2008 BMW 5-Series: New York Auto Show Preview

BMW has performed a number of updates for the interior and subtle facelifts outside to freshen the appearance for 2008 of its new 5-series, to be unveiled at the New York auto show. Here’s what to look for in both the sedan and wagon models:

• For clean air flow, the kidney grille is now flush with the new front fascia;
• Headlamps offer clear glass lenses surrounded by chrome rings;
• The air intake sweeps up at the sides and carries a horizontal bar to emphasize its width;
• Rocker panels are molded to add a sleeker appearance from the side view;
• Taillights have clear lenses, too, with LED turn signals.

Interiors have a new look as well, with features like “Pearl Gloss Chrome” brightwork and two-tone door panels that mimic instrument panel hues. Larger pockets in the doors and an open tray on the console expand the list of convenience features.

Technical surprises start with a new inline six-cylinder engine that’s teamed with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, or a Sport Automatic with shift paddles—your choice. Six-cylinder versions of the 5-series are available with BMW’s iDrive system, and all-wheel-drive. —Jim Dunne

Photo Rendering: The back of the BMW X6

Last week we brought you the X6, but only showed the front. Today we bring you a rendering of the back of the X6. AutoBild reports that the BMW X6 will come four different engine variants including a 3.0d that produces 235 , a 3.0sd that produces 286 horsepower, a 3.0si that produces 305 horsepower and a 4.4si that produces an outstanding 408 horsepower.

The BMW X6 is already confirmed to go into production at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The SUV is expected to hit dealerships by early 2008.

What new option on the 2008 BMW 5-Series trumps all the competitors offerings?

The Spies have reliable information that this new system significantly outperforms the new S550's Distronic Plus and the Audi Q7's active cruise control implementation.

Active Cruise Control complete with Stop & Go.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go offers the driver greater support and ease of motoring. This innovative system, available as an option on automatic transmission versions of the new BMW 5 Series, comes with automatic distance control enabling the driver to cruise along smoothly and conveniently on highways or country roads. The system keeps a consistent following distance from the vehicle ahead even in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds and applying the brakes where necessary until the car reaches a standstill.

The system uses radar sensors of the latest generation with an enlarged area of vision, offering the driver a choice of four distance settings. Once the distance the driver has chosen to the vehicle ahead is no longer maintained, the system will intervene, building up brake pressure to control the car accordingly. Then, once the road ahead is free again, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go will accelerate the car to the set speed.

This sophisticated control system is also able to reduce speed automatically to a standstill as a function of traffic conditions. In this case, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go slows the car to a standstill and holds it in position. The maximum brake force applied by Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is 4 meters/sec2. Should the driver be required to intervene be¬cause the vehicle ahead is being decelerated very hard, the driver is warned to intervene by visual and acous¬tic signals.

In stop-and-go traffic, the system helps the driver by automatically maintaining the appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead, relieving the driver constantly having to apply the brakes in slow and unsmooth traffic. However, the driver still retains his responsibility, since after, for example, a short stop of more than three seconds, he is required to briefly press down the accelerator pedal or press the Resume button in order to re-accelerate the car. And even when Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is activated, the driver is able to control the speed of his car at any time simply by giving gas or applying the brakes. Depressing the brake pedal while driving deactivates the system.

How do you make a small fortune in racing?

You start with a big fortune and do some of this stuff.
This is a great video from the Dutch Supercar Series featuring some unfortunate"bloopers". And yes, a few BMWs get bent.

One sexy M6 video.

M6. Hans Stuck. Autobahn. Need we say more?

The coolest BMW commercial I have ever seen that didn't have a BMW in it.

NEW M3 V8: LISTEN TO IT HERE

The web is alive at the moment with technical details of the new M3 V8 engine, and we know many of you already have much of the details. To hear the engine being worked hard, click on the links below to hear what our man came back from BMW with...

Sound file 1 (MP3) Test bed 0-200km/H

Sound file 2 (MP3) Nurburgring

New Specs on the M3 Engine

Only weeks after BMW revealed their M3 Concept car in Geneva, they have released detailed information about the new V8 engine that will go into the production model. We are currently waiting for an English translation of the entire kit, and as soon as we receive it, we will publish. However, in the mean time here are the main facts:

[Update= Full details here]

• 22% more power

• 8% less fuel consumption

• Displacement 3,999 cm³

• Power 309 kW/420 HP

• Torque 400 Nm/295 ft-lb @ 8,300 rpm

• Double VANOS with 8 individual throttle butterflies for more spontaneous reaction time

• Fulfills EU4 and LEV 2 emission requirements in Europe and US respectively

• Brake Energy regeneration with intelligent regeneration

• Weight 202 Kg (15kg lighter than S54 Inline 6 cylinder)

Despite an additional two cylinders, BMW has reduced the weight of the engine to be 15kg lighter than the cast steel S54 inline 6 cylinder in the previous generation E46 M3. Through advanced construction techniques and the use of aluminum block and composite materials the engine weighs a mere 202 Kg.

Although the torque figure is uninspiring, 85 percent of the maximum torque (340 Nm/250 ft-lb) is available from 2000 rpm up to 6,500 rpm creating an almost flat torque curve across this wide rev range. This translates into a whole lot of power readily available during most driving conditions. Now that inspires.

The M3 Coupe is expected to go on sale in Germany September of this year, with the sedan, touring and convertible following later. This is the first time in BMW's history that the M3 will be made available in all 3 Series variants.

Stay tuned for more details and photos. Big hat tip to M3post.com for the radical CGI's

M3 Video II

This is a video showing the new M3 Coupe. Not a fast paced video but it does show the car from just about every angle you could want.

M3 Convertible and Sedan Renderings

While BMW is getting ready to put the finishing touches on the M3 Coupe version that’ll debut in Frankfurt this autumn, Bimmer fans are already sharpening their “pencils” to give us a preview of the M3 Sedan & Cabriolet (coupe-cabrio) versions that are expected to be introduced in late 2008 – early 2009. Both renderings are the work of BMW fanatic, Gerald Alvarez (aka Alpine325ci) from NJ U.S.A. For those of you who don’t remember, Gerald is the same guy who gave us the excellent M3 Coupe renderings a couple of months ago. As with the M3 Coupe, the sedan and cabriolet versions will be fitted with a BMW M5 V10 derived, 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering more than 400Hp. Via:M3post Renderings: Gerald Alvarez

SPY PHOTOS: BMW Z4 with Roof Down

Text by Andreas Conradt
Copyright AUTOMEDIA
March 16, 2007

Z9, Z6 or Z4?

Earlier photos of another camouflaged prototype of a new BMW roadster have sparked quite a debate on the spy-community as to whether the model we’re seeing here is the next generation Z4 or a totally new roadster dubbed, by most, as the Z9 – though it could be called Z6. Fortunately, we’re here not directly confronted with the question whether the car will get a canvas soft-top or a retractable hardtop as these are the best shots yet of the new roadster with the roof laid down!

Both sides have strong talking points even though the camouflaged roadster that we’re seeing is obviously larger than the Z4. But then again, according to earlier reports, the next-generation Z4 would be doing a bit of growing up so as to make room for an entry-level roadster dubbed Z2 which will be based on the 1-series hatch. That would very well justify its larger dimensions.

On the other hand, noticing the side window covers and the folding metal roof, we’re probably talking about the Z9 as we highly doubt that the next-gen Z4 will be fitted with an electric hard-top. Whatever it may be – we’re here facing another exciting machine from the guys in Munich! Let’s look forward to it.

Photo Rendering: BMW X6 by AutoBild

In a recent interview with Forbes, BMW CEO, Norbet Reithofer that one of the two new models coming out in 2008 will be the BMW X6 that will be built at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. After some heavily disguised spy shots, AutoBild has finally done a photo rendering of the BMW X6.

AutoBild renderings in the past have been known to be very close to production models for many cars including their rendition of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class that they made two years before the car made its official debut.

The BMW X6 will have a sportier design and alignment, and will be way more aggressive than the BMW X5. Expect it to hit dealerships in early 2008.

Source: AutoBild

OMG - M3 SEDAN Spied! Oh, yeah and a cabrio too.

We just broke the cover on the next BMW M3 (in concept form, at least) and engine details will be published here on March 22. Until then, our spy shooter Hans Lehmann has another interesting bit of news to report: sights of a four-door and convertible M3!

Click through for more shots of the four-door M3 and the convertible.

When BMW unveiled their M3 concept in Geneva few weeks ago, we knew the coupe wouldn’t be the only vehicle in the ultra-fast M lineup for the 3-series platform. It seems that while the M3 coupe will launch first, sedan and convertible versions will debut shortly thereafter. Expect the same powerplant — the company’s new S65 V-8 engine, generating somewhere between 400 and 450 horsepower — and similar cues.

Hans Lehmann has this to say about these shots:

BMW M3 Four Door and Convertible

After 13 years BMW is about to come back on the market w

ith an M3 four door. Back in 1995 the Bavarian car manufacturer had already a four door in the M3 lineup, but then for just one model year.

This fall, BMW will start off with the launch of the new M3 model range by introducing coupe version. In spring 2008 the convertible M3 will follow, and finally in autumn another brand new four-door version will be unveiled. This one, however, has at the most the four doors in common with this predecessor, because while the 1995 M3 was powered by a 3.0 liter inline-6 engine delivering 296 HP, the M3 cars of today gets power from a strong 4.0 litre V-8, which should be able to accelerate in 4.6 sec. to 100 km/h.

HorsepowerFreaks BMW M3 Turbo 600rwhp (750bhp)

After Currency Motors M5 Twin Turbo some freaks:) aka HorsepowerFreaks announced BMW e46 M3 Turbo 600rwhp.

What they say about it: Our Record Breaking HPF 750 turbo kit is available (beginning March 2007) to the public that makes a staggering 750bhp (600rwhp @ 11psi). This kit provides a reliable and daily driveable 420bhp increase in power through the stock engine and stock exhaust. Our kit provides 3 times the power gain of most supercharger kits sold today. This kit comes pre-configured with two power settings. A pump gas (500rwhp - 625bhp @ 5.5psi) map is the basic setting designed to run on 91 octane fuel or better. A keyed race fuel switch is provided that when activated and race fuel (110 octane or better) is in the tank a heart pounding 750bhp is laid to the ground.

For durability testing, we pushed our M3 well in excess of the specs for the kits that are being released (up to 671rwhp) and did nearly 100 dyno pulls above 600rwhp.



Our turbo kit comes with complete installation instructions, is completely bolt up, and includes every component you will need down to the last nut, bolt and washer. Each kit includes our revolutionary HorsepowerFreaks engine management system that is completely plug-n-play and simply plugs right into your factory M3 computer, creating the flawless driveability demonstrated in the videos below. All of our sensors are high dollar, and highly accurate sensors that simply plug right in to the pre-wired connectors included in our kit, all of which is detailed in the installation instructions.

HorsepowerFreaks M3 Turbo Kit Driveability

Take A Lap Of the 'Ring In A CSL

Ok, most of won't get the chance to do a lap at Nurburgring in a real CSL but this is a great video of one lap in a very nice sounding CSL. If you squint your eyes it's almost like being there . . .

BMW 6-Series Spied: Tweaks in Works

A mild facelift is in the works for BMW's 6-Series, as photographed here in lightly disguised form on the streets ofMunich .

A new front air dam repositions the fog lamps - which are now placed within the center air intake - and the nose gets a little more definition thanks to a more pointed chin spoiler. The rear bumper gets similar tweaks, with redesigned reflectors and revised back-up lights.

The new 6er's headlights and taillights have also been redesigned. The black paint on the headlamps likely hides some new internal lighting elements, and the taillights have three gill-like protrusions sculpted into the outer lens, adding a little visual interest.

The styling changes represent a typically cautious mid-cycle facelift for BMW, which has been known to remain dedicated to even their most controversial designs.

BMW and Google Maps marry dash and desktop

GPS navigation systems continue to be a popular option for car buyers. Some of the most frequent complaints with electronic navigation, however, are that the maps themselves aren't updated frequently enough and that problems seem to occur when the GPS tells drivers to go down a route that may not be navigable. With the ability to be interactive and updated (even if infrequently), they still represent a huge step up in functionality over the paper maps of yore. Not only can you designate a destination and have the route personalized for you, other points of interest can be highlighted, traffic updates can be monitored, and you never have to try to refold them, so in our book it's a no-brainer.

Physically entering the desired address into the system can be tedious and distracting, however, especially at speed. BMW has developed a way to remove the middle man so to speak, which is you. With this new system, users can access Google business listings on their own computer and then forward the address and details to their Drive Assist-equipped BMWs. Rather than re-entering the information, the navi already knows it when the driver's but hits the seat. It's a nice time saver that helps make the process more accurate and safer, too. While we'd still like to have access to Google Maps when we're actually in the car, skipping the re-entry of the address helps quite a bit and it's definitely a step in the right direction. Check out the video of how it works after the jump.

[Source: Engadget]

BMW M3 Concept Interior!

Without doubt, BMW’s M3 Concept was THE star car of the show. We’ve already showed you official pics along with the press release and the presentation Video where we get to see and hear the E92 M3. So, since BMW won’t let any more information out until the production version comes out in mid summer, we’ll wrap things up with two shots of the interior that our Jalopnik friends managed to photograph at the show. The most notable changes include the alcantara steering wheel with the red & blue stitching reminiscent of the one in the classic E30 M3 EVO, the bucket seats, the carbofibre trim and the aluminium pedals. Before you get excited or disappointed, let us state that this isn’t the final production version and that BMW hasn’t officially released any photos of the concept’s interior. Pics via: Jalopnik

BMW M5 CLR 500 RS by Lumma Design debuts in Geneva

Albeit less impressive than Lumma Design’s original sketches suggested, the CLR500 RS is without doubt one of those cars that will never pass unnoticed -blame the eye-popping orange exterior combined with Lumma Design’s optical package that includes 21’’ rims and a wider body (50mm on each side thanks to the supped-up wheel arches). Although I could live with the its extravagant exterior, I think that Lumma went overboard with the interior which looks like someone accidentally spilled vitamin C in it.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more images and the press release

Talking about vitamin C, the German tuner also put a hand in the engine department. Besides optimizing the ECU, Lumma also installed a larger metallic racing catalytic converter and a racing exhaust system. These changes added another 53Hp to the M5’s stock 5.0-liter V10 which now delivers 560Hp. No word out yet on acceleration figures but Lumma announced that it has removed the Vmax limitation thus allowing the Bavarian "clockwork orange" to reach a top speed of 327km/h – 203 mph.

· V10 with 560 HP
· Racing exhaust system with racing catalytic converter
· Complete body-kit with impressive rear apron with integrated diffusor
· Motor optical package of carbonized parts and red cylinder cover
· Sport chassis and 40 mm lowering
· LUMMA-set of wheels in an impressive 21 inches
· sporty interior accessories in matching colours to exterior chassis
· TÜV / german tested parts regulation institution in accordance to MOT

March 2007 - The swabian tuner LUMMA DESIGN continues its series of refined premium vehicles through CLR 500 RS. This time the development was based on the current BMW M5. This high performance limousine receives a complete body-kit in spectacular optics, a new chassis, a racing exhaust system, numerous interior accessories as well as power enhancement providing even better performance. This car, which is refined using every trick in the tuning book, celebrates its premier during the Auto Salon in Geneva 2007 as Show Car at the stand of the Swiss tuning specialists Forcar Auto accessories.

BMW bases its M-Models on high-rev concept. The M5 is based on the same principle. Its 10-cylinder motor has the character of a racing engine. Considering the old racing saying “you can never have too much horsepower”, soon may prove true within the stock power of 507 HP to being insufficient for various drivers. Question: How to get that extra kick? Answer: Drive to LUMMA DESIGN and order the performance enhancement 560 HP! A complete electronical optimization of the ECU is manditory. Larger metallic racing catalytic converters and a racing exhaust system extract more horse power from the V10 engine. The removal of the Vmax-limitation insures that the Bavarian Express races a solid 327 km/h.

LUMMA DESIGN also provides the CLR 500 RS with a classy motor optic package. It is complete with air collector and air filter casing made of carbon and as well a red cylinder head cover. A treat for the eyes!

Impressive Appearance through Body Extension

The body exterior of the CLR 500 RS makes one thing crystal clear; this is not just chicken feed; rather a very big deal. LUMMA DESIGN widens the car body from front to back 5cm on each side. The spectacular looking body-kit includes a new front spoiler bumper, wheel arch extensions and a rear apron. As an optical highlight, the rear apron features an impressive integrated racing-diffuser which is painted in racing typical black. It extends over the complete lower rear-end and embedded within is an impressively large tailpipe on each side. LUMMA DESIGN is well aware most motorists receive only this view in full. Causing quite a stir for the CLR 500 RS is the outstanding paint job in colour orange provided by LUMMA DESIGN.

For improvement of performance and weight, LUMMA DESIGN equips the CLR 500 RS with a lightweight trunk lid made of carbon-kevlar fibre with an embedded rear spoiler lip for improved downforce. Rarely does chrom match to such a sporty vehicle. Closer to what racing sport dreams are made of is the use of carbon fibre. That’s why LUMMA DESIGN covers all exterior chrom parts are with real carbon.

Mighty 21” Wheels

As for the theme wheels, LUMMA DESIGN cames up with its own special creation. The noble threepieced wheels are made of a combination between aluminium and stainless steel. They come in a highly-polished titanium finish with five spokes branching out in “Y” form to the rim. LUMMA DESIGN attaches great importance to true grandeur mounting its glamourous wheels in large 10x21” size equipped with Yokohama tyres 255/30-21 in front and 11,5x21”and 295/25-21 in back.

The reduction of centre of gravity of the vehicles goes along with agile driving performance. LUMMA DESIGN accomplishes this through the addition of H&R sport suspension lowering the CLR 500 RS by 40mm.

As mentioned above, the LUMMA DESIGN exhaust system is equipped with racing catalysators providing higher performance for the CLR 500 RS. It really gives one goose bumps with an awesome sound racing through two 115 mm thick exhaust pipes. Look out when it breaks loose!

LUMMA DESIGN supplies the interior with a sporty comfortable ambiance. The two-toned leather decor glistens in Lamborghini-orange. LUMMA DESIGN offers other matching extra interior parts in orange coloured carbon as well. The Winterlingen based tuner even matches the instruments to the outside vehicle. For this reason, even the tacho scale that LUMMA DESIGN extended to 360km/h, comes in orange. The LUMMA DESIGN self-designed steering wheel is ergonomically formed so that the driver can securely steer the CLR 500 RS and comes embroidered in carbon-leather combination. The final shine is found in the cockpit through both the gas pedal and foot rest comprised of anodized aluminium embossed with the LUMMA DESIGN logo.

BMW M3 Concept Video – Geneva Live Presentation & Static Shots

I know you can’t get enough of the new BMW M3 Concept. I also recognize that the teaser press release & exterior shots were, well just that, a teaser so here’s the next best thing we could do for all you that won’t have the chance to see it live in Geneva. PS: Get a load of that Bavarian V8 snarl like a pissed mountain-lion when BMW 's BTCC driver



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BMW M3 Concept Revealed - High Res Photos Included

The new BMW M3 Concept was revealed at the Geneva Auto Show. Perhaps the most highly anticapted car of the show. Check out the high res pics. HP Estimated to be @ 440.



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Diesels Coming To US in 2008

After showing off their BlueTec-equipped diesel six-cylinder engine at the Detroit Auto Show, BMW indicated that they would be installing oil-burners in their US offerings in 2008. Yesterday, prior to the opening of the Geneva Motor Show BMW CEO Dr. Norbert Reithofer reaffirmed that diesels would be available in US-market BMWs beginning with the X5 and 5-series models. Diesel engines make up about forty percent of BMW's sales worldwide, but are currently unavailable here. He also stated that the mild hybrid system they are jointly developing with DaimlerChrysler would be on sale in about two years time.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]

'BMW's the third best team'

BMW team boss Mario Theissen claims his team is the third best outfit going into the new season, behind only Ferrari and McLaren for pace.

BMW have been the darkhorse in pre-season testing, with Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld regularly breaking into the top six on the timesheets.

The team has already been billed by many as a contender for race wins this season, if not for the World title. And that's a sentiment echoed by team boss Theissen.

"So far, Ferrari and McLaren look like the strongest teams," he told the team's official website.

"Both teams have top drivers such as Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa.

"I'm pleased to say that these two teams are followed by a group of teams including us."

Lane Departure Warning

BMW's global launch of its new 5 series includes a new advanced driver assistance system: The advanced Lane Departure Warning. The company is the first European automotive manufacturer to provide an intelligent forward-looking camera technology for driver assistance — warning motorists before they drift inattentively across a marked lane.

The intelligent Lane Departure Warning (LDW) technology was engineered for BMW through a partnership between the automotive supplier Siemens VDO and Mobileye N.V., a world leader in the development of vision-based driver assistance systems. The two companies have collaborated over the past few years in the development and testing of the LDW system on a wide range of weather conditions, road types and lane markings. The system consists of a high dynamic range digital CMOS camera and a high performance electronic control unit with advanced algorithm technology for video based lane marking recognition.

According to statistics from the U.S. Transportation Research Board approximately 40 percent of all road fatalities occur when a single vehicle departs from the road and crashes. Rumble strips have reduced lane departure fatalities by up to 90 percent, and at times even more. "By using tactile warnings, BMW's new lane departure warning system creates an intelligent rumble strip imitation that provides drivers with an advanced lane departure warning even when there are no physical strips on the shoulder of the road,” explains Dr. Jürgen Goetz, CEO of the Chassis and Safety Division of Siemens VDO.

“The advanced LDW intelligence is superior to basic lane departure warning systems that tell you that you’re crossing the lane marking,” says Amnon Shashua, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Scientist of Mobileye N.V. “The BMW LDW prevents accidents by alerting drivers prior to lane change that they are edging close to the lane mark without using their turn signal. If you’re already crossing the line, it may be too late for a warning.” The BMW LDW vision system warns of potential lane departure by providing haptic warnings through simulated “rumble strip” vibration in the steering wheel. Lane marking availability is shown through a display in the instrument cluster and the head-up display if ordered by the customer. The LDW technology is one of the few systems that demonstrate “single lane marking availability” where a single lane marking is sufficient for detection, in contrast to systems that require lane markings on both sides. It can also detect construction areas or other situations where lane markings are ambiguous.

According to Dr. Shashua, LDW will help motorists stay safe in diverse driving conditions including monotonous highways, where driver inattention is commonplace, as well as on curved roads. The system’s warning duration varies depending on the speed that the vehicle crosses the lane marking, providing a short warning of under one second for quick lane
changes, and in the case of a very slow drift across the lane marking, the warning will be longer—even up to several seconds.

The new feature can be ordered as an option in the new BMW 5 Series.

Crossover Overkill? BMW’s 2009 X6 and beyond

A sporty coupe crossover from BMW



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You know you're driving a BMW E36 when . . . funny!

I’ve been looking around and I found this forum thread that is entitled, "You know you’re driving a E36 when … ", a huge thread actually about when you realize that you own a BMW E36 and the thread is full of funny jokes. I couldn’t read the whole thing as it was very very long, but I’ve chosen some of the funniest things that were mentioned and I’



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HELLO BMW- Apple Iphone to Be Integrated with BMW First?

Apple Iphone to Be Integrated with BMW First?



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Geneva Motor Show: Alpina B3 to debut at Gevena

The Alpina D3 is already out but when is the Alpina B3 coming. Well we have some good news for you BMW/Alpina fans. Alpina’s website has confirmed that ” The new BMW ALPINA B3 saloon will debutat the Geneva Motor Show in march, 2007.” The production for the car will start in October 2007. While we couldn’t find any high-res pics of the car yet, we



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