The wheel cracked, tire blown, front end needs a new paint job and the strut was cracked open. This was the official story.

The owner took the liberty to go check the accident site and found out that the 20 mph test drive was most likely a…fast drive that turned ugly.

Without taking any sides here, we will continue reporting some of the facts as described by the owner. The dealership estimated the cost for parts at around $2,500, without the paint job. Lawyers and insurance companies got involved, but the owner decided to take this matter a step further.

He took his M5 to another dealership which after carefully inspecting the car, they found a broken strut, borked inner brace, bent steering gear assembly, damaged rear suspension many instances of body damage, in total about $14,000 in parts and another $16,000 in labor.

The story is still developing and the owner continues to seek legal advice, hoping for a favorable result. We decided to hold off on the name of the dealership, but we reached out for an official statement and we will update the article as we learn more.

[Source: M5board ]

BMW brand (not including MINI) has seen an increase in U.S. sales of 1.6 percent in August, ahead of Lexus and it is crowned as the top U.S. luxury brand for the third straight month.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.6 percent for a total of 19,540 vehicles from the 19,232 units sold last year. Year-to-date, BMW sales were up 7.8 percent to 139,236 vehicles from the 129,176 units sold last year.

BMW 1 Series gained 53 percent and the 7 Series climbed 42 percent. Lexus deliveries decreased 15 percent to 19,465.

August 2010 sales of Audi cars and SUVs climbed 14% compared to August 2009, and marked the best monthly sales performance since May of this year.

For the month, Audi sold 2,675 Q5 vehicles, a 78.8% increase over the 1,496 vehicles sold in August 2009. The Q5 line also enjoyed more than a 25% August 2010 sales jump over July 2010. For August 2010, Audi reported Q7 sales of 560, a 42.1% increase above the 394 vehicles sold a year earlier.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported August sales of 19,674 vehicles, an increase of 15% for the month, with a 22.2% increase on a year-to-date basis. 18,826 passenger cars, light truck vehicles and 848 Sprinter vans are included in this total.

Impressive gains continued in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light truck categories. The strongest performer for the month was the popular and sporty C-Class, with sales of 6,100 (up 43.4%). The 9th generation E-Class followed suit with sales of 5,882 for the month (up 25.9%) – bringing the year-to-date total to 39,122 (up 70.6%). The M-Class SUV rounded out the top three volume performers with sales of 2,473 for the month.

Jaguar pulled off an impressive rebound in August thanks mostly to the new XJ sedan. After only three months in showrooms, it’s already outselling the XF sedan with 700 sold in August to the XF’s 570. The eldest of the group and the most compromised in terms of utility, the XK coupe/roadster, was a distant third with 143 sales. Overall, Jaguar moved 1414 cars in August, good for a 62-percent gain over August 2009.

The other Japanese luxury brand, Infiniti, reported a great month of August as well. The heavily-revised M luxury sedan and QX56 luxury SUV posted 102% and 105% gains respectively with the QX56. Sales of the G37 Sedan were also strong returning a 17.5% increase. Only the G37 Coupe and FX SUV saw drops at four percent and 16 percent respectively.

From the U.S. bunch, Chrysler was the only major automaker to report a sales increase last month, a jump of 6.9%. GM sales were down 24.5%, trimming its market share to 18.6 percent from 19.4 percent. Ford’s sales fell 10.6 percent, but its market share increased to 15.8 percent last month from 13.9 percent, as it outperformed the market.

Lexus remains the U.S. luxury sales leader for the year, with 145,490 deliveries through August, an 11 percent increase. Mercedes sales have gained 18 percent to 139,867, and BMW’s U.S. sales increased 7.8 percent to 139,236 vehicles.

Sales table from Autoblog

Before getting to their review, let’s review briefly the technical details around this high-performance Z4 model.

The sDrive35is carries under the hood an upgraded version of the popular N54 engine, the very same award winning six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. The tuned up engine produces 335 horsepower (340hp in Europe) at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”. An electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This brings the torque peak to 369 lb-ft.

The engine is matted to 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with SPORT and SPORT+ driving modes. The DCT also features a Launch Control function for maximum performance when accelerating from a standstill. BMW sDrive35is weighs 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs).

Even though it doesn’t carry the M badge, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes new M Sport upgrades such as adaptive M Suspension and M Aerodynamics. The adaptive M Suspension combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters (almost 0.4”) with electronically controlled shock absorbers. Special M-Sport 18-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design round off the sporty character of the Z4 sDrive35is. Optional, the buyer can choose 19-inch wheels.

DRIVING

The second-generation Z4 came with more poise and balance than the previous car, which makes it better for an M-style upgrade. It copes easily with the extra power and torque, instead of turning into a bucking broncho, and never feels to be stretched beyond its limits. The nose will push wide if you get onto the power too hard or too early in a tight bend, but generally it just tracks around a curve and invites you to dip into the loud pedal.

When you do there is a very sweet thump from the exhaust, although it’s not the same as the howl from a non-turbo six or V8 from the M-car menu.

It is an extremely rapid car at all times on all types of roads, but is not lairy or overdone. In fact, it’s remarkably refined and that should work for people who are considering a Boxster. The gearbox is terrific for maintaining swift motoring, although the engine will drop below ideal boost in tight corners as second is a bit too tall. It recovers boost quickly, but is something you notice. The ride is firm but not shaky, the seats are great, there is good feel to the suspension and the brakes never feel troubled, even at fairly rapid speed.

The Z4 hero is a true hero and definitely capable of challenging the Porsche Boxster, but you have to wonder if people with the right money would also want the right badge – an M – to tell people what they have in the garage.

FAST FACTS…

BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Price: from $129,900
Engine: twin-turbo inline six
Power: 250kW/5900 revs
Torque: 240Nm/1500-4500 revs, 500Nm overboost
Transmission: Seven-speed twin-clutch manumatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100km/h, 4.8s
Economy: 9L/100km (claimed)
Emissions: 210g/km CO2

Full review here

In comparison, the “regular” M3 costs £60,000 and its direct competitor, the Porsche GT3 RS is priced at £110,000.

As far as options, the standard GTS comes without a sound unit and air conditioning, but both can be included as no-cost options.

Thanks to an increase in engine displacement and some fine-tuning to the engine, the BMW M3 GTS produces 450 horsepower from its V8 naturally aspirated engine. In addition to a larger and more powerful V8 engine, exclusive tuning of the 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and modified suspension technology, the car, which is designed for club sport use, has also been specifically optimized with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

The BMW M3 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. The car reaches the 1000 metre mark from a standstill in just 22.5 seconds. Top speed is 305 km/h.

The core of the development was the landing gear, based on the BMW M3 GT4 and transposed into a street-legal vehicle. The rear wing was first seen in World Touring Car Championship WTCC cars and now makes its way into GTS as well.

As we mentioned in the past, the first units to be produced are said to be already sold.

As seen in previous photos, the new M5 sports an aggressive front-end with the M treatment which includes the usual aggressive bumper and large air intakes. The hood features the same sporty look with concave and convex shapes, the V-forming creases that enhance its sportiness.

The corona lights with daytime running lights are present as well, as seen on the 5 Series models.

The exterior design lines continue to flow across the sides, with a crease running from the front to the rear wheel arches. They become even more substantiated as they approach the rear-end. Wider rear fenders visually enhance the M5’s road presence.

Power

The M5 will inherit a dual clutch transmission which will be unique to the M5, based upon the 7-Speed transmission currently found in the M3. 8-Speed unit will also be available and will be equipped with a stop-start control. The DCT will be operated with steering wheel mounted shifting paddles. The new M5, although not from the beginning, will also be available with optional Carbon Ceramic brakes.

The 2012 BMW M5 is powered by an updated version of the engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds, even though we expect to see lower track times.

Build

The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. BMW will make extensive use of carbon-fiber and aluminum parts, starting with the a carbon-fiber roof.

As we’ve mentioned above, a concept version of the new F10 M5 will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, followed by the official launch at the Frankfurt show in September.

For more spy photos visit gmotors.ie

The idea of a MINI Sports Activity Coupe could also be connected to the debut of Land Rover Evoque which has a two-door configuration, small proportions and a coupe-like styling theme.

If the rumors become true, the MINI Coupe based on Countryman would be launched on the market in 2013 and would feature a four-door layout with rear suicide doors on both sides of the car and no B-pillars. Compared to the Countryman, it would have shorter rear overhangs, sloping roofline and shorter side windows.

The British magazine also publishes a rendering of how the new MINI sport coupe could look like.

[Source: Autocar]

Their marketing campaigns often spoke directly to its customers, delivering the message in an unconventional way by combining the qualities or features of their cars with real-life experiences.

In this latest 60-second spot dubbed “Flow”, MINI used new methods in computer generated technology to show the versatility of the MINI Countryman in a way that defies the laws of space and time.

And since some of you are interested in films and what goes behind the scenes, as usual, MINI gives us an insight in the production of “Flow” and how the pieces fit together.

A form of branded content, all eight films featured popular filmmakers from across the globe, starred Clive Owen as the “Driver”, and highlighted the performance aspects of various BMW automobiles.

In a new initiative to engage the BMW fans and owners, the Munich-based automaker kicks-off a new project: BMW Unscripted. The short films is a series about people, talking about their life, passion and joy with the brand BMW.

First one to tell the story of his car is Murray of Costa Mesa, California. Murray is a proud owner of a 2800 CS with over 400,000 miles.

Let’s have a look.

Along with visual improvements which include modified rear lights with glass covers in a homogeneous red color, the Competition Package further enhances the highly responsive chassis by installing a 10mm lower suspension and 19” wheels with greater offset for a wider track. Combined with remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the M3 with Competition Package is the best handling production M car ever built.

UK journalists continue to review the Competition package, and this time Car Magazine offers us a thorough analysis of the pack. The final evaluation is extremely positive, the car scoring maximum points in Handling, Performance and Feelgood Factor, among others.

And when you get on and enjoy the engine when it’s running…

You’ll experience one of the best cars on sale today, and one of the world’s great engines. Once you’ve let it warm through of course – set off in a cold M3 and you’ll have to wait for the oil temperature needle to swing towards 100deg and the adjustable red zone on the rev counter to head towards 8000rpm before you feel comfortable giving it full beans. But when everything is warm there’s a crisp rasp to accompany the slightest twitch of your right foot, and a completely addictive V8 roar when you head for the red line. It’s no deep-chested muscle car, but something much more highly strung, a little delicate but nonetheless brilliant. And when you’re homing in on 8300rpm, watching the shift lights flickering on, you’ll think there’s no better place you could possibly be.

The Competition Package itself is a £3315 option (), and because it includes a set of 19-inch wheels and the adjustable dampers (ordinarily £1265 and £1295, and a must-have for most M3 drivers) BMW reckons it’s not only good value but will be taken up by 60% of customers. The bonus is that the bigger wheels are clearly inspired by the E46 CSL – they’re very tasty. A 10mm suspension drop, lifted from last year’s M3 Edition, and a special M mode for the DSC system complete the package. And does it make a difference? Unfortunately we didn’t have a track to play on, but the reality is this latest M3 feels better than ever, with a sharp turn-in, strong resistance to understeer, and the ability to let you schlep along with the hoi polloi one moment, and act like a complete hooligan the next. Just make sure you leave the dampers in their regular setting – anything overtly sporting is just too stiff for the UK.

Verdict

The 4.0-litre V8 engine alone is enough to award the M3 five stars, but that the fact it steers brilliantly, goes bloody fast, looks great, and now does its bit for the environment too, makes it better than ever, and one amazing motor car. We love it. We want one.

Full article at Car Magazine

In early 2008, BMW Group announced that it would invest $750 million in the South Carolina plant, its largest investment in South Carolina to date. This commitment paved the way for construction of a new Assembly Hall built exclusively to produce the BMW X3 along with a significant expansion to the existing Paint Shop. This 1.5 million square foot addition increases the plant’s total footprint to over 4.0 million square feet.

“The launch of the new X3 will mark a historic moment for this plant. I am confident that the BMW X3 is once again going to make our plant a leader in the Sports Activity segment,” stated Josef Kerscher, President, BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg.

Within the last 7 years, the first-generation BMW X3 has been an extraordinary success story for the BMW Group. The BMW X3 began production in 2004. After production of over 600,000 units, the last vehicle of the first model generation, a Vermilion red metallic BMW X3 xDrive35d, came off the line in Austria yesterday.

With the model change, production of the X3 was relocated to the South Carolina plant based on existing manufacturing proficiency of the BMW X5 and X6 models. The US plant has become the expertise center for the BMW X Models. The addition of the third model to the plant’s vehicle mix has created several hundred new jobs and increased BMW’s total investment in South Carolina to $4.6 billion since 1992.

[Source: BMW ]

The new BMW X3 is a resolute continuation of the formula for success of the first SAV in its class. With further enhanced agility, noticeably optimised driving comfort, more space than any of its competitors and innovative equipment options, it offers the ideal prerequisites to inherit the position of its predecessor as the benchmark in the segment and to strengthen it further.

Within the last 7 years, the first-generation BMW X3 has written an extraordinary success story. In Graz alone, 605,498 units of the agile all-rounder came off the assembly line during this period. Together with the vehicles produced within the framework of the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly in Russia, Egypt and Thailand, the total figure adds up to 614,824 units. The last vehicle of the first model generation, a Vermilion red metallic BMW X3 xDrive35d, will remain with the Magna Steyr company, where it will be used in future as an executive car. A BMW X3 xDrive20d with full emergency vehicle specifications that had left the assembly line shortly before, will be donated by the BMW Group to a non-profit making organisation. For many years now, the BMW X3 has proved itself to be an ideal emergency vehicle for police and doctors. At the end of its model life, yet another vehicle will now take on this important task in the service of the general public.

As the first and, for some time, the only premium vehicle of its kind, the BMW X3 launched in 2004 and boasting intelligent four-wheel drive BMW xDrive, outstanding handling characteristics and a variable interior, gave reason for spontaneous enthusiasm and a lasting positive response on the international automotive markets. As a result, the concept of establishing benchmarks in the field of driving dynamics within the competitive environment of all-terrain vehicles, which had previously already been successfully pursued in the case of the BMW X5 in a higher segment, was endorsed yet again.

Driving pleasure, premium quality and, in addition, outstanding efficiency helped the BMW X3 become extremely popular and achieve excellent results in independent surveys. Experts have honoured the BMW X3 with several awards for outstanding safety, customer satisfaction, reliability and stable value. These included top rankings in the “Customer Satisfaction Index” (CSI) issued by the J.D. Power market research institute, as well as in the breakdown statistics kept by the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobilclub (ADAC). Twice in succession, the BMW X3 was voted both “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year” and “Off Road Vehicle of the Year” respectively by readers of the magazines “Auto Bild Allrad“ and “Off Road”.

The segment established by the first-generation BMW X3 is now also served by other premium vehicle manufacturers. The new BMW X3 faces up to intensified competition with consistently optimised qualities in all relevant disciplines. The engines on offer for this Sports Activity Vehicle boast the best performance and, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, the most favourable fuel consumption and emission levels as well. The vehicle’s entirely newly developed suspension technology facilitates a clear advantage both in terms of agility and driving comfort. With a loading capacity that can be increased from 550 to 1,600 litres and 40 : 20 : 40 split-folding rear seat backrests, the new BMW X3 offers the largest amount of space and at the same time the highest level of variability in its segment. Moreover, there is a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services by BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique within the competitive environment. For example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class to offer the options of a Head-Up Display and Internet access inside the vehicle.

With the model change, the production of the BMW X3 is being relocated to the BMW Spartanburg plant, a facility that has become the expertise centre for BMW X models. So far, the US American location of the BMW Group’s global production network has produced BMW X5 and BMW X6 models. Thanks to substantial extension work and with an investment of around $750 million, the prerequisites for the production of the new BMW X3 and the associated increase in the annual production capacity to around 200,000 vehicles have been created at Spartanburg.

The collaboration between the BMW Group and Magna Steyr also lives on within the framework of the new production structures. In the meantime, production of the MINI Countryman has started in Graz. The fourth model of the brand is not only the first MINI to feature four doors and a large tailgate, but can for the first time also be fitted with four-wheel drive technology. In this way, the Austrian production partner’s expertise in the field of all-terrain vehicles, which has already been demonstrated in the case of the BMW X3, continues to be comprehensively utilised.

[Source: BMW ]

“As predicted, we are seeing a slowdown in the market and do not expect the second half of the year to be as strong as the first half,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “Despite this, building momentum throughout the year and narrowing the gap with our competitors is still our plan. The new 5 Series is now part of our model lineup complementing the segment leading 7 Series, Z4 Roadster and 3 Series. We are also seeing continual growth in the SAV segment with the X5 and X6, as intended.”

BMW Brand Sales

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.6 percent for a total of 19,540 vehicles from the 19,232 units sold last year. Year-to-date, BMW sales were up 7.8 percent to 139,236 vehicles from the 129,176 units sold last year.

In August, the best performing vehicles included the 1 Series, up 52.5 percent to 1,394 units and the 7 Series, up 42 percent to 1,224 units. The X5 and X6 continue to perform very well with an increase of 21.4 percent and 34.4 percent, respectively.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

Sales of BMW’s used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 3.2 percent to 14,266 vehicles from the 13,830 units sold last year. Year-to-date, used vehicle sales were up 5.5 percent to 113,061 vehicles from the 107,137 units sold last year.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported sales of 4,425 automobiles, a decrease of 13.4 percent from the 5,111 cars sold last year. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 29,704 automobiles, a decrease of 3.8 percent from the 30,868 units sold last year. The drop in sales was again affected by the Cash for Clunkers program that took place in July and August of 2009 and boosted sales volume.

MINI sales will gain momentum as the year progresses due the updated 2011 model year vehicles arriving at dealerships in two weeks. Additionally, the brand is seeing significant customer interest in the Countryman as MINI dealers have just begun taking orders for the new model coming out in January 2011.

[Source: BMW ]

The Orange Fire M3 is available exclusively for the Chinese market. BMW M3 Tiger sports 359M styling wheels in 19 inches, black painted as the air intakes on the bonnet. Other blacked out parts include the kidney grills and dark chrome exhaust tips.

The interior is available with the black Novillo leather upholstery. On the headrests, an orange tiger emblem has been embroidered.

Since all E92 M3 models sold in China have a glass sliding roof, the M3 Tiger doesn’t come with the light carbon fiber roof seen on the M3 Coupes.

The X3 at Graz plant has been a success story and the BMW X3 number 605.498 was completed. The last vehicle of the first model generation, a Vermilion Red BMW X3 xDrive35d, will remain with the Magna Steyr company, where it will be used in future as an executive car.

A BMW X3 xDrive20d with full emergency vehicle specifications that had left the assembly line shortly before, will be donated by the BMW Group to a non-profit making organization.

Spartanburg plant in South Carolina will begin producing the new X3 this fall.

Despite moving its premium compact SAV to the U.S., the Graz plant continues to remain actively involved with BMW. The new MINI Countryman will get its own assembly line at the Austrian factory and over 60,000 units are expected to be produced annually.

I’ve mildly modded the car (Koni FSDs, Conti ExtremeContactDWs, E93 M3 front anti-sway bar, but NO engine mods at all – it has all the torque I need, thank you). But my big regret was not taking delivery of the 135i in Europe.

Now, BMW is tempting me again, with the M version of the 1er (politically correctly named the 1M, not M1). But BMW is being stingy with the details, preferring to string us along and ‘water torture’ (drip, drip, drip) us with tidbits of information. In reality BMW is becoming a past master at using social media to generate buzz for its lineup, and the demographic that uses social media is squarely in the sights of BMW for the 1M.

So what’s a guy to do, they aren’t spilling the beans and I want to know what the 1M really is. I guess I’ll have to speculate a bit.

Up front I suspect they’ll use the N54 cylinder head with the twinscroll turbo found on the N55. Why? I think that the Valvetronic gear in the N55 head is less adaptable to the mission of the car or cannot be adapted in time for the launch – software is a big piece of making it work. There’s online speculation that the N55 cylinder head will be the starting point of the next M3 engine.

Since the 1er is based on the same platform matrix as the current 3er, the suspension bits developed for the M3 are available for use in the 1M. That means that there’s a very strong possibility that the M3 parts bin will be raided to build out the 1M’s suspension. All the nice aluminum M3 bits fit.

There’s talk that the car will only be available with a manual transmission and again this may be an issue with software. Engine management and the transmission software will have to talk to each other and there may not be time to sort it out prior to release of the production vehicle. That may mean that the engine in the 1M is significantly different than the one in the 335is. But the buzz on the manual only is mixed, it may keep some from putting the 1M on a short list to buy. That doesn’t bother me, I’ve never owned anything but manual tranny cars (since I don’t consider the wife’s cars mine).

One thing Dr. Segler mentioned in the interview with BMWBLOG, was that the car has to be multi-functional, rather than a single purpose sports car. Does this hint at an ‘active’ suspension? Regardless, the 1M should be to the 135i as the E46 M3 was to the E46 330i ZHP. One step above – a knife edged version of an already suitably sporty car. But, from an enthusiast’s perspective, the really good news, that is actually revealed, is that it will have an honest-to-god limited slip differential. Hooray!

While the buzz online has been relatively positive, other than the fan-boys of other marques that will always find something wrong about any BMW, there is an undercurrent of “I can build a 135i out that’s better than a 1M”. The 1M will be a hard sell if BMW doesn’t clearly differentiate it from the 135i or can’t clearly communicate why it is better than any 135i that’s been ‘tuned’ with aftermarket pieces. That is an imperative! And I believe that if BMW ignores it, it will be at their peril.

So the 1M has piqued my interest, I have to determine whether or not it makes sense. I don’t track the current car, not sure that I want to (how about a Lotus 7 clone – that’d work!). So if the suspension is harsher than I want it’ll make the decision harder. What about price? Currently the base M3 coupe has an MSRP of about 126% of the base 335i coupe. Taking the 126% as a multiplier for the current 135i, the price may be in the $45,775 range, which tracks with a lot of the buzz on price.

So will BMW tempt me to buy again, this time with an M car that I can pick up in Europe. We’ll have to wait and see . . .

The car features a new aero bodykit, as well as a fresh ‘two-tone’ paint job. The bodykit consists of a front and rear bumper spoiler, new flared fenders, sills and an exhaust system with quad tailpipes.

The X6 sits on ENCO-JURA 23 inch aluminum wheels.

The silver and matt black wrap finish the exclusive look. No pricing has been revealed at this moment.

[Source: GTSpirit ]

Let’s have a look.

….

“BMW does a dandy job of complicating its cars, but there’s a simple summary for the wholly redesigned (”all-new” in breathless auto industry parlance) 2011 5 Series sedan.

Bigger, looks better, priced less, gets better mileage.

Bigger. But not much more room inside where you want it. More headroom in front than the 2010 5 Series had, but otherwise the interior dimensions are comparable, and the 2011 winds up with only about 3% more overall passenger space.

The biggest beneficiary of the 2-inch-longer body on the 3-inch-longer wheelbase seems to be the trunk, leapfrogging from sub-par to among the best, even if compared with larger sedans.

The new size has added several hundred pounds, too, which can hurt agility, though the test car was definitely nimble by any reasonable standard.

Looks better. Reasonable people often disagree on matters of taste. Still, the new appearance eschews the troubling raised-trunk look — BMW apparently is moving away from it just as mainstream brands are adopting it.

The new vehicle has a smoother silhouette than its predecessor, which is the sort of change that pleases most eyes. True, there’s still a lot going on visually, and some details seem gratuitous.

Priced lower. The 535i has a starting price that BMW says is $1,650 less than last year’s 535i. The 550i V-8 version is $900 less than last year’s.

But until last month, there was no less-costly 528i, as was offered in the 2010 line. The lowest 2011 price for a 5 Series since launch last spring had been the 535i’s $50,475 (including $875 in shipping).

Now the 528i has been added to the 2011 model line and starts at $45,425, which BMW says is a price cut of $1,400 vs. the 2010.

The part about using less fuel is uncomplicated. Drive farther, spend less. The 2011 BMW 5 sedans are rated as much as 4 miles per gallon better than their 2010 counterparts.”

Full review at USA Today

The MPi-EDGE/World Class Inspection software is developed by Mobile Productivity. Dealers who sign up to use this program are offered a special program subsidy, and pricing for the product is based on dealership size and number of users.

Although this is not mandatory, BMW encourages the dealers to check if MPi’s program is suitable for their service departments. What BMW is trying to achieve through this initiative is to increase the number of multi-point vehicle inspections by making it easier and faster for service technicians to conduct them.

The MPi system allow mechanics to use handheld devices to check off formatted inspection points on a mobile screen, and at the end, it produces a report describing what is working well and what isn’t, including also a list of repairs needed and the corresponding costs.

The program is intended to increase the number of repair orders, the service and parts profits, and to improve customer satisfaction by keeping clients’ cars in good and safe running order.

The MPi system also allows mechanics to conduct more thorough inspections and to do a better job explaining the customers what are the repairs needed. This leads also to an average $100-$125 in additional needed repairs per inspection, therefore boosting the sales of parts in BMW shops and allowing shops to increase their profits.

According to the same report, MPi’s vehicle-inspection program includes the EDGE software system; two customized, customer friendly reports called “Recommended Action Plan” and “Know Your Vehicle”; management reporting and analysis capabilities; consulting and training services; and process and performance metrics.

[Source: AutoWard]

According to BMW, thanks to specially reinforced side walls and additional lateral strengthening, the run-flat tires continue to perform their function even if all air pressure is lost, and you can continue driving for up to 150-250 km (depending on the model) at a speed of up to 80 km/h without any significant loss in vehicle stability.

AutoWeek brings up an interesting report about BMW and the run-flat systems. The report mentions that the Bavarian automaker has embraced this technology more than any other car manufacturer in the world.

BMW has been moving the majority of its lineup to ride on run-flat tires, starting with the 2003 models of the Z4 and the 5-series. As new models were developed the normal radial tire in a BMW was less and less preferred to the run-flat one. Today, the only models which continue to be fitted with traditional performance rubbers are the M cars.

Tom Baloga, BMW’s vice president of engineering, points out that the main concern is safety since changing a tire along the side of the road is quite dangerous. Other main reasons for adopting these systems and dropping the spare tire were the space used by the latter and the race for reducing vehicle weight.

Run-flats are also considered by the automaker to be a “green” choice, as this involves reducing tire usage by 20 percent, and hence saving millions of tires and the natural resources and energy needed to make them.

There are also downside effects to the usage of run-flat tires. AutoWeek points out that these systems don’t perform like “normal” radial tires, delivering a harsher ride than conventional tires, and adding unsprung weight to the vehicle. Price is also an important element since run-flats are approximately 20 to 30 percent more expensive than a conventional tire.

Dunlop, Michelin and Bridgestone are only some of the tire producers who adopted this system, and they continually struggle to develop the technology; Bridgestone for example is currently selling its third generation of run-flats.

In the meantime it seems that radial tires are still preferred by a lot of consumers whose main concern remain the poor ride of the car with run-flats.

However, in the future it is expected that the technology will be improved at a level where the differences between the two systems would be less noticeable.

[Source: AutoWeek ]

Commemorating the current Year of the Tiger in China, the new limited edition M3 features the Fire Orange Metallic paintwork already seen on the M3 GTS model.

In addition to the unique exterior with numerous black accents, the M3 Tiger sports 359M styling wheels in 19 inches, black painted as the air intakes on the bonnet. Other blacked out parts include the kidney grills and chrome exhaust tips.

Inside, the limited M3 Tiger will feature Novilla black leather with contrasting orange stitching and the headrests will be branded with an unique tiger head logo. To differentiate even further from other limited edition M3s, the door sill plates will also illustrate a Tiger Edition Logo in fire orange metallic color.

The production of the M3 Tiger will be limited to 250 units.

[Source: Moko via Autoblog ]