Category: BMW

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BMW

BMW facing its own recall dramas

BMW M135i

Maybe recalls are the new black. Volkswagen, Porsche, Toyota; everyone it seems is getting in on the act! And now it’s BMW’s turn to put a screw loose. Quite literally, as it happens, in the case of BMW’s well utilised 3.0 litre straight six engine.

According to Scott Croaker from BMW Australia a potential loss of oil pressure can occur if a bolt attached to the engine’s VANOS valve system fails. No oil pressure means your silky smooth M135i engine, for example, goes bang!

While no faults or failures have been reported in Australia at this stage BMW is readying itself for a voluntary recall campaign.

“There was a couple of failures in China,” explained Croaker. “We looked at it closer and realised that the problem was not market specific, it was related to a component.

“As soon as we get the information we will raise the necessary process and issue the recall.”

The total amount of affected vehicles is still to be determined, but is expected to number around 2700 and cover two years of production. The engine is used in models such as the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5 and Z4.

Most people will accept a potential fault with their vehicle, no matter how remote, so long as the manufacturer is open and transparent with them. Communicating and detailing the repair procedure in a timely manner will also win favour. And from limited detail that seems to be exactly the way BMW is handling this issue.

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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BMW

BMW Australia settles on M3/M4 pricing

2014 BMW M3 Sedan

EXCLUSIVE

BMW Australia has internally confirmed its pricing for the new M3 and M4, which follows from the pricing and specification info we brought you a couple of weeks ago. An official press release is expected later this month.

ModelEnginekW/Nm0–100kml/100kmGearboxMRLP*
M3 Sedan6-cylinder 2979cc317/5504.1s8.3M double clutch$156,900
M4 Coupé6-cylinder 2979cc317/5504.1s8.3M double clutch$166,900

*The prices shown above include GST and LCT. They are manufacturer’s recommended list prices (MRLP) only and exclude dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges.

A summary of selected standard and optional equipment, with pricing, can be seen after the break. It’s nice to see a 6-speed manual is available as a no cost option.

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BMW

Cars need guitars

BMW M guitar by Maton

This video from BMW has very little to do with cars and everything to do with guitars. Sure, there’s an M badge to try and make it relevant and, yes, this guitar was made to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BMW M GmbH, but mostly it’s just cool seeing a guitar being crafted before your eyes.

If you need to know about the back story, here’s the deal:

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of BMW M, Maton Guitars and BMW have joined forces to create a custom limited-edition Maton electric guitar.

The guitar is based on the BB1200 (semi-hollowbody, double cut-away) and constructed with Queensland maple. The colour is a custom pearl based on BMW Singapore Grey that the BMW M6 Convertible is finished in.

[Thanks to John for the tip]

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BMW Formula 1

BMW coming back to Formula 1?

Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 2008 Canadian GP

A new rumour suggests BMW is readying itself for a return to Formula 1 and it could be back as soon as next year. The source of the speculation is Minardi (yes, that Minardi) and on its website it quotes Gian Carlo Minardi:

…German rumour has it that a BMW Board of Directors has been fixed for the month of May to consider a coming back in F1 already for 2015. The promoter of this project is Steven Althaus, Director Brand Management BMW and Marketing Services BMW Group. A confirmation of BMW’s concrete will to evaluate future projects has been the continuous and steady presence of technicians, both in the pre-season testing and during the first races, gathering important information…

It would seem any return to F1 by BMW return would be in the role of engine supplier, rather than constructor. Despite the controversy over the sound of the new V6 power units, the marketing, research and potential sales benefits of this technology makes it the perfect time for car makers to consider F1. A relatively fuel efficient 1.6 litre turbo V6 hybrid has a lot more relevance to road cars than normally aspirated screaming V8s or V10s.

BMW quit F1 at the end of 2009 ending its ownership of the BMW Sauber team (2006–09), having previously supplied engines to Williams (2000–05). BMW’s best success as a constructor came via Robert Kubica’s solitary race victory in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.

In 1983 Nelson Piquet won the world championship with a Brabham BT52, powered by a BMW M12 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbo engine.

[Source: Minardi]

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BMW Lexus Video

VIDEO: BMW M235i v Lexus IS-F drag race

BMW M235i v Lexus IS F

This video is like popcorn. It’s crap and you know it’s crap. You hate yourself for enjoying it, but you just can’t help yourself.

So, then, a six-cylinder turbo down on power up against a free revving normally aspirated V8 with a significant horsepower advantage. A straight line, of course, they’re in the US after all, who’s going to win? The BMW does have the benefit of lighter weight.

After you’ve watched the unedited video below, if you really want to assault your ears, and maybe your intelligence too, watch this.

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BMW

Pencil in 2016 for BMW M2

BMW M235i Racing

The BMW M235i Racing will inspire the M2 according to a new report which claims the model will be launched in 2016.

Boasting flared guards and other model-specific styling is expected to follow the path of its predecessor, the 1 Series M Coupé, by stuffing a host of M3/M4 parts beneath its finely sculpted exterior.

The majority of speculation so far focuses on the M2 being powered by a 3.0 litre turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine producing around 300kW (400hp). However, we think you should be very open to the idea of the M2 being powered by a four-cylinder.

After all, Porsche reckons they can make 300kW from a four-pot, so why can’t BMW?

[Source: Left Lane News]

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BMW

BMW Australia expected to price M3 from $160,000

BMW M3/M4 Australian pricing estimate

EXCLUSIVE

Australian pricing details for the new BMW M3 and M4 have found their way to us. According to the material we have these are “indicative prices” only:

  • BMW M3 Sedan: $160,000 (estimated)
  • BMW M4 Coupé: $170,000 (estimated)

Those estimated figures include GST and LCT and will be finalised towards the end of the month. Build allocations for the Australia-bound F80 M3 and F82 M4 will commence with May 2014 production.

Here’s a selected list of optional equipment, including GST and LCT:

  • 19″ M light alloy wheels double-spoke 437 M, Black – $500
  • M Carbon ceramic brakes – $15,000
  • Adaptive LED headlights – $2,360
  • 6-speed manual transmission – No cost option

Further details are available after the break.

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2014 Geneva Motor Show in pictures – part 1

2014 Geneva Motor Show

Like us you probably haven’t had a chance to duck over to Europe to check out the Geneva Motor Show. So here’s the first of a two part series bringing you a selection of the cars on show. Here we start with Alfa Romeo and go through to Lexus.

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Audi BMW Video

VIDEO: Audi S3 v BMW M135i

Audi S3 v BMW M135i

Jethro Bovingdon from Evo spent the day fanging around Bedford Aerodrome in an Audi S3 and a BMW M135i. As you know the S3 is all-wheel drive and powered by a four cylinder turbo, while the M135i has a more pure rear-wheel drive layout with an inline six cylinder turbo.

The Audi is lighter but has less power. Can the BM’s extra grunt make up for its extra bulk? And which one is more fun on track?

[Thanks to Micky for the tip]

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BMW Motorsports

VIDEO: BMW M235i Racing promo

BMW M235i Racing

BMW released this video of the M235i Racing a few weeks ago. We missed it! We’re sorry about that, but not sorry at all to bring it to you now.

The on track action featured in this clip is actually not that interesting. The good stuff is at the start when we’re given an insight into the work completed by BMW Motorsport as they transform the roadcar into a racecar.

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BMW

BMW 2 Series Coupé – Australian pricing & specs

BMW 2 Series coupe

The BMW 2 Series Coupé is about to arrive at your local dealership, if it hasn’t already. BMW Australia has previously confirmed pricing for the three models it will offer at launch, listed below:

BMW 220i Coupe (135kW/270Nm)– $50,500*
BMW 220d Coupe (135kW/380Nm) – $52,500*
BMW M235i Coupe (240kW/450Nm) – $79,900*
*Manufacturer’s list pricing (includes GST & LCT).

BMW also detailed some of the included specifications in its press release below, but you’re still better off referring back to our exclusive info we brought you back in November last year.

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BMW

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer revealed

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW’s first foray into front-wheel drive production is upon us with official details for the 2 Series Active Tourer being released today.

First shown in concept form around 18 months or so it’s a bit of a surprise (to us) to see the car has been handed a 2 Series badge, instead of the adopting 1 Series nomenclature.

For 2 Series Active Tourer, read Mercedes-Benz B Class. This is no surprise because until now BMW had no model to compete with the mid-size Benz for people who buy on badge and not much else.

In the back of the F45 you’ve got 468 litres of luggage space to play with, expandable to 1510 litres with the rear seats folded down. BMW has grabbed a range of three and four cylinder engines from its rack to power the Active Tourer and all are turbocharged, fuel efficient and meet EU6 standards.

And for the BMW customers who understand what front-wheel drive means the brainwashing has commenced:

The front drive axle in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has undergone extensive fine-tuning, ensuring that it endows the car with optimum driving dynamics and wonderfully precise steering feedback. The electromechanical steering and the system’s functional arrangement combine to produce a driving sensation that is devoid of interfering torque steer.

Come to think of it, will any buyers who know what the acronym FWD means want this model anyway? We suggest those most likely to buy the 2 Series Active Tourer have made their decision by the time they get to the BMW acronym.

That said, it’s a smart looking car, it will drive well and should be pretty well built. And for a lot of people that’s all they want in a car.

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