Category: BMW

BimmerFile brings word that at least one of the mysteries surrounding the engine in BMW’s new F80 M3 has been solved. According to their discussions with former M GmbH chief Ludwig Willisch the next-gen M3 will use an inline six cylinder engine.

Apparently a V6 motor, closely related to the V8 in the current F10 M5, was tested but deemed to be lacking the character and power delivery befitting an M3.

All that’s left to confirm now is the number of turbos Munich will bolt onto its most important M model. There’ll be at least two, no doubt, but will the tri-turbo technology employed in the diesel-powered M Performance engine—which just happens to be a 3.0 litre straight six—make sense on the petrol-powered M3?

[Source: BimmerFile]

“The most powerful letter in the world” is the rough translation of the text beneath the M logo. It’s certainly a letter that means a lot to BMW and its customers and 2012 is a big year for M.

BMW is celebrating the 4oth anniversary of its M GmbH division in 2012. They’ve sent out a lengthy press release covering the achievements of the brand during that time. And they are many.

We like this quote from former BMW AG Board Member Sales, Bob Lutz, who said this in 1972 when M GmbH was formed: “A company is like a human being. As long as it goes in for sports, it is fit, well-trained, full of enthusiasm and performance.”

Enthusiasm and performance, two fitting words to describe the M brand.

BMW Australia has released details of its updated X5 and X6 range. Notably, that will include the first of the new M Performance Automobiles to arrive in Australia, namely the X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

Powered by a 3.0 litre straight six with three turbochargers, the diesel engine produces 280kW of peak power, complemented by a hefty 740Nm of torque that’s all yours from 2000rpm. With an 8-speed auto, both M50d models can reach 100km/h in under 5.5 seconds. If you behave yourself the fuel consumption ratings say you should be sipping diesel fuel at less than 8l/100km.

BMW explains their unique tri-turbo setup like this:

At low revs, only a small turbocharger with variable turbine geometry is active. Above around 1,500 rpm, this is supported by a larger turbocharger. In the top rev range from approximately 2,600 rpm to the 5,400 rpm redline, a third turbocharger with variable turbine geometry is added to boost pressure and power output.

The X5 M50d and X6 M50d will be in showrooms next month and have been priced from $147,000 and $157,000 respectively. For the record, that makes the X6 M50d around $34,000 less than the X6 M (now $190,900), which is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8.

There’s more detail from BMW Australia after the break.

On the weekend BMW released details of the M135i. It’s powered by a 225kW/450Nm inline six-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels. If you reckon rear-wheel drive won’t be enough, then you’re in luck, because from November an all-wheel drive xDrive version will be available.

So, is the M135i coming to Australia? Yes, it is.

Unlike overseas markets, the M135i will only be sold in Australia in a five-door configuration. Other markets will be able to choose between a three or five-door layout. Indeed, BMW Australia told AUSmotive this morning there are currently no plans to offer any 1 Series three-door models locally.

Okay, so when will the M135i be in Australian showrooms? We can’t tell you for certain because BMW Australia is yet to finalise plans with Germany. We do know that BMW Australia hopes to have the car here before the end of the year.

After a few recent spy sightings it was only a matter of time before BMW revealed a full suite of images of its F31 3 Series Touring. And here they are. With our known love of Euro wagons in mind, we’ll declare right from the start that we think the F31 is a winner.

As with the F30 saloon, the F31 is available in three trim lines: Modern, Luxury and Sport. A sportier M Sport package will also be offered. At initial launch 135kW four cylinder 320d, 190kW six-cylinder 330d and 180kW four-cylinder 328i versions of the 3 Series Touring will be sold. As is the norm for BMW these days all are turbocharged, or TwinPower Turbos to use BMW-speak.

The F31 is 97mm longer than the E91 model it replaces. Its wheelbase has been increased by 50mm and BMW claim the driving dynamics have been improved as well. Rear luggage space is up by 35 litres to a new total of 495 litres, 1500 litres with the seats down.

This new wagon from BMW looks good, has a decent range of engines on offer and will no doubt be at the top of its class for driving and cabin refinement. Really, you have to ask, how did BMW make the 3 Series look so good, while at the same time making the 1 Series so bad?

UPDATE: BMW Australia has confirmed with us that they are planning to launch the 3 Series Touring in the first quarter of 2013. Pricing and local specs to follow closer to launch.

Almost a year after the fiver-door version was first revealed, BMW has released images and details for a three-door version of its F20-based 1 Series.

Larger in every dimension than the original 1 Series three-door, the new model will be fitted with a range of turbocharged engines keeping economy-focused and enthusiast drivers alike equally satisfied.

A new 114i entry level model has been added to the 1 Series range, which will now be headed by the 225kW M135i. From November BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will be included as an option on the 120d and M135i.

More pics and a summary press release from BMW are all yours after the break. If you really want to sink your teeth into the detail, make sure you grab the 40 page presser from the link below.

UPDATE: BMW Australia has advised the 1 Series 3 door is not under consideration for our market, this includes the 3dr M135i.

Pistonspy has once again delivered the goods, snapping one of the first pics of the new F33 BMW 4 Series convertible. If you’re confused by the “4 Series” naming, remember that the coupé and convertible versions of the F30-based 3 Series will be wearing the number 4.

It’s expected the 4 Series convertible will follow its F32 coupé sibling by a few months, which puts it on track for release by the second quarter of 2014.

Unsurprisingly, the 4 Series range will employ largely the same engine range as the 3er. However, in order to maintain performance between the coupé and heavier convertible the engines for the topless models may get a bit of a tweak to boost power.

[Source: Pistonspy]