, it had set new standards for SUVs in terms of handling and performance that were even difficult for the Porsche Cayenne to beat several years later. Unsurprisingly, expectations were high for its smaller brother, the X3, which was released with large fanfare and claims by BMW that it would feature near-3-Series-like handling. And it did, but that was the only thing it actually did well. BMW was determined to make the best handling SUV so to completely eliminate body roll, the suspension was as comfortable as a skateboard.

Furthermore, the interior was already dated when it came out in 2003 and it was not the last word in material quality either. However, the X3 was the best selling 4×4 in Germany, even outperforming cheaper models like the Toyota RAV4, and still it has the edge in driving manners when compared to its new rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

5. iDrive
First of all, the idea behind it is great; BMW’s interiors are always logical and ergonomically perfect, but as climate and entertainment functions advance, the number of buttons and switches is increased too and that’s not what you need when you’re enjoying your drive. BMW’s plan was to replace all buttons with a computer-mouse like dial to reduce clutter on the dashboard, and it did in the 2001, with the iDrive system in the 7 Series.

However, the system had one big flaw – it was too complicated to use and it had too much functions. For example, you could set up how long you would want the headlamps to stay on after you turn off the engine. In seconds. I’m not sure why would anyone care about that, but to set up that function was as distracting as would it be to choose the right interior temperature. As with all good ideas, Mercedes-Benz and Audi had stolen and improved it, but BMW has redesigned the interface, so now it’s perfectly intuitive.

4. BMW Z3
BMW has been making pure roadsters for over 75 years, so imagine how much attention has the Z3 attracted for its premiere in the James Bond movie “GoldenEye” in 1996.

Design-wise, the Z3 was a looker, with classic roadster proportions and subtle retro styling. The rest of the experience wasn’t so glamorous; the interior felt cheap and dated, while the rear window was made out of plastic, even Mazda MX-5 had a glass one. The suspension was carried over from the E30, which was quite advanced back in 1985. Nevertheless, due to its modest weight, the handling was fun and predictable, but it lacked the soul of a true roadster, putting it in the same league as the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SLK – a hairdresser’s car. The coupe variant looked odd, but enjoys a cult status today. Truth is that the true roadster wasn’t there until the 2002 Z4.

3. No M-version of the 1 Series
When BMW released the 1 Series, it was the obvious choice for the enthusiast on a budget: 50:50 weight distribution, aluminum suspension and of course rear-wheel drive were unseen in the so-called “Golf-class”. From the start, all reviewers noted that the car was capable of displacing a much more powerful engine than early cars had, so BMW responded with a 3.0 straight six producing 265 HP, also a previously unimaginable in that class. The 130i quickly outperformed its main rival, the Audi S3 which had similar power but from a four-pot turbo, obviously inferior to the advanced in-line six.

With the release of its coupe and convertible versions, the 3.0 was joined by a smaller 2.5 version and the landmark 135i, producing 306 HP. The latter was described as a “Junior M3”, and has received praise among automotive journalists, as Jeremy Clarkson said: “…then you leave the motorway and the road gets twisty and it’s like settling into your favourite armchair. The steering, the feel, the way you can adjust your line through the bend with the throttle. There is no other car made today in this segment that gets as close. If you love driving, this is the logical and best choice in its class.

Of course, a Mitsubishi Evo or a Subaru Impreza will grip more and slingshot you from bend to bend with more urgency, but if you prefer a more flowing style – less grip and more handling – then you would be better off with the “little Bimmer.”

Mind you, this still is a standard car, and the M division always reworks the suspension, the steering and the engine, so imagine how good would it be if they had made it. There is still hope that we will see one in the future….

2. BMW X5/X6 M
Bimmer community baffled as BMW Motorsport announced their first M SAV/SUV, mostly because it was a matter of time until this road will be taken, but  truth is we all felt like it wasn’t the right time or place to do this. All in all, the cars turned out to be pretty impressive, but again, the standard ones bend the laws of physics too, so what’s the point? Later on, it is obvious that the M-badge on those two is the same as the M-package on your daily 318i. It’s pure marketing, but it tells just how exactly BMW M name is respected and distinguished compared to its rivals from AMG and RS divisions.

1. No sign of collaboration with Fiat
Small cars are expensive to produce and the costs increase further with the MINI, as BMW owned British icon employs technology seen in much larger cars. The only way to make it profitable is to form a joint venture, because historically, BMW focused more on building rear-wheel drive vehicles and the experience level in building front-wheel cars might be lower.  Some engines found in the MINIs come from the collaboration between BMW and PSA, but BMW’s version is slightly more economical and MINIs have better gearboxes.

A year ago, BMW announced that for the next MINI, may join forces with Fiat, but after that, both sides remained silent. Just few weeks before, Autocar wrote that BMW will increase its collaboration with PSA, which tells us that the negotiations between the German and the Italian maker might have been stalling.(No official confirmation has been released on this).
Now, the “star engine” from last collaboration is remarkable, it has even won the Engine Of The Year Award for its turbo-charged version, but many believe that the Fiat sourced one could be even better.

Fiat’s small cars were always among the best (and sometimes even class benchmarks) and unquestionably more fun to drive than their French rivals, but it is unlikely that MINI would share its chassis with any other car. And after all, isn’t BMW making world’s best engines?

For a start, the 1986 Fiat Croma was the first car in the world to have a direct injection diesel, and the first common-rail diesel was the Alfa Romeo 156 in 1997. Fiat sold the common-rail technology to Bosch and now it can be found in all modern diesels. Furthermore, the Multijet II that debuted in the new Punto Evo gives the engine free-revving capabilities that were imaginable only in BMW diesels, without removing typical mid-range punch. But MINIs are mostly bought in petrol variants, and Fiat’s revolutionary MultiAir technology would fit in one perfectly. It features hydraulically-actuated variable valve timing which offers a more controllable flow of air during the combustion cycle in comparison with mechanical VVT systems, while increasing power and torque and decreasing emissions and consumption. What is even better, the technology is even more effective when used with a supercharger or a diesel engine.

Initial reviews were extremely positive and MINI’s main rival, Alfa Romeo MiTo, is the first one to have it.
Having all this in mind, it is unclear why BMW and Fiat have not “clicked” yet, but the reason might be Fiat’s recent purchase of Chrysler and the economic crisis.

So there you have it: these seven are not exactly BMW’s finest hour, and let’s hope that there will be less of them in the future. But then, no one is perfect, right?

And what do you think, have I forgotten something?

[Photo credit: JOERG KOCH/AFP/Getty Images]

On the first floor, we had the hydrogen-powered H2R vehicle, one of the first of a new breed of racecars specially adapted to run on liquid hydrogen fuel. Conceived and developed in just 10 months, it has already set nine international speed records at the Miramas Proving Grounds in France.

The H2R’s mighty 6.0-liter V-12 engine, which draws on BMW’s advanced Valvetronic and Double-VANOS technology, is based on the 760i’s gasoline-fueled powerplant. This H2-powered high performer generates 232 horsepower, helping it to achieve a top speed of over 187 mph.

A level up, we have the BMW Z22 Concept, introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show and coonsidered to be the lightest and most advanced mechatronic car ever been presented to the public.

The BMW Z22 featured a mechanical system which is electronically controlled, and it’s the future of car design. Today, the ‘drive-by-wire’ throttle technology is quite familiar, but the Z22 featured ‘steer-by-wire’ and ‘brake-by-wire’ as well, deleting the necessity for mechanical steering and hydraulic brakes.

The Z22 also features the wheelbase of a 7-Series, the overall length of a 3-Series, and the interior room and turning circle of a 5-Series. BMW planned on putting the Z22 into production by 2005, and also using it as a testing ground for new production techniques. The BWM Z22 reached a top speed of 112 MPH with it’s 2.0-liter, 136 bhp, four-cylinder all-aluminum engine.

Almost at the top of the concepts area, we have three exciting concepts: BMW X Coupe, BMW Concept Mille Miglia Coupé and BMW CS1.

BMW X Coupe has been designed by a team led by the controversial BMW designer chief, Chris Bangle. The BMW X-Coupe was the first of his “Flame Surfacing” concepts. The X coupe is not just a show sculpture; it is driveable, and based on the X5 chassis.

Under the coupe’s long, one-piece hood is an advanced BMW turbodiesel engine: the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder unit of the European 530d model, with state-of-the-art common-rail direct fuel injection, developing 184 horsepower. Beyond the production engine, the X coupe’s powerplant has been modified to produce 332 lb-ft. of torque.

BMW Concept Mille Miglia is a concept car inspired by the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, but uses Z4 M Coupe’s drive components. The concept car is 23 cm longer, 14 cm wider, and 4 cm flatter than Z4 M Coupé. Other features of the concept car include 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires, permanently integrated sidewalls, swing-up cockpit, LED headlight panel, silver-colored carbon-fiber reinforced plastic body, 3-material (stainless steel, untreated cowhides and Lycra fabric interior

The vehicle was designed by Anders Warming, current Head of BMW Automobiles Exterior Design.

Last but not least, we have the BMW CS1, the base of the current 1 Series Convertible. The four-seat CS1 convertible features a twin kidney grille, short overhangs, broad shoulder lines, and flowing side sills. The CS1 is powered by a 1.8-liter 115-horsepower four-cylinder engine, mated to a Sequential Manual Gearbox.

We hope you’ll enjoy these photos and remember, if you’re passing through Munich, the BMW Museum is a must, lots of history in there and most important, tons of BMW cars. Stay tuned tomorrow for more photos from the BMW Museum!

While we have compiled a list of questions of our own, we would like to give you the opportunity to ask some questions yourselves….through us, of course.

As always, we want to keep you connected to the blog and to be a part of it, and even though some of you cannot be present at the Frankfurt Auto Show, we would still like to “take” you with us.

Please try to stay on the topic and focus on the 5 GT interior and of course, the X1 model. We will select the best questions and promise to try to get an answer for all of them.

The Frankfurt Auto Show starts at 2AM EST and will continue throughout the day, lots of photos, videos and of course, live coverage.

BMW has always used 7 Series as a showcase for its newest technologies and at the time they are presented to the world, new generation 7 Series are always one of the most technologically advanced cars in the world. The 2001 E65 7 Series was the first car in the world to have a 6-speed automatic gearbox and adaptive dampers, changing the car behavior according to road conditions and driving style.

BMW also premiered iDrive, a ground braking control interface which replaces almost all controls and buttons on the cockpit with a single joystick and a LCD screen. While the iDrive was far from perfect (some journalists complained that it was too distracting to use while driving) Mercedes-Benz and Audi systems were heavily based on it when they emerged several years later.

But the most striking feature of the new car was its controversial design, credit of BMW’s former design chief Chris Bangle. He tried to revolutionize the classic BMW features, therefore introduced a new headlamp shape whose upper edge incorporated indicator lamps. More controversial is the high boot lid which looks like sitting on the rear end rather than embedded into it (later found on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class). Despite extremely negative fan reactions, E65 7 Series remains the best selling generation ever, specially after its 2006 facelift (which toned down Bangle’s radical original styling) and has set a new standard in handling and performance for luxury sedans.

The new generation, dubbed F01, debuted in 2008. Just like the last version, the new design language gained much interest, but now it was mostly positive, as BMW decided to evoke its signature design details. For instance, the headlights feature four LED rings (to resemble the classic four headlamps), the kidney grille is now much larger whereas the tail lights are in L-shape, like many 90’s BMWs. The cockpit is again angled towards the driver (a feature that has been lost somewhere in the 2000s) and the controls are minimal, replaced with the next generation iDrive, which is now more easy to use. Although it may look classic outside, under the metal, lots of radical changes were made. The car is considerably bigger and stiffer than the old model, but the weight remains the same, and in some versions, it is even lighter than the car it replaces. Also, from the basic 730d to the V12 760i, all engines are turbocharged, but BMW claims that it had made them so smooth, so no one could actually tell. Apart from that, the new 7 Series has Internet access, four-wheel steer (and BMW has announced four-wheel drive), Night Vision camera…

But the 7 Series isn’t the only BMW that is going “back to its roots”. Judging by the recent spy photos, the new 2010 BMW 5 Series might feature a more conservative design.

The 1996 E39 5 Series was a truly outstanding car. Many journalists claimed that it was the best luxury sedan in the world, blending a rare mix of sporty handling and performance with comfort and elegant design. It raised the standard so high that arch-rival Mercedes-Benz E Class took two generations to surpass it – and just marginally when it finally did in 2002. The man behind the E39 was dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, the highly respected product chief of BMW during 1990s.

But why was the car so good?

First, its chassis was made immensely strong – 80 percent stiffer in torsion than its predecessor, this was by far the stiffest car back then. So stiff that BMW found it unnecessary to raise chassis’ rigidity anymore in the subsequent E60. Also, it was much safer under crash while being just 10 kilograms heavier than the outgoing model. Even more, the whole car actually weighed less than the old generation, thanks to the use of all-alloy engine, aluminum transmission case and aluminum suspensions. The suspensions of E39 was a technical milestone. It employed a new Z-axle multi-link setup, which had superior wheel control and was made almost entirely of aluminum alloy – a first in mass production car.

E39 was also one of the first cars to mount all suspensions on sub-frames and via rubber bushings to isolate NVH from the chassis. To deal with wind noise, BMW worked in its acoustic lab to tune its aerodynamics and eventually added triple sealing to the doors and noise-absorbing foam to the window pillars. No wonder it set new standard in cabin quietness and refinement. However, BMW didn’t take all noises away. It deliberately left the engine noise untouched. The same driver involvement could be found in handling. As all petrol six-cylinder E39s achieved 50:50 percent front to rear weight distribution, they turned into corners neutrally and eagerly. They set benchmark in dynamics for the executive car class, bringing small-car agility to the class for the first time. The steering was beautifully weighted and very feel-some. Other human interfaces were also tuned to near perfect – slick gearshift, perfectly sited driving position, pedals and instrument, superb ergonomics combined with impeccable build quality and great dashboard design… So how could BMW make further improvements from this?

The 2003 E60 5 Series was under huge pressure; just the year before, Mercedes launched its new E-Class, which was finally catching up with the untouchable E39 5 Series, and new rivals appeared on the market, as Volvo improved its S80, Lexus was a threat in the U.S. with its GS and Audi’s A6 was becoming more than a stretched Volkswagen Passat.

The E60 was styled under Chris Bangle and instead of displaying a sleek and elegant profile, the new car featured complex concave lines, a bloated, aggressive front end and a unusually high back end. The interior was a mixture of sweeping and sharp lines and the controls on the cockpit were replaced with iDrive. Under the hood, the changes are even more radical, but in a more positive way. Weight-wise, it undercuts its predecessor, thanks to a revolutionary aluminum-steel hybrid chassis. This help it cutting 65 kg from the E65 and more importantly, achieving 50:50 weight distribution. Handling was also improved so the 5 Series remains the best car to drive in its class, but the ride quality isn’t the best anymore, as the E-Class is a bit more comfortable.

The final verdict was that the new 5 Series is again the best car in its class, but in some areas, it isn’t a large step forward when compared to the old model. Sure, Jeremy Clarkson called the M5 one of the best cars in the world, and the 535d is officials the fastest diesel car money can buy, but the new generation isn’t as superior as it predecessor was. Which makes all wonder, is the new 2010 5 Series learning from that lesson?

Is the classic BMW design (elegant, yet somewhat aggressive) coming back? We will see in December, when first official photos of the new 5 Series will be revealed.

Running a successful website already helped with the first steps. Since many German speaking readers were already reading BMWBLOG, we decided to go with a similar layout and approach which will make the transition smoother and offer a familiar environment. Benny took the “captain” role, while I moved into the co-pilot seat making sure that he has everything he needs to do his job right and offer BimmerToday’s readers the best and most complete BMW news.

Benny has always been a huge bimmer fan, despite the fact he drives a MINI and couldn’t get him to trade it for a 1 Series Coupe, but that’s another story…..His passion for BMWs has shown immediately in his writing and the readers soon came to embrace and support BimmerToday as one of the leading BMW news websites in Germany.

A year later, BimmerToday displays an average of 200,000 pages a month, 900 articles written so far and has a strong community behind it. With Frankfurt Motor Show approaching, I and Benny will cover a lot of news from Germany for both websites and we will have some more surprises for you.

Those of you that read BimmerToday, I would like to personally thank you for your support. As far as others, including myself, that don’t speak German, well….Benny is here to help us when interesting news occur in Munich and we will bring them to you as well.

These are companies that appreciate the BMW community here and therefore, once a month we would like to thank them and tell you who they are, what they do. We hope you’ll pay them a visit as a way to show your appreciation for their sponsorship of the number one BMW news website.

Many of these sponsors have been with us for a long time and they became very close to us. With some of them, we started joint projects with the single scope of offering diversified services and information to the BMW community.

Momentum BMW West

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FLIR

We would like to welcome our newest sponsor: Flir.com. BMW’s Night Vision System has been developed by Flir and it can be found in the next generation BMW 7 Series. The Night Vision Camera is an option available also in the 5 and 6 Series. The camera can also be retrofitted in earlier BMWs and Range Rovers.

Classic BMW

Nobody sells Used Cars in Ohio like Classic BMW. They also sell new, used, and Certified-Pre-owned BMW. They are one of the most active car dealerships in the social media world, with accounts on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Classic BMW is also the exclusive sponsor of our series of Be A Designer projects.

Alex Dykto | BMW of Peabody

Alex Dytko is a Client Advisor at BMW of Peabody, MA. For over nine years, he has been providing thousands of BMW of Peabody clients with excellent and professional service. If you’re interested in New, Certified Pre-Owned or premium used cars or simply have a general question, feel free to reach out to him, Dytko.net. He is very knowledgeable and responsive. With the latest BMW 0.9% finance rates, you can get a great deal on your new bimmer.

IND-DISTRIBUTION

IND-Distribution is the official U.S importer for Genuine Eisenmann products. It is owned and operated not by automotive enthusiasts, but by automotive and motorsport fanatics. The guys are IND-Distribution are some of the most talented car modders that I have seen so far. You can check out some of their work on the BMW M3 and the BMW 135i. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?

Jlevi Street Works

Since 2004, Jlevi StreetWerks has provided its customers with the finest automotive enhancements, at the best prices, with the best service. It is founded, owned, and operated by passionate auto enthusiasts.

WheelsTO

WheelsTO offers a wide range of products for most popular European vehicles, such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and much more.

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We can get your name out there.

Contact us for more information on supporting BMWBLOG’s growth and development. Alternatively, visit our advertising section for more details

Back in May, the Iranian artist Emil Baddal came up with an interesting BMW Superport concept, a rendering fairly appreciated by the community, but today, he returns with a new concept study designed under the name BMW 250tti Supersport.

While the name sounds exciting, the design is totally “overdone”. The rendering shows a “Batmanish” type of vehicle that has absolutely nothing in common with the BMW spirit…okay, I’ll give him this, the 3 Series Sedan front grille is kinda visible.

We do support from time to time these independent artists and we like to give them props for their work, but this time, we’ll go with thumbs down.

Yes, we know, he got the exposure he probably wanted to, but that doesn’t make us fans of this work…..

Next please!

[Source: Designerspace via Carscoop ]

Celebrities such as Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld attend and display cars in the events. Also, former BMW design head Chris Bangle serves as an honorary judge the Pebble Beach show. Though the weekend is more focused on exotic cars, BMW always has a strong showing across the various shows and auctions. The variety of bimmers is impressive, from old school classic BMWs to the latest models.

More photos and stories to follow.

Thanks for the photos John!

The Wazuma Bio V12 is a four-wheeled 500-horsepower speed machine, fueled with E85 bio-ethanol, turing the powerful quad into an eco-friendly machine. The decision to run E85 as fuel was based on its superior octane rating.

The quad comes with a hefty price, 200,000 euros. the equivalent of $283,000.

Judging by the footage below, the Wazuma Bio V12 seems to be a pretty darn cool machine. Oh…did we mention fast also?

[Source: Autoblog ]

BMW Syndikat Racewars is one of the biggest BMW events in Europe that gathers hundreds of bimmers in one place and challenges the BMW owners in several different competitions: racing, dragster shows or show/shine competition.

Courtesy of Bimmerteam.hu, we’re bringing you several photos from this event showing you some…..let’s say, interesting cars. Some of these bimmers keep their classic look while others are turned into some amazing modding jobs. Of course, we’re getting our fair share of BMW fans that went overboard and turned their bimmers into a “Lamborghini-style” car. We were quite surprised to see so many BMWs with “Lambo doors” at this event.

For more photos, feel free to visit the Bimmerteam.hu gallery

The ATS will be built on GM’s new small car platform family, Alpha, and it will be available in both Coupe and Sedan version. The ATS Coupe will be 8 inches smaller than the CTS Coupe.

The ATS will be, in standard format, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but there will be an option for all-wheel drive.

Due to the shared platform, ATS’ pricing is expected to be very competitive and it’s projected to be a high-volume seller.

Would the Cadillac ATS be able to compete against the 3er, Infiniti G37, Mercedes C-Class or Lexus IS-F? Too early to tell, but we’re looking forward to learn more about this new model and how it would compare against the 3 Series models.

This is not actually the BMW eco concept to be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show, but a five-year-old design study, according to the company. A spokesman for BMW this morning told Autocar UK that it is a model being moved from the central design facility.

A late rumor showed up on the web yesterday when a source close to BMW stated that this could be one of the multiple design proposals, a full scale clay model, that is presented to the board before a final decision is made. As Autocar confirmed, this was a study case made to explore “different design directions and aerodynamics.”

Knowing how well the BMW marketing machine works, it is not hard to believe that these photos might have been released to get some feedback from the BMW community or to create some buzz prior to the Frankfurt Auto Show. Did it work? Without a doubt….Are we a bit disappointed? Yes, since we have definitely fallen for it.

BMW still plans to release the eco-hybrid sports car at the IAA Show which most likely it will be the Vision Z Concept.

[Source: Autocar UK ]

The bumper sticker is quite funny….or at least that’s what we think and it simply reads “My Other Car Was Demolished by the Government”, an allusion to the goverment’s Cash for Clunkers incentives.

The MINI Cooper, with its combined 30-32 mpg, automatically qualifies for the top $4,500 Cash for Clunkers credit.

We’ve always loved the MINI marketing campaigns, some of the most unique and interesting ones in the auto industry.