Hugo Becker

Hugo Becker is our resident curmudgeon and technology maven. Having had a driver’s license for over 40 years, he also has seat time in a large number of cars, from the silly to sublime. He brings a Sputnik era emphasis on science and technology to BMWBLOG, along with a passion for automotive history. Did we mention he’s old and crotchety?

Editorial: BMW’s Ultimate Gamble

Number ONE Strategy. In the midst of a huge economic downturn, when car manufacturers are stumbling with product liability issues or just trying to stay solvent (or recover from bankruptcy), BMW is announcing and delivering…

Editorial: A Brief History of Front Wheel Drive

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…

Analysis: The N55B30 engine

Analysis: The N55B30 engine

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…

Safety of cars’ keyless entry and how to disengage ignition in case of emergency

Column: The Zaftig GT

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…

Interview: Dr. Oetker and the BMW M3/335is Dilemma

Interview: Dr. Oetker and the BMW M3/335is Dilemma

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…

Analysis: BMW 1 Series Coupe Styling

Analysis: BMW 1 Series Coupe Styling

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…

Origins of the BMW Roundel

Origins of the BMW Roundel

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…

The Origins of DesignworksUSA’s Heritage

  DesignworksUSA is a design ‘skunk works’, a hotbed of automotive styling located in southern California. But it wasn’t always in BMW’s hands. It was purchased from Chuck Pelly by BMW. So who is Chuck…

Editorial: Bangle’s Legacy

Regardless of popular sentiment, from either pole, Chris Bangle has had a significant impact on BMW. His retirement in March of 2009 marked the end of a decade and a half of service designing automobiles…