Tag Archive for '3 Series'

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars

Published on May 22, 2013 in BMW and BMW 3-Series. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Electric, Luxury, Ram

Employing complex scientific formulas and methodologies probably best described as “Whatever we felt like choosing,” Automobile has named its All-Stars for the 2013 model year. The 11 vehicles earned their trophies for being “the best and most significant” offerings to the mag’s staff and contributors, and while we were surprised to see a couple of them on the list, none of them were shocking. In no particular order, they are:

Random notes: The least expensive vehicle on the list was the Ford Focus at $16,995 however, it was the $24,495 Focus ST that was actually driven; the least expensive vehicle as-tested, when such indication was given, was the $28,265 BRZ; the most expensive vehicle as-tested was the $75,615 Porsche Boxster S, hurdling the price of the A7 by nearly $4,000; the greatest disparity between base and as-tested price was the Ram, from the $24,395 skin-and-bones truck to the $54,335 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab; the GTI was viewed through the history of its birthplace, Wolfsburg.

There you have it. Head on over to Automobile for the full story and the adventures they created to test each winner.

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars originally appeared on BMW Top News on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon

Published on May 11, 2013 in 3 Series, BMW and video. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Europe, BMW

Max Reisbock

It’s hard to imagine, but once upon a time, there were only two BMW 3 Series variants: the coupe and sedan. Back before gran coupes, convertibles and yes, even touring models were available, buyers could only get their 3 Series fix if it came with two or four doors and a fixed roof. Back in the mid ’80s, BMW engineer Max Reisbock was having some trouble fitting his whole family into his four door. Rather than suck it up and buy a van, he picked up a wrecked 3 Series and got to cutting in a buddy’s garage. Months later, he had the very first 3 Series Touring ever built.

At first, he kept the the car to himself, using it to haul friends and family around, but he eventually showed it off to his friends at work. When the BMW executives found out about his project, they called him up to take a closer look. After putting an eyeball on the car, they took it, copied his design, made a few tweaks and quickly rolled out the first production 3 Series Touring. How’s that for validation? Check out the video below for Reisbock’s story.

Continue reading Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon

Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon originally appeared on BMW Top News on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW may keep next 1 Series out of the US

Published on May 7, 2013 in BMW and BMW 1 Series. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, BMW

As BMW prepares to introduce the all-new 2 Series coupe and convertible, the 1 Series name definitely won’t be going away. We know new sedan and hatchback models are in the works; including the GT shown above. According to Car and Driver, though, the future of the 1 Series nameplate in the US could be dependent on rival premium small cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3.

In an interview with C/D, BMW’s North American head of product planning and strategy, Paul Ferraiolo, said that pricing might be the biggest deterrent to offering the third-gen 1 Series in the US. As he points out, BMW currently prices the 1 not too far from the 3 Series, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi will have their new small cars priced well below the $30,000 mark. BMW’s Mini brand will also factor into the consideration since the 1 GT will share its underpinnings with the next-gen Cooper lineup.

BMW may keep next 1 Series out of the US originally appeared on BMW Top News on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW adds 42k 3 Series models to massive airbag recall

Published on May 6, 2013 in BMW. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Filed under: Recalls, BMW


On the heels of the massive airbag recall just last month, which included a total of 3.4 million Japanese automobiles from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda, German automaker BMW has announced that it will recall 42,000 of its 2002-03 3 Series models (E46 platform) for the same problem. The recall is blamed on a single defective part, all from the same supplier, which may cause the airbag to catch fire or send metal fragments towards passengers in the front seats. BMW spokesman Dave Buchko told the Detroit News that the automaker knows of no improper “deployments or injuries related to this issue in any BMW.”

The part in question, supplied from a company named Takata, was manufactured incorrectly at its Moses Lake, WA, plant. The company also disclosed that some airbag components may have been exposed to moisture at another one of its locations, in Mexico. According to Takata, there have been six incidents worldwide (four in the United States) and none have resulted in injuries.

BMW adds 42k 3 Series models to massive airbag recall originally appeared on BMW Top News on Mon, 06 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW i3 to be priced around $40,000

Published on May 6, 2013 in BMW. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Electric

BMW i3 spy shot

According to Automotive News, the BMW i3 electric hatchback will likely be priced around $40,000, or similar to that of a well-equipped 3 Series sedan, when it goes on sale later this year. This information was revealed during an interview where AN spoke to Ludwig Willisch, CEO of BMW North America. The i3 will likely qualify for a $7,500 tax credit from the US federal government, though AN reports that a BMW spokesperson could not confirm this just yet.

In addition to the all-electric i3, BMW will offer a range-extended version that uses a 0.65-liter two-cylinder motorcycle engine and auxiliary generator to charge the car’s battery on the go. Automotive News says pricing for this model is still unclear, as is whether or not the range-extended i3 will be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit. Of course, buyers needing a vehicle for longer trips will be able to borrow one from the automaker.

Automotive News also reports that the majority of BMW’s 338 dealers in the United States will be able to sell the i3, as well as the upcoming i8 hybrid sports car. Dealerships have until June of this year to opt out of this program, however.

Official pricing for the i3 will be revealed closer to the car’s launch later this year.

BMW i3 to be priced around $40,000 originally appeared on BMW Top News on Mon, 06 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How has the BMW 3 Series adapted to remain a success?

Published on April 18, 2013 in 3 Series and BMW. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

The compact executive class of car – of which the BMW 3 Series is a part – is one of the most buoyant segments in terms of sales, but it is also extremely competitive. Therefore, the engineers at BMW must constantly strive to make their best-selling 3 Series model better and better with ever release of a new variant.

The BMW 3 Series is currently into its sixth generation, and in recent years has been evolving from strength to strength, and now leads its class in terms of driving enjoyment. While a racy performance might not be entirely important to a company car driver – the main users of the BMW 3 Series – as they generally cover many of their driving miles on smooth and straight motorways, but they still demand a car that feels poised, safe and balanced. And the BMW 3 Series delivers on these key targets. It’s a great-looking car too, just take a look at the Listers stock list; any colour looks good on the new, 2012 BMW 3 Series. Continue reading ‘How has the BMW 3 Series adapted to remain a success?’

BMW planning Zhi Nuo Chinese sub-brand, may export models

Published on April 6, 2013 in 3 Series and BMW. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Filed under: Sedan, China, Crossover, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show

2012 BMW X1 - front three-quarter view

Automakers continue to pour big money into the developing market that is China, and new sub-brands born of joint ventures with domestic partners crop up on what seems like a weekly basis. The latest? According to reports, BMW and its Chinese ally Brilliance are forming a new sub-brand called Zhi Nuo (“The Promise”) that will likely rely on existing or older BMW products as a basis for new models.

Previous reports had indicated that the sub-brand could build its offerings based on an older 3 Series model (presumably the E90 series), but newer rumors have the X1 crossover (shown) factoring in. The Zhi Nuo brand could receive its official unveiling as soon as later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Perhaps most interestingly, Automotive News Europe reports that the automaker’s ambitions for Zhi Nuo may extend beyond China’s borders. It’s not clear what markets BMW may be eying, but executives admit the company hasn’t ruled out Europe.

BMW planning Zhi Nuo Chinese sub-brand, may export models originally appeared on BMW Top News on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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