Hugo Becker

Hugo Becker is our resident curmudgeon and technology maven. Having had a driver’s license for over 40 years, he also has seat time in a large number of cars, from the silly to sublime. He brings a Sputnik era emphasis on science and technology to BMWBLOG, along with a passion for automotive history. Did we mention he’s old and crotchety?
Editorial: More Thoughts on BMW's New X3

Editorial: More Thoughts on BMW’s New X3

This review begins with two observations. First, the best off-road vehicle I’ve ever driven was a Jeep Wrangler. Second, the worst on-road vehicle I’ve ever driven was a Jeep Wrangler. And that is the dilemma…

On-Site Report: BMW Expands the Spartanburg Plant

Editorial: BMW’s Ultimate Gamble

Number ONE Strategy. In the midst of a huge economic downturn, when car manufacturers are stumbling with product liability issues or just trying to stay solvent (or recover from bankruptcy), BMW is announcing and delivering…

Editorial: A Brief History of Front Wheel Drive

Start. In the beginning was the Cugnot artillery tractor. More than one version of the three-wheeled front-wheel-drive (FWD) steamer came off the drawing boards in the second half of the eighteenth century. The apocryphal story…

Analysis: The N55B30 engine

Analysis: The N55B30 engine

The BMW N55B30 represents the current workable technical edge of gasoline engine performance and economy. It is a state-of-the-art powerplant available in the 535i GT and soon the 535i from BMW. It is possible, that…