Andrew

I have this problem too - only when using Firefox old version (2)

BMW and Daimler are calling for automakers to cooperate on developing common standards for electric cars and save research and development costs. Thomas Weber, Daimler’s head of research said that the industry is going to face huge costs as automakers rush to produce electric-cars. Weber says that the auto industry should avoid costly duplication of research and product development. BMW’s development chief Klaus Draeger believes something along the same lines and says that all automakers should “share the burden between all parties.” Both said that product managers need to start agreeing on common technical standards and components for electric-vehicles. They said that the issues faced with developing full electric-vehicles are becoming more clear to major automakers. Draeger and Weber both said that FISITA, the international association of automotive engineers, is well positioned to become the leader to create regulations and technical standards.

I'd certainly vouch for a full wine bottle of ciggie butts.

I concur - as soon as a 20 - 50k electric car comes out I am buying one for a daily.

So we’re pretty disappointed that BMW has canceled plans to build an E92 M3 CSL. Well its seems like so was a California based tuner Vorsteiner, who decided to do their own version of the E92 M3 CSL by adding a couple of weight-saving features. Vorsteiner added a new body kit to the 414-hp M3 that consists of a carbon fiber front spoiler, rear diffuser and 3 integrated aero fins along with a new replacement carbon fiber boot lid with a built in lip spoiler. The tuner also added a new titanium performance exhaust system that weighs only 17.3 lbs as compared to the factory version that weighs 56.3 lbs. Inside, Vorsteiner added a full carbon fiber interior kit. Vorsteiner is also offering 20-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels. Click through for more photos. Vorsteiner BMW E92 M3 Coupe:

In an interview with German newspaper Die Zeit, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer confirmed that BMW is indeed working on a tiny ‘mega city’ car. He said that the car will have a completely different look than anything currently made by BMW. Powertrain choices will include a fuel-efficient combustion engine and a pure-electric model. Reithofer said that the electric-powered car will meet California regulations which call for a range of 200 miles for fuel-cell or battery-powered cars by 2012. It is still not confirmed whether the small-car will carry a BMW badge and we highly doubt. BMW, however, is considering reviving its old ‘Isetta’ marquee to become a fourth brand.

Average isn't it

Took me by surprise. Google Ads are getting pretty hardcore. I don't know if I signed up for that!

Good stuff I say - the M3 was getting too fast and dangerous.

Will find out what's wrong this weekend.

The turbo doesn't really count now as it is so bastardised hah.

Righto - car is finally getting worked on this weekend. Will let you know the outcome. Hopefully I will make the manfield round.

PORTNOY Suspended

Saw your E92 there Marcus - looked badass.

Our main BMW man on the stateside, Jim O’Donnell has confirmed that BMW is working on 4-cylinder engines. In an interview with BusinessWeek while discussing the new 2009 BMW 7-Series, O’Donnell confirmed that BMW is working a 4-cylinder engine that will deliver better performance, lower emissions and better fuel-economy than the current 6-cylinders. “This will be a high tech 4-cylinder engine; obviously turbo charged,” said O’Donnell. ”We can’t really confirm or deny when it is going to come into the US, if it is going to come into the US until after the election and the government makes it clear what is going to be the platform that manufacturers have got to work to.” We recently heard that BMW is close to deciding on 4-cylinder option for the 3-Series and 1-Series in the U.S. BMW is planning on producing 240,000 4-cylinder units a year.

Next month BMW will show the concept version of the BMW X1 before revealing the production model early next year. According to CAR, BMW is also working on what is known as the X2. The X2 will be a part of the X1 family but will fit more into a sporty crossover segment. While the X1 will follow the footsteps of the X3 and X5 - the X2 will be a sporty baby X6 coupe crossover. The BMW X2 is planned to be a 2-door SUV with a sloping roof and an aggressive design courtesy of Chris Bangle. Under the hood, the X2 will share the powertrain with the X1 - kind of like the X5 and X6. CAR says that internally the X1 and X2 are known as the Sports Activity Wagon (SAW) and Sports Activity Runabout (SAR) respectively. So when will we see the BMW X2? The BMW X1 Concept and MINI SUV Concept will be shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show next month and will enter production shortly after that. The X2 is currently on the drawing board and has yet to receive the green light from executives.

As reported yesterday, BMW will slowly phase out 6-cylinder engine production at its Munich plant in favor for 4-cylinder engines. BMW plans on producing 240,000 4-cylinder units a year. According to InsideLine, BMW is now close to confirming that it will indeed add four-cylinder engines to its 3-Series and 1-Series lineup in North America. Why? Well for one the 6-cylinder 1-Series hasn’t given BMW the response it was looking for in North America mainly due to the pricing factor which can be reduced when offering a less powerful 4-cylinder engine. Second, rival Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed that it will bring 4-cylinder diesel engines to its U.S. lineup by 2010. The BMW 320i and 120i are volume sellers for BMW in Europe. BMW’s project director Oliver Friedmann believes it will have a huge impact in the U.S. as well. As for 4-cylinder turbodiesels in the U.S., Freidmann says that North America is just not ready for them.

Consumer Reports has given the BMW 135i an overall score of “Excellent” beating the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Volkswagen R32, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (which followed the 135i in that ranking order). CR said that the BMW 135i “drew praise for its splendid handling, a punchy engine delivering a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, and its overall fun-to-drive quality.” Power comes from the 3.0L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that produces 300-hp mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 23mpg on premium fuel. Click through for more images and the press release. 2008 BMW 135i: Press Release: CR tests BMW coupe against Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Volkswagen R32, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and others for October issue YONKERS, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2008 - The BMW 135i achieved an “Excellent” overall score and outpaced all its competitors to become Consumer Reports’ top-rated sporty car in testing for the October issue. The 135i drew praise for its splendid handling, a punchy engine delivering a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, and its overall fun-to-drive quality. Other highly-rated cars in this month’s test group of eight sports and sporty cars were the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Volkswagen R32, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, in that ranking order. All three of those vehicles achieved overall scores that were also in the “Excellent” range, but lower than the 135i. The four top-rated vehicles ranged in price from $33,630 for the R32 to $38,078 for the “Evo.” The October test group also included four other cars, which are priced about $10,000 less and delivered impressive performance for the price. They included the Subaru Impreza WRX, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Nissan Sentra SE-R, and Dodge Caliber SRT4. Prices for those models ranged from $23,310 for the SE-R to $25,169 for the WRX. The issue also includes an “Auto Test Extra” report on the Volvo C30 hatchback, which is less sporty than the other eight models tested but is stylish and capable. It earned a “Very Good” overall score. “The new 135i is quick, well balanced and a lot of fun to drive,” said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. “The engine is smooth and powerful and returns relatively good fuel economy. Steering and brakes are excellent, and the cabin is well finished and quiet, with comfortable front seats.” Full tests and ratings of the sporty cars group and the C30 appear in the redesigned October issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale September 2. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. The only vehicle that Consumer Reports is Recommending from this month’s testing are the Subaru Impreza WRX and the more aggressive WRX STi, based on previous Subaru models’ reliability. The other tested vehicles are still too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data on them. CR only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s annual survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test. BMW began selling the 135i in the U.S. this year, but the 1 Series has been sold elsewhere since 2004. In addition to having the quickest 0-to-60-mph acceleration time in this group, it also had the shortest braking distances on dry and wet surfaces, and the highest speed through CR’s avoidance maneuver, which measures at-the-limit handling. The 135i ($37,650 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that delivers uninterrupted punch and pulls powerfully from idle to redline. Expect 23 mpg overall on premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission shifts accurately and smoothly but is a bit notchy. The brakes are excellent. Redesigned for 2008, the WRX STi delivers impressive acceleration, braking, and handling. Still, the STi doesn’t live up to the standards set by the previous generation car. It isn’t as exciting to drive, the steering isn’t as sharp, and the shifter and clutch require lots of effort to use. The STi ($37,640 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 305-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers quick acceleration when pressed except in very low revs. The STi returned 21 mpg overall on premium fuel in CR’s own fuel economy tests. Braking is excellent. The limited-production Volkswagen R32 ($33,630 MSRP as tested) is a more powerful, luxurious, and pricier all-wheel-drive version of VW’s impressive GTI. It provides superior handling balance, accelerates briskly, sounds muscular and brakes well. It pampers occupants with comfortable seats, a high-quality cabin, and decent ride-comfort and noise levels for this class. The R32 is powered by a 250-hp, 3.2-liter V6 that is both responsive and strong. The six-speed, automated manual transmission shifts smoothly and quickly. CR averaged 22 mpg overall in its tests on premium fuel. Braking was very good. The Lancer Evolution, or Evo, is an uncompromising high-performance sports car. With quick acceleration and impressive handling, it is a lot of fun in the right conditions. But its frenetic highway behavior, stiff ride, raucous cabin, spartan interior, and confining seats mean that this car is not for the average driver. The Evo ($38,078 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 291-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is a strong performer. Its five-speed manual transmission performs well, but its short gearing adversely affects noise and fuel consumption on the highway. CR recorded 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. Brakes are excellent. The WRX is roomier, quieter, and more comfortable and refined than its predecessor. But it’s lost some sportiness that made the original so much fun to drive. It still remains a practical, affordable, sedan that’s quick and fairly agile. The WRX ($25,169 MSRP as tested) is propelled by a 224-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides effortless power while averaging a respectable 24 mpg on premium fuel. The five-speed manual transmission shifts well. Braking is excellent. Swapping out a supercharger for a turbocharger and implementing other tweaks make the revised 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS a better car and a more credible sports coupe. It accelerates quickly and has capable handling, excellent brakes, and a tolerable ride. The engine and exhaust note sound invigorating. But its score was hurt by unimpressive interior fit and finish, wind noise, and rear-seat access. The Cobalt SS ($24,535 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 260-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that delivers excellent acceleration and 22 mpg overall on premium gas. The short-throw five-speed manual transmission shifts crisply. Years ago, the Sentra SE-R was a fun-to-drive little pocket rocket, but no more. CR tested the sportiest, most powerful current version, called the Spec V. Yet when it comes to sporty driving, it’s unimpressive. It has decent power and a fairly roomy interior. But there is little that is special about its handling. The Sentra SE-R Spec V ($23,310 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 200-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers lively acceleration and averaged 30 mpg on premium. Its six-speed manual transmission is a bit clunky. Braking is very good. The SE-R was the only car in this group without electronic stability control, a valuable safety feature. An attempt to make the mediocre Caliber into a sports car, the SRT4 succeeds only in creating a faster version of a car that was crude to begin with. The SRT4 is relatively quick, and the engine sounds good, but it fails to deliver where it matters most: the fun-to-drive factor. Clumsy handling, a balky shifter, a heavy clutch, a very stiff ride, and constant loud noise compromise the driving experience. The SRT4 ($24,930 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 285-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration but feels coarse. The six-speed manual transmission has long throws and heavy shifter effort. Brakes are very good. With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645.

As demand for V12, V10 and V8 engines dies down, BMW will be shifting towards smaller and more fuel-efficient engines. According to Manfred Schoch, chairman of BMW’s works council, BMW hasn’t produced its 8-cylinder engine in a three-shift operation in a long time. Schoch said that 6-cylinder assembly will be phased out in its Munich plant and will be replaced by 4-cylinder engines. By 2011, BMW hopes to produce 320,000 4-cylinder units a year in the programs first phase. In the second phase, BMW will add additional capacity for 240,000 engines a year. Schoch also said that the works council is planning a development of a pure electric car based on the 1-Series which could be named City Electric Sprinter and could debut as early as 2010.

Bavarian Motor Works has cancelled plans to produce the lighter, sharper and faster version of the E92 M3. Originally scheduled to arrive on the market by the summer of 2009, BMW will no longer be producing an E92 M3 CSL. Ludwig Willisch, boss of BMW’s M division, told CAR Magazine that the automaker canned the project since it doesn’t make business sense. “Based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL,” said Willisch. BMW will instead focus its resources on the M-versions of the X5 and X6. The E93 BMW M3 CSL was supposed to be powered by the same 4.0L V8 engine producing an extra 50 horsepower for a total of 470. To save weight, BMW was going to drop the radio, navigation and air-conditioning. A bunch of carbon fiber was to be added to the front apron, hood, roof, side panels and rear bumper. It was going to make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show as a 2010 model.

The Audi R8 is a very niche segment to compete in but Audi is doing well against rivals such as the Porsche 911s and Mercedes-Benz will soon be responding with the SLC Gullwing. However BMW has yet to confirm anything or spies in Munich have yet to catch a prototype that might hint at a rival to the Audi R8. In a recent interview with AutoTelegraaf, BMW’s chief of product development hints that BMW is still wondering why they would need such a model. Klaus says the BMW with much rather focus on new technologies such as EfficientDynamics. “For us it is much more important to concentrate on sustainability issues. This year, 850,000 cars are equipped with the system. That is our biggest investment in the coming years.” What we do know is that BMW is working on a production version of the CS Concept that will compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the upcoming Porsche Panamera and the Audi A7. Other than that we keep seeing outstanding concepts like the M1 Hommage and the GINA Light Visionary Model which BMW clearly says have no production future. BMW CS Concept at the 2008 New York Auto Show:

It’s Friday night and you pull up to a red-light with your girlfriend in your brand new 2008 BMW M3. Then some douche-bag guy pulls up next to you in his 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and pulls down the window and goes “I’ve got 30 more horses than you sucker,” and peels away. Ouch - big shot to your man-hood. So when 420-hp aren’t enough for you Dinan Cars will come to your rescue. According to Modified Luxury & Exotics News, Dinan will be building a new 2008 BMW M3 with a 5.7L V10 that will produce 628 horsepower. The model will make its debut right before 2009. 2008 BMW M3 Coupe:

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BMW said today that it is recalling 200,000 vehicles due to a problem with the front passenger air bag. The German automaker said that the air bag may not deploy in a crash. The recall involves 2006 BMW 3-Series, 2004-2006 5-Series and the 2004-2006 X3 SUV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that cracks could develop in the seat detection mat that could lead the front passenger air bags to be deactivated. The problem would also turn on the the passenger air-bag light. BMW said that not accidents or injuries have been reported.

Earlier this year BMW released a document comparing its new X6 SAC to the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. The document showed that the X6 xDrive50i was more powerful, faster and more fuel-efficient than the Cayenne GTS and Range Rover Sport V8 Supercharged. However, since the document was a BMW document, the numbers might not have been as accurate. That’s where AutoBild came in and put the new X6 xDrive50i head-to-head with the Porsche Cayenne GTS. The BMW xDrive50i is powered by a a 4.4L V8 engine that produces 400-hp. The Porsche Cayenne GTS is powered by a 4.8L V8 engine that produces 405-hp. According to AutoBild, the xDrive50i does 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. The Cayenne GTS goes from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 163mph. Taking both around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, AutoBild lapped the famous German track in 8:54.4 with the xDrive50i and 9:01.9 in the Cayenne GTS. It might be of interest to point out that the Cayenne GTS was tested with a manual transmission while the xDrive50i was tested with its standard automatic transmission.