BMW has just announced a few changes to the line-up, starting as of Autumn 2012. The changes include new engine variants for the 3dr 1 series and 3 series Touring, as well as a new entry level model for the 1 and 3 series. Also, an new generation of Professional Navigation system is offered in the 3 series and a number of the available engines, now comply with the EU6 exhaust emission requirements.

More precisely, xDrive is now available for the first time in the 1 series. As of next month, the AWD option is available with the 120d and M135i in either 3 or 5 door configuration. The power distribution between the front and rear axle is controlled electronically to guarantee precise handling characteristics for a great variety of weather and road conditions. The 1 series will receive a new entry level version, the 114d, with a 1.6l four cylinder diesel engine with BMW Twin Power Turbo technology. According to BMW, the 14d features variable turbine technology and Common Rail direct fuel injection with solenoid valves operating with a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar and delivers its maximum power output of 70 kW/95 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 235 Nm between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 12.2 seconds with a the top speed of 185 km/h. Average fuel consumption is between 4.1 and 4.3 litres/100 km, with respective CO2 emissions being between 109 and 112 grams per km. Also, alongside the 114d, the 1 series will be offered with another two new engines as 118d and 120d. The total number of engine variants is now five petrol and six diesel power units.

In the 3 series range, a new entry level engine is also added in the form of the 316i Sedan. Under the hood sits the familiar 1.6l N13 four cylinder gas engine that produces 136hp and 220Nm. A six-speed manual transmission is featured as standard, with an eight-speed automatic transmission being offered as an option. As far as the Touring form is concerned, there are also new engine variants available: The F31 3 series Touring can now be had in 320i form, with the N20 2.0l gas engine to complement the already available 328i. In the diesel powered engines line-up, the 316d and 318d are added to the 320d and 330d variants. Also new to the 3 series, is the new generation of Professional Navigation system, that features improved, three-dimensional graphics in brilliant resolution for all menu displays. This system is also available for the 5 and 7 series.

For more details, please check the full press release, available after the jump.

(more…)

Posted in: BMW

The final countdown to London 2012 has begun and BMW Group today unveiled their Olympic Park Pavilion, expected to draw thousands of visitors each day of the Games.

Conceived by an award-winning British architecture firm, the BMW Group Pavilion represents a significant architectural addition to the Olympic Park, showing an exciting range of the company’s latest vehicles against the backdrop of the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre. The structure also underlines the company’s longstanding commitment to design and sustainability with an array of individual rooftop pavilions exhibiting current models as well as concept cars of the future.

(more…)

Posted in: BMW

The iconic BMW roadster, or according to some, “that weird little thing”, is celebrating its 25th birthday. The Z1 was very innovative in its time for many reasons. First of all, the doors retracted electrically into the side sills, giving the driver the ability to cruise with the doors open – a sensation that has since been made illegal due to the latest EU and US safety legislations. Then it was the unconventional chassis conceived under Dr Wolfgang Reitzle’s guidance; a self-supporting monocoque construction made up of individual sheet-steel parts constituted the car’s backbone. According to BMW’s press release: “After it [the monocoque construction] had been welded together, the entire frame was hot-dip galvanised in an immersion bath. Not only did this ensure seamless corrosion protection for the monocoque, it made it substantially more rigid too: the coating of zinc that was applied acted as a connecting and supporting element, especially around panel seams and joint overlaps. The effect was an increase in the monocoque’s torsional resistance of around 25 per cent.”

(more…)

Posted in: BMW

Since its introduction to the market, the BMW 3 Series sedan holds the title of the most dynamic-to-drive car in its segment. And, since the E30 3 Series, these driving dynamics have also been available in a Touring style bodyshell. BMW has just unveiled the all new 3 Series Touring, internally codenamed F31, which is expected to combine the amazing character of the F30 3 series sedan with the added practicality afforded by a Touring wagon and its 495 litres of stowage room – a benchmark in this segment.

At first, the engine choice consists of the 28i, 20d and 30d powerplants but more gasoline and diesel engines, as well as the xDrive system, are expected to be offered later on. Of course, BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, Auto Start-Stop function, ECO PRO mode and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are avaliable for all models. The – already familiar from the sedan – Modern Line, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport packages can be specified, alongside an extensive selection of assistance systems, including the full-colour Head-Up Display. Finally, adaptive suspension for enhanced handling and ride comfort, variable rate Electric Power Steering and other M Sport options are among the many enhancements avaliable.

See the press release and our extensive photo gallery after the break.

(more…)

Posted in: BMW