Bimmers Garage: 2014

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer gains xDrive system

BMW has introduced the 225i xDrive Active Tourer and the 220d xDrive Active Tourer models.
This is the first time the xDrive system is used on a FWD vehicle of BMW with transversally installed engine. Both vehicles will be offered as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The tuner's fourth TUNE IT! SAFE! car

German tuner AC Schnitzer was in charge of turning the BMW X4 into a police car as part of the TUNE IT! SAFE! Initiative by the Association of German Vehicle Tuners.

It's actually their fourth vehicle of this kind after the 2009 BMW 123d Coupe, 2010 MINI E and last year's BMW 428i Coupe. For 2014 they focused on the BMW X4 in the 20i guise and they bumped output of the four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine from 184 HP (135 kW) to 245 HP (180 kW). Thanks to these changes, the X4 now runs the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 6.7 seconds while the 50-112 mph (80-180 km/h) sprint is done in 17.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 132 mph (212 km/h).

BMW shows off their most expensive paint ever [video]

BMW is showing off their most expensive paint which is available on select models and it's called Pure Metal Silver.

Base model will be a 730i with 260 HP

Spanish media has managed to acquire extensive details about the engines BMW will offer in the next generation 7-Series.
Motor.es is citing an unknown German source who apparently shed some light about the motorization options in Bavaria's flagship model set to be offered with a standard wheelbase (G11) and long wheelbase (G12). The range will allegedly kick off with a 730i model packing a four-cylinder 2.0-liter (codenamed B48B20O0) only for the G11 in which it will develop 260 HP (191 kW).

Mind blowing. That’s what I thought of the second-generation BMW M5 in a time when the Ferrari Testarossa still captivated teens watching "Miami Vice." Even though it looked almost indistinguishable from a run-of-the-mill 535i, it had a straight-line acceleration nearing a Ferrari, and only came in a manual. Plus, they were rarer than the Prancing Horses roaming West L.A. But with a starting price of $55,000 (over $90,000 in today’s dollars), owning the sleeper was out of the realm of possibility for decades —t hat is, until a couple months ago, when I drove home a 1991, E34 Alpine White M5.

BMW announces next-gen core models will get differentiated styling

Starting 2015
BMW has announced plans to roll out different designs for its next generation of core models.

Many people are criticizing both mainstream and premium automakers for launching cars with very little styling differentiations within the range but now it seems at least one of them will address this issue. According to BMW brand design director Karim Habib, next-gen cars will look more different than one another as the Bavarian marque says each model is going "to have its little world."

I’m beginning to wonder if BMW’s Abu Dhabi dealership has too much time on its hands. In the past week, the dealership has unveiled three personalized BMW vehicles. First we saw the stunning BMW M235i. That was followed by the equally alluring BMW M3 with M Performance Parts. Now, it has a BMW i8, or to be more specific, the i8 Sophisto Grey.

2016 BMW M4 GTS Testing on the Nurburgring

The BMW M4 is arguably one of the most enticing sports coupe you can buy nowadays, but Munich seems determined to take its new compact up a notch. The Germans are doing so by reviving the GTS nameplate, which was introduced on the 2010 model year M3 Coupe. Only 250 units were built that year, and the entire series sold like hotcakes. Although BMW has yet to confirm the return of the GTS with the M4 Coupe, testing is already underway, albeit with a prototype disguised as a MotoGP Safety Car.

BMW i8S in the works, could run from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds

BMW is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary and a new report is indicating the company is working on a high-performance i8 codenamed M100.

BMW announces all-new 3.0-liter turbo six engine for M2, hints at 400 bhp output

BMW has released preliminary specifications concerning the highly anticipated M2 Coupe.

The BMW X5 Concept eDrive has been photographed cruising the streets of Paris, France.

2015 BMW X5 M & X6 M teased [video]

BMW has released a new teaser video for the 2015 X5 M and X6 M.

In the early ‘60s, Carroll Shelby took an ordinary AC Ace roadster, yanked its plebian engine out, and slung a burly V8 motor in its place. While it certainly wasn’t the first V8-engine conversion, it’s undeniably one of the most famous.

BMW Explains the i8's Advanced Laser Headlights

We recently had the opportunity to experience the latest in night vision technology on a BMW 7 Series. Though we have evaluated night vision systems in the past, this one proved to have far clearer images and was also able to highlight animals and pedestrians. Today’s systems utilize advanced infrared cameras to “see” heat, not light, making anything that has a “thermal” image visible even through darkness or fog.

If the system determined that an animal or pedestrian was dangerously close or approaching the car’s lane of travel, it gave an audible beep and a visible warning in the car’s head-up display. This added warning proved important as the normal night vision view is on the screen in the dash and not in the driver’s normal line of sight—our only complaint.

BMW has confirmed the appointment of Roberto Fedeli, the former R&D chief of Ferrari who had a sparkling 26-year technical career at Maranello.

It’s a further sign of change at the top of Ferrari, in the wake of president Luca di Montezemolo’s departure. He quit this week, squeezed out by Fiat overlord Sergio Marchionne in a shake-up of the corridors of power of Italy's biggest car making conglomerate.
What will Roberto Fedeli do at BMW?

No news yet. CAR magazine contacted BMW today to ask what role he would be fulfilling in Munich, but it has yet to announce the nature of his job.

2016 BMW 1-series sedan rendered and speculated

BMW are getting ready to launch the new 1-series sedan, so to feed your senses, here is a nice rendering of what the model could look like.

Facelifted BMW M6 Coupe spied hiding minor cosmetic tweaks

The BMW M6 Coupe facelift has been spied undergoing testing ahead of a probable early 2015 launch.

BMW 2-Series Convertible revealed with 91 photos & videos

BMW has taken the wraps off the first ever 2-Series Convertible prior to a public debut set for next month at Paris Motor Show.

BMW 7-Series Individual Final Edition announced for Paris Motor Show

BMW has announced plans to showcase the 7-Series Individual Final Edition next month at the Paris Motor Show.

BMW has announced it will travel to next month's Paris Motor Show to introduce the topless version of the 2-Series.

BMW introduced the 6 Series (E24) in 1976 as a successor to the E9 (New Six) coupes. Powered by as many as 215 ponies in its range-topping trim, the 6 Series was far from being slow, but a true-blue high-performance model would arrive for the 1984 model year.

Nissan poaches BMW's Roland Krueger to head Infiniti

Nissan has finally found a new leader for its Infiniti unit, hiring former BMW executive Roland Krueger to fill the post.

Prior Design showcases aero body kit for BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe in new hi-res photo session

Prior Design has released a new gallery of hi-resolution photos depicting their PD6XX widebody kit for the BMW GranCoupe and the M6 GranCoupe.

AC Schnitzer tunes the BMW M235i to 380 PS

AC Schnitzer has unveiled their new tuning program for the BMW 2-Series Coupe.

2016 BMW 7-Series spied with production headlights

BMW has been testing the 2016 7-Series for months but it's finally inching closer to production as our spies have caught a prototype with production headlights.

spy shots bmw x6 m slowly losing its camouflage - DOC566306

The second-generation BMW X6 M has been spotted testing on public roads since February 2014.

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer seven-seater rendered

Remco Meulendijk of RM Design has decided to render the upcoming seven-seat BMW 2-Series Active Tourer.

2016 BMW 7-Series spied inside & out [video]

Work continues on the 2016 BMW 7-Series as the model has been caught undergoing testing on the Nürburgring.

BMW's i8 is full of innovative technology.

BMW X5 Security Plus.

BMW Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit introduced in Japan

BMW Japan has introduced a special edition of the Z4 called "sDrive20i GT Spirit."

BMW M4 Coupe hangs ten on aircraft carrier [video]

Canada isn't the biggest market for BMW M models but that hasn't stopped them from releasing a new viral video for the M4 Coupe.

$1 billion BMW plant in Mexico officially confirmed

Contract signed by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto

The BMW Group officially confirmed it will build a new plant in Mexico near the city of San Luis Potosi.

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer 7-seater spied testing on Nürburgring [video]

TouriClips recently spotted the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer 7-seater while being tested on the Nurburgring race track.

Lumma Design previews 2015 BMW X6 tuning program

xDrive 50i gets 590 PS & 850 Nm

Lumma Design is providing a sneak preview of their aftermarket package for the second generation BMW X6 (F16).

While BMW may say that its halo car is the all-new i8 hybrid, in reality, it’s the M3. The “i” line certainly predicts the future, but the M3 will always be a key to that future’s existence; just say “E30” to anyone who has the vaguest interest in performance cars and they’ll tell you that it embodies everything BMW’s M division stands for.

BMW M2 coming in 2016 with up to 400 PS - report

Should cost about 55,000 USD

BMW will allegedly introduce a fully-fledgedM2 in 2016 powered by an uprated inline-six TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter taken from the M235i.

More than a year ago, M division CEO Dr. Friedrich Nitschke confirmed a successor for the 1-Series M Coupe and now details are emerging about what will probably be an M2. While the special M-flavored 1-Series was a limited-run model, the M2 is expected to be a regular production model and will use the same six-cylinder engine from the current range-topping 2-Series, the M235i.

U.S. pricing starts at $45,625

BMW has officially unveiled their new X4 crossover.

Amazing crash: BMW 335i hits guard rail, no one gets hurt!

A real nightmare!

Public debut in January at NAIAS

The highly anticipated 2014 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe have finally been revealed online, ahead of their public debut scheduled for next month at NAIAS in Detroit.

A tasteful alternative to the standard model

BMW has released the first pictures of the2015 X6 equipped with the M Sport package.

Stolen and dismantled BMW X6 squeezed inside a Volkswagen LT van, thief gets caught at border

Grand Theft Auto: Romanian Edition

A Romanian car thief thought of an innovative way to steal a BMW X6 and make it through the border checkups.

Larger and more luxurious than the 1-Series Coupe

Germany's worst keep secret is finally official as BMW has taken the wraps off the 2014 2-Series Coupe.

Designed to replace the 1-Series Coupe, the 2-Series Coupe promises to raise the bar in terms of "dynamic ability, aesthetic appeal and emotional allure."

Rear end looks a lot better

Several official images of the second generation BMW X6 have surfaced the web ahead of an expected imminent full reveal.

Production ready BMW i8 officially revealed

0-100 km/h in 4.4s

BMW has revealed the i8 in production guise at IAA in Frankfurt, following last week's leaked official photos.

The 1,490 kg (3,284 lbs) plug-in hybrid adopts a 2+2 configuration and boasts a carbon fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell. It borrows many of the concept’s styling cues but slightly toned down and with standard LED headlights, with laser ones being optionally available. The see-through doors of the concept were not carried over but they still open upwards, while the alloys have been modified to be more suitable for a production model.

These renderings re-create a beautiful and modern BMW E9, which was originally built for the Bavarian company by Karmann from 1968 to 1975. In fact, this reinterpretation is an even mix between the E9 and its predecessor - the 1965 BMW 2000 CS (E120 series). The project is the work of designer David Obendorfer, who has also created some original virtual reinterpretations of the Fiat 127, Renault 4 and Fiat 500 in the past.

Manhart turns BMW M235i into a track tool

Packs 430 PS

German tuner Manhart has developed an aftermarket program for the BMW M235i Coupe.

Work started on the inline-six 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine which received a larger intercooler, remapped ECU, a modified turbo boost and a bespoke 200-cell sport exhaust system. As a result of these upgrades, output was bumped from the series 326 PS (240 kW) and 450 Nm (322 lb-ft) to 430 PS (316 kW) and 592 Nm (437 lb-ft).

Goes on sale in November

BMW has officially unveiled the 2014 X5, following this afternoon's leak.

Looking instantly recognizable, the redesigned crossover has evolutionary styling which closely mimics the outgoing model. Despite the déjà vu design, the 2014 X5 has a more prominent grille, an aerodynamic front bumper and optional LED adaptive headlights. Other touches include rear "Aero Blades" and new "Air Curtains" that promise to reduce drag by routing air around the wheel arches.

The second generation BMW X6 has been digitally dressed in M clothing by independent designer X-Tomi.

Company offers an assortment of upgrades

BMW has released the first pictures of the 2015 X6 Individual.

Green' truck vs. V10

All-new BMW 7-Series spied testing at the Nurburgring

A prototype of the 2016 BMW 7-Series was caught on camera undergoing testing in Germany around the Nürburgring.

BMW & Tesla considering a collaboration, might involve Supercharger network - report

Executives held a meeting on Wednesday

According to a recent report, BMW and Tesla executives meet earlier this week to discuss the possibility of sharing the latter company's Supercharger network.

X5's bigger brother

BMW’s upcoming flagship SUV model

was speculatively rendered by Malaysian automotive digital manipulator Theophilus Chin.

M wasn't involved in i8 development

Top-rank M officials have reconfirmed there aren't any plans for a hotter i8 version.

BMW Individual creates an M6 Coupe for DTM driver Marco Wittmann

BMW has introduced a bespoke M6 Coupewhich was designed for DTM driver Marco Wittmann.

BMW details the updated X5 eDrive concept

BMW has released a video detailing theupdated X5 eDrive concept which previews a production plug-in hybrid version of the Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV).

2016 BMW M2 spied up close undergoing testing

A prototype of the BMW M2 was caught on camera by our spy photographers while undergoing testing ahead of a probable late 2015 launch.

Crushed BMW ActiveE electric cars. Photo via Facebook.

New cars come with a set of promises from maker to the owner that the darn things will not fall apart in a way that could kill you for at least a decade.

BMW M5 30 Jahre M5 special edition officially revealed with 600 PS

Limited to 300 units

BMW has fully revealed the M5 "30 Jahre M5" special edition, following a leak posted earlier this week.

BMW DesignworksUSA shows off their stylish i solar carport concept

Uses solar energy to recharge the i3 & i8

BMW DesignworksUSA has unveiled their new i solar carport concept.

M5 versus M3

BMW 2-Series Convertible spied virtually undisguised

The BMW 2-Series Convertible has returned in fully revealing spy shots ahead of an official launch scheduled in the months to come.

BMW Chairman says the 2015 7-Series will set an example in terms of weight reduction

Will have "intelligent composite construction" which utilizes carbon fiber. BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer has revealed some new details about the 2015 7-Series.

How does it work?

More than any other new vehicle, the BMW i8 requires this explanation up front — not just for the dull process of turning energy to motion, but for the whole enterprise of a $135,700 supercar designed for maximum eco appeal with styling from the 23rd century. And last week, I was among the first to find out.

In BMW engineer speak, the 2015 i8 is properly called a “plug-in electric hybrid sports car” — one with a 129-hp electric motor driving the front wheels and a turbocharged,1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 228 hp driving the rear axle. Since I last drove a prototype of the i8 in August, some fine-tuning of the all-important software and electrical power unit has been done by the Munich madhatters, but the i8 remains the giddy thrill and conversation piece it was then.

BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept: 2014 Beijing Auto Show

Premium auto maker BMW unveiled a luxury concept sedan in Beijing on Sunday, to gauge customer appetite for a car that would cost more than German manufacturer's current flagship 7 series limousine.

Kelleners Sport introduces their new tuning program for the BMW 2-Series Coupe

Kelleners Sport has released the first details about their tuning program for the BMW 2-Series Coupe.
On the styling front there isn't much to report as the model can only be equipped with stainless steel exhaust tips and a variety of 19-inch alloy wheels. However, the company will eventually offer sport-tuned suspensions and a sports exhaust system.

2015 BMW X6 prototypes spied in southern Germany

Our spies have caught a couple of 2015 BMW X6 prototypes undergoing testing in Germany.
Based on the redesigned X5, the X6 has a familiar design which closely echoes its predecessor. While the prototypes still have a decent amount of camouflage on them, the model will likely feature "Aero Blades" and "Air Curtains" that promise to reduce drag by routing air around the wheel arches.