http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/ BMW Forum - A place for BMW owners and enthusiasts to discuss BMW vehicles en Sun, 20 May 2012 22:52:49 GMT vBulletin 60 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/ http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13321&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 00:46:46 GMT Filed under: Classics (http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), BMW... Filed under: Classics, Performance, BMW, Luxury



When we think of the BMW M division, the 1978 M1 comes instantly to mind, followed by the E30 M3 and then the 2001-2002 M Coupe. But the company's in-house hot rod shop actually dates back to 1972, when it was formed as a subsidiary to manage the company's racing operations, dubbed BMW Motorsport.

It was this month 40 years ago that what is known today as BMW M GmbH was launched. So to celebrate its anniversary, BMW has offloaded some 50 lustworthy images celebrating that performance history. See them all in our gallery.Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13321 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13320&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 16:42:44 GMT Do you have a GermanEx top on your Z3? What is your opinion of the top? Thanks! Do you have a GermanEx top on your Z3? What is your opinion of the top?

Thanks! ]]> BMW Z3 Roadster Forum - E36/7, E36/8 Irv http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13320 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13319&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 17:43:43 GMT Filed under: Convertible (http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/), Coupe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/), Performance... Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW



Let's get one thing straight: We'll never complain about a new BMW 1 Series performance model, and on paper, this new-for-2013 135is sure seems like a total hoot. But you have to understand, we're still mourning the loss of the 1 Series M Coupe, a one-year model that we absolutely fell in love with when it debuted last year. To quote BMW, the 135is is the "top performance model 1 Series for 2013," and awesome as it may be, it just makes the 1M's death seem all the more permanent. Le sigh.

Still, there's plenty to be excited about with this new 135is. Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the hotter 1 Series uses a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from the 135i, boosted to 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque here - upgrades of 20 and 17, respectively, over the standard car. Both a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are available.

A revised sport suspension comes standard, as do visual upgrades like new 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out grille and black mirror caps, in addition to all of the usual M Sport cosmetic changes.

The 135is is available to order as you read this, with the first deliveries taking place in the fall. Pricing starts at $44,195 for the coupe and $44,895 for the convertible, including the $895 destination charge. Give the 1 Series M a final wave goodbye and scroll down to take in all of the details about the 135is in BMW's press blast.Continue reading BMW launches 2013 135is coupe and convertible

BMW launches 2013 135is coupe and convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13319 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13318&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 14:09:55 GMT Filed under: Aftermarket (http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Europe... Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, BMW, Motorcycle, Russia, Design/Style



Vilner has taken the time to give the BMW F800R a once over to create the Predator. Built for a wealthy Russian businessman, the machine received a complete aesthetic redesign with plenty of components hewn from carbon fiber.

What isn't stitched from composite is coated in chrome, and the company's engineers set about shortening the bike by almost 10 inches. Vilner also ditched the dual saddle for a single seat variant and remade the headlight array. Red LEDs have replaced the standard bulbs, and a set of repurposed BMW Z4 turning indicators are now part of the action.

The Predator remains largely unchanged mechanically, though Vilner threw in a new, hand-built exhaust system. That means this machine still yields around 87 horsepower from its 800cc engine. Scroll down to check out the quick press release as well as a video of the bike.Continue reading Vilner takes on the BMW F800R [w/video]

Vilner takes on the BMW F800R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13318 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13317&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 19:13:17 GMT Filed under: Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Hatchback (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/), BMW... Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW, Luxury



We can now take an official, in-depth look at the new BMW M135i and the accompanying three-door 1 Series range - and there's much to see. Starting from the beginning, the Bimmer's styling has inclined some people to grab their hatchets. Yes, there's a whole lot of intensity and a slumgullion of deeply incised polygons mixed together in that little upright face, but we have no doubt there'll be a whole lot more people grabbing their wallets when they see it.

Along with the 320-horsepower M135i, fresh engines and features are among the new treats, as well as Sport Line, Urban Line and M Sport Package trims. The new 102-hp 114i model establishes the base, followed by the 136-hp 116i, 170-hp 118i and 218-hp 125i on the gasoline side, the 116-hp 116d, 143-hp 118d, 184-hp 120d and 218-hp 125d on the diesel side. Six-speed manuals are the go-to, with two eight-speed automatic transmissions in the options column. The M135i and 120d can be had with xDrive all-wheel drive, a first-time application on the 1 Series.

The new body is 85 mm longer, 17 mm wider, with a 30-mm longer wheelbase and wider track front and rear. The enlarged dimensions mean more cargo and legroom in the back, and buyers will get the option of having either two or three rear seats. And the comfort and safety systems lists read like someting out of the Papa Bear 7 Series, from Internet access to Lane Departure Warning and auto-braking cruise control.

Hop into the high-res gallery or head for the press releases below that details everythingyou could want to know about the new three-door 1 Series.Continue reading 320-horsepower BMW M135i headlines new three-door 1 Series range

320-horsepower BMW M135i headlines new three-door 1 Series range originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13317 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13316&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 11:19:22 GMT Filed under: Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Marketing/Advertising (http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/),... Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, BMW, Luxury



The BMW M135i is still doing development laps, but that hasn't stopped BMW from getting prospective buyers ready for it. In a 1:44 promo called "It!", two adults play the kiddies' favorite game in the hot hatches through the container-box lanes of an empty port at night.

If you're dead-set against the car then this probably won't make you like it, but this does lay down the first promotional marker in the 1,000-horsepower M135i/Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG/Audi RS3. battle. Take a look below to watch.Continue reading BMW plays tag with its new M135i

BMW plays tag with its new M135i originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13316 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13315&goto=newpost Sun, 13 May 2012 01:59:00 GMT Filed under: Wagon (http://www.autoblog.com/category/wagons/), BMW (http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/), Luxury... Filed under: Wagon, BMW, Luxury



The wagon is not dead! BMW has unveiled the latest 3 Series Sports Wagon and announced that it will again be available to U.S. customers. The new long-roof 3 goes on sale in Europe later this year as the 328i, 330d, and 320d Touring. U.S. customers need to wait until Spring 2013 for the 3 Series Sports Wagon to arrive in showrooms, and powertrain details for our market have not yet been announced. The current 3 Series wagon is only offered as the 328i here in the U.S. (with and without xDrive).

The new car is larger than the current model, and boasts 10 percent more cargo volume according to BMW. As with the 3 Series sedan, the wagon will be available in Sport, Luxury, and Modern lines, as well as an M Sport Line, each with a unique approach to their interior and exterior trim.

Inside, the back seats have a 40:20:40 split, and the cargo space offers plenty of room (as you can see in the photos). There's also hidden storage, a standard partition net, and if the cargo cover isn't in use, it can be stowed under the cargo floor for added convenience.

Amenities include an available power tailgate that, with the optional Comfort Access package, becomes a hands-free power tailgate; you just wave your foot under the bumper a la the new Ford Escape. Naturally, BMW will offer its full complement of tech and driver aids, like BMW Apps, a color HUD, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, BMW Parking Assistant, Rear-view Camera with Top View, and the BMW Assist telematics service.

So, the good news: new 3 Series wagon. The bad news: you need to wait a year. But that's better than no wagon at all, right.2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon unveiled, is U.S.-bound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13315 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13314&goto=newpost Fri, 11 May 2012 21:38:42 GMT Filed under: Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Videos (http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/), BMW... Filed under: Performance, Videos, BMW, UK



BMW has posted two teasers to YouTube, previewing M Performance versions of both the M3 and M5. These look to be specially produced for the UK market, and limited to just 30 units of each model in either red, white or blue.

Little information accompanies the low-res videos, saving that each of the cars is being fitted with "an impressively high specification of standard equipment" and that the 30 cars will be split up into 10 of each color. All three hues will feature BMW's "frozen" paint, the matte finish we're familiar with from the 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe.

Scroll down to watch both videos and their accompanying dubstep soundtracks.Continue reading BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions

BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13314 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13313&goto=newpost Fri, 11 May 2012 21:38:42 GMT Filed under: Convertible (http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Etc.... Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, BMW, Luxury



CAR magazine reports BMW is hard at work on crafting the next-generation 1 Series Convertible. When it bows, the machine is expected to carry with it an all-new nomenclature, doing away with the 1 badge in favor of a new 2 Series emblem. This isn't the first time we've heard of BMW filling in its model line with both 2 and 4 Series models, nor the first hint that the 1 Series Convertible will be reborn as the 2 Series. CAR does supply a few more details however, stating that the 1 and 2 will be separated largely by a few sheetmetal tweaks. That means we can expect to see more or less the same engine options behind the headlights.

Why bother changing the naming structure at all? According to CAR, BMW is attempting to get its fleet more inline with those of Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which use a hierarchical structure to differentiate less premium models from pricier hardware. The report suggests buyers can expect to see the new 2 starting in 2014, complete with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.BMW 2 Series coming in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13313 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13312&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 22:09:33 GMT Filed under: Spy Photos (http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/), Convertible (http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/), BMW... Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, BMW, Luxury



BMW did quite a bit to differentiate the new 3 Series from the old one, but arguably the biggest development in that department is the splitting of the model line. Because the new 3 Series is only the sedan and wagon. The coupe and cabrio are branching off as the 4 Series, similar to the 6 Series (as distinct from the 5 Series), the old 8 Series (separate from the 7 Series) and what's expected to emerge of the 2 Series from the new 1 Series.

Following earlier spy shots of the 4 Series convertible with its roof up in the rain and in the snow, this is our first look at the upcoming new model being driven the way it's meant to be driven: with its top down and the sun shining.

Unfortunately our view is a little obscured by all the swirly camouflage, so we'll have to wait until its anticipated debut sometime next year to see the whole package. But you can check out the spy shots now for a sneak preview.BMW 4 Series cabrio caught with its top down originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13312 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13311&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 20:50:25 GMT Filed under: Marketing/Advertising (http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/), Videos (http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/), BMW... Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Luxury



BMW has long had an advantage over Mercedes-Benz and Lexus when it comes to maintenance and ownership costs that it has hardly ever advertised - free maintenance for the first four years of ownership. The secret will be no more as the company is about to unleash a major ad push behind the program known as BMW Ultimate Service.

The ads, done by BMW's ad agency, Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners, which took BMW's whole ad account assignment last August, are set inside a BMW dealership and draw on comedy to depict the surprise and even incredulity that four years of free maintenance comes with every new Bimmer. In one spot, for example, a woman thinks the promise of free maintenance is a come-on, and she reminds the salesman that she is married. In another spot, a man buying a BMW thinks he has to give the salesman sports tickets in order to get the deal.

BMW's marketing chief Dan Creed says the ad campaign, for which there are 27 different possible endings to the vignettes between salesman and customer, is timed right for a market of luxury buyers, which, though seemingly fully recovered from the economic death march of 2008-2010, is still looking for value along with their luxury.

"The expectation and widely held belief that BMW has very expensive maintenance costs is still a big factor in why people bypass us when shopping, and we think we have a very efficient way of changing that perception here," says Creed. "Mercedes, Lexus, and our other competitors don't have this, and we are going to use it as a meaningful point of difference."

Scroll down below for more on BMW's upcoming ads and to watch the videos.Continue reading Olympics + 3 Series + Free Service: Enough for BMW to keep luxe lead in 2012?

Olympics + 3 Series + Free Service: Enough for BMW to keep luxe lead in 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13311 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13310&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 18:29:14 GMT Filed under: Car Buying (http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/), China (http://www.autoblog.com/category/china/), Europe... Filed under: Car Buying, China, Europe, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Earnings/Financials, Luxury



The global luxury war has three fierce combatants, all German, all producers of amazing vehicles, and all serious about besting their two other rivals. While BMW has been winning as of late, the latest battle goes to Audi.

The Volkswagen luxury brand sold 125,200 vehicles in April, topping BMW's 121,476, according to Reuters. It was the first time Audi outsold BMW since January 2011. BMW still holds the year-to-date lead with 478,030 units sold, compared to 471,300 for April's champ, according to the report. BMW sales are up 10.1 percent for the year, while Audi's have risen by 11.7 percent.

Mercedes-Benz sits over 50,000 units behind at 418,246, according to Automotive News. Sales of Mercedes vehicles are up 9.7 percent on the year.

Audi's ascendency can be traced to China, where sales rose 44 percent in April, according to AN. European sales, by comparison, were only up 4.9 percent, with U.S. sales rising by 15 percent.Audi narrowly beats BMW in April to take premium sales crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13310 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13309&goto=newpost Thu, 10 May 2012 17:10:16 GMT I have a 1989 bmw 750il that has a blown head gaskett. I am wondering if it will be worth my time to replace it myself, or if it would be worth it to... I have a 1989 bmw 750il that has a blown head gaskett. I am wondering if it will be worth my time to replace it myself, or if it would be worth it to pay someone to do it for me? ]]> BMW 7-Series Forum lando750ile32 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13309 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13308&goto=newpost Tue, 08 May 2012 21:17:32 GMT Filed under: Coupe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/), Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Etc.... Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, BMW, Luxury



BMW is recalling certain 2012 3 Series models for head restraints that can be raised beyond the federal limit. As a result, in a collision, the head rest could move down slightly, increasing the risk of a neck injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers 7,600 vehicles manufactured between October 18, 2011 and March 18, 2012.

BMW plans to notify owners this month, and dealers will address the problem by installing a small clip to limit the head rest's travel. The work will, of course, be done for free. For more information, head over to the NHTSA website or scroll down or the full recall bulletin.Continue reading BMW recalling 7,600 3 Series models over faulty head restraints

BMW recalling 7,600 3 Series models over faulty head restraints originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13308 http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13307&goto=newpost Tue, 08 May 2012 21:17:32 GMT Filed under: Convertible (http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/), BMW (http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/), Luxury... Filed under: Convertible, BMW, Luxury



The next-generation BMW Z4 roadster is slated to arrive in 2015, and according to new reports, it's going to be a more dynamic machine. Well, slightly more dynamic, since the Z4 will still need to squeeze into the triangulated space between better driving chops and not looking too different than the current car. Buyers may want a better driver's car, but they also want a timeless design that will still look good in 15 years.

Inside Line reports that the next Z4 will have a shortened hood and the lighter, N20 four-cylinder engine - as is found in the Z4 sDrive28i - which will mean better weight distribution. But with BMW aiming to ensure its cars maintain their image for 15 years, we look forward to seeing how engineers and designers collaborate on a harder car that won't be, in any way, too hard.Next BMW Z4 to be more dynamic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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Read more... ]]> BMW In The News BMW Forums http://ultimatedrivingmachineforum.com/bmw-forum/showthread.php?t=13307