Following the tradition of the new 1M or M5, the BMW M6 MotoGP Safety Car will take over as the official safety car for the bike championship. Last year at the Nurburgring’s M Festival BMW showcased the 1M MotoG P, along with the F10 M5 Ring Taxi and this year’s festival will host the debut of the M6 Coupe MotoGP. As expected, the BMW M6 Safety Car comes with plenty of carbon fiber parts, such as the front bumper lip, side mirrors and adjustable rear wing to provide the requisite downforce. Polycarbonate side and rear windows are included as well. Due to the Akrapovic partnership announced a few months ago, we expect the M6 MotoGP to come equipped with a special lightweight titanium race exhaust system that not only saves weight but also delivers a captivating sound for the benefit of the spectators. Complementing the discreet spoiler lip on the boot lid there is now an . No shots of the interior yet but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a rollover cage, the absence of rear seats, two racing Recaro bucket seats, along with an M steering wheel in Alcantara. Stay tuned for more photos from M Festival this weekend! More here:  BMW M6 MotoGP Safety Car heading for M Festival

Attention, dreamers: BMW has powered up its online configurators for the 2013 M5 and M6 coupe . Regardless of whether you have the scratch to afford the $90,795 M5 or the $106,995 M6 coupe , it’s always fun building out a fantasy ride. Read full story » Here is the original: Configurators for 2013 BMW M5 Sedan and 2013 M6 Coupe Power Up Go here to see the original: Configurators for 2013 BMW M5 Sedan and 2013 M6 Coupe Power Up

Yep, you read that correctly, today’s Super Bild is the “Uniquely South African” BMW 333i. Very little is known about this little gem outside of South Africa but to the enthusiasts there, this is a super rare car. BMW South Africa’s Motorsport division created the 333i in 1986 by fitting the 3210 cc M30 “big six” (“M30B32″ of the 733i E23/ 533i E12/ 533i E28/ 633CSi E24) engine to a 2-door E30. The resulting 333i was a major success in saloon car racing in that country and is now a collectors’ item. The 333i was built with help from Alpina in Buchloe, Germany, featured some interesting compromises like forcing the buyer to choose between air conditioning (vital in South Africa) or power steering (because of lack of space due to the large M30 engine). They were only built in small numbers in 1986. BMW South Africa provided the following specifications for the 333i: Powerplant – M30B32 6 Cylinder 3210 cc 145 kW (197 PS; 194 hp) at 5500 rpm. 285 N•m (210 lb•ft) torque at 4300 rpm. The cars were fitted with a close ratio 5-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential. Braking was enhanced by 296 mm (11.7 in) Alpina dual ventilated grooved front disc brakes. ABS was optional. The cars were fitted with J7x16 Alpina wheels and Pirelli P7 (195x50VR16)tires. BMW provided performance figures were impressive, with a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph). 0–100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, and a standing kilometer in 27.7 seconds. Actual South African Car Magazine road test figures were a top speed of 231 km/h, 0–100 km/h in 7.23 seconds and a standing kilometer in 28.08 seconds. The test was carried out with a driver, passenger and a full tank of fuel. Approximately 210 of these cars were produced but 204 were offered for sale. [Hat tip: Ntokozo Mkhize] [Source: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=25725&page=2] See original here:  BMW Super Bild Of The Day: E30 333i

The 2013 BMW 135is coupe. Image: BMW AG BMW’s 1 Series M is heading out of production, and (as far as we know) all inventory has already been spoken for. If you missed your chance to buy one, BMW will soon offer you the next best thing: the 2013 135is. Available in both coupe and convertible flavors, the 135is comes with a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, good for 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. A performance exhaust system ensures that the car sounds good, too, and a larger capacity radiator should be able to handle the stress of summer track days. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual transmission or BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, ensuring that the 135is has broader appeal than the 1 Series M. The 2013 BMW 135is convertible. Image: BMW AG Underneath, the 135is gets a sport suspension, although we’re pretty sure it won’t allow the same cornering speeds as the M-designed suspension on the 1 Series M. The 135is comes with the now-required electronic stability control, but traction and stability control can be dialed back for a bit more fun on dry roads. For track days, both systems can be defeated entirely, which is good news for driving enthusiasts. The 2013 BMW 135is interior. Image: BMW AG The cars will hit dealer showrooms this fall, with prices starting at $44,145 for the coupe and $48,845 for the convertible. We doubt these will be limited production, either, meaning that there should be plenty of inventory for all interested customers. We don’t want to sound ungrateful, but quite frankly we’d rather see the M135i hatchback that Europe is getting. Forget the idea that Americans don’t want hatchbacks, especially when they look as good as the M135i three-door hatchback concept that BMW exhibited in Geneva.           Excerpt from: BMW Announces 2013 135is Coupe And Convertible See more here: BMW Announces 2013 135is Coupe And Convertible

The facelifted BMW 7 Series goes on sale this July and along with mild exterior upgrades, it also brings to market new exterior colors, engines and features. BMW introduces a new model in the 7 Series lineup: 750d and 750Ld. The high-end diesels are powered by the new tri-turbo 3.0 liter engine which is based on the popular 3.0 liter inline-six (N57D30), but with an extra turbocharger. The innovative powerplant produces 381 horsepower and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. With 93.6 kW/127.3 hp per liter of displacement, the N57 sets a new benchmark standard for diesel engines. Another diesel model to receive an upgrade is the entry level 730d. The updated N57D30001 unit now produces 254 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque (413 lb-ft). The two diesels, in both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive, are available only to European customers. Both the F01 and F02 7ers will offer their customers an extensive range of exterior colors, with the latest additions being Havana, Glacier Silver and Midnight Blue. Starting as of July 2012, the next generation iDrive navigation system will be available on the 7 Series. The new system offers faster processing and an enhanced design over the current iDrive system. A new multi-touch iDrive knob, similar to the Audi system, will allow the driver and passenger to easily enter numbers and characters through gestures without looking at the system. The new iDrive also includes software upgrades: Streamlined radio/menu and navigation structure, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Weather info and more Google Search features. Moving outside the car, the F01 and F02 7er LCI models will feature full LED headlights that were redesigned to look sleeker and are smaller in size. A new eyebrow now hosts the turn signal indicator. All 7 Series LCI models will get the signal indicator integrated into the side mirrors. We anticipate a web debut of the 2013 BMW 7 Series in the upcoming weeks. See the original post here:  2013 BMW 7 Series LCI brings new colors, engines and features

BMW will extend its “is” badging to the 1-series starting this fall, when dealers begin taking deliveries of the 2013 135is coupes and convertibles. Whereas the 335is and Z4 sDrive35is are perhaps halfway between normal models and M cars—sort of M Performance cars before such a thing existed—the 135is is more like a 135i with existing off-the-shelf upgrades. (more…) The rest is here: BMW Introduces 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible View original here:  BMW Introduces 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible

The new BMW 3 Series Touring F31 will have to compete in the next few months against offerings from Audi and Mercedes. The all new 3er Touring runs head-to-head with the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. While the 3er is a brand-new offering, the Audi A4 Avant received a facelift this year. The C-Class Estate went through that process in 2011. As always with a new BMW model, we put together a visual comparison that highlight the design features of similar models in the segment. In standard form, BMW and Mercedes offer their sports wagons with a rear-wheel drive transmission, while Audi stick to its front-wheel-drive architecture. Of course, an all-wheel-drive optional transmission is offered across these models. Other differences arise in the automatic transmission: BMW F31 offers a ZF eight-speed box, Mercedes relies on an in-house seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi offers a variable multitronic or seven-speed dual clutch transmission.  All three vehicles can be upgraded with numerous assistance systems. Exclusive to BMW is the Head-Up Display and a rear window that opens separately into the operable standard tailgate by pressing a button. With 1,500 liters of stowage space with rear seat folded, the BMW also offers the most cargo space. The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will launch in Europe later this year and is set to arrive in US showrooms in Spring 2013. Powertrain details for the US as well as pricing, specifications and standard/optional equipment will be announced at a later date. [Images: BimmerToday ] Original post: Photo Comparison: New BMW 3 Series Touring vs. Audi A4 Avant vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

New top performance model 1 Series for 2013: BMW 135is Coupe and Convertible Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 15, 2012 …. In the long standing tradition of high performance BMW “is” models, BMW today announced an enhanced performance version of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible called the BMW 135is. The 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible focus the qualities that made the 135i such a success amongst driving enthusiasts – with more performance, enhanced sound and dynamic design details. Both the new 135is Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at  $44,145  and  $48,845  respectively (including $895 destination and handling). Both models are equipped with BMW’s award winning TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine (N55) featuring Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For the 135is, the engine has been tuned to increase peak horsepower to  320 hp (+20 hp increase) and 317 lb-ft of torque (+17 lb.ft)  while maintaining the same emissions level and MPG ratings of the 135i. A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator. Both BMW 135is models will be offered with either a standard 6-Speed manual transmission or an optional 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission. The 135is is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. This allows the driver to experience more spirited driving on dry roads and offers more flexibility when driving in more challenging conditions such as in snow. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. In addition to its duties as a safety system, the DSC system on the 135is is programmed specifically to enhance performance-oriented driving. The differential...

Now that America has the fifth-generation 3-series, BMW announced that the sport wagon version will be available next year. No word yet on what powertrain options will be available in the wagon — most likely the same ones offered in the sedan: a 240 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 300 hp turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six. More » Read the original post:  The 3-Series Wagon Returns Stateside [New Cars] Here is the original:  The 3-Series Wagon Returns Stateside [New Cars]

Popular tech and gadgets blog The Verge took the time to explore the BMW i8 from up-close. The encounter took place in NYC before the i8 hybrid sportscar headed to Munich for another event. Here are some thoughts from a magazine that focuses mostly on technology: “It’s a little weird being this up close and personal with a concept supercar — it’s about a half-and-half mix of functional futuristic technology and blinky-lights mockups. Fortunately, the big stuff is all real: the car is drivable, those insane gullwing doors flip right open, and the Laserlight headlights do indeed provide light from lasers. It’s the little stuff that doesn’t work: none of the dashboard animations were real, most of the interior is a mockup, and we doubt BMW is actually going to build the doors out of glass. BMW says this model is slightly newer than the one in Mission Impossible 4, and that the hybrid drivetrain is good to hit 60mph in around 4.6 seconds while still getting 78mpg. Obviously those numbers are a bit hypothetical until a real i8 arrives on dealer lots, but even getting in the range would be impressive.” Click through to learn more about the BMW i8 ! The rest is here: The Verge: BMW i8 hands-on

We just learned that starting with production July and August 2012, European customers will have the option to include the BANG & OLUFSEN High-End Surround System in the following models: F01/F02 7 Series LCI, F10 5 Series Sedan, F11 5 Series Touring and F07 5 Series GT. Currently BMW offers the optional high-end system in the F12 and F13 6 Series Coupe/Convertible, and 6 Series Gran Coupe. The audio system designed by the Danish audio gurus at Bang & Olufsen debuted last year in the new 6 Series Coupe. The hi-fi system that was developed specially for this concept model and sets new standards for in-car listening enjoyment. It is specially matched to the interior acoustics of this 2+2-seater, and according to the press release, the “superior audio experience comes courtesy of extra-high-quality system components – plus innovative sound control technology never before featured in a car  hi-fi system.”. Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System features 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. Here is a description of the system: “This is a fully active system, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. The electrical signals are converted into precisely defined sound waves using neodymium magnet drives which combine very high performance with low weight, making them the ideal solution for a car hi-fi system. The mid-range speakers also feature extremely stiff yet extremely lightweight Hexacone diaphragms. The exceptional sound quality is due not only to vehicle-specific placement of high-quality speakers in the interior but also to innovative amplifier technology. Digital signal processing allows the signals to each speaker to be individually controlled. This technology compensates for any sound reflections inside the vehicle by means of appropriate signal modifications.” See the original post here:  BANG & OLUFSEN System to be offered for 7 Series LCI, F10-F11 5 Series, 5GT and 6 Series

Filed under: Comment Generally speaking, we assume that more powerful cars will use more fuel – after all, that extra power has to be generated by burning fuel. However, the fast pace of engine technology means that it is not quite so straightforward. A rather clever little website called www.cleanbhp.co.uk has worked out the amount of CO2 each car produces to generate each bhp – and the results are a real eye-opener. Some of the latest-generation petrol engines produce more than twice the power for the same CO2 or fuel consumption as older designs. For example, the Citroen C3 1.1 produces 139 g/km of CO2 in return for a measly 61 bhp, whereas the Mini Cooper S with 136 g/km of CO2 produces 181 bhp. Ironically, the two engines are even distantly related – BMW’s 1.6 litre engine in the Mini was originally jointly developed with Peugeot, owners of Citroen. So how can there be such a big difference? The answer is that the 1.1 engine in the C3 dates back to 1972, whereas the Mini engine is state-of-the-art. All that stuff in the brochures about 16 valves, variable valve timing and turbocharging is not just marketing hype. Car engines have not progressed quite as fast as computers over the last 40 years, but they have come a long way. Anyone driving an automotive fossil is going to pay, both at the pumps and on the open road. So can you just assume that any car brand with a high-tech image will have a range of shiny new engines? Not necessarily. Even VW has a few old nails left in its range. Thankfully the 1974-vintage (although it felt more like 1874) Beetle 1.4 litre 8 valve engine died last year, along with its disgraceful 171 g/km of CO2 for 74 bhp. However, the old VW Polo 1.2 S carries on with C3-esque 128 g/km of CO2 for just 59 bhp. If you upgrade to the modern Polo 1.2 TSI, CO2 emissions drop to 124 g/km and power shoots up to 104 bhp. The one manufacturer which has exclusively modern engines is BMW . BMW is proud of the fact that engine is literally its middle name (Motor in German means Engine), and it relishes any challenge related to engine efficiency. Pretty well all its cars are either at, or close to, the top of their respective classes. For those not committed to the cars with the blue-and-white roundel, it will pay to look...

An optional feature that will enhance operation of the automobile in all BMW 5 Series models (except BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition and BMW ActiveHybrid 5): the multifunction instrument display. This is a freely programmable cockpit display that introduces a new dimension to driver information. Enhanced Black Panel technology opens completely new possibilities for the display of information. Via the high-grade, homogeneous black surface of the 10.25-inch display, the freely combinable instrument integrates significantly more functions than the conventional instrument panel that it is replacing. However, the familiar arrangement comprising four round instruments still remains. Two chrome rings, which open up towards each other, are visible on the black surface. Together with the displays for tank/oil temperature they remain visible on the display even when the ignition is turned off. With the aid of the Driving Experience Control function, the COMFORT, ECO PRO and SPORT modes can be clearly visually differentiated from one another on the instrument cluster. Whilst in the COMFORT mode a conventional arrangement of four closed round instruments is to be seen, in the modes ECO PRO and SPORT the rings open up to display additional information between the two round instruments. In the ECO PRO mode the rev counter becomes an EfficientDynamics display, showing how efficiently the vehicle is currently being driven. Here the instrument panel shows the extended range based on the adapted driving style. In the SPORT mode speed is only displayed digitally via a large figure in the centre the speedometer, whilst the selected gear is clearly displayed in the centre of the rev counter. Besides changing colour, the displays in the instrument cluster provide additional tailor-made information such as status and function displays, check control and navigation data, all of which can be individually accessed as required.   Read more from the original source:  New Option for BMW 5 Series: Multifunction Instrument Display

The BMW M135i is the first petrol engine model to be presented in the new category BMW M Performance Automobiles. What are the car’s technical highlights? Christof Lischka: The BMW M135i is the first petrol engine model of the BMW M Performance Automobiles as well as being the first representative of the 1 Series family. For this reason, it was important for us to give the BMW M135i the specific characteristics typical of all BMW M Performance Automobiles – specially matched to the 1 Series of course. The target character of the BMW M Performance Automobiles is defined by agility, precision and emotion. This in itself is a perfect match for the BMW 1 Series. But it was also important to us to maintain full suitability for everyday use. This is what did in the BMW M135i: we revised the suspension, with modifications to the front axle, for example, by changing the transverse control arm and the swivel bearing. And we developed a new tyre which is used exclusively for the BMW M135i. The suspension settings were modified specifically in connection with these changes. In addition, the standard equipment was given a sporty upgrade. The car is fitted as standard with sports steering and sports chassis with its own suspension settings, sports brake and sports package. This allows us to differentiate it from the sportiest AG model, the BMW 125i, while still retaining sufficient comfort and suitability for everyday use. You mentioned that the 1 Series already embodies the properties of the BMW M Performance Automobiles. Where are the differences as compared to the existing BMW M550d, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, for example? The BMW 1 Series is already our showcase model in terms of directness and agile driving response. This is why it is especially difficult – but especially important for the M135i – to go one step further and differentiate it from a “normal” BMW 1 Series, though without losing the everyday suitability familiar from the basic models.  For this reason we have exercised particular fine tuning in technical differentiation of the BMW M135i. The result is even more agile handling, a higher level of transverse force and superb precision, though without losing out on comfort and stability. The BMW M135i features the BMW TwinPower...

The BMW M135i is the first BMW M Performance Automobile with a petrol engine. Watch the clip and see the 3-door and the 5-door version in action. BMW M135i is powered by a 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and 235 kW/320 hp and 450 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The technology package includes a TwinScroll turbocharger, direct High Precision Injection with central multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing. The BMW M135i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h – the top limit permitted by the vehicle’s electronic speed control system. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.0 litres (7.5 litres)/100 km, and the CO2 emissions level is 188 grams (175 grams) per kilometre. On a different note, great video by BMW. Read the original post: Video: The new BMW M135i