Recent Comments:
Drivers wanted: Repairacar offers car nut's dream job {Autoblog}
Apr 12th 2011 6:11PM What kind of owner of a supercar would want someone driving their car to and from the repairshop, especially if it needs repairs?! They're probably going to drop some serious dough on the repairs, and if that's the case, the repair shop better come with a transport vehicle to PICK UP the supercar, not send someone to drive the car to their shop.
Rumormill: Light BMW M Concept coming to Tokyo Motor Show {Autoblog}
Mar 25th 2011 11:39AM Bart:
Actually, if you look at what actually goes into production, I believe BMW is more innovative and unafraid to take risks. The R8 is essentially a rebadged and reworked Gallardo. BMW came under intense scrutiny and criticism for Bangle's designs, yet stuck with his designs. BMW's iDrive was essentially laughed at and hated by all automotive journalists and consumers, yet they stuck with it. Bangle's designs and the iDrive are now essentially copied by all major BMW competitors, including Audi. Sure, other companies have taken BMW's ideas and made them better, but BMW has always been pushing the envelope and advancing automotive design.
Report: All BMW four-cylinders will be turbocharged {Autoblog}
Feb 18th 2011 11:21AM fr3ak60,
I owned an E46 330ci also and loved it. I currently drive an E90 335i, and I remember when I first sat in the car and test drove it. I was blown away by the N54 engine, even after thinking the M54 was an incredible engine with great power delivery.
Ultimately, BMW is in the business of SELLING cars, not pleasing enthusiasts, the majority of whom argue over numbers but few actually buy cars. The consumers want more luxury, and the government wants more safety and fuel efficiency.
I'm a BMW fan myself, and saw the huge backlash against Chris Bangle's designs (who also designed the E46 by the way). However, his vehicles sold the most in BMW history. Regardless of the controversy, I trust that BMW knows what it's doing and will continue to sell cars. Progress and change are painful.
2012 BMW M5 to be automatic only? {Autoblog}
Feb 15th 2011 12:45PM Zamafir
Yes. When originally asked why BMW never made an M7, the response was all M cars have to have a manual transmission available and the 7 Series was never meant to have a manual transmission. Obviously BMW has abandoned that train of though with the X5M and X6M, but the M5 is an icon and is what companies aspire their ultimate sports sedans to be.
Clive Owen can't throw Madonna out of his car with an automatic!
2012 BMW M5 to be automatic only? {Autoblog}
Feb 15th 2011 11:32AM Blasphemy
ABC News airs big exposé on BMW N54 engine problems, lawsuits [w/video] [UPDATE] {Autoblog}
Oct 26th 2010 11:29AM The original 35 engine was coded the N54 and was found in 2007-2010 models bearing the 35 designation. It was a twin turbo inline six. The new 35 models have the N55 engine, which is a single turbo inline six with BMW's version of variable valve timing, Double VANOS. Many suspect BMW moved to the N55 to keep things more simple and therefore lower the failure rate as well as the high oil temperature found in the N54. THe N54 has the same horsepower numbers as the N54, but many still believe the N54 to be the more powerful engine. A tuned version of the N54 can still be found in the 35is models, including the 335is and the Z4 35is.
PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video] {Autoblog}
Oct 18th 2010 5:48PM If it was a Toyota Helix, there wouldn't be a problem!
Video: BMW plans for tomorrow's older workforce today {Autoblog}
Sep 9th 2010 12:08PM Have you tried reaching out to BMWNA? I had similar issues with my BMW Dealership, who struggled to fix my 335i's HPFP issue. I had a loaner for almost 2 months! After complaining to BMWNA, I got a nicer loaner and a not small settlement check "for my troubles." All in all, the dealership may have stunk, but BMWNA repaired BMW's image in my eyes and makes me comfortable purchasing another one, just from a different dealer.
Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe {Autoblog}
Aug 12th 2010 6:13PM "but this even worse than BMW adding a 335iS (which in it's own right is a massively unnecessary car)"
BMW didn't create the 335is as a marketing gimmick. They had created a wonderful, high performance engine, the N54 which was in the original 335i and had twin turbos. This engine was WAY undertuned and had massive potential. Many enthusiasts could hit close to 400hp with a few bolt on modifications and a chip. The engine had its share of problems (HPFP, oil temp, etc.) which is one of the reasons they created the N55, a single turbo variant with VANOS, BMW's version of variable valve timing. The N55 has the "same" HP and torque on paper, but the N54 is the more powerful and tuner friendly engine. The NEW 335i has the N55, while the 335is keeps N54 which is BMW factory tuned. Therefore you keep the warranty and tap into the potential of the N54 a little bit more.
"dammit infiniti.... we were so close to taking the 3-series down"
I don't think the G35/G37 was ever close to taking the 3-series down. Refinement, driving pleasure, power delivery, ingenuity, even fuel efficiency. The main advantage the G had was price, which most Japanese manufacturers usually have over the Germans. One thing the BMW does have though, is their full coverage warranty, that covers oil changes, brake pads, labor, etc.
MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph {Autoblog}
Jul 28th 2010 4:27PM $1400 to raise the speed limiter with no other performance upgrades? =/
