Christmas Gifts For Car Enthusiasts

Do you have that special someone in your life that's a real car enthusiast? There's no better time than now to find amazing gifts for those important gearheads in our lives. There's always the option to purchase service giftcards or new tires but Askmen.com has a great article showcasing 10 gifts every gearhead will love.

Check out the 10 and let us know what you think of them in the comments section below! Visit: http://bit.ly/1i7yeMu and our website: http://bit.ly/18GI2I0

Common Mistakes Drivers Make In Snowy Conditions

Do you know what to do in order to drive safer in snowy road conditions? You'd be surprised to know so many drivers do the opposite of what they should do when driving in snowy conditions. Here are some of the biggest mistakes drivers on the road make when snowy weather conditions begin.

1. Thinking Your Four-wheel Drive Makes You Invincible
The biggest mistake a driver can make is to think four-wheel drive allows them to race down the road at top speeds. Remember, while it can help you get through difficult conditions it won't give you the traction you need to brake when it matters most.

2. Not Being Prepared
Many drivers find themselves caught off guard during the winter's first snow. In fact, the most dangerous day to be on the roads is the day after the first snowstorm. Drivers haven't prepared their cars for the weather, and they've probably forgotten their snow driving techniques from last year.

 To ready your car for the winter, check that each of your tires has at least a 6/32-inch (4.8-millimeter) deep tread. All-weather tires can handle most driving conditions, but if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you should consider purchasing snow tires.

3. Following Too Closely

Many people inexperienced with driving in the snow make a bad habit out of tailing the vehicle in front of them too closely. Like driving too fast, this lessens your reaction time if there's a problem with the vehicle ahead of you and you need to slow down suddenly.
It's recommended that you double your normal distance between cars, giving yourself a minimum braking distance of six seconds. Put another way, for every 10 mph you're traveling, you should give yourself four car lengths of space.

4.  Slamming On The Brakes

When you feel your tires start to slip, it's easy to panic and slam on the brakes. Don't do that as it removes traction from your tires, taking away your ability to control your vehicle.
Once you've lost traction and your wheels are locked up, slamming your brakes won't change the situation. What you should do when you feel yourself begin to skid is ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own. A moving tire means that there is still some traction, which is what you need to steer yourself out of a collision.
 

5. Driving Too Fast

Driving too fast is the biggest snow driving error. Drivers have a bad habit of thinking that once they've reached the highway they're fine to drive at their usual high speed. They couldn't be more wrong. When your car starts to slip and you're heading for a crash, every second counts. Driving too fast reduces the amount of time you have to react and increases the severity of any collision. It also takes four to 10 times longer to brake on icy or snowy pavement than it does on dry asphalt.

Snow Season Has Arrived! Enjoy These 8 Interesting Snow Facts

Winter weather means snow will be falling in many areas of the country. But, what do you really know about snow? Check out these eight interesting facts that we bet you didn't know! Know any other snow facts we may not have added? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

 1.  The world’s largest snowflake was reported to be 15 inches across and 8 inches thick. The Guinness Book of World Records states that this giant snowflake was found at Fort Keogh, Montana on January 28, 1887.

2. Snow is actually clear and colorless.
“The complex structure of snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance.” - National Snow and Ice Data Center

3.  The most snow ever recorded in a 24 hour period in the USA occurred at Silver Lake, Colorado in 1921 and was 76 inches of snow. (#2 = 63 inches was registered in Georgetown, Colorado on December 4, 1913).

4.  Mt. Baker ski area in Washington State has the world record for snowfall at 1,140 inches of snow in the 1998/1999 winter season.  Mt. Baker ski area is located near but not on the real 10,781’ Mount Baker.  You can just imagine what the snow totals were on the real Mount Baker that year…

5.  80% of all the freshwater on earth is frozen as ice or snow.  This accounts for 12% of the earth’s surface.

6.  A blizzard occurs when you can’t see for 1/4 mile. The winds are always 35 miles an hour or more. The storm must last at least 3 hours to be classed as a blizzard. If any of these conditions are less, it is only a snowstorm.

7.  The USA averages 105 snow producing storms per year.  A typical storm will have a 2-5 day lifetime and drop snow in multiple states.  This is annoying as we’d prefer it was 305 per year and lifetimes of a week or more.

8.  All snowflakes have 6 sides.

Going Somewhere This Thanksgiving? Travel Is Set To Be Up

With gas prices at a lower price than they were at last year, Thanksgiving travel is expected to be up by about 3% compared to a year ago. This great news makes us want to ask the question. Where are you planning on going for Thanksgiving this year? Will you be staying in town or driving to be with the entire family? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

To learn more about this year's travel statistics, take a look at this article from USA Today. Also, remember to stay safe and have a great time with your loved ones this Thanksgiving! There is always much to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Travel

 

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, many have plans to travel to a family get together or to warmer destinations. But how prepared are you really for your upcoming travels? We take a look a strategies and tips that may help ensure that your travels go as smoothly as possible.

Travel Light:
As more airlines start charging for checked bags, it’s a good idea to pack light and carry on your bag. But keep in mind that your fellow travelers will all have the same idea and overhead space may be tight onboard.

Choose the Best Days:
Did you know the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year closely followed by the Sunday after the big day? Avoid these days by flying out on Monday or Tuesday or even Thanksgiving morning to avoid the dreaded Wednesday travel rush. When you’re ready to head home, take flight on Friday when many have moved on from the airports to the shopping centers to score the best holiday deals.

Stay Up To Date On The Latest Tech Apps:
It’s commonsense to arrive at the airport early — you’ll need the time for parking, security whatever else airports have waiting for you. But you can avoid some airport hassles by taking advantage of useful applications that can be used on your smart phone. iPhone users can get updates on the airport, including maps showing the gates and restaurant information, using the GateGuru app. Airlines including Southwest, Delta and United all have mobile websites where passengers can check in, confirm seats and keep track of their flight status. Specifically on an airline like Southwest, it’s very important to check-in to your flight 24 hours prior. By doing this ASAP ensures you a better number in line to claim the seat that you desire.

Holiday Driving:
While you certainly save money and avoid some headaches traveling by land, navigating the highways presents its own set of holiday challenges. Follow the same best practices for road travel, including avoiding the highways on the Wednesday before turkey day and the following Sunday. Plan your route ahead of time and travel with a GPS system, smart phone or old-school maps to offer alternatives if you need a Plan B.

Remember though, your travels could be a stressful situation but remember to appreciate the time you’re spending with your loved ones. Have fun this Thanksgiving, be safe and plan ahead.

11 Apps You Need When Traveling

 

As the Holidays begin to approach, many have plans to travel to different locations whether it's to visit family or just to get away. The big question is, do you have the apps necessary for traveling?

With so many apps out there today, lets take a look at which 11 apps you should have when traveling according to Buzzfeed. These apps are perfect whether you're flying or driving:

1. Translator with Speech
2. Lyft
3. WhatsApp Messenger
4. LoungeBuddy
5. XE Currency
6. Rove
7. GonnaGo
8. Travel List
9. WikiHood
10. RoadNinja
11. City Maps 2Go

Is Your Vehicle Prepared For Winter?

Have you prepared your car for the winter weather that’s fast approaching? Here are some tips to make sure you are fully prepared for whatever this year’s winter weather decides to throw at you.

Regular Maintenance:

Now’s the time to get your car up to speed on all of its regular maintenance. That means taking care of any fluids that may have been neglected while you were out enjoying the summer sun or going in for that 60,000-mile tune-up if you’re due. Check, change and/or top off your oil, coolant, brakes and transmission fluid as needed. In the case of your oil or automatic transmission, make sure you get a high-quality filter, too.

When looking at your car’s brakes, check to see if your rotors are warped or cracked. Do they have deep grooves or are the pads worn close to their minimum clearance? Make sure all your lights are working properly to ensure good visibility. New bulbs are easy to install yourself or easy to have installed when getting your vehicle serviced. The same goes for windshield wipers. If your blades are more than six months old, odds are it’s time to swap them out for new ones.

Check Your Tires:

Go ahead and have your tires rotated and inspected. The last thing you need in cold, wet weather is to be driving on bald or dry rotted tires.

Consider looking into snow (or winter) tires, depending on your location or length of time you’ll be spending in the snow. Winter tires are made with special low temperature resilient rubber compounds and have deep treads that grip unploughed snow and ice.

Don’t forget to make sure your spare tire has enough air in it. Once you’ve made sure everything looks good, take a look at your tire pressure.

Maintain the Coolant System:

The most important tip is to take the time to get your car’s coolant system checked. If any part of the system comes up with a shaky bill of health, swap the parts for new ones. That means having your car’s radiator pressure tested and the hoses examined for cracks or bulges.

If you can’t remember the last time your water pump was replaced, or if your pump has more miles on it than what the manufacturer recommends, it’s time for a new one.

Stock Your Car:

Stranded by the side of the road can be dangerous in the best of conditions, but when sub-zero temperatures or bad weather is involved, it could become deadly. Carrying these supplies is essential:

- a blanket
- jumper cables
- a flashlight
- chains
- a first-aid kit
- a small knife
- flares
- water gloves
- small shovel
- waterproof matches
- ice scraper
- a bag of sand or kitty litter to help provide traction if your car is stuck in the snow

Famous Halloween Horror Villains

Halloween is always the best time to watch all your favorite horror films. In honor of Halloween fast approaching, we wanted to take a look at some of the most famous horror film villains in history. From Freddy Krueger (Nightmare On Elm Street) to Michael Myers (Halloween), these infamous villains have been appearing in films for decades. But, what do we really know about them? This infographic gives a detailed background on all of your favorite villains from past to present. What horror franchise is your favorite? Let us know!

BMW Feature of the Week: Front Comfort Seats

 

Sixteen-way power comfort seats for the driver and front passenger provide optimum lateral support during tight cornering - thanks to specially padded, highly-contoured side bolsters - while remaining exceptionally comfortable when driving over long distances.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo — Performance

The State Fair is finally here!

We all have our favorite food items at the Minnesota state fair. From deep fried cheese curds to everything on a stick. Tell us your favorite!

DMV Tips & Tricks

There is no denying that the DMV isn't usually on the top of anyone's list. In fact, several people would go to great lengths to avoid the notorious lines all together. Thanks to advances in technology, there is a lot of leeway online that could be beneficial to you before your next visit! 

Be sure to schedule your appointment online for any location prior to visiting the DMV to ensure the process doesn't consume your entire day. Explore the most common asked questions by visiting http://www.dmv.org/mn-minnesota/

2014 BMW 640i — a four-door sedan morphs into a coupe

On the road, the 640i is predictably German – that comforting feel of taut road-holding and the idea that the car is quick enough to get you out of trouble when you’re passing another car on a two-lane mountain road. The seats are still too hard for my admittedly lazy body, but they adjust a zillion ways and I wasn’t squirming around in discomfort after a 100-mile outing.

BMW has, of course, equipped this car with all the mod cons you’ve come to expect in something that costs $89,675 – navigation, heated steering wheel and seats, the ever-beeping parking distance controllers that sound out a warning when you’re about to bump into something, and the controversial iDrive system whose console-mounted knob controls much of the car’s electronics. (If memory serves, it was a “Car and Driver” magazine staffer who, when first confronted by the utterly confusing iDrive system years ago, wrote something like, “iDrive? I walk.”) Speaking of confusing, or perhaps not clear on the concept, BMW also gave the 640i a quasi-sunroof – it’s a big glass panel over the front seats that tilts up. But that’s it. The roof panel doesn’t go back, up and over the rear portion of the roof, giving the front-seat occupants that rush of fresh air that you get from other sunroofs. As a consolation, there’s a “power-sliding roofliner” that allows you to look up and see the tinted glass sunroof.

Most luxo cars being somewhat alike, the 640i does stand apart – its sedan-ness is mitigated by its coupe-ness, so to speak, and that turns out to be the difference in the pudding. I can tell you that out there on the street, this kind of low BMW did turn a few heads.

Active Seat Ventilation

Keeping you feeling fresh even on the longest journey: the active seat ventilation ensures that air circulates throughout the seat constantly, removing moisture and helping prevent discomfort or driving fatigue.

A total of nine axial flow fans are integrated into the high-quality foam padding inside the seat: four in the backrest and five in the seat. The fans draw fresh cabin air into the seats and channel it through an air-permeable middle layer, distributing it evenly throughout the seat. Special perforations in the upholstery allow it to move through the leather, keeping perspiration to a minimum.
The three-speed fans can be controlled using a switch on the central console or a control on the seat itself, depending on your BMW model. The iDrive Controller lets you change the distribution of air between the seat and the backrest. The highest fan speed instantly cools seats that have been heated by direct sunlight, ensuring a comfortable welcome even in summer.
In order to prevent uncomfortable over-cooling of the seat surface, the active seat ventilation includes seat heating, which heats the air to a perfectly comfortable temperature. Long journeys become more comfortable, the driver remains alert and fresh, and - last but not least - clothes are left less creased.

2013 Center of Excellence Award

At BMW of Minnetonka, we’ve earned the highest recognition from BMW by earning the highest praise from our customers. As a recipient of the 2013 Center of Excellence award, we join an exclusive group of BMW centers that achieved the highest levels of customer satisfaction and sales leadership. We invite you to visit and experience that exceptional feeling for yourself.I

BMW Launches Its First Electric Vehicle, While U.S. EV Sales Double In First Six Months Of 2013

The positive trend continues for electric vehicles.  Today, BMW unveiled its first mass-produced electric vehicle, the BMW i3, which is expected to reach U.S. markets in 2014, at a cost just over $41,000 (before incentives or federal tax credit).  For customers wanting to tackle the issue of ‘range anxiety’ – the fear of running out of electric charge – another $4,000 will get you a small gasoline-powered back-up motor.  BMW’s Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer is quoted in the Wall Street  Journal as positioning the firm for the coming decades.  In order to comply with current and anticipated regulations, Reithofer indicated “we need about 30% plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles for the year 2025.”

It may still be too early to predict whether the U.S. will see the 1.8 million EV’s in 2020 forecast by Pike Research.   However, it is worth noting that the current EV adoption rate exceeds that of the Toyota Prius in the first thirty months after it was introduced (over 110,000 versus 50,000).  In the years since, the Prius has become one of the most popular vehicles on American roads – last year 236,000 were sold.  The EV trend continues to pick up momentum and continues to bear watching.

The electric BMW i3 debuts today!

Today at simultaneous events in Manhattan, London and Beijing BMW unveiled the production version of its hybrid electric car, the 2014 BMW i3.

BMW has not released the car for test drives yet, but on paper it looks like it will be more agile than competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. Its 2,700 pounds are feather-light compared to the others, and its flat lithium-ion battery packaged along the floor of the vehicle is balanced–like the rest of the BMW fleet–with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution front to back.

BMW Accessories Sale Going on Now at BMW of Minnetonka!

Trailer Hitches Accessories - Save 20%


Interior Travel Accessories - Save 20%




All Roof Rack Accessories - Save 20%

Check out the first BMW 7 Series, the E23! The first generation of the BMW 7 Series from 1977 became the benchmark for special equipment and luxury.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Rear Headrest Adjustment

BMW Certified Pre-Owned -- Parents

Hurry into BMW of Minnetonka and take a look at this beauty.

 It's the all new 2013 BMW 750Li. It defines luxury and we guarantee that you're going to love this car.

Click here for more information

The BMW 4 Series Coupé

Spotted: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d

Due to launch in early 2014, the BMW X5 xDrive35d was spotted during high-altitude test rounds in Colorado.

Todd Hauer, a reader of Autoweek, spotted the test mule:
“I happened to catch this somewhat disguised X5 (notice the BMW logos are covered on hood, tail and wheels but X5 emblem isn’t) at a filling station in Lone Tree, Colo., just south of Denver. Talked briefly with the driver, who was German. He said he had driven cross country from South Carolina for altitude testing here. It is the the turbo-diesel model; he acknowledged the turbo diesel was a good choice for the mountains and that the driving characteristics of the new X5 were a bit different than the current model.”


At launch time this summer, BMW will offer to U.S. customers the TwinPower Turbo inline-six X5 sDrive35i and X5 xDrive35i as well as the TwinPower Turbo V8 X5 xDrive50i.
The 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d retains the 3.0-liter diesel engine, whose BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises VNT turbocharging and common rail direct injection, now develops maximum power of 255 hp and maximum torque of 413 lb-ft which is delivered between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm.

In spite of the slight reduction in output from its predecessor, the new BMW X5 xDrive35d has a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.9 seconds (preliminary), making it just as quick or quicker. With the latest technology and the addition of an 8-speed automatic transmission, the new model is expected to post significant improvements in efficiency (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch). The new X5 xDrive35d uses the latest in emission reduction technology. Lower nitrogen oxide limits are met using a close-coupled NOX adsorber catalyst and an SCR catalyst with urea (AdBlue) injection.

Just last month, Wards Auto named the BMW X5 the first premium model in the 2012 Top Selling Diesel list (with 10,276 units sold), followed with 6,688 units by Mercedes-Benz GL.

BMW Car Feature of the Day:Rear View Camera

The rear view camera provides extra support when you’re backing up or parking your BMW. The iDrive screen displays the area behind the vehicle, while interactive lines show the current and maximum steering angles.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe heralds the dawn of a new coupe era at BMW. Launched as the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty mid-size Coupe, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe embodies the very essence of aesthetic appeal and dynamics in the premium segment. Its stylistic features carry the promise of a powerful presence on the road, stand-out dynamic ability and driving pleasure in abundance. Indeed, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe represents a paragon of balanced proportions and the final chapter in a story of development. The “4” in its title headlines this new era for the Coupe and emphasises not only its stand-alone design, but also an even greater technical differentiation from its BMW 3 Series cousins.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, and its dynamically stretched coupe silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. This, together with its BMW-typical short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline, lends the BMW 4 Series Coupe impeccable visual balance. The car’s striking front end – with its characteristic BMW design features, such as the double-kidney grille, twin circular headlights and a large air intake in the front apron – is keen to display its family ties with the BMW 3 Series. However, the more sporting interpretation of the BMW 4 Series Coupe also underlines its dynamic convictions. A new element of the BMW 4 Series Coupe are the Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag in this area. The Coupe’s muscular wheel arches and wide track make a particularly prominent contribution to the hunkered-down design of the rear, with its prominent horizontal lines.

Individual equipment lines for the interior and exterior.The interior of the BMW 4 Series Coupe presents a stylish fusion of sporting allure and exclusivity. All the controls central to driving are arranged ergonomically around the driver and give him or her optimum access to all functions. In the rear compartment, powerfully contoured seats underline the sporting credentials of the BMW 4 Series Coupe. Recessed head restraints and broad, continuously moulded side supports give the rear bench the appearance of two individual seats. High-grade material combinations and unbeatable finish quality accentuate the premium ambience of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe. Customers can choose from three equipment combinations and an M Sport package as alternatives to standard specification. The Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line packages allow visible individualisation of the car’s exterior and interior appearance.

Driving dynamics from the top drawer.
The defining ingredients in the involving driving experience laid on by the new BMW 4 Series Coupe are its impressive driving dynamics and assured handling properties. The BMW engineers have succeeded in making key improvements in areas such as steering accuracy, precision and agility, as well as honing, further still, the instincts of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe as an unadulterated driving machine. Sophisticated chassis technology, torque steer-free Electric Power Steering, 50:50 weight distribution, a programme of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel and an innovative lightweight construction concept gave them the tools to achieve their aims.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe has a longer wheelbase, wider track and lower ride height than the BMW 3 Series Coupe it replaces. Its lower suspension brings the car’s centre of gravity down to below 500 millimetres, giving it the lowest centre of gravity of any car in the current BMW model line-up. As a result, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is one of the sportiest series-produced cars in the BMW range and sets new dynamic standards in the segment.

One six-cylinder and two four-cylinder engines available from launch.
The sporting two-door model will be available from launch powered by the following engines: the six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 435i Coupe, the four-cylinder petrol unit for the BMW 428i Coupe and the four-cylinder diesel for the BMW 420d Coupe. All the engines work using the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and cover an output spectrum stretching from 135 kW/184 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. These state-of-the-art engines not only imbue the BMW 4 Series Coupe with outstanding acceleration and elasticity, they also join forces with the car’s intelligent lightweight construction concept to deliver further improvements in driving dynamics and lower fuel consumption.

Six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed Sports automatic.
The power from the engines is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. BMW will also fit all the engine variants – as an option – with an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox, which allows the driver to change gear manually as well using shift paddles on the steering wheel. The two petrol-engine model variants can be specified from launch, as an option, with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW EfficientDynamics.The driving pleasure available on board the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is a product of outstanding economy as well as sporting dynamics. The force behind this talent for fuel saving is the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, whose fruits can be found in almost every area of the new model. In addition to the petrol and diesel engines, with their optimised fuel economy, the car’s intelligent lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics – headlined by the Air Curtains and Air Breathers – also help to maximise efficiency. The BMW 4 Series Coupe may be set up to specialise in dynamic excellence, but other technological features, such as the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary units, do their bit to ensure it impresses with low fuel consumption and emissions, too. Indeed, ECO PRO mode gives the car the potential to cut fuel use by as much as 20 per cent. In conjunction with the optional automatic transmission, the BMW 4 Series Coupe now also features a coasting mode for the first time. Another innovation is the Proactive Driving Assistant.

BMW ConnectedDrive.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe deploys a unique combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services (available as standard or as an option under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner) to set the benchmark in terms of safety, comfort and infotainment. Among the highlights are a new generation of the Navigation System Professional, which offers extra capability, sharper graphics and 3D elements for the map display, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant Plus, which warns the driver of a potential collision with a pedestrian, the intelligent, glare-free LED High Beam Assistant, Active Protection with Attentiveness Assistant and the latest development stage of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. As far as infotainment is concerned, extremely efficient interface technology enables the integration of smartphones and numerous Bluetooth office functions. The latter now also offer the driver the services of a dictation function with full speech recognition.

Identifying the BMW Driver Assistance Systems

5 Tips for Summer Car Maintenance

1. Be kind to your engine.
Your engine gets hot very quickly in the summer. You can save a lot of trouble — and expense — by doing some routine checks to make sure it stays lubricated and cooled. Check the oil level and make sure the oil looks clean. If it doesn't, get an oil change. Sears will change it for less than $20. Also look for cracks in the hoses, which pump coolant from the radiator to the engine block.

2. Replace your fluids.
Many drivers don't think about fluids beyond their motor oil. But your car also has coolant for the engine in the radiator, and fluids for the transmission and brakes.
They're critical for keeping parts lubricated and preventing your engine from overheating. Over time, all of them lose their effectiveness and get dirty, with little metal parts floating in the liquid.
"Coolant starts to eat everything. It becomes like an acid," says Hisham Ebrahim, a mechanic at Fawzi's Westgate Auto Repair in Ann Arbor, Mich. Both low fluid levels and old fluid can damage the parts in your car.
If you follow your car's maintenance schedule, you shouldn't have to worry about fluid levels, which are often checked and replaced around 60,000 miles.
Ebrahim says it costs about $200 to $300 to flush out and replace all the fluids. That can be far less expensive than the alternative: An overheated engine or blown transmission.

3. Replace your windshield wipers.
Don't wait until you're caught in a summer downpour to find out your wipers aren't working well. Winter can take a toll on wipers, and it's a $25 fix to replace them. You can also get wiper refills — which just replace the worn rubber — for half the cost of new blades.
4. Switch out your tires and check the tread.
If you have winter tires, change them. The compounds used in winter tires are softer, which helps them grip better in ice and snow. But they also wear down more quickly in summer heat. You need plenty of tread in the summer, when sudden showers create slippery roads.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association suggests several ways to check the tread. Tires have built-in "wear bars," or narrow strips of rubber across the tires that appear when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch. If you can see wear bars, your tires need to be replaced.
You can also use the old penny trick: Stick a penny in the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.
Consider a tire rotation in the summer to make sure all your tires are getting equal wear. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, according to vehicle information site Edmunds.com. That can cost around $50, but prices vary widely.
5. Check your tire pressure.
Overinflated tires have less traction on rainy streets, while underinflated tires can bulge out, putting pressure on the sidewalls and making the tires more vulnerable to blowouts on hot roads. Check your tire pressure before you start driving, and make sure you're meeting the manufacturer's recommended level. You can buy a tire gauge for $5 or less, or a digital tire pressure gauge for $25, and keep it in the glove compartment.

Source: MainStreet

All BMW X5 generations. A work of progress.

BMW Tire Pressure Monitor

10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance Event

The inaugural 10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance takes place this Sunday June 2nd from 10am to 4pm. along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Minnetonka in the historic city of Excelsior.

The event features historic, prestigious automobiles, as well as delicious local cuisine, drinks, live musical entertainment, and much more.

http://bit.ly/V3GCQE

BMW's 'Competition Package' amps up M5, M6

An extra 15 horsepower may not sound like much, especially when it is added onto the output of a V-8 engine that is already kicking out 560 horsepower.

But when you're racing -- or just having fun -- every little bit counts. So BMW is adding a "Competition Package" to its M5 and M6 performance cars.

The extra power should be enough to give them a split-second -- 0.1 second, to be precise -- advantage in acceleration from a standstill. It's impressive that BMW found any way left to further enhance one of the industry's more amazing power plants, the 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 in the M5 and M6.

To match that power, the M5 and M6 alo get better cornering and a special Competition Package tune to the differential to improve traction.

Just so other owners will know you ordered the package, it comes with a slightly different look. It includes unique 20-inch M light-alloy wheels. The sport exhaust system has quad tailpipes finished in Black Chrome. The car both looks different and sounds different.

Source: USAToday

It's another throwback Thursday edition!

How to Drive Safely in the Rain

Beware of driving in the rain, especially at night. Motorcycles or even other dark-colored cars can be camouflaged amongst glistening raindrops on side windows and mirrors. It's best to have a light colored car that isn't easily camouflaged in the night.  

1. Turn on your headlights. Many states in the U.S. require headlights when it is raining, even in broad daylight. This will make it easier for you to see what is in front of you; thus, preventing any accidents.
   
   
2. 3
   Keep a minimum of a good five car length from the car in front of you. You never know what other drivers are going to do or what could happen to you! If that feels too close or too far a rule of thumb is 1 second of following distance per 10 miles per hour. That holds true especially in bad weather.
   
   
3. 4
   Drive at or below the speed limit to the extent that you are comfortable with, and can see far enough in front of you to appropriately make driving decisions.
   
   
4. 5
   Be aware that the maximum speed at which you can drive is DIRECTLY related to your tires. Be sure to know what their condition is in. Radial tires have better traction than the old bias ply polyester tires, but even they lose their ability to grip wet pavement and channel water out as the tread wears out.
   
   
5. 6
   Be aware of hydroplaning. This is where your vehicle travels on top of the water and has NO or very little contact with the ground. Your traction is reduced significantly. To safely get out of a hydroplaning situation let off the gas and steer straight or slightly in the direction you must go. Do not make sudden motions and remain calm.
   
   
6. 7
   Avoid flooded roads. Never drive through standing or flowing water in a road way unless you have no choice or you are able to follow someone else to judge the depth of the water. Flooding the engine of your car can cause the engine to stall, and deep water can actually float your car and take it off the roadway.
   
   
7. 8
   Turn on the defroster if the windshield begins to fog. In hot, muggy weather, air conditioned air (which cannot contain as much moisture) will usually clear the inside of the windshield faster than non air conditioned.
   
   
8. 9
   Be aware that brakes can be affected by water. Wet drum type brakes are especially prone to decreased stopping power after driving through deep water.
   
   
9. 10
   Watch for splashing from potholes and pools of water that accumulate at clogged storm drain pipes and low areas of the pavement. Highways also develop "ruts" where the heaviest traffic tracks, and you may be able to position your vehicle while remaining in your lane to avoid these.
   
   
10. 11
    Use a rain repellent product on side windows and mirrors to clear standing raindrops .
    
    
11. 12
    Beware of driving in the rain, especially at night. Motorcycles or even other dark-colored cars can be camouflaged amongst glistening raindrops on side windows and mirrors. It's best to have a light colored car that isn't easily camouflaged in the night.
    
    

BMW 3 Series in "Now You See Me" Hollywood film. Trailer.

Thank you to all the BMW CCA North Star chapter members for attending our Track Day Inspection.

 

We inspected about 30 BMW’s to make sure the cars were ready for a track Day at Brainerd International Raceway June 7th 8th and 9th.

For more information click here: http://goo.gl/hIipC

It's another Throwback Thursday edition!

Check out this one from a few years ago featuring an orangutan!

The inventor of the BMW 3 Series Touring

Special Offers for May!

Hey fans!  Its the first of the month which means we have new specials!  Save on tires with this month's special offer, but act fast, it won't be here forever!


Link: http://on.fb.me/ZAujOH

Happy Earth Day fans!

 What are some of things you do to 'Go Green'? Do you drive a Hybrid? Recycle? Let us know!

Check out this 2013 BMW Active Hybrid 3 series!

Car of the Week: Frozen Blue M3

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase set to support FAB1 Million and Breast Cancer Care

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents FAB1, a Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase set to support FAB1 Million and Breast Cancer Care.

Headed by Chris Evans, the FAB1 Million project is set to raise £1 million for Breast Cancer Care through making this bespoke Ghost available to hire over the next twelve months. This extraordinary car will make appearances at exclusive events as well as being available for hire for any special day, with all proceeds directly benefiting Breast Cancer Care.

In support of this exciting project and very worthy cause, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke team has prepared a very special motor car, combining numerous exclusive bespoke elements, from pink accented umbrellas, to hand-embroidered headrests featuring the Breast Cancer Care pink ribbon motif. Further enhancements include unique ‘FAB1’ treadplates and a Blushing Pink and Crème Light interior leather scheme. An uplit Spirit of Ecstasy adorns the silver satin bonnet.

n addition to providing a superior ride experience and ample legroom, the passenger experience of this exceptional Ghost Extended Wheelbase is enhanced with hand veneered picnic tables, 9.2 inch LCD screens and a champagne coolbox. Passengers will be able to relax with a chilled glass of champagne, indulge in a concerto, courtesy of a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers delivering 600 Watts of surround sound, or simply sink into sumptuous leather seats and lambswool footmats, relaxing into luxurious silence as they journey to their destination.

“When I received the call from Chris Evans to support FAB1 Million, we immediately sprang into action,” said Jolyon Nash, Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s taken countless hours to create such a special car but every minute spent is absolutely worth it for such a valuable cause. We wish the project every success.”

The project is set to launch on Thursday 18 April with a star-studded point to point drive in FAB1 from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Source: BMWBlog

BMW adds small crossover, the X1

Finally, American car shoppers can get a small crossover sport utility vehicle from BMW that has a starting retail price of less than $32,000.
In fact, the new-for-2013 BMW X1 five door has the lowest starting retail price of any BMW car or SUV — $31,695. The well-proportioned X1 looks pricier on the outside than it is and has great cargo- and people-hauling functionality.
The X1 even comes standard with two fuel-saving mechanisms. An automatic stop/start system turns off the engine when the vehicle is stopped at stoplights, while the other system called Eco Pro is driver activated and optimizes engine operation and transmission gearing, among other things, for maximum fuel economy.
The federal government mileage ratings for the base X1 with turbocharged, four-cylinder engine are 22 miles per gallon in city driving and 33 mpg on the highway. These ratings are on par with those for Honda’s popular CR-V SUV that has a 185-horsepower, naturally aspirated four cylinder under the hood.
BMW has been selling the X1 in Europe since 2009. Demand has been so strong that the U.S. market was left out until this model year, when BMW added production capacity.
Now, the X1 with 240-horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive for the United States is priced $400 less than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, of a 2013 BMW 128i Coupe here, which was the previous lowest-priced BMW. The X1 also is lower priced than the starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $39,745 for BMW’s next-largest SUV, the X3.
The 2013 X3 uses the same 240-horsepower, turbo four cylinder that’s in the X1.
No manual transmission is offered in the X1. But four-wheel drive is available, and the lowest starting retail price for a 2013 X1 with four-wheel drive is $33,395. A second engine — a 300-horsepower, turbocharged six cylinder — comes at a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $39,495.
The base X1 doesn’t have a lot of luxury features. For example, it does not include leather-trimmed seats or metallic exterior paint. Everything from rearview camera and automatic dimming rearview mirror to power-adjustable front seats and USB adapter are extras.
So, it is easy to load up the X1 and get to a much higher sticker price. The test X1 xDrive28i topped out at more than $45,000, and at that price, a shopper can look at larger and more sumptuous SUVs.
The test X1 seemed to meld the concept of station wagon and SUV successfully, while other crossover SUVs take a higher stance and a more SUV orientation.
Still, front seat riders, in particular, have decent views out the front of the X1, and headroom of 41.3 inches is accommodating. In the back seat, headroom is cut to 39.7 inches, and back seat passengers can feel cramped with three adults sitting closely, but two adults back there do fine.
The test X1 had a lot of hard plastic inside. Even with textures put into the plastic, the vehicle inside didn’t exude the same kind of pricey look that the exterior, with big BMW badges, did.
But the 2-liter, double overhead cam, turbo four cylinder provided plenty of good power. The X1 tester moved quickly to pass other vehicles on highways, and it efficiently zipped into open spots in traffic.
The engine delivers a healthy 260 foot-pounds of torque starting at a low 1,250 rpm and continuing to 4,800 rpm, so the X1 always felt responsive.
That is, unless the auto stop/start had engaged. Sitting at a stoplight in silence, conserving gasoline, was fine. But every time the driver took the foot off the brake to get going again, the test car shuddered and sort of rumbled to life.
This was not the kind of refined stop/start mechanism that’s in some gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.
In addition, there were more than a few times — particularly with air conditioning going — that the stop/start didn’t engage, so a driver can’t count on this to get every bit of mileage savings.
Indeed, in combined city and highway travel, the test X1 averaged just under 23 mpg, which is barely above the federal government’s mileage rating for city travel only. Worse, the X1 uses premium gasoline, so filling the 16.6-gallon tank can cost more than $60, and it may not last much beyond 375 miles.
The test X1 had optional sport suspension and optional 18-inch, run-flat rear performance tires, so passengers felt every manhole cover, road crease and expansion crack. It wasn’t a punishing ride, just one that gives everyone a decent feel of road surfaces.
The taut ride was appreciated, though, in mountain twisties and during an emergency maneuver, when the X1 maintained its poise and control admirably.
Steering is on the heavy side in the X1, which some drivers may not like.
Front and back seats are shaped for support and are comfortable. Rear seatbacks split 40/20/40 and go down flat to expand the cargo space from 14.7 cubic feet to more than 47 cubic feet.