Andrew

There are people with fairly modified race cars. (e21)

Well everyone who has been keeping up with the US arrival of the BMW 1-Series knows that it will hit the dealerships in early 2008. We’re pretty excited to see what the final version of the BMW 1-Series coupe will look like, especially after seeing AutoBild’s rendering (shown below). But we’re even more excited to see the 1-Series Convertible which is expected to arrive a few months after the coupe shows up in showrooms; most likely September of 2008. Here are the latest spy shots of the BMW 1-Series convertible doing high-speed testing. Check out the shots over at InsideLine.

Not too expensive from the dealer if you want ones with new bushes.

I have the exact same problem on my e36 323 - What year is yours? Mine does it on the 2nd to 3rd change - the 1st to 2nd change is really rough when cold also. I hear it may be an electronic problem.

From either 318iS or M325. Cheers

Ollie or Shelley can help you

Likewise - 4 cylinder e30s rule. I'm upping the reserve on the turbo to something stupid and if it sells so be it - if it doesn't - badass.

Great project - welcome aboard

CTRL + + will increase txt size .. CTRL + - will decrease it

We occasionally see one driving around the streets of New York City, but now eight BMW Hydrogen 7 cars are making their way to the UK next week as a part of BMW’s CleanEnergy Program. The eight BMW Hydrogen 7 cars will be used in normal day-to-day driving in the UK. The cars will be used as support vehicles at a number of high profile events over the summer, transporting key participants at industrial, business and political conferences. BMW will also offer a select group of high-profile VIP users who will also take delivery of a car for short periods of time in order to experience the ‘normality’ of emissions-free motoring. The BMW Hydrogen 7 is based on the existing 7 Series and comes equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running on hydrogen or petrol. The car is powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, giving it the ability to do 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 143mph. The hydrogen car has a cruising range of 425 miles, 125 miles in the hydrogen mode with 300 miles under petrol power. Press Release: The BMW Hydrogen 7 05/14/2007 ‘Clean Energy’ comes to the UK next week with the arrival of eight BMW Hydrogen 7 cars. The virtually emissions-free luxury saloons form part of a total fleet of 100 Hydrogen 7 models that are a major landmark in BMW’s CleanEnergy programme: for the first time, Hydrogen 7 models have been produced on the ‘standard’ 7 Series production line and will be used in normal day-to-day driving in the UK. Jim O’Donnell, BMW UK’s managing director, summed up this important step in BMW’s history: “The arrival of our Hydrogen 7 cars could not have come at a better time. Politicians, business leaders, the media and consumers are engaged in healthy debate on the future of energy supply and use. Meanwhile, the automotive industry is committed to cleaner motoring, with a host of possible solutions available today and being developed for the mid- and long-term. BMW is at the core of the future of motoring with tremendous developments in petrol and diesel engines, hybrid powertrains and hydrogen technologies. “Our efficient dynamics programme has introduced energy-saving technologies that break through the 60 miles per gallon and one hundred and twenty grams per kilometre CO2 barriers, our new diesels are cleaner and greener than many of today’s hybrids, yet power and performance in all of our cars has improved. Clean, green motoring can also be engaging and dynamic, and the new BMW Hydrogen 7 models epitomise that philosophy,” O’Donnell concluded. The fleet of liquid hydrogen powered cars is set to continue its rigorous programme of driving activities on UK roads. They will be in active service as support vehicles at a number of high profile events over the summer as well as transporting key participants at industrial, business and political conferences. A select group of high-profile VIP users will also take delivery of a car for short periods of time in order to experience the ‘normality’ of emissions-free motoring. Uwe Ellinghaus, BMW UK’s marketing director clarified the importance of these hydrogen cars: “The age-old chicken-and-egg debate has now been resolved. BMW can produce hydrogen-powered cars on the production line and the time is right to engage with business leaders and politicians in order to progress the development of a hydrogen highway �" the fueling and infrastructure requirements that make hydrogen a viable fuel for the consumer. “We hope that experiencing these cars in normal driving situations will encourage people to join the debate. Without doubt, it will take many years for a suitable infrastructure to develop that makes hydrogen power an easy option for the consumer, but all indications are hydrogen is the only genuine long-term sustainable power source for cars. Public hydrogen filling stations have been developed in Germany and California, and the presence of BMW Hydrogen 7 cars in the UK will undoubtedly bring the future closer for British drivers,” Ellinghaus concluded. The BMW Hydrogen 7 cars will be in action at a number of high-profile events starting on 22 May at the SMMT Test Day at Millbrook followed immediately afterwards when they will be used in the build up to the following week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Revolve alternative fuel Brighton to London drive event are also in the diary, as well as a number of conferences and environmental summits. The BMW Hydrogen 7 The BMW Hydrogen 7 is based on the existing 7 Series and comes equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running on hydrogen or petrol. In hydrogen mode the car emits nothing more than water vapour. Powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically limited 143mph top speed. With its unique dual power engine, the driver of a Hydrogen 7 can switch quickly and conveniently from hydrogen to conventional petrol power at the press of a steering wheel-mounted button. The dual power technology means the car has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in the hydrogen mode with a further 300 miles under petrol power. To make this possible the BMW Hydrogen 7 comes with a conventional 74-litre petrol tank and an additional hydrogen fuel tank holding up to 8kgs of liquid hydrogen. Such flexibility means the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the vehicle at all times, even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is out of range. A filling station has been developed in Wembley to support BMW’s plans. For undiluted driver enjoyment, engine power and torque in the Hydrogen 7 remain exactly the same regardless of which fuel is in current use. The driver can switch between the two without any effect on driving behaviour or performance. The car always gives priority to the use of hydrogen but, should this run out, it automatically switches to petrol power. Unlike many previous hydrogen concept cars showcased by rival manufacturers the BMW Hydrogen 7 heralds a milestone in the history of the car. It is a full production ready vehicle, which has met all the stringent processes and final sign-off criteria that every current BMW model undergoes. Why hydrogen? The BMW Group has been committed to hydrogen technology as a means of reducing car emissions, in particular CO2 emissions, for over 20 years. When running in the hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapour. And, unlike fossil fuels and traditional petrol, hydrogen is available in virtually infinite supply when renewable energies such as solar, wind and wave power are used to produce the liquid hydrogen. Stored in a hi-tech tank which keeps the fuel at a pressure of 3-5 bar and a consistent temperature of �"250C, liquid hydrogen offers significant advantages in energy density compared to other possible alternative fuel sources to enhance the cruising range of the car. BMW continues to develop ultra efficient, yet very dynamic petrol engines that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Together with clean performance diesel cars and the technologically advanced hybrid systems currently under development, the BMW Group has a clear strategy for sustainable mobility with hydrogen as the ultimate goal.

INGOLSTADT, Germany — Photographers have spied the new 2009 Audi A4 testing at Audi's Technical Center here. Although the car is heavily camouflaged, the 2009 A4's overall size and shape is readily apparent. Built on Audi's new modular platform that underpins the Audi A5 coupe, this new A4 should deliver more balanced handling as the engine will sit farther back in the chassis. Audi has long intended to make the new A4 a more direct competitor to the sporty BMW 3 Series and this A4 may finally have the right formula. Powertrains have not been confirmed, but engines are expected to range from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder to a 4.2-liter V8 much like the current model. Front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel-drive variants will remain as well. The 2009 Audi A4 will make its official debut in September at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. What this means to you: The 2009 Audi A4 could make you rethink your commitment to the BMW 3 Series.

Ryan doesn't deserve two bday posts - see other post

HB Ryan - i'd hit it

They are still all good - check out front page for a germanplates.com plate builder in all different styles.

Sweet - got it sorted. They are on separate fuses btw. However - it keeps blowing that fuse after a while. Is there a common point on these cars that the wiring wears out and earths or something?

Hi Guys - I am looking for the fuses on an 97 e39 528i. Found the ones in the boot (near batt) - but surely there are more. The drivers side seat doesn't work (electric) - passengers does. Cheers for any help.

The kings of photo renderings, AutoBild, are running this rendering of the next generation BMW 6-Series. According to this rendering, the front headlamps seem to be inspired by the 5-Series, being taken into the body. You can also see larger air intakes which probably means more power for the next generation 6-Series. AutoBild renderings in the past have been proven to be very close to production models for many cars including their rendition of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (which was made two years before the official launch). Source: AutoBild

According to Cars.com the trend of spending more than a $100,000 on a new exotic car is growing rapidly. Cars.com decided to compile a list of Top 10 Cars Priced Higher Than $100,000. “The selection process for these cars was fairly straightforward. Cars on the list all have a sticker price between $100,000 and $200,000 and go above and beyond pedestrian luxury cars in terms of style, performance and attitude,” said Cars.com editor David Thomas. Check out the list below. Top 10 Cars Priced Higher Than $100,000 Gallery: Top 10 Cars Priced Higher Than $100,000: 1. Bentley Continental Flying Spur - The two-door Bentley Continental GT broke things open for the British coach builder with its most famous owner �" Paris Hilton �" getting them plenty of free publicity. But it’s the four-door Flying Spur that is the epitome of how much exotic luxury you can get for your money �" about $170,000 of your money. Even though Bentley is churning out more Continentals than any other model, they’re still hand-built and can be custom ordered, down to the wood grain and leather pigmentation 2. Aston Martin V8 Vantage/Vantage Roadster - The V8 Vantage coupe and convertible are sultry, British and fast. For a mere $110,000, the coupe is a major head-turner that will stand out in a crowd of Porsches and even Ferraris. The Aston has subtle elegance with a ton of performance squeezed out of its V-8 engine. 3. Audi R8 - This new kid on the block is Audi’s first take on the semi-exotic sports car. Its modern styling and impressive performance, about on par with the Porsche 911 Turbo, make a value statement at $109,000. The huge grille, mid-engine layout and sporty cockpit scream business; the bold stripe on the side shouts eccentricity. 4. Porsche 911 Turbo - It may look like Porsches of the past, but the new 911 turbo is the highest attainment of Porsche-ness ever built. $122,000 might seem like a major investment, but a 911 Turbo never goes out of style; unless Porsche goes against almost 50 years of tradition, a 911 will look like a 911 for decades to come. Even if the next-generation Turbo outdoes this one in performance, passers-by will never know. 5. Bentley Continental GTC - The GTC’s motorized canvas roof might seem like something from your grandpa’s old Buick, but it’s the look with the top down that seals the deal. If you think an average convertible is an impractical buy, what does that say about this one, at $189,990? How, then, did it make the list? You just can’t have too many Bentleys in your stable. 6. Ferrari F430 - Yes, you too can own Ferrari’s “entry-level” F430 for under $200,000. It’ll probably hold its value �" it starts at $168,005 �" better than most of the cars on this list, and some say this might be the easiest Ferrari ever to drive like a pro. You can’t put a price tag on that. 7. Mercedes-Benz S600 - This one almost didn’t make the list, but we’ve seen too many of this $139,900 sedan on the streets and parked in front of fancy restaurants to let it slip out of the top 10. Plus, it has a powerful V-12 engine and a very upscale cabin, complete with mood lighting. That’s why it comes in at No. 7, even if it looks like its less-stellar S550 sibling. 8. BMW M6 Convertible - Its style might not be for everyone, but the M6 convertible hits 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. That means it’ll only take a minute to dry your hair after you leave the beach. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend tracking sand in a new, $104,900, V-10-powered BMW, unless your detailer is on speed dial. This is probably the least attractive car on the list, but we’ve run into more than one luxury owner who covets the 6 Series above all else. Loyalty �" and the engine �" put it in at No. 8. 9. Lamborghini Gallardo - Lamborghinis are brutish and powerful, and they look like nothing else. At $175,000 for the hardtop and $195,000 for the roadster, the Gallardo stretches the $200,000 budget. They’re native Italians, but are most often seen in high-profile areas like South Beach and Hollywood. As those areas suggest, it’s all about the looks; the cabin is sparse, the ride is harsh and the exhaust is more than boastful. Good thing it has the performance credibility, or it would be all show. 10. Maserati Quattroporte - The Quattroporte holds the No. 10 spot on the list because it was one of the first near-$100,000 cars to really sell in significant quantities, leading other automakers to believe they could get away with attaching six-figure price tags to fancy cars. It’s still one of the most inexpensive Italian exotic cars you can buy, at $110,600, and this year it sports a traditional automatic transmission. Plus, you can feel like one of the guys from “Entourage.” Source: automotoportal

For those of you thought that Ford was going to get rid of Jaguar next we’ve got some news for you. Industry experts have told AutoCar that BMW is seriously considering on making a bid to takeover Swedish auto maker Volvo. BMW has requested a complete breakdown of Volvo’s current financial position from a European investment bank that is handling enquiries for Ford. Source have said that BMW is looking to expand its lineup which has always been centered around driving pleasure and that Volvo would add a huge safety factor to the company’s focus. If the takeover happens, it is expected that the larger Volvo saloons and estate models will be switched to BMW platforms while the smaller cars, like the Volvo C30, will be switched to the Mini family. Sources also said that BMW considered taking over Alfa Romeo as well. Source: AutoCar

STUTTGART — BMW's sensational twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, introduced in the 335i, has captured top honors as the International Engine of the Year for 2007. Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen also were recognized in the ninth annual International Engine of the Year Awards, which were presented here at Engine Expo. An international jury of 62 motoring journalists from 30 countries, including Inside Line's Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton, bestowed several awards on BMW. In addition to the top prize, the mighty 5.0-liter V10, which powers the M5 and M6, was named Best Performance Engine, as well as best engine in the over-4.0-liter class. BMW's 2.5-liter inline-6, which is used in several of the company's vehicle lines, took honors in the 2-to-3.0-liter class. Porsche's turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-6, fitted in the 911 Turbo, topped the 3-to-4.0-liter category. VW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (GTI) and 1.4-liter TSI "twincharger" engines were honored, as were Toyota's 1.0-liter three-cylinder (Aygo, Yaris) and 1.5-liter hybrid (Prius). What this means to you: Curiously, no American manufacturers were named in the "international" competition. So what about the LS7?

Looking good

I would still be buying the overseas plate - I would love to wait and see how they plan to enforce it. (There is a plate builder on our front page that links straight to germanplates.com)

318iS: Front lip, black headliner, sport seats, different springs/shocks/sways, different motor - twin cam 1.8 m42.

Its pretty fugly though hah

Badass - its henna.