Apr 29th, 2008
Official BMW AG Press Release: To mark the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1 super sports car, BMW Group Design is presenting a homage to this legendary model as part of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008. The BMW M1 designed by Giorgio Giugiaro was a car of superlatives and a highly emotive vehicle that was uncompromisingly primed for the race track. Spawning this development was the BMW Turbo by Paul Bracq, a revolutionary concept car which, in addition to its groundbreaking functional design, also boasted a raft of technical innovations. It is from these two unique vehicles that the BMW M1 Homage takes its cue - a design study that pays tribute to its forerunner models and an embodiment of the competence, creativity and potential of the BMW Group Design team.
“For BMW, heritage is always also a living heritage. Drawing inspiration from your own past and thereby reinventing yourself - that is exactly what the BMW M1 Homage demonstrates in impressive style.”
Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW Group Board Member, Development continued →
Apr 28th, 2008
While details continue to emerge out of Germany on the next generation 7 it is apparent that this car is being designed to out drive and out tech the competition. The latest spy photos have shown a vast majority of the side profile and the overall massive size of this vehicle.
The latest photos come via Ebay of Germany; anyone need a front bumper for their F01 7er? (Our sources have made it clear to us that this color will not be offered!)
We have come to learn that the official press release will be in July (07.07 we have been told), production will indeed start in September. The “official” world premiere will be Paris 2008 in October. It will hit showrooms in very late October early November.
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Apr 27th, 2008
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Apr 27th, 2008
Another solid article by the folks at Edmunds. Instead of focusing on trying to find a competitor to the 135i they simply matched it up with it’s big brother the 335i and the previous generation M3. All cars I might add that are on my 2009 shopping list. Here’s an excerpt:
Considered by most editors to be the best-of-both-worlds compromise between the larger 335i and the harsher M3, the 135i is the perfect package in many ways. On the tightest, twistiest roads, the 135i is unquestionably the car to have. Offering the perfect combination of nimbleness, suspension compliance and tractable power delivery, it is easily the most rapid car over mountain roads.
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Apr 27th, 2008
You can see the full results after the jump. continued →
Apr 26th, 2008
Photos of the new BMW M1 concept have hit the web. The concept car is intended to pay homage to the M1 and (if rumors are to be believed) generate interest in a potential production model. Does this mean that what you see to your right may actually point towards the long rumored mid-engined super-car? We’re doubtful but it’s certainly fun to speculate. And speaking of super-cars, Supercars.net has the entire scoop. Here’s an excerpt:
At the Villa d’Este Concours, BMW ignited passion for its heritage by reincarnating the seminal M1. The new design was shown at a private party over the weekend to generate interest in the program. It was placed alongside an original M1 as well as the 1972 Turbo Concept. continued →
Apr 25th, 2008
Acoustics and aesthetics blend harmoniously in the new premium Klipsch® Palladium P-3(TM) 9F floorstanding speaker designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. This collaboration resulted in a compelling design and enhanced concert-quality sound for the company”s flagship speaker series, and audio industry authorities have seen and heard the difference.
Earlier this year, the innovative P-39F garnered a top-ten spot on Germany’s Audio magazine ranking of speaker reviews in recent years. Also, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) TechHome Division recognized the speaker as one of three finalists for the 2008 Mark of Excellence Awards in the “Best Speaker - Floorstanding Speaker” category. continued →
Apr 24th, 2008
First we saw the updated iDrive interface on the F01 2009 7 Series. Then it was the facelifted E90 2009 3 Series. Now we’ve recieved word (and an exclusive image) that the new interface controller could make it’s way to the E60 for the ‘09 model year.
As you can see in the photo the controller features the same button configuration seen in recent photos of the E90 and F01 with the updated iDrive. The idea behind the change is to allow for the driver or passenger to access data in a more efficient manner by creating shortcut buttons to common tasks and even a back button. Also seen in a recent picture of the new F01 7 Series is a thumb scroll wheel meant to allow the driver easier access to long lists of data. It’s interesting to note that we do not see that feature in the E60. From that can we expect any current generation car with the update won’t be getting that handy addition? Or is this feature only there on cars equipped with navigation (remember the E60 doesn’t come standard with the option). We’ll hopefully have more on this soon. continued →
Apr 23rd, 2008
As we’re previously reported, the current 3 Series sedan and wagon (internally dubbed the E90 and E91) will be undergoing the usual mid-cycle refresh next year. Expect several key changes to the exterior of the car. Notably the front and rear fascia will be tweaked. Also outside, look for the rear lights to incorporate LEDs similar to the X6 design and for the addition of upgraded halo daytime driving lights.
Inside the car BMW will likely offer an updated iDrive system (pictured) complete with a vastly improved input system that will allow for quicker access to information. As previously reported on BF, the new design will be a little closer to what Audi has had for several years with it’s MMI interface. Also inside look for some of the interior trim to be slightly tweaked. continued →
Apr 22nd, 2008
We have just received some information that the two brands are in fact in the early stages of an agreement.
BMW and Daimler have agreed (in principle) to work in cooperation for purchasing and in research and development. This is still in the early stages but we have learned that BMW pressured Daimler into this via stock owners of both companies. BMW is (the Quandts) seeking a minority share in Daimler AG to ensure long-term cooperation and an ex-BMW board member on the board of Daimler.
This agreement once finalized will be limited. It will only be relative to new technology and to lowering emissions. This cooperation is much like the current agreement for hybrid technologies but now will also include purchasing and development of other electronics. The agreement or one like it is necessary for the two to achieve greater economies of scale and to lower the R&D costs associated with developing lower emissions vehicles that will soon be required in many countries.
The original story about discussions being underway can be attributed to the AP via Business Week here
Apr 21st, 2008
According to Jonathan Spira (of Roundel fame), 
Spira tells BimmerFile that the key difference between BMW’s new cockpit controller and the competitions’ is button placement. continued →
Apr 21st, 2008
Reuters had an interesting piece recently on BMW in the ever expanding Chinese market. Worth noting is that BMW did not rule out producing cars for export from China all together but for the time being the expansion would be used to fill the demand within the country.
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