The fellows at BMW-web.tv have just published a teaser video of the new BMW X6 M. Named “BMW X6 M Product Testing”, the video features Bernd Limmer from M GmbH demonstrating a prototype X6 M.

The video is similar to the one released last year, which featured the other “twin”, BMW X5 M. The video confirms one more time that the X6 M will have the V8 M Turbo Engine with twin scroll turbo chargers, and as our friend Palbay mentioned before, an enhanced engine, superior to the one found in the X6 xDrive50i.

I won’t spoil the video and share all the details, but pay attention to what Bernd says, he reveals some things we have not seen before.

Back to our spy photos coverage and today we have the 2010 BMW 5 Series Wagon being tested around Munich. Just a few days ago, we posted the bumper leak of the next 5er, followed shortly by some photoshoped images of the front-end.

The fellows at MotorAuthority and Global Motors are the ones responsible for bringing us some of the few 2010 5 Series Wagon shots we have seen so far.

The test mule looks similar to the sedan version we have seen in the past, but recently we learned more about the next generation 5 Series design. We know that the mirrors and the handles on the 2010 5-Series are the same as the ones on the F01 and the front-end will resemble a little bit the the now canceled BMW CS Concept.

The 2010 BMW 5 Series is rumored to use the same six cylinder twin-turbo engine found in the 535i model. The high-end model will most likely get the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 liter engine -407hp, that powers the BMW X6 xDrive50i and it will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive option being available. The entry level models in Europe will  be the BMW 520i - 204 hp and 525i - 235 hp.

A high-end diesel engine will be available as well, most likely in the 535d version, an engine outputting 299 hp. The entry level diesel is the BMW 520d - 177 hp. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox.

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By now, many of you, that are daily readers on our blog, might know Giom or have seen his name mentioned on here many times. Giom is the talented rendering artist that gave us the 2010 BMW 3 Series renderings and shortly after, the 2012 BMW M6 images.  

For the past 6 months, he has been working on a new project which made me very excited: creating computer generated images of a BMW 1 Series Concept.  I love the fact that for each project he has done for us, Giom took the time to analyze all the small details and current designing trends. He also showed us his progress along the way, so it was nice to see where he started and what the final outcome really is.

With that being said, I will let him explain in his own words the BMW 1 Series Concept: 

This concept is pure fictional and based on nothing but imagination. I’m a huge fan of the One Series and I am under no illusions that I can create a better design. Having said that, I’m also not bound by any marketing and technical constraints, so the car pictured here would not and cannot predict the future model.

I’m doing this for fun and fun alone. My thinking towards the next model is that it might look more aggressive and purposeful. The design language will also reflect BMWs current design trends and will therefor be more edgy.

With my design, I tried to create a whole new identity for the One, but at the same time stuck to some typical BMW features.

Some interesting design elements: The headlights are CS Concept inspired but that’s where it ends. There are two parallel lines running from the kidney grill at the front all the way over the roof and ends in the rear hatch number plate indent. Also the two lines running along the side of the car carries on into the front bumper and bends downwards to integrate with the front air intake.

I hope you enjoy this Concept 1-Series as much as I enjoyed creating it.”

More pictures Read the rest of this entry »

Just a few days later after our article on “How to retrofit a Night Vision Camera in your BMW”, we learned that FLIR, the company behind the Night Vision camera found in some BMW models, will showcase their PathFindIR thermal imaging camera at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The PathFindIR allows you to see clearly in total darkness, further than with headlamps alone, through light fog, smoke, and dust. Pathfinder uses the same technology currently used by the U.S. Government for night vision.

FLIR, used to make commercial nightvision systems for law enforcement, marine, and airborne vehicle, but with their PathfindIR  camera they stepped into the automotive world. This is their first infrared nightvision adaptable for any car. They technology was showed off this year at SEMA.

To take this experience to an even higher level, FLIR will bring a BMW 6 Series with them at CES, so the audience can enjoy the full experience. Since we will be in Detroit next week for the auto show, we’ll have to take a pass on this demo.

[Source: Autoblog ]

A little late, but I have the answers to the game I initiated last week. If you recall, I chose 10 cars from the BMW’s past and present line-up and  I cut out the front-end of all these cars. Basically, all you could have seen were the headlights, front-grill and part of of the bumper. 

Many of you did really really well and identified the cars correctly, something that I think I would have struggled with, especially the first car shown which with Photoshop I manually removed the M3 logo from the front-grill - yes, evil. 

So, here were the cars displayed:

BMW M3 E30 1989

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The latest and greatest from BMW: an M1 will not make it to production, BUT  a ”SuperSports” model based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe will be launched in 2010. The 135i will be a specific performance addition resulting in the use of lightweight materials, such as a Carbon Fibre Roof and bootlid , loss of certain cabin comforts , upgraded suspension and brakes , lightweight glass , all the creative and performance comforts created for the M variant, but not under full MotorSport badging.

This information comes from someone close to BMW and it was posted originally on Germancarzone. As we mentioned a year ago, eventually there WILL be a four cylinder turbo-engine powering the 1 Series models. 

With the release or the BMW 1er Coupe and the storming top end model the 135i a model that begs the question , what happens next?
With it’s past BMW history design evoking the 2002 and the E21 and E30 3er models surely there is more to be seen.

Although the premiere of the BMW 1er tii at Tokyo in October 2007 brought the question to the forefront again , although the tii  was a preview of an upcoming BMW Performance Package specifically for the 1er Coupe.

How can the 135i be improved? With the original decision, there were plans to move forward with an M1 - History aside regarding the original BMW M1 Supercar, but the name M1 was destined to be reinvented to the new M model of the 1er Coupe.

The 6 cylinder engine originally from the E46 M3 and the upgraded engine for the E46 M3 CSL were both improved, tested and evaluated for use in the top of the line M1. Sadly re-engineering the old block with magnesium to reduce weight and provide the 1 Series Coupe with many unique solutions to be a solitary choice amongst small performance cars, did not produce the results the BMW board had specified.

For many, the question on the M3’s position in the lineup regarding an M1 Coupe was also reconsidered, as the 1 Series was to follow it’s 3 Series brother and be the entry M Coupe . The V8 M3 would be positioned further from the E46 M3 like it is positioned today, which is why there is a gap , even though a considerable one from the 135i to M3.

What solution fill the gap?

It is clear that consumers are asking for more from the 1 Series Coupe, which is a very popular choice for young enthusiasts migrating from the MINI brand or dire choices such as the Mercedes CLC . Read the rest of this entry »

I know many of you might find this idea crazy, but allow me to share with you my thoughts on an Intel/BMW partnership in bringing a full operational personal computer to our bimmers. First things first though, many of you might know by now that my background and academics were and are always intersecting with computers, technology, engineering in one word. I have been surrounded by “machines” most of my life and I live and breath technology.

So, the other day, going down the list of the advanced technology available in the new BMW 7 Series, the idea of having a personal computer on board the 7er became very appealing. One of the reasons is the discussion that I had at the L.A Auto Show with the BMW 7 Series Product Manager. His words on how many BMW customers see the new 7 Series as a limousine, where the interior comfort and usability needs to satisfy even their most demanding needs - those words - are stuck in my head. 

Of course, the new BMW 7 Series comes with a powerful and multi-functional entertaining system, but it’s missing the basic features of a personal computer or laptop. The mini-computer or notebook would ideally feature a touchscreen along with a laptop-style keyboard that will serve as an input device and mouse. Before we get into the functionalities and the need of a such in-car computer, who are the key players in this market, as far as providing a stable, energy efficient and high-computing platform?

Well, we have Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) , one of the companies that used to be my first choice as the CPU in a personal computer, and of course, Intel, the giant microprocessors company. Owning a few Intel computers in the past years and presently, including Home PCs, laptops and Tablet PCs, I find them to be the most suitable for this job. 

Their latest generation Core 2 Duo or the even newer and most performant CPU on the market, I7 (wiki) are the best option when it comes to mobile computing, due to their small footprint and sophistacated power management, very important things when it comes to a small size in-car entertainment system.

So, moving away from the technical aspects, the next question arises:

What is the purpose and why the need of an in-car mini-laptop or personal computer? 

Read the rest of this entry »

Back in November, Collin from BMW of Pleasant Grove sent an email in telling me that he was able to place an order for a BMW X5 in Vermillion Red exterior paint. If some of you don’t know, the Vermillion Red is a color that is offered on the X6 models and it’s considered a Priority 1 option. 

This is probably one of the few, if not the only X5 in the US that is available in this beautiful red paint. Of course, my next question was if there was any extra cost associated with this order, and the answer was negative. 

For those of you unfamiliar with this program, Priority 1 options are not listed on brochures or configurators for US consumption, think of it as an “Individual Program” offered in Europe especially and where almost anything can be customized or changed. There are many Priority 1 options offered in the US across the BMW line-up. 

Priority 1 usually means that the vehicles was customized for a specific buyer as a “sold” car.

With this being said, let’s enjoy the photos Collin sent us and if you need more information about Priority 1 options or about this X5, feel free to contact him cpeay@bmwofpleasantgrove.com

Disclaimer: BMWBlog does not have any affiliation with the dealership mentioned here, we simply related some useful information.

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I just remembered that I forgot to post the Happy New Year video from our friends at BMW-web.tv. It was posted last week and it takes us through the most memorable BMW moments in 2008.

The BMW 7 Series launch, the unveiling of the new X1 Concept, the teasing BMW Gina LightVision Concept, the tribute paid to the M1 with the Hommage Concept and last but not least, the Superbike S 1000 RR. 

Great compilation, beautiful cars, still drooling over the M1 Hommage and especially the Gina Concept. 

I have been sitting on this photoshop image for a few days now and I have been contemplating on whether I should post it or not. The image below gives us an approximate look of what the next generation 2010 BMW 5 Series front-end might look like.

All the credit for this image goes to VroomVroom and AndyValencia, members if Germancarzone. With the help and hints from people close to BMW and who have seen the final design, the rendering is said to be about 95% accurate, with one exception: the BMW roundel or logo, will be going to be placed on the front bumper rather than the hood.

What we learned recently is that the mirrors and the handles on the F10 5-Series are the same that on the F01 and the front-end will resemble a little bit the the now canceled BMW CS Concept.

I know that VroomVroom is currently working on providing more computer generating images, so hopefully we will see something new soon.

Spartanburg, SC and another day with the BMW test vehicles being driven around the plant. Once again, our closest collaborator and spy photographer, Palbay, has some shots for us.

This time, we don’t have the BMW X5 M version, but rather the regular X5 4.8 liter V8 model with the US version of the M-Sport Package. Just last week, we went into a close analysis of the BMW X5 M and the M-Sport Package which seemed to be creating a bit of confusion.

The X5 M-Sport Package has been available in Europe for quite some time now and there were always rumors pointing to an US version as well. So the natural question will be, what’s so special about this package?

The main exterior differences from a standard X5 are the front and rear fascia’s the wheel’s and the sleeker roof rails.The car features a beefed up Sport Suspension and some M Sport touches on the interior, similar to the other “cosmetic” M packages.

As much as I like how the M-Sport Package looks on the X5, I cannot wonder the confusion that this package might create. Think about it, BMW X5 M, BMW X5 M-Sport Package…….I wonder how successful this will be. Read the rest of this entry »

No breaking news here, but according to Autocar UK, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed the future launch of a smaller, more affordable luxury crossover, internally named V3. The first rumors of a 2012 BMW 3 Series Crossover surfaced back in April of 2008 and L.A Auto Show brought the official confirmation that the V3 model will make it to production.

The PAC, Progressive Activity Coupe or V3, as it is known internally, is expected to based on Long Wheel Base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. According to Autocar, it will fill a slot between the 3 Series Touring and the BMW X3, a statement that might not be entirely true, since the next generation X3 will grow in size and the X1 will be taking its place.

The idea of a PAC vehicle is that the little less wealthy 3er customers might find 5 Series too expensive, X3 too big, so they might find the V3 PAC being the right choice.

As Autocar mentioned as well, we learned a while back that the 3-series crossover will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive will be offered as an option.

The engines are likely to be the ones from the BMW 3-series models, with a future line-up of turbocharged four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, basically expect all the “goodies” from the 3 Series to make it into the PAC as well.

The last two paragraphs on the Autocar article are probably the most interesting ones: Read the rest of this entry »

I was browsing Youtube the other night and came across a BMW M5 commercial which apparently was banned from TV. It’s an older commercial since the M5 advertised is the previous generation model, codename E39. 

I could also established from the video that the commercial was supposed to air in UK since the caption says: “The BMW M5. Fastest saloon car on the planet”. Saloon is the equivalent of sedan and it’s a very common word in the UK.

In my opinion, the commercial is very creative but I do see why TV stations would ban it.

P.S A reader just emailed me and said that some countries did air the commercial, for example South Africa.

Following other U.S states, as of January 1st 2009, California has a new law regarding texting while driving, or using your phone for other functions. The fellows at L.A Times have answered some questions that many drivers might have. Similar to the other states, it’s illegal to text while driving and browsing the Web even when sitting at a red light.

But here is the tricky part and the first loophole: it is NOT illegal to type directions into a GPS unit OR into a GPS program on your PHONE. Now the questions is how could a law enforcement officer determine what the driver was doing on his/her phone……I already foresee a lot of court dates.

Q: Is it illegal to send an e-mail from your mobile device while driving?
A: Yes. Please refer to VC 23123.5 (b) (PDF download). As used in this section “write, send, or read a text-based communication” means using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using a text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message or electronic mail.

Q: Is it illegal to browse the Web while driving?
A: Yes. Refer to VC 27602 (a). A person may not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle. 

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Auto leasing has increased in popularity in the last few years and many car buyers are facing the same question over and over: leasing, financing or paying cash. Despite the increased new car sales through leasing programs, many automotive consumers don’t understand how car leasing works and most important, when shopping for a lease deal, they are turned off by the  ”leasing vocabulary”. 

Many people who own businesses or are self-employed could greatly benefit from car leasing - tax write-offs primarily- but they are not comfortable with the unfamiliar  language or the entire leasing process.

Image Credit: Howstuffworks.com

It’s a fact that many people leasing new cars are overpaying because they didn’t do their homework first so they couldn’t score the best deal. So, it’s our duty to teach everyone and educate on how to score the best lease deal. But in order to do that, we need to take it step-by-step. 

Our previous article published last week, focused on “How to Lease a Car” process and how to simply calculate car lease payments. Since I received many emails inquiring about car leasing, today we’re moving a step closer to the final lesson which will show you how to negotiate and obtain the best lease payment.

Our article today will get you familiar with the financing terms and details, the leasing vocabulary.

Auto Leasing Guide - Car-Leasing Glossary

Captive Finance Company - This is the finance company that is owned by or affiliated with the manufacturer. BMW Financial Services, Infiniti Financial Services, American Honda Finance, Nissan Motor Credit - these are all examples of different Captive Finance Companies.

MSRP -Short for “Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price” . Basically, it’s the list price of the vehicle as delivered.

Sell price - This is the price you negotiate to pay with the dealer.

Cap Cost Reduction - This is a payment made at the beginning of the lease with the intent to lower all future monthly payments. You are pre-paying a portion of the lease up-front. Remember: If the car is totaled or stolen, you lose this money. Read the rest of this entry »