Tuesday, January 31, 2012

TUESDAY TECH TIP: Heard of His and Her bathrooms? Well what about His and Her BMW keys?

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With BMW Key Memory, you can program up to three keys separately to fit your individual preferences. Choose to unlock just the driver's door or both doors with the first press of the keyhead remote. It can be programmed to relock the vehicle automatically when it reaches 5 mph, return the drivers seat to the same position as the last time that key was used and return climate control to the previous setting used.

Monday, January 30, 2012

CAR OF THE WEEK: New to BMW’s legendary lineup of engines is this 2.0 Liter Twins Scroll Turbo 4 Cylinder!

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With the same horsepower as the inline-6 it replaced (240hp), more torque (up 40 to 260), Start/Stop technology, Efficient Dynamics ®…we just gave you ANOTHER reason to stop out for a great test drive while getting over 30mpg!!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

BMW M Performance diesel range revealed

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BMW is pinning its hopes of increased performance-car sales success on a tri-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine set to make its public debut in a range of potent all-wheel-drive, M division-developed models at the Geneva motor show in March.

The M550d xDrive sedan, the M550d xDrive touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d all were conceived to provide performance approaching that of their celebrated gasoline-engine M division siblings--but with vastly better fuel economy, significantly lower carbon-dioxide emissions and--in European markets at least--more affordable pricing.

Sadly for prospective North American buyers, they will not be sold here thanks to BMW's decision not to homologate the diesel engine to meet 50-state emission standards, something that BMW North America officials say would require it to adopt expensive and hard-to-package selective catalytic-reduction technology to lower its nitrous-oxide emissions.

But, Autoweek can confirm that moves are afoot to bring other M Performance models to North America before the end of 2012.

The quartet of performance diesels forms the basis of what BMW has dubbed its M Performance range. They are planned to slot into their respective lineups between the top-performing standard model and the full-blown M model in terms of outright performance, dynamic ability and equipment levels. In the case of the headlining M550d sedan, this would be between the 550i and the recently introduced sixth-generation M5.

"We're close to finalizing other additions to our new M Performance portfolio, including gasoline-engine models, which we're planning to show before the end of the year," BMW M division spokesperson Stefan Behr said.

The six-cylinder common-rail engine adopts a patented induction system boasting three turbochargers that BMW sources suggest are set to revolutionize the efficiency and performance credentials of traditional combustion engines, both in diesel and gasoline formats.

The new M division-developed diesel engine comprehensively outguns BMW's widely used twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, developing 376 hp between 4,000 rpm and 4,400 rpm along with a sturdy 545 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.

In each of the new M Performance models, the new engine is mated to a beefed-up version of BMW's existing eight-speed automatic supplied by German gearbox specialist ZF and a specially tuned version of the German carmaker's all-wheel drive system.

Together, the engine's heady reserves and the traction-enhancing qualities of its driveline are sufficient to provide the 4,178-pound M550d xDrive sedan with 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds--just 0.3 second slower than the new M5. Top speed, as in all of BMW's new M Performance models, is limited to 155 mph.

BMW's EfficientDynamics fuel-saving features include automatic stop/start, brake-energy recuperation and on-demand function for engine ancillaries.

Together with the all-wheel-drive M550d xDrive sedan and the M550d xDrive touring, Autoweek can confirm that BMW is also planning to introduce rear-wheel-drive M550d sedan and M550d touring models to selected markets later in 2012. Also under development are M650d xDrive and M650d coupe and Gran Coupe models.

In keeping with its reputation of delivering cars with outstanding handling, BMW's M division gave all of the vehicles unique steering ratios, chassis settings and, in some instances, chassis components including track widths, body-structure mountings, engine mountings and gearbox mountings consummate with their M-car siblings.

Each M Performance car will get subtle styling changes differentiating them from their standard and M-car siblings. The interior of each car gets the M division treatment with unique stainless-steel sill plates, leather-bound dashboards, M-specific steering wheels and seats, among other changes.

Source: autoweek.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Receive 20% off your favorite BMW lifestyle merchandise!

Stop in now through the end of February and receive 20% off your favorite BMW lifestyle merchandise in our Boutique! 
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Print your coupon.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

To Buy or Not to Buy? Winter Tires are the Question

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Here is the answer.

The time is around 19:00 hours on a cold, blustery winter night. The temperature is hovering around -1 and it has been raining, a dangerous stage for icy conditions. Having left the shop with 4 new winter tires installed only that morning, what I encountered next had me kissing all four corners of my contact patch.

Traveling South bound on Windsor’s Huron Church Ave, one of North America’s busiest roads with high truck traffic, I came upon an intersection where the two right lanes of the 3 Southbound lanes were at a stand still, tens of semi trucks lumbering through first gear. With a fresh green displayed, I approach the intersection just below the speed limit, a clear lane lies ahead. With no warning or signal, a flat-bed semi-truck makes a sudden move pulling into my lane from stand-still (trucks are altogether banned from this “fast” lane on Huron Church, I guess he’s a new, careless, or drunk driver).

Hard on the brakes with a tall concrete barrier to the left and a nose-to-tail barrier of trucks to the right, I have nowhere to go. Visions of my seemingly imminent decapitation loom close, the flat bed trailer lying like opened scissors across the road ahead, at approximately the height of my dash. Feathering the brakes I play with the limit of tire adhesion to the road, attempting to burn off velocity as if my life depended on it, because, my life depended on it. As I closed in on the last few feet of remaining asphalt, I was amazed to bring the car to a complete stop. The truck driver who cut off my lane had his truck at a full stop, realizing his trailer did not have enough space to complete the lane change without side swiping the truck in front. Both of us at a stand still, my hood about 2 feet from the sharp metal edge of his trailer, a moment of clarity dawned. I literally owed my life to the tires I had just purchased – because any less traction on that slippery, freezing night would have resulted in my obituary and a very small inheritance debt passed on to my beneficiaries.

330i drift through snow

It’s not just about snow and ice.

Most people believe in the misnomer that winter tires are needed for snow and ice, but since they live in a part of the Country where there is little precipitation and only cold temperatures, they would not benefit from winter tires. This is a fallacy. The chemistry of winter tires has been perfected to suit the unique driving environment of winter roads. When all-season or summer performance tires start to lose grip, hardening under cold temperatures – winter tires are just coming into their peak operating temperature range, soft and pliable, ready to grip the asphalt. The transition temperature where summer performance tires or all-season tires lose traction and winter tires enter their peak operating window is around 7′ Celsius (44.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

We could break the science of winter tires into two categories: mechanical grip and molecular adhesion.

Mechanical grip refers to the physical mating of the tread to the road surface. The malleability of the rubber compound allows it to “interlock” with the undulations of the road surface (the rough rock/sand/tar or concrete surface). Once again, temperature affects the malleability of the rubber compound, so pliable rubber compounds allow better traction. The tread pattern’s ability to evacuate slush or water is also essential to mating the tread to the road surface. Adding another facet to the tread pattern, winter tires contain thousands of tire “sipes” that act as separate biting edges in the snow. These sipes also add flexibility to the tread surface, which in turn, adds more grip on ice and snow. One interesting technology in particular has negated any need for studded tires (winter tires with small metal spikes screwed into the surface); this technology gains traction at a microscopic level using millions of “bite particles” to spike into the ice or snow.

studded tire

Toyo, for instance, utilize walnut shells to add traction on ice. Walnut shells are first pulverized into a fine powder and then mixed into the tread compound. At a microscopic scale each individual particle represents a sharp shard of broken shell, ready to act as an ice pick sticking out of the tire. As the tire wears, fresh shards of walnut shell surface, providing additional grip. When you consider that studded tires may have around 10 spikes in contact with the road surface at any given time, while modern winter tires have thousands of individual bite particles in contact at with the road surface at any moment – the advantage of microscopic “bite particle” technology becomes clear. Other manufacturers use different bite particle materials while operating on the same design premise. Lastly, modern winter tires contain “micro cells” or “tubules” that literally suck water off the surface of the ice or snow they’re rolling over to allow better contact between the tread and the surface beneath (consider that as ice or snow is compressed at temperatures near the melting point they release water to the surface, which effectively produces ‘micro-aquaplaning’ and reduces traction).

Secondly, we have molecular adhesion between the rubber and the road surface. At an atomic level, bonding takes place between the road surface and the tire compound as they meet. Depending on the condition of the road surface (dry vs wet), the chemistry of the rubber compound will dictate how much adhesion is available via molecular bonding. For instance, Silica is added to winter tires as it has an affinity to water molecules, and thus offers greater wet traction by bonding to the wet surface.

e36 winter rally

While these technologies may seem impressive on paper, they are staggering in practice. The traction available from the best winter tires can sometimes mimic the traction available from all-seasons on wet pavement while your driving on snow. I will even admit to driving snow covered logging trails with a 2 wheel drive car wearing Toyo winter tires… and making it out without a tow or a winch.

They say that “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” On snow covered roads, your tires are invariably the weakest link – unless they are quality winter tires. Earlier in the article, we briefly mentioned the relevance of all wheel drive in winter driving. Without question, AWD does offer additional traction for acceleration on slippery surfaces. However, AWD does not increase the tire’s traction with the road surface, it simply makes better use of available traction by distributing power more effectively to the road. Since maximal tire grip is finite, you cannot expect a tire to effectively turn a vehicle and accelerate concurrently without compromise (understeer). Therefore, AWD does not offer a large advantage with additional cornering speed on slippery surfaces, nor can it stop a vehicle faster. The benefit of AWD is limited on slippery surfaces, and ultimately, winter tires will go much further to assist you in winter driving than AWD ever could.

330i drift through snow driver training

A matter of money.

While most motorists sliding out of control will tell you that winter tires are too expensive for them to justify, I believe in a simple truth that completely contradicts this claim. Winter tires are cheaper than insurance hikes and bodywork. And you can’t put a price on your safety. Most quality winter tires will offer a tread-life of three to four years before replacement is necessary, so divide the purchase cost over three to four years when you budget for them. Since you never drive your winter tires through the summer you can effectively cut down on their wear and this allows you to enjoy both winter traction, and an entertaining, fun-filled summer with a set a performance summer tires.

A common absurdity is the notion that somehow a really talented driver can drive through snow without winter tires. Well yes, it’s true – I have even driven a shopping cart through snow. This does not reflect on driver talent, but rather shows a lack of understanding. It is even possible to drive through snow with summer performance tires, but this simply displays a wonton lack of respect for the physics at play, your personal safety and a gross disregard for others on the road.

The truth is out.

All seasons are like a pair of walking shoes. You can take a nice easy walk in them, and they’ll perform okay. You could run in them, you could hike in them, you could play basket ball or tennis in them, you could golf in them, you could mountain climb in them, but they do not accomplish any of the preceding tasks very well. They are truly a “Jack of all trades, master of none.” By definition, all-season tires are a compromise: why compromise your safety and driving pleasure?

M3 spins in snow

Winter tires offer so much available traction and driving enjoyment that I regularly make it a point to go out and drive after a heavy snowfall, or better yet, in the middle of a snowstorm. The proper equipment can render an inhospitable environment as a playground for your exploration and enjoyment.

Slipin and Slide’in or Drifting and Gliding? The choice is up to you.

Source: bmwblog.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

CAR OF THE WEEK: The BMW 740Li

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Quite possibly the most underrated performance sedan on the market today! Incredible performance, unparalleled luxury and great gas mileage to boot! Stop in for THE Ultimate Test Drive today!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

2014 BMW X5 Spy Photos

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The third generation of BMW's big SUV is nearing its production launch. This prototype, caught in Munich by our spy photographers, looks almost production-ready despite the camouflage designed to obfuscate the vehicle's lines.

A New Take on the Old Look

That we see here is an X5 that is about as big as its predecessor but sports altered proportions. The lower edge of the side windows drops down toward the front of the car, and there is a pronounced kink to connect it with the base of the A-pillar. Character lines on the flanks emphasize the wedge look; from the side it resembles an over-sized X1 more than it does the current model. The roofline also drops down in a slightly coupe-like fashion.

The front end is dominated by a sizable, upright twin-kidney grille; once production units are installed, the headlights will show an updated interpretation of the "four-eye" face as seen on BMW's most recent passenger cars. The rear will be dominated by illuminated guide strips and large exhaust tips that indicate the type of powertrain under the skin. We hope BMW plans on reducing weight versus the current model, although that’s far from a sure thing; the latest 5-series, for example, is heavier than its predecessor.

Gas, Diesel, Hybrid, M

The efficiency of BMW's diesel engines will ensure the X5 is one of the most efficient vehicles in its class anyway, even if it gains some weight. The phenomenal 3.0-liter straight-six turbo-diesel will be offered in at least two states of tune; at least one of them will again be offered in the U.S. The gasoline engines are expected to mirror the current offerings as well: a 3.0-liter, turbocharged straight-six and a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8. While BMW’s new turbocharged inline-four is technically a possibility for an entry-level engine, we doubt it will be offered, with BMW instead leaving that engine to the X3.

The next X5 likely will be offered as a hybrid, despite the embarrassing sales performance of the overpriced X6 ActiveHybrid. The 3.0-liter N55 inline-six and electric motor used on the 3-series and 5-series ActiveHybrids could be applied to the X5 as well; the new model could also become available with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel paired with a motor and battery pack, a powertrain previewed on the 2008 X5 ActiveHybrid concept car. That’d be our choice, but so far diesel-electric powertrains are only being offered by a handful of manufacturers in Europe. On the other side of the spectrum, we are confident that there is another X5 M down the road. It likely will keep the current model's twin-turbo V-8, which would be fine with us.

Figure on eight-speed automatics and engine stop-start systems across the lineup to help temper fuel consumption. All X5 models will be all-wheel drive. A new electronics architecture will enable the Bavarians to offer virtually every telematics and connectivity option available on the 5-, 6- and 7-series. Electronics geeks will love it; we’re not so sure about true drivers.

The X5 should continue to be one of the sportiest SUVs in its class—at least until the next generation of its provocatively styled derivative, the X6, arrives. Both will continue to be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, alongside the X3 and the recently confirmed X4. Expect the next X5 to appear at dealers sometime in 2013.

Source: caranddriver.com

Monday, January 16, 2012

CAR OF THE WEEK: One of a kind M Coupe


Unique from EVERY angle is this incredible BMW M Coupe!  White over Evergreen with the sunroof delete option…this car is 1 of 1 ever produced in this combination and equipment level!  AND it’s an M so you know it’s a hoot to drive!

Friday, January 13, 2012

BMW's Hybrids Combine Muscle and Mileage

The hybrid race has gotten more competitive. I’ve long wanted to see cheaper ones, and Toyota has finally answered my prayers with a 53-mpg PriusC for less than $19,000. That will be a tough act to beat. But the field is wide, and there’s a case to be made for something completely different — hybrids with both muscle and mileage.

BMW, which has long claimed that diesel was the answer to the world’s environmental problems, has finally bowed to the inevitable and is starting to electrify. It debuted an all-new sixth-generation 3-Series, and added an ActiveHybrid 3 to complement the ActiveHybrid 5, both of which are on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

From BMW’s perspective, hybrids are an opportunity to give buyers a diesel level of fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The ActiveHybrid 3, for instance, offers the acceleration of the 335i with the mpg of the 328i.

 This marks a welcome departure from BMW’s questionable strategy with the X6 hybrid SUV (at right). That car, powered by a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V-8, was all about “ultimate driving machine” performance, without much fuel-economy boost. They said it was a “BMW first, and a hybrid second.” And it didn’t work — less than 1,000 of those vehicles have reportedly been sold, and it’s out of the produce lineup for 2012.

Dr. Herbert Negele, who heads the 3-Series launch program, told me in Detroit that planning for a hybrid version began earlier. “When we first began working on the car in 2007 or 2008, we already knew there would be a hybrid version,” he said. “We didn’t yet know then how popular hybrids would become, because they offer performance without sacrificing functionality.” Germans still love diesels, but they couldn’t miss that the world — and especially the U.S. — has embraced hybrids.

Still, Negele describes hybrids as “an interim technology” on the way to full electrification, and he’s no great fan of plug-in hybrids. “There are two drivetrains,” he said, “which creates a weight problem, uses up a lot of space and costs a lot of money.” BMW’s Dave Buchko told me, “We take a broad range of approaches. The internal-combustion engine will be around for a while, but hybrid technology can’t be ignored, and we see a place for electric vehicles as well.”

The 3-Series ActiveHybrid is no performance lightweight, offering 355 horsepower and a zero to 60 time of about 5.6 seconds —maybe a fraction of a second better than a comparable 335i. There’s no final U.S. fuel economy figure, but it could be a combined figure of 37 mpg. “It’s V-8 performance with four-cylinder economy,” Negele said.

The ActiveHybrid 5, at left (based on the 535i), beefs up the twin-turbo, 306-horsepower, three-liter gas engine with a 55-horsepower electric drive system (the motor is integrated into the eight-speed transmission) and a 1.35-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack (identical to the pack in the 3-Series). BMW makes its own packs, and A123 supplies the cells. In total, 340 horsepower is on tap, and because it’s heavier than the 3-Series an estimated 28 mpg overall. The 3-Series hybrid is similar under the hood.

The hybrids can travel about 2.5 miles in all-electric mode, and at 37 mph the gas engine kicks in. Auto-stop is on board both cars, with the added feature of zero-emission coasting on the overrun. Accessories like air-conditioning run off the lithium-ion battery when the engine is disengaged. Zero to 62 mph in the 5-Series is 5.9 seconds, so the performance of the two BMW hybrids is likely to be comparable.

These being BMWs, they incorporate advanced thinking — in this case, the ActiveHybrid 5’s drivetrain management system that includes analysis of the route topography. If the car senses a hill ahead, it will use the li-ion battery to supplement climbing power, knowing that the regen braking can recharge the pack on the way down.

Source: forbes.com

 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

While some vehicles try to be all things to all people, BMW only wants to be one thing to all people...

No matter the shape or size, series or model, we only make one thing so you can feel one thing—pure, unbridled exhilaration. The kind you can only get from the Ultimate Driving Machine.® 

While some vehicles try to be all things to all people, BMW only wants to be one thing to all people...

No matter the shape or size, series or model, we only make one thing so you can feel one thing—pure, unbridled exhilaration. The kind you can only get from the Ultimate Driving Machine.® 

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Please join us tomorrow at Gallery One at BMW of Minnetonka to toast artist, Elizabeth Simonson!

Please join us tomorrow at Gallery One at BMW of Minnetonka to toast Elizabeth Simonson as the next Art Leadership Program's featured artist! We will be hosting a reception to introduce the public to the installation and the Art Leadership Program tomorrow from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm at BMW of Minnetonka. We sure do hope to see you there!

Click here to learn more.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

TUESDAY TECH TIP: Don't text and drive!

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If you text and drive, you’re 23 times more likely to have a car crash. With BMW's text-to-speech function you can have calendar entries, notes, tasks, contacts and even news headlines, emails and text messages read out loud to you in English, French or Spanish.

Monday, January 9, 2012

CAR OF THE WEEK: Award-Winning BMW 3 Series

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The benchmark-setting, award-winning BMW 3 Series is being updated next month…we have the incentives and programs to make this literally the best time to buy a brand new 2011 3 Series sedan!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

BMW Beats Mercedes to Take Lexus’s U.S. Top-Selling Luxury Title

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Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Bayerische Motoren Werke AG’s BMW brand outsold Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz last month to cement its victory as the top luxury brand in the U.S. for 2011.

BMW’s sales rose 15 percent to 26,834 in December compared with a year earlier, the Munich-based automaker said today in a statement. With total 2011 sales at 247,907, BMW outsold Mercedes by 2,715 vehicles.

“BMW Group sales momentum has been increasing all year and this new burst of consumer confidence filled our dealer showrooms putting” BMW “over the top,” Ludwig Willisch, chief executive officer of BMW of North America, said today in a statement.

The battle between BMW and Mercedes to replace Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus as the top luxury brand in the U.S. after 11 years was helped by a lack of the Japanese automaker’s production following the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The competition was so intense between BMW and Mercedes that each side refused to release their sales results yesterday until the other went first, two people familiar with the situation said. Other automakers announced December and full- year U.S. sales yesterday.

Researcher Autodata Corp. released estimates yesterday for the manufacturers using “credible industry sources,” Autodata said in an e-mail. Autodata’s results showed BMW in the lead.

Ultimately, Mercedes went first, releasing its results on PR Newswire at 8:56 a.m. New York time. BMW followed posting its release on its website about 11 a.m.

Mercedes U.S. deliveries, aided by a refreshed C-Class sedan and redesigned M-Class sport-utility vehicle, rose 28 percent to 25,701 vehicles in December, Mercedes said in its statement. Deliveries of Mercedes vehicles for the year rose 13 percent to 245,192 in the U.S.

The results exclude Daimler’s Mercedes Sprinter and Freightliner vans, and Smart cars and BMW’s Mini brand, which aren’t luxury vehicles. The 2011 full-year figures also exclude sales of the Maybach brand.

Source: businessweek.com

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2012 BMW 128i: An appealing combination of performance and refinement!

This 2012 BMW 128i undeniably offers a very appealing combination of performance and refinement. Not to mention, it sure is fun to drive with the top down!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

TUESDAY TECH TIP: BMW helps you see into the future!

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Using an electromechanical system, our Xenon Adaptive Headlights follow the direction of the wheels. So as you begin cornering, the headlights turn into and around the bend, which allows you to see more of the road, sooner. Xenon lights, another BMW innovation, help provide clarity by emitting twice as much light as halogen light, while using half as much energy.