Category: BMW

Today BMW has announced the details of the M550d xDrive, the first example of its new M Performance Automobiles range. Joining the M550d is a Touring version as well as the X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

All are powered by an innovative 3.0 litre straight six diesel engine fitted with three turbochargers, sending power to all four wheels. Peak numbers are 280kW and a stonking 740Nm. It’s the most powerful diesel engine BMW has ever made and they’ve mated it to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

You need to look at the acceleration figures to give those numbers some perspective. The M550d sedan has a dry weight of 1895kg and it can reach 100km/h in a claimed 4.7 seconds. Blimey! The Touring carries and extra 95kg and still reaches 100 in 4.9 seconds. The 2150kg X5 M50d needs 5.4 seconds, while the X6, at the same weight, takes only 5.3 seconds.

It looks as though Australia will only get the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d, which is a shame because the M550d Touring would be our pick by a long margin.

There’s more after the break and if you want to find out more about how those three turbos work make sure you download the detailed press kit, available at the end of the material below.

A couple of weeks back BMW announced they’d be introducing a new range of models called M Performance Automobiles. They’ll be placed in between regular BMW offerings and the fully fledged M models.

The benefit here of course is the ability to get an M-badged product without the full admission price. It’s also a very neat way for BMW to bring M Performance to models and drivetrains we wouldn’t normally consider for an M5, for example.

Suddenly that M550dx begins to make much more sense. Indeed, today, BMW has announced a series of M Performance diesels, which have already been previewed. We’ll bring you more detail later today.

So, how about another practical example of this M Performance line. BimmerFile reports of a rumoured M135i to sit between the very capable 135i and the awesome 1 Series M Coupé. It’s expected to have around 320hp, uprated sports suspension based on the 135i as well as enhanced steering and model-specific alloy wheels.

Sounds interesting, we think, and we look forward to seeing how the M Performance range pans out. We’ll be in line for much more when the Geneva Motor Show rolls around in March and BMW gives the M Performance Automobiles their official debut.

BMW Australia today announced they have added a 318d and 320i to its new F30 3 Series range ahead of the official launch which takes place next month.

Positioned as entry-level models the 318d, featuring a 105kW/320Nm four cylinder turbo diesel, will be priced from $56,400*. The 320i is powered by a 135kW/270Nm four cylinder turbo petrol engine and comes standard with an 8-speed sports auto; pricing starts at $57,600*.

When the new 3 Series goes on sale in Australia the 320d, 328i and 335i, as previously announced, will be available immediately. The 318d and 320i will be available from March build dates onwards. Allow another 6–8 weeks shipping time before we start seeing them in local dealerships.

More detail from BMW Australia is available after the break.

According to an interview with BMW North America’s M Manager, Matt Russell, the next-gen M3 will not debut until next year. That’s because production of the current E92/E93 Coupé and Convertible will remain active for all of 2012. That makes it virtually impossible for the F80/F82 M3 Sedan and Coupé to be released for sale before mid-late 2013.

Russell also seemed to pour cold water over previous reports suggesting BMW would introduce an all-wheel drive F10 M5. “Some people have a concern that we’re going to run into traction problems as horsepower number continues to go up and up. But this car just did a 3.7 second 0-60mph for Car and Driver on dusty Spanish roads so clearly it doesn’t have much of a traction problem,” said Russell.

“I think once we get the car tested stateside, it’ll go even faster. So we’re running out of reasons to do AWD. We’re in no rush to put AWD on M cars.”

Other topics covered include discussion on the US allocation of the 1M, the introduction of an M6 and also a very brief comment on the introduction of diesel-powered M product going on sale in the US. Follow the source link to read the full interview.

[Source: Bimmerpost]

The BMW 3 Series has been with us for almost 40 years. Next month, the newest in the range, the F30 3 Series will be on sale in Australia. It’s quite timely, then, that BMW Munich has released a short history on the 3 Series with comments on all six generations.

Here’s the full 3 Series family tree and you can check out the comments from BMW after the break:

• E21 – 1st generation (1975–1983)
• E30 – 2nd generation (1982–1993)
• E36 – 3rd generation (1990–1997)
• E46 – 4th generation (1998–2005)
• E90 – 5th generation (2005–2011)
• F30 – 6th generation (2011–)

Click HERE to read the details on Australian pricing for the new 3 Series. To coincide with the launch of the new model BMW Australia is running a comp for current and previous 3 Series owners via their Facebook page. The prize is the use of a new 3 Series for a month, among other things. If you’re a fan it might be worth taking a look.

We’ve often admired Steve Sutcliffe’s handiwork at the wheel. Here the Autocar frontman has the BMW F10 M5 at his disposal and a few acres of tarmac. Which begs the question: Just how far can the M5 drift?

Take the jump to find out.

M3Post brings our attention to an M3 photoshoot featuring an original Imola Red E30 along with an Interlagos Blue E46 and a Laguna Seca Blue E92. A nice collection of M3s we’re sure you’ll agree.

Astute observers will also notice the colours of the three cars are reminiscent of BMW Motorsport’s iconic coloured stripes.

Did you know the red colour paid tribute to oil company Texaco who had a partnership agreement with BMW back in the day? The lighter blue is for Bavaria, home of BMW. And the purple colour, a mixture of the red and light blue, represented the harmony between the two companies.

We’re told BMW had to pay for the rights to continue using the red once the agreement with Texaco came to an end.

There’s more after the break and if you follow the source link below you’ll be treated to more photos.

[Source: MClub.LA via M3Post]

BMW’s global arm has released a new video showing their designers talking about the new F30 3 Series. It’s a short and concise peak into the minds of the creators of what is ultimately BMW’s most important model. This clip coincides nicely with news of local pricing for the 3 Series.

BMW Australia has just announced pricing for the new F30 3 Series. There will be three models available at launch in February 2012—320d ($60,900*), 328i ($66,900*) and 335i ($91,900*).

The 320d is powered by an economical 135kW/380Nm 2.0 litre turbo diesel, which consumes diesel at the rate of 4.5l/100km.

Entry level petrol power is available in the 328i and features a four cylinder TwinPower Turbo with headline figures of 180kW/350Nm. It offers an increase of 20kW/100Nm on the old 325i six cylinder it replaces, while costing $5000 less.

Topping the range is the 335i with a six cylinder offering 225kW/400Nm. Despite its still hefty pricetag, BMW boasts the new F30 335i is $15,000 cheaper than the old 335i M Sport model.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton tells us, “The new generation 3 Series Sedan improves upon BMW’s reputation for sporty driving dynamics, stylish design, advanced technology and safety, powerful and fuel efficient drivetrains and luxury features.

“But more than anything, with reduced pricing for the range topping 335i and new 328i and a huge increase in standard equipment for the 320d, it offers a substantial improvement in value, both compared with its predecessor and its direct rivals in the market.”

For more detail and images of the new 3 Series make sure you check back to our earlier post ‘2012 BMW F30 3 Series in detail’. Introductory specification for Australian delivered cars can be read in BMW’s press release after the break.

UPDATE 20 January 2012: Pricing for 318d and 320i has been added below.

While we struggle a little with the development of M diesel power, BMW has given us new story book to help us get by. It’s the international brochure for the new 6 Series Gran Coupé.

Based on the Gran Coupé concept from 2010 this is a model that more readily fits into the BMW product portfolio. They have also given us a sneak preview of the ‘Beauty. Revealed.’ marketing campaign for the 6er Gran Coupé, which will launch globally in quarter two of 2012.

The four-door saloon coupé doesn’t make its official public debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. Hats off to BMW, then, for giving us such a detailed and early preview of its newest creation.

A link to download brochure is all yours after the break.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Then it must be a diesel-powered M car. That’s pretty much the line given by Thomas Schemera, Director of Sales Division, BMW M GmbH in this second teaser video.

The clip is a little bit cheesy as BMW goes about selling its diesel SUV is worth an M-badge message. Is that M for motorsport, or M for marketing?

Word is the new tri-turbo inline six cylinder engine has been developed by M from the ground up and will see service in a variety of model lines. The only surprise here being some won’t be badged as M cars.

It’s been reported by BimmerFile that the M diesel will produce 381hp/516ft-lb (285kW/700Nm). It’ll be a stonking engine, we’ve no doubt. We’re just still struggling a little with the short term dilution of brand M.