More Details on BMW i3, i8 and Electric Car Plans Revealed

We’ve just wrapped up a week in Munich learning about the technologies BMW has waiting just around the corner and we’ve gained some insight on plans for the new “i” sub-brand and the company’s future hybrid and electric vehicles.
If you had a sneaking suspicion that the BMW ActiveE Concept was a preview of things to come, give yourself a gold star. As you may recall, the ActiveE uses a 127-kilowatt, 170-horsepower electric motor that produces 184 pound-feet of torque mounted on the rear axle that can push the car to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The ActiveE, though, was just a 1-Series with a new drivetrain and had batteries stuffed under the hood, in the axle tube under the floor and anywhere else they’d fit. Future vehicles will be a bit more elegant.

The i3 and i8, the first vehicles from BMW’s new “i” sub-brand, will use the same motor, though with a slightly reduced output of 125 kilowatts, or 168 horsepower, and the same 184 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims the motor, which they developed and will build in-house, is more than 90-percent efficient and weighs just 110 pounds. Even better, BMW says it’s scalable and can be made more powerful by simply making the motor longer to incorporate more windings and magnets. The motor itself is a permanent magnet Hybrid Synchronous Machine electric motor, which BMW says is the best compromise of power output, motor speed, efficiency and cost.
The other half of the equation is the batteries. The individual cells are supplied by SB Limotive, a 50/50 partnership between Bosch and Samsung, and supply 3.7 volts each. Linked together, BMW will build battery packs ranging from 250 to 400 volts. The actual battery in the i3 is mounted under the floor to keep the center of gravity low and maximize interior space. As a pure electric vehicle, the battery will need to be on the larger side to provide maximum range, so a 350- to 400-volt battery pack is expected. For now, BMW will only say that it will be able to store “20-plus” kilowatt-hours of energy. For context, the Nissan Leaf ‘s battery stores 24 kWh and gives a range of 73 to 100 miles. Of course, BMW also claims their battery is “three to five-percent more efficient” at transferring electricity than “anything else we’ve seen on the market,” so the i3’s range could be greater if those claims hold true.

A version of that battery pack will also be used in the i8 to save money through parts sharing. As the i8 will be a Plug-in Hybrid, the battery pack will likely be smaller to save weight. Production plans still call for a three-cylinder turbo diesel engine to be coupled with the electric motor. With a combined output of more than 170 horsepower and a focus on reduced weight, the i8 should be a fairly sporty hybrid.

And there’s more to come. The i3 and i8 are just the beginning of the “i” brand. BMW officials confirmed that they’re researching range-extended electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma, though they declined to elaborate on specifics. It was suggested, though, that the extender didn’t necessarily need to be an internal combustion engine, as alternative sources of electricity like hydrogen fuel cells could also be viable.

BMW’s plan is three-pronged. Mild hybrids will use 27- to 80-horsepower electric motors and one- to three-kilowatt-hour batteries, while plug-in hybrids will use 54- to 107-horsepower electric motors coupled to internal combustion engines and a five- to 15-kilowatt-hour battery. Battery-powered cars will use 80-plus horsepower electric motors and 20-plus kilowatt-hour batteries. Range-extended vehicles will likely fall between plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

The first “i”-branded vehicle is expected to be the i8 and we’re led to believe it will debut sometime in 2012, followed by the i3 sometime later. BMW tells us that the cars will still wear BMW badges on the nose, but will also have special “i” badging to identify them as their own special brand.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/details-bmw-i3-i8-electric-car-plans-revealed-66811.html#ixzz1JlpkU4vb

Siemens Inductive Charging Testing Begins In Berlin With BMW

German electronics company Siemens is set to begin field trials of an inductive charging system, in partnership with BMW.

Delphi wireless charging system for EVs

Inductive charging is a popular concept for charging away from home - it allows for charging without trailing cables and plugs around, and without requiring charging posts lining every street. Instead, a ground-mounted charging station uses an electric coil to generate a magnetic field. The field induces an electric current in a coil mounted in the vehicle that then recharges the battery.

A similar system is already widely available to consumers... but only for charging smaller devices, such as cell phones.

Upscaling the technology for electric vehicles could put to rest many of the concerns people have over range anxiety or finding a place to charge, and they could be installed in all sorts of places - at stop lights, for example, or in mall parking lots. Siemens says the ideal distance for charging is between 3 to 6 inches. The charging efficiency is as high as 90 percent.

The trials are due to begin in Berlin in June, in conjunction with BMW. There's no word as yet on the vehicle BMW will be using, though their current electric car trial uses the BMW ActiveE, an electric version of the 1-Series Coupe. 700 examples of the ActiveE are due to undergo trials, and several of the 500 staying in Europe will be driven around Berlin.

You can read more about the BMW ActiveE in our Geneva Motor Show report

[source: www.allcarselectric.com]

 Automobile Mag: First Drive 2011 BMW 1-series M coupe

Automobile Magazine is the next magazine to get an exclusive ride in the new 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Before we jump into the review, let’s start with the conclusion: “Still, on the smiles-per-mile charts, the 1-series M coupe can’t be beat. It is a challenging piece, a triple-X-rated driver’s machine for semi-professionals.” Let’s have a look at an excerpt: “We first drove a test mule on the Ascari racetrack in Spain. In terms of sheer grunt, the 1-series M was actually superior to the racy (Europe-only) M3 GTS also on hand.

Where the M3′s 4.4-liter V-8 needed to give its very best to cough up 325 pound-feet of torque, the 3.0-liter straight six could dish up 369 pound-feet without making a fuss.

Equipped with exactly the same suspension as the M3 with the Competition Pack, the compact M car felt notably more steering-nervous, corner-greedy, and surface-affected than its bigger brother. The shorter wheelbase, the pumped up chassis and the wide tires (245/35/R19 up front, 265/35/R19 at the rear) injected an almost hyperactive degree of agility.

Although this model cannot be ordered with the active steering available in the 135i or the M3, the standard limited-slip rear differential (BMW’s variable M differential lock) creates a steering effect of its own. Whenever sharp turn-in and full throttle coincide, the rear end bites like a Bavarian cobra, sending the car on a slightly more apex-oriented trajectory.

This trait can curl toenails not only through second-gear kinks but also on autobahn bends taken at an indicated 170 mph, when even mild correction maneuvers overload the g-force sensor inside your brain.

The smallest M car has vivid steering, although the feedback through the wheel is colored with recurrent tugs and kicks. More disconcerting is the somewhat blurred dialogue between the BMW’s stability control and limited-slip-differential systems.

While the electronic watchdog likes to act as a scrambler, blowing little bubbles into the torque stream, the limited-slip differential tries to rivet the tires to the tarmac.” Full review at Automobile Magazine









source:
Automobile Mag: First Drive 2011 BMW 1-series M coupe

BMW Hires Lead Electric-Car Engineer From Chevy Volt Team

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Not so long ago, the notion of luxury German brand BMW hiring an engineer from General Motors might have been a stretch. The company prefers to promote engineers from within its Munich engineering headquarters.

But reports that Frank Weber, the lead engineer of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt team, has been hired by BMW demonstrate how radically times have changed.

BMW was arguably the automaker of scale least knowledgeable about electric cars as recently as five years ago. Its first attempt at gathering real-world data, several hundred Mini E electric conversions, was not particularly pleasant as electric cars go.

 
 2011 Chevrolet Volt drive test


It will soon release several hundred BMW ActiveE electric conversions of the 1-Series sedan. Then in 2014, it will launch both the carbon-fiber BMW i3 (nee BMW MegaCity Vehicle) urban electric car and the i8 plug-in hybrid performance car.

What better way to ensure that the introduction of your first electric-drive products come off smoothly than to hire the man who made the Volt the car it is today?

The Volt has, thus far, been a success for General Motors. It's the first electric vehicle built by the company since the late, lamented EV1 two-seat electric car, and the Volt has garnered both massive publicity and intense public interest.

Moreover, as a range-extended electric car (or 'series hybrid'), the Volt offers many lessons for BMW into how to use a combustion engine to generate electricity on which to power a vehicle whose wheels are turned solely by one or more electric motors.

 
BMW prototype based on Vision EfficientDynamics concept

The i8 fits this mold. Its prototype--the Vision EfficientDynamics concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show--used a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel engine to power a generator once its 10.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack was depleted.

Sound familiar, Volt fans?

Weber ("VAY-ber") himself is both an automotive engineer and a trained classical concert pianist. He had left the Volt team late in 2009 and returned to his native Germany to run all of product development for GM's European brand Opel.

He will report directly to BMW's chief of research and development, Klaus Draeger, giving Weber effective management of all BMW activities in electric drive. The appointment will likely be announced officially this week.

[Automotive News (subscription required)]

2012 BMW New Models Have Irvine BMW Excited

Irvine BMW, a leading dealer for new 2012 BMW models, is excited for the impending arrival of the 2012 BMW 128i Coupe. This vehicle offers tremendous luxury, style, and class.

Irvine, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/11/2011 -- Irvine BMW, one of the region’s leading dealers for new 2012 BMW models, is excited about the pending arrival of the 2012 BMW 128i Coupe. The unmistakable profile of the 1 Series Coupe, which represents the purest expression of BMW DNA is now sharper than ever.

The new design of the front fascia on the 128i includes BMW’s innovative Air Curtain that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle. New exterior design accents have been incorporated into the headlight and tail light clusters. In the interior, new switches and controls have a more refined look and feel. The updated 1 Series Coupe will go on sale this Spring.

In 2008, BMW introduced the 1 Series to the U.S., an authentic performance coupe that drew inspiration from the iconic BMW 2002 model of some 40 years ago. As perhaps the next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe represents the core BMW philosophy of pure performance, compact dimensions, and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 2012 1 Series Coupe continues to reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.

Powerful engines, the rear-wheel drive typical of the brand and inspirational agility make the BMW 1 Series Coupe, a new 2012 BMW model, stand out from the crowd. It possesses characteristics unique in the compact premium vehicle segment.

BMW 128i in Irvine

The 2012 BMW 1-Series leads the upscale small car class with its high end performance, capability and luxurious interior. The 2012 1-Series lives up to its BMW name by providing drivers with a dominant engine powered by rear-wheel drive that adds to the BMW’s racing feel. The 2012 BMW 128i Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces an impressive 230 horsepower. Surprising for its power, the 128i achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Convenience and technology features are abundant throughout the luxurious interior. The automatic climate control allows for different temperature controls and includes a micro-filter and automatic air recirculation, left/right temperature control.

Other standard convenience features include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power front windows with “one-touch” up and down, cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control. The leather-wrapped sport steering wheel features audio and hands-free phone controls.

Driving is smooth and controlled with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which includes Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying and Brake Stand-by features. The 2012 BMW 128i, a new 2012 BMW model, is equipped with an extensive list of safety features, including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor and driveline traction control.

For more information on the arrival of the 2012 BMW 128i Coupe, please call 949-777-6489 or visit http://www.irvinebmw.com.

About Irvine BMW
Irvine BMW builds relationships that are consistent with our values and we strive to fulfill the needs of every stakeholder, thereby earning their loyalty. With great service, parts, and vehicles, Irvine BMW is the place to go for all of your car needs. Luxury and convenience are the name of the game at Irvine BMW!

Contact:
Irvine BMW
9881 Research Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
949.387.8202

2012 BMW 1 SERIES

Have a look a nice view of 2012 BMW 1 Series

Car and Driver: BMW 1M ranks higher than Inifiniti IPL G37 and Audi TT RS

In the latest issue of Car and Driver, the popular U.S. magazine had the opportunity to test drive the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. To make the drive even more interesting, they decided to place the 1M against Audi’s TT RS and the Infiniti IPL G37. The chosen place? The famous Tail of the Dragon roadway in Great Smoky Mountains.

The 1M ran 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and magazine declares the 1M as “the clear winner”. In straight-line though, the Audi TT RS reported an impressive number: 3.6 seconds to get to 60 mph.
The attributes of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe are being laid out by C&D: “fantastic brakes, balanced handling, perfect stance”. Furthermore, they make a reference to the wide fenders we came to love: “…the absurd and kind of awesome fender flares…”


 
And the following phrase proves to us that we made the right choice by ordering an 1M this summer:
“The 1M’s super-quick steering(2.2 turns lock-to-lock) combined with a short wheelbase, makes it feel like the go-kart of the group, despite its upright, relatively tall seating position. The 1M certainly requires more skill to drive quickly than the Audi but is ultimately better-balanced machine. Its grip is stunning.”
Even the N54 gets praised.

“We were comforted by this N54′s flexibility, though, which provides a driver with more gear-selection options than a peaky engine would. You can take most of the Tail of the Dragon in third gear, never bothering with the short-throw shifter, you’ll power out of corners with gusto.”

For the full review and photos, visit your local newspaper stand and grab a copy of Car and Driver.

source: bmw blog

Sneak-in thieves steal car in Wylam

Police are asking homeowners to lock their doors and windows to try and keep out sneak thieves.
The request comes after thieves sneaked into a house in Wylam and stole a car.

Between 5.30pm Tuesday, March 22, and 8am Wednesday, March 23, thieves stole the keys for a BMW 1 series that was parked outside of the property in Dene Close, Wylam. They then made off in the black coloured car. The license plate is NA58 GBZ.

Officers are carrying out enquiries to trace the vehicle and extra patrols have been launched in the Wylam and Ovingham areas to reassure residents.

Inspector Kevin Oates said: "This type of offence should act as a reminder to all residents, regardless of where abouts they live in Northumberland, that there are criminals looking for easy opportunities to commit crimes. We need residents to take measures to help deter thieves - simple things like locking your doors overnight, making sure your car is locked and valuables aren't left in vehicles can all help.

"I'd urge everyone to play their part in keeping the area safe - report any suspicious people, cars or behaviour in your neighbourhood to police and we'll investigate."

Anyone with any information into the theft or the where about's of the car is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

source: northumbria police

BMW Adds 1 Series M Coupe to Build Your Own Section, Enthusiasts’ Productivity Goes Down

Donny Nordlicht
http://rumors.automobilemag.com 

 

The 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is starting to show up at dealerships this month, and to help satiate the appetites of enthusiast buyers, the automaker has added the 1 M to the build your own section of its website.

However, BMW has left little customizing up to the buyer. In fact, the options list looks like something out of Henry Ford’s book. Starting at $47,010 including destination, exterior color choices come in Alpine White or two metallic hues at $550 a pop, either Valencia Orange or Black Sapphire. Inside buyers can have any color they want, as long it is black leather with orange stitching with black alcantara accents.

Some choice is allowed with the two option packages, somewhat. For $2400 the premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, lumbar support, BMW Assist telematics with bluetooth, power front seats with driver memory, ambient lighting, and an iPod/USB adapter. The convenience package nets BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with navigation, rear park-distance control, an anti-theft alarm system, Comfort Access keyless entry, and the premium package. The convenience package costs $2700 on its own, but since it adds the premium package the true cost is actually a healthy $5100.

The standalone options list consists of heated front seats ($500), a Harmon Kardon surround sound system ($875), satellite radio with a one-year subscription ($350), and full iPhone integration through the BMW Apps ($250) system. Check all the boxes and a fully-loaded 1 Series M Coupe comes to a grand total of $54,635, including the $875 destination.

A quick reminder on the 1 Series M Coupe — based on the 1 Series coupe, the 1 M adds the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 335 horsepower and 332 pounds-feet of torque out of the 335is, gaining an additional 35 horsepower and 32 pound-feet over the 135i coupe. The only transmission option is a six-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels. The 1 M will blast from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and onto an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The majority of the chassis components are carried over from the M3 coupe, necessitating the wider stance and more aggressive front and rear fascias.

We outfitted our dream 1 Series M Coupe in Alpine White with both option packages, heated seats, and the Harmon Kardon system, bringing our total price to $53,485 including destination. Though option choices are few, what would you pick if you could have a 1 M? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source: BMW

BMW is the No. 1 desired brand in China, No. 3 globally

There is no doubt that BMW is a very popular brand, but for some reason, it is the most desired brand in China. According to Clear Asia, BMW ranks first among 100 desired brands in China, above Rolex and Apple as well as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The results are based on a survey of 2,500 consumers in China.

“BMW has a very strong and attractive brand personality in China,” said Oliver Cartwright, Clear Asia’s regional managing director in a statement. “It’s seen as sexy and confident, exciting and sophisticated”.

Mercedes-Benz and Audi ranked 8th and 12th respectively. “Both brands are admired, but neither has the emblematic brand personality of BMW — and having a very distinctive personality is key to being a truly desirable brand,” said Scott Davies, director at Clear Asia.

Globally, BMW was ranked No. 3 behind Apple and Google.

 

- By: Omar Rana
 egmcartech

2011 BMW 1-Series “M” Coupe

BMW Schererville is proud to offer the 2011 BMW 1 Series M as early as March 2011

BMW Schererville is proud to offer the 2011 BMW 1 Series M as early as March 2011; it is a high-performance edition of the 1 Series coupe. While the engine upgrades are admittedly conservative, the chassis advances in the 1 Series M are quite substantial.  

February 15, 2011– BMW Schererville (www.bmwinschererville.com) is proud to offer the 2011 BMW 1 Series M as early as March 2011; it is a high-performance edition of the 1 Series coupe. While the engine upgrades are admittedly conservative, the chassis advances in the 1 Series M are quite substantial.

While BMW enthusiasts were teased with the promise of better specifications back in the fall of 2010, specific details regarding the 1 Series M were only made recently available. The 1 Series M includes more horsepower than the standard 135i. Additionally, it boasts an overhauled suspension, bigger brakes and a wider track as evident by its bulging fenders.

The 1 Series M offers speed, agility and smart design – all the accoutrements that BMW enthusiasts have grown to expect over the years. To learn more about the 2011 BMW 1 Series M model and purchasing opportunities, contact a BMW Schererville sales representative today. BMW Schererville is ready and willing to work with its clientele in an effort to find the best pricing packages that meet their individual needs.
About BMW Schererville

BMW Schererville is a car dealership located at 1400 US Highway 41, Schererville, Indiana, 46375. It offers a wide variety of new and Certified Pre-Owned BMWs for purchase or lease. BMW Schererville boasts a fully equipped service department, financing department and more. BMW Schererville is located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. For more information regarding BMW Schererville, refer to www.bmwinschererville.com.





 

New BMW 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car Introduced in Qatar

Sunday, 20 March 2011 11:30
www.girlracer.co.uk

At this weekend's opening MotoGP race in Qatar, BMW will be introducing their newest on track safety car, this time based on the soon to be launched 1 Series M Coupe. BMW's involvement in MotoGP now enters its 13th year, unfortunately not as an official on track competitor as most bike racing fans would like to see, instead as the series official vehicle supplier. BMW will continue to provide the official Safety Car along with a raft of other high-performance vehicles for use by Dorna Sports and IRTA officials.

BMW's Safety Car is a one-off built by the M Division specifically for MotoGP, only the 340 hp straight-six M Twin Turbo engine and drivetrain were taken over unchanged from the regular production model.

The new safety car comes with a carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows with weight saving the primary concern. A special lightweight titanium race exhaust system is fitted with the bonus of a sweeter sounding exhaust note many spectators may enjoy.

As well as the spoiler lip on the boot lid there is also an adjustable rear wing for added downforce. Also of note, the aerodynamically designed front apron with its clearly defined air ducting, including Air Curtains, features an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron. 
  
The interior of the BMW Safety Car naturally includes a rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar, the absence of rear seats, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, an M steering wheel and onboard fire extinguisher.

The suspension of the 1 Series M Coupe was specially adapted for the Safety Car. Its suspension system includes an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound. The safety car runs on 19-inch mixed tyres measuring 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear.

Ride height is variably selectable and the camber of the front and rear axle can be altered to suit each circuit. The braking system of the 1 Series M Coupe is replaced with a six-piston fixed-calliper racing brake system.

BMW supplies the series with a fleet of eight vehicles. As well as the new 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car, this year sees two further reserve safety cars available for use at the track, an X6 M and M3. An X5 M will be provided for the Safety Officer and an ActiveHybrid X6 for the stewards.

On call this season as a Medical Car will be a 535i Touring. BMW will also supply two "safety bikes," an S1000 RR and HP2 Sport. The official handover of this mouthwatering fleet took place at BMW's M division in February. At this event, it was also announced BMW and Dorna Sports would extend their partnership until 2016.
 
by James Foreman

BMW 1 Series's Safety Car for MotoGP 2011

With the motorcycle road racing, or MotoGP as we know it, kicking in soon, BMW is all geared up to roll out its official Safety Car for the 2011 season. According to BMW, the 1-series M Coupe Safety Car will be launched specifically for the race, with the 340 HP twin-turbocharged straight-six engine and the entire drivetrain being lifted from the production model.

The BMW Safety Car is different from its production counterpart in many aspects. On the exterior, the variations include an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the front apron, an adjustable rear wing that provides the added downforce, white LED flashlights incorporated in the front grille, and blacked out 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 255/35 tires at the front and 285/30 at the rear. In the interior too are quiet a few features specific to the Safety Car. The rear seats have been gotten rid of, and a safety rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar has been put in place instead.

An M-steering wheel wrapped in alcantra makes an appearance along with a fire extinguisher and two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts. Additionally, the Safety Car has also undergone several weight-saving measures which include a carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, polycarbonate side and rear windows, and the elimination of the rear seat bench.

BMW has announced that apart from the 1-series M Coupe, the BMW fleet will also feature an X6M and an M3 as reserve Safety Cars, a 535i Touring as the Medical Car, an X5M as the Safety Officer’s vehicle, an ActiveHybrid X6 for the stewards and two safety bikes – the BMW S 1000 RR and an HP2 Sport.

2012 BMW 1 Series Prototype Testing In Munich

For all of you 1-Series lovers out there, BMW is working on its second-generation vehicle.

Although it isn't clear whether or not the U.S. will see the hatchback version, we have located great footage of the car spied in and around BMW's Munich facility.

According to a forum user at 1addicts, they noticed that the blinker is within the turn signal and also may feature a squared-off angel eye.

Listening to the motors in the video, it appears that the 1'er will feature a four-banger and a possible diesel powerplant.

2010 BMW 1 SERIES Milwaukee WI

BMW coupe: Is the 1-Series or 3-Series the best choice

If you believe what is being written in the media, it appears that our economic free fall is slowing somewhat. Even car sales are beginning to stabilize. And while the trade in your old clunker for cash deal being offered by the government will no doubt spur sales in the economy sector (our gift to Hyundai and Kia), improving economic tides no doubt mean that it is no longer considered a politically correct no-no to buy yourself a stylish coupe. If you can afford one then it must also mean that you worked hard enough not to be deemed an incidental (read: expendable) employee.

But where to spend your money if you are looking for a stylish, fast and exciting two door with enough practicality as to not offend the newly frugal masses? This means, of course, that you want something with actual back seats and a trunk that can withstand a sojourn to the overstuffed aisles of Costco. Who doesn't need a five year supply of peanut butter and aspirin?

You are also going to want something a little bit more exclusive that speaks to how hard you worked. So that excludes the worthy yet rather plebian Accord and Altima Coupe. An Audi A5 is a worthwhile alternative but until they install the turbocharged 6 cylinder in the base model it will still play second fiddle to its Germanic nemeses. The BMW 135i and the 335i.

If you believe what is being written in the media, it appears that our economic free fall is slowing somewhat. Even car sales are beginning to stabilize. And while the trade in your old clunker for cash deal being offered by the government will no doubt spur sales in the economy sector (our gift to Hyundai and Kia), improving economic tides no doubt mean that it is no longer considered a politically correct no-no to buy yourself a stylish coupe. If you can afford one then it must also mean that you worked hard enough not to be deemed an incidental (read: expendable) employee.


But where to spend your money if you are looking for a stylish, fast and exciting two door with enough practicality as to not offend the newly frugal masses? This means, of course, that you want something with actual back seats and a trunk that can withstand a sojourn to the overstuffed aisles of Costco. Who doesn't need a five year supply of peanut butter and aspirin?

You are also going to want something a little bit more exclusive that speaks to how hard you worked. So that excludes the worthy yet rather plebian Accord and Altima Coupe. An Audi A5 is a worthwhile alternative but until they install the turbocharged 6 cylinder in the base model it will still play second fiddle to its Germanic nemeses. The BMW 135i and the 335i.

As two of the best driver's cars on the market today, the 135i and 335i share the same twin-turbo 300 horsepower straight six engine that has been named as one of the world's best time and time again. So you have decided you are going to drop your cash at your local BMW dealerbut which one should you buy? Here are five things to think about when shopping at your BMW dealership for one of their fine coupes.

Unless You Are a Total Poser Do Not Get a 328i or 128iWhile the base model versions of these cars are fine for the people who like to have their model logos removed, why would you step up to a BMW if you couldn't afford the best version? And if you look at BMW's leases the price differential for the bigger engine equates to about $40 a month. If you can't afford that then maybe you should be looking at something less expensive. The non-turbo sixes in the 128i and 335i are also rather gutless when saddled with an automatic but more on that later.

Do Not Get Suckered Into a 6-SeriesUnless you favor stomach churning depreciation and styling that makes your coupe look like a radioactive goldfish, avoid the 6-series at all costs. Too much technology and not enough driving enjoyment are the final stakes in the coffin for this bloated and corpulent two door. If you want to buy one here is a thoughtlook in the mirror for five seconds and then slap yourself silly.

If You Can't Decide Between a 135i or a 335i Here are Some Simple Equations, The 135i only carries four people and is lighter than the 335i which can carry five people. While five people might not enjoy riding in the 3-coupe, at least they will all have seatbelts. Another question to consider is are you leasing on buying? The difference in cost between a 135i and a 335i similarly equipped in a recent factory subsidized lease came to about $30 a month with similar down payments. On the other hand, if you are buying the 135i becomes far more attractive as the 335i on average can cost up to $8,000 more. But as with any BMW, this all depends on option choices.

These Coupes Cry Out For Manual Transmissions BMW is not only one of the few manufacturers to offer manual transmissions, it may be the only one that routinely has manual models on dealer lots. So there probably will be no need to order a manual transmission 135i or 335i from your local BMW guy. Either way, BMW makes some of the best (and easiest to drive) manual transmissions on the market. While a BMW automatic is fine in an X5 or even a 5 series, to get one in a 135i or 335i coupe is heresy. If you want an automatic, I hear Infiniti makes a nice G37 coupe that has a far more preferable automatic. The manual transmission version of the G37, oddly enough, makes the engine sound harsh and coarse where the automatic version apparently does not.
BMW 135i
BMW 335i
It's All About Looks BabyReally any coupe decision rests on which model makes your heart go pitter-patter. Some people love the 2002ti aping looks of the 1-series while others appreciate the more grown up sophistication of the 335i. That is a decision only you can make. My only thoughts on the two models are that I think a 135i should be sparsely optioned (no need for an idrive navigation controller here) while the 335i benefits greatly from more generous specification. So if you all you want from your BMW is a pure man/machine driving experience then go for the 135i. If you occasionally carry passengers and like to impress people now and again go for the 335i. Either way, you really can't lose.

BMW Connected hitting 1 Series cars first, lets you tweet your disregard for speed limits

The BMW Connected app has been available for a few months now, following in the footsteps of Mini Connected as it sits there, and taunting you from the App Store. We knew cars supporting the feature would be coming in March, and now we know which ones will be first: BMW's svelte little 1 Series. To enable the streaming radio and even streaming video (when the car is stationary) on the dash-mounted display you'll need to tick the box next to a €150 (about $205) option. In your suitably equipped car you can then get your Facebook and Twitter feeds read to you and even provide automated responses using "vehicle information such as current speed, outside temperature or navigation destination." We're hoping the car can apply some flowery language to such hard data, like "bat out of hell" for those particularly warm days in which you're driving at a high rate of speed from an unpleasant point of origin.

BMW 1-Series (F20) First hand account by BimmerFile

It seems the guys over at BimmerFile were invited to Munich to tour BMW AG and got to see and sit inside a few examples of the F20. They weren't able to take photos, but did offer their insight into the car. They say:

"... the interior is getting a significant upgrade in quality of materials. The new look will be much closer to the X3, 5 and 7 series interior design and layout. In fact every F20 I saw the dash of had at least a small screen a la the X3."

"Outside the shape is much more handsome than the previous 1er hatch. The three door especially has a great shape do it with the higher belt line making it feel slightly more coupe like."

"... the new F20 is noticeably taller and wider than the outgoing 1 Series. At one point I happened upon the two parked directly next to each other and was surprised that I could so easily see difference."

The next generation BMW 1-Series is currently in the mid phase of its public strip-tease, the most recent spyphotos have all the protective cladding off the car, with only the typical psychadelic swirl pattern left to cover up the shape. The 1-Series hatchback in 5 and 3-door variants is expected to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Autoshow in September of this year, so expect a full internet reveal of the car before then. The US bound coupe variant would be expected to arrive 1 year later.

Hop on over to BimmerFile to read the full post!

[Source: BimmerFile] 

2012 BMW 1 Series Hatchback rendered again

The upcoming F20 BMW 1 Series gets rendered once again. This time, the folks over at Top Speed took a shot at illustrating the second generation 1 Series Hatchback. Due to be unveiled this summer, the new 1 Series will first launch in three and five-door variants. The Coupe and Convertible bodystyle will follow at the end of 2012.

As we mentioned several times before, the 2012 1 Series hatchback is built under the codename F20, and will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. The car is set to go head-to-head with the Audi A3, one of the market leaders in the entry-level premium segment.

The 1er will remain a rear-wheel drive vehicle and shares the same L7 architecture as the next 3 series. At the same time, the L7 has the flexible firewall location geometry that will allow it to accommodate FWD, RWD, or AWD models. Several rumors mention that BMW is strongly considering a new 2 Series designation that will host the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible variants.

The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. The new MINI, which will debut around the same time, will share much of the underpinnings and structure with the new BMW, a strategy that will help the company with cost savings.

F20 1 Series is an evolution of the current model, but with new design cues seen in other new BMWs. The bonnet sports the same sporty creases seen on the new 5, 6 and 7 Series, while the headlights are said to be resemble the new 5 or even the 5 GT.

The steering wheel design and dashboard controls align with the current design language at BMW, including the new LCD screen that takes a similar stand as the one recently displayed in the new 6 Series Concept. The car will inherit some cues from the 5 Series, taking the sometimes criticized 1er interior to higher luxury levels.

The three and five-door hatch will only be available in Europe, but coupe and convertible variants will make their way onto the U.S. soil.

BMW 1 Series E82 GTR by Senky Motorsport

Senkyr Motorsports is a Czech racing team who decided to upgrade the 1 Series model and make it resemble the M3 E92 GTR by mouting a wide kit consisting of a big front bumper, a new hood with air vents, new headlights and new side mirrors. In the rear we find a new bumper and a big wing while the model is fitted with 18-inch BBS Motorsport Race wheels together with high performance tires.

The chassis of the BMW 1 Series E82 Coupe suffered few changes in order to fit these changes. The 1 Series model from these images is one of Senkyr Motorsports’ competition models and beside the exterior changes there are some news under the bonnet too.

Senkyr Motorsport fitted the twin-turbo six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine with a new intercooler, a KW Competition coilover suspension and a six-speed Holinger RDS6 gearbox. This combination equals 402 horsepower for the little German model which is quite happy in its new clothes.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe at 2011 CIAS

With the ocassion of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show, BMW found it as a great opportunity to reveal the new 1 Series M Coupe for the Canadian public. The 2011 CIAS is held annually at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the SkyDome between February 18 – 27, 2011.

The smallest M ever created enjoyed an unveiling ceremony in Toronto and also received the expected positive feedback from the Canadian audience crowded to see the newest M member of BMW’s family.

Looking over the specs of the new 1 Series M we remind that the German model gets a revised version of the N54 six-cylinder engine able now to develop 340 horsepower and to ensure optimal performance due to a lightweight structure. BMW also announced that 200 units of the new 1 Series M Coupe will arrive in Canada in order to meet their customers. The Germans from BMW also announced the price on the Canadian market, a price which spins around $53,600.

BMW 1 SERIES

The BMW 1 Series is a line of small family cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since 2004. Successor to the BMW Compact, it has been produced in four different body styles.

There are two generations of the 1 Series and their respective chassis codes:

1. BMW E87 - (2004–2011) 1 Series 5 Door Hatchback
2. BMW E81 - (2007–2011) 1 Series 3 Door Hatchback
3. BMW E82 - (2007–2011) 1 Series Coupe
4. BMW E88 - (2007–2011) 1 Series Convertible
5. BMW F20 - (2012) 1 Series

E81, E82, E88, E87

The 1 Series was launched globally in Autumn 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 2-door coupe version was also launched in July 2007. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. Because the hatchback is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is often considered the successor to the BMW 2002. The 1 Series line is produced in Leipzig, Germany at BMW's factory.

The 1 Series coupe (E82) and convertible (E88) went on sale in the United States and Canada in model year 2008 (30 June 2007) as the 128i and the 135i. Other countries received the 120i and 125i in both platforms. The convertible, unlike the 3 Series convertible, uses a soft-top instead of a folding hardtop. This is lighter and preserves more boot space than the folding hardtop would allow.

The North American introduction of the coupe and cabriolet was during the second quarter of 2008, which was credited for helping BMW overtake Lexus as the top luxury brand.

1 SERIES M COUPE

Although hinted about over the course of a year, BMW M Boss Dr. Kay Segler officially announced the making of the M variant of the BMW 1-Series Coupe on July 9, 2010, via an official YouTube video and press release.

On December 9 2010, BMW officially announced all details on the car exclusively on the internet. It is equipped by higher-performance derivative of the N54 engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline 6 cylinder engine with direct injection, producing 335 hp (250 kW) at 5900 rpm and 332 lb·ft (450 N·m) torque from 1500-4500 rpm (with +369 lb·ft (500 N·m) overboost). Redline is pegged at 7,000 rpm.

Official 0-60 mph time is 4.7 seconds, quarter mile (~400 m) in 13.2 seconds. The car is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. There is an M Drive button that activates a quicker throttle response program. The sole gearbox is a 6-speed manual transmission with a M gearshift knob, dry sump cooling system, and 3.15:1 final drive ratio.

The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe shares this higher output N54 engine with the 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i, the 2009 BMW 740i/Li, and the 2011 BMW 335is. The N54 engine was previously found in the 1 Series line (the BMW 135i) in a lower state of tune for the model years 2008-2010, however the 135i has switched to the N55 for the 2011 production year.

The body on the BMW 1 Series M Coupe has been modified as well, giving the car a wider track and bigger body in every direction, as well as a subtle body kit to distinguish it from the standard 1 Series. Despite the car's larger size, it is 77 lb (35 kg) lighter, giving it a weight of 3,296 lb (1,495 kg).