BMW’s new 5-Series Sedan is already winning accolades around the world for its excellent handling, powerful engines and stylish good looks, and soon the car will be more practical thanks to the addition of the Touring wagon to the lineup. The fourth generation of the 5-Series Touring was unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show (a.k.a. the Auto Mobil International) and is scheduled to go on sale in Europe this September.

Apart from more storage – thanks in part to a longer wheelbase – the 5-Series Touring is almost identical to the 5-Series Sedan. That means lots of space, good handling and plenty of appealing style, inside and out. The vehicle features an almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution, as well as 40/20/40 flat-folding rear seat backrests, a luggage load cover that retracts and lowers automatically with the tailgate and a self opening rear window. Also standard is self-leveling air suspension at the rear to ensure that the Touring is unaffected when carrying heavy loads. Storage capacity measures in at 560-litres with the rear seats standing upright and expands to almost 1 670-litres when the seats are folded down.

Powertrain options include a single turbo 3,0-litre inline six and a range of turbodiesels, consisting of four- and six-cylinder units. The twin-turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 available in the 5-Series Sedan is expected to be added to the lineup at a later date. Customers will be able to select either a six-speed manual transmission or a new eight-speed automatic. Unlike the previous model, BMW is unlikely to offer the latest 5-Series Touring in M5 trim.

 

Adapted from MotorAuthority

Tentatively dubbed the 0-Series at this stage, BMW Chairman, Norbert Reithofe, has confirmed this week that a rival to the Audi A1 is in the works.

Speaking with British magazine Autocar, Mr Reithofe said that the German carmaker is planning to grow the small car offerings of both BMW and MINI, with front-wheel-drive being the likely layout. “We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants,” Reithofer told Autocar. “For these new vehicles, we are developing a common architecture for both front and four-wheel drive.”

With an all-new MINI Cooper expected to arrive in 2014, the new models would likely utilise the same front-wheel-drive layout. Mr Reithofer said that the new models will be entirely separate from BMW’s upcoming Mega City electric vehicles, with internal studies at BMW showing growing demand for ‘premium vehicles’ (such as the Audi A1) in the small car market.

The Chairman added that while the next-generation 1 Series is not guaranteed to be rear-wheel-drive, the new platform being engineered to accommodate a four-wheel-drive layout means that BMW’s traditional rear-driven recipe may live on in the new 1 Series.

Adapted from TheMotorReport

If you were waiting for an M-Division 1-Series, it looks like you may be out of luck. A ‘M’ project for the 1-Series won’t see daylight, according to a new report out of Geneva. There is good news however, a 135is – sharing its heart with the new 2011 335is – could be in the works.

In reality, a 1-Series M car would have been plagued by issues of pricing and performance – too much power, and it steps on the toes of the bigger M3, too little and it won’t excite like a real M. So it seems BMW are looking to strike a balance by introducing a 135is model. Reports from Geneva claim a BMW source said the 1-Series M car is not happening, but instead a twin-turbo N54-powered 135is would fill the need for a more potent, yet still not M3-embarrassing, 1-Series.

The N54 engine, as tuned for the Z4 sDrive35is, generates around 250 kW and 450 N.m of torque, with an overboost function that increases torque to just over 500 N.m for brief periods. That’s sure to add some serious fun to the 135i’s already tantilising 225 kW, especially if the 135is is adorned with other upgrades found in the upcoming sDrive35is – including M Sport aerodynamics, better cooling systems, and an M Sport suspension package.

No word yet on when the 135is might be coming, but we’ll have more details as soon as they’re available.

Ten years ago BMW created a new class of vehicle they chose to call the ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’. The BMW X5 was an attempt, and a very successful one at that, to create a road-biased SUV, with the luxury and handling capabilities of a sedan. Then, two years ago, the X6 was introduced. Heralded by BMW as a combination of SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tyres) with the stance of a coupé (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof), the company created another new niche for themselves and called it a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). It seems the alchemy at Munich has continued and the latest result is the new 5 Series Gran Turismo, or 5 Series GT, which BMW have christened a Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS).

If you’re confused about who this high-riding 5 Series with an X6 roofline is aimed at, you’re not alone, because it hasn’t been clearly defined. What BMW have said though, is that the new 5 Series GT is an exercise in innovation and breaking the mold, thus it will appeal to those wishing to do the same. But regardless of where the new car fits into the BMW model line-up, or the passenger vehicle market for that matter, what is crystal clear is that BMW have created another great motorcar.

Although falling under the 5 Series banner, the new GT is built on the 7 Series platform and in fact shares many of the 7’s technology too. Perhaps it’s this 7 Series pedigree coupled with the higher ride that gives the new 5 GT an air of aristocracy over that of the new 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo’s sleek exterior profile is a product of the 3 070 mm wheelbase, coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows. The front of the car is characterised by BMW’s new face, first seen on the new 7 Series, that being a short overhang, upright kidney grille and large air intakes. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by LED illuminated corona rings within the headlights. LED technology features prominently in the rear tail lights too, which wrap around the tailgate and add proportion to a tall rear end.

It is the tailgate and adjustable rear seats, that to large extent, make the new 5 Series Gran Turismo what it is. Capable of opening in two stages for either quick access, or for maximum convenience when transporting larger items, it is electronically operated and is the gateway to a well thought out cargo area. With the rear seats in their standard postion luggage capacity is a useful 440 litres. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 mm, with legroom still remaining equivalent to the BMW 5 Series Saloon, which increases luggage capacity to 590 litres. Once the rear seats are folded down, together with the partition behind them that offers an acoustic barrier, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1 700 litres.

The 5 Series GT is available with two rear seat configurations. Standard on all new GT models is a 60/40 split configuration, which allows the rear seats to be adjusted individually, fore-and-aft, as well as the backrest angle. As an option, two individual comfort seats may also be specified for the rear, these boast multi-way electronic adjustment for superior comfort. Rear legroom is generous and on par with that of the 7 Series, but as comfortable as the rear seats are, we would have liked more lateral support. Up front, the seats are supremely comfortable, as is the driving position which, being slightly raised, offers a good view of the road. Only the rearview is limited by the tapered rear window, but the 5 Series GT is fitted with front and rear park distance control, including a camera, so parking is made easy. Also standard across the model range is a panoramic sunroof that extends from above the front passengers to those in the rear.

Of course, the quality of interior craftsmanship is of a very high standard, with many design elements and functions being carried over from the 7 Series. Standard equipment includes the latest version of BMW’s iDrive paired with a 10.2-inch LCD display; satellite navigation; bluetooth connectivity; Aux-In and USB ports for portable media players; an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection; climate control; and Integrated Owner’s Manual for quick reference. Some of the optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, front mounted side cameras, as well as an electrically swiveling towbar.

Three models of the new 5 Series GT are available in South Africa, namely the 530d GT, 535i GT and 550i GT. We drove the 530d and 550i models on the launch and were impressed by the performance of both engines. The diesel produces 180 kW and 540 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm, enough to launch the near 2 tonne car to 100 km/h from rest in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 240 km/h. Driven carefully, BMW claim a fuel consumption figure of just 6.5 l/100km and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km.

The similarly capable, petrol powered, 535i, uses BMW’s 225 kW, 400 N.m twinturbo 3,0-litre straight six to achieve an identical sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h of 6.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, while consumption is said to be 8.9 l/100km with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.

The powerhouse in the range is the 550i GT, which has a 300 kW, 4,4-litre, TwinPower Turbo V8, producing 600 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm. Burying the accelerator pedal will see the 550i GT rocket from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. BMW claim the V8 requires just 11.2 l/100km of premium octane and emits 263g/km of CO2. All GT models are fitted with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and in case you were wondering, BMW say there are no plans for an M GT model.

With plenty of torque both the 530d and 550i GT’s we drove, hauled the 2 tonne car along with alacrity. Excellent sound insulation adds to the 5 Series GT’s luxurious nature and, using BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, the suspension settings and ride quality can be adjusted between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes, depending on the road conditions or your cruising pace. We found the Normal and Sport modes to be all that was required, as the Comfort setting was too ‘wallowy’ and the Sport+ setting seemed a bit too firm over the bumps.

The new 5 Series Gran Turismo is certainly worthy of the GT badge and its implied abilities. It has a well balanced chassis that rides and handles beautifully, especially considering the overall dimensions (4 998 mm long, 2 132mm wide) and weight of the car, plus it has all the luggage capacity and comfort one would expect. But it is lacking something and to help explain we need to call upon one of BMW’s previous catch phrases “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. Yes, the 5 Series GT is undoubtedly a pleasure to drive, BMW now call this ‘Joy’, but it seems there is less of the ‘Driving’ element present in the new car. While the 5 GT handles and drives competently, there is not much BMW character imbued through the steering wheel. Somehow it’s been lost in translation between the 7 Series platform and front suspension, the X3 like ride height and the rear air suspension from the next generation of 5-series Touring. It’s an aspect of the driving experience that may concern BMW diehards, but won’t affect the majority of first time buyers that BMW are hoping to attract with the 5 Series GT.

So, whether dreaming up new classes of vehicles will prove successful remains to be seen. BMW South Africa say they expect to sell around 50 GT’s this year and have already received orders prior to this week’s local launch. One thing’s for sure though, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is an accomplished car.

Price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan, non-contributing service and maintenance contract.

 

The term ‘facelift’ is a bit of a stretch for the 2011 M3 range. In short, all three body styles of the M3 gain a new ‘Auto Start Stop’ function that promises to reduce average fuel consumption and CO2 levels, while the Coupe and Convertible get modified LED tail lights and the Coupe and Sedan receive an optional Competition Package that sharpens handling.

In more detail, the M3’s 309 kW, 4,0-litre, high-revving V8, benefits from the addition of a start-stop function that switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt. The ‘Auto Start Stop’ system is used both in vehicles with standard 6-speed manual transmission and in conjunction with the M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic, making the M3 the first non-hybrid Bimmer (ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7) to use this technology in combination with an automated manual transmission. BMW claims the start-stop system reduces the average fuel consumption and CO2 levels of the 2011 M3 by up to 8 per cent or 24 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

As an example, the Bavarian automaker said that both the M3 Coupe and Sedan with 7-speed M dual clutch transmission now achieves an average fuel consumption on the EU test cycle of 11.2 l/100km and 12.4 l/100km with the 6-speed manual gearbox. In the case of the BMW M3 Convertible, the average fuel consumption is reduced to 11.5 l/100km with the dual clutch transmission and 12.7 l/100km with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Furthermore, the German company presented an optional Competition Package and a new range of items from the Original BMW Accessories program for the Coupe and Sedan M3s. The Competition Package adds a suspension lowered by some 10 mm and light alloy wheels in the size 9 x 19 inches at the front and Y-spoke design at the rear. In addition, the control of the electronic damper adjustment function EDC includes a Sport mode specially developed for the Competition Package. It is said to adjust the chassis modifications by means of map-based control and the driving stability control function DSC.

As for the new optional items, the list includes among other things, a rear spoiler and carbon fibre ‘fangs’ for the front splitter.

 

Adapted from CarScoop

BMW has this week revealed the 2011 BMW X5. BMW says the updated X5 is more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious than the outgoing model, although local specifications aren’t expected to be confirmed until the launch date draws nearer.

A mid-life update, the 2011 X5’s revised styling is a simple affair, the majority of the exterior changes going to the front and rear bumpers. The updated X5 gains a new X5 M-inspired front bumper. Greater emphasis has been put on the more sports-like air dam and side intakes, with the foglights moved further inboard. The rear bumper gets a minor update, with a more prominent faux-diffuser flanked by larger exhaust tips than the previous model. Filling the same space as those of the outgoing X5, the 2011 model also features updated taillights with a pair of LED-illuminated light banks running the length of each.

Interior updates follow a similar minimalist approach, featuring the same high seating position and general layout and trim as the outgoing model. As expected, new colours will join the options list, although BMW SA has not specified which will be available locally. Nappa leather-wrapped seats, dashboard and centre console figure among the options. Luggage capacity is unchanged, offering 620 litres with the rear seats up and a maximum of 1750 litres with the seats folded flat.

Among the updated X5’s equipment and safety features list, BMW has added Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and Side View to the X5 range. Other features include a Head-up Display, Adaptive Cornering Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control and a reversing camera with a new Top View function.

On the safety front, the new X5 features front and side airbags for the front and second-row seats, three-point automatic safety belts for all seats, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for front seats as well as crash-active front headrests to optimise occupant protection. The new BMW X5 is equipped with adaptive brake lights, run-flat safety tyres and a tyre defect indicator.

BMW has dropped the X5 xDrive 30i in favour of the single-turbo N55-powered xDrive35i, developing 225 kW and 400 N.m of torque – up 25 kW and 85 N.m over its predecessor. BMW’s TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection (BMW’s direct injection system) and VALVETRONIC technologies figure among the new engine’s features. Acceleration sees a huge jump, the xDrive35i reaching 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds, compared to the previous model’s 8.1 second run. Fuel consumption is down on the xDrive30i, dropping 1.6 l/100km to achieve 10.1 l/100km. The new BMW X5 xDrive50i replaces the xDrive48i, drawing power from a new 300 kW V8 engine with High Precision Injection and BMW TwinPower Turbo. Power is boosted to an even 300 kW, with torque up from 475 N.m to 600 N.m, available between 1 750 and 4 500 rpm. With great power comes great 0-100km/h sprints, the xDrive50i covering the distance in 5.5 seconds – 1.1 seconds quicker than the outgoing model.

On the diesel front, the xDrive30d gains a 15 percent improvement in fuel consumption thanks to its revised turbo-charged 3.0 litre straight-six common-rail-diesel engine. Consuming just 7.4 l/100km – a 1.3 litre improvement – the xDrive30d develops 180 kW and hits 100km/h in 7.6 seconds. The xDrive35d has been succeeded by the new xDrive40d, developing 225 kW and 600 N.m of torque, an improvement of 15 kW and 20 N.m respectively. The xDrive40d is almost as frugal as the xDrive30d, using just 7.5 l/100km – down from 8.8 l/100km – and covering the 0-100km/h run in 6.6 seconds.

All new X5 models are equipped with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, which debuted in South Africa with the range-topping 760Li. BMW says its innovative gear seat configuration and minimum converter slip results in “outstanding shift dynamics,” optimised effectiveness and vastly improved comfort.

BMW South Africa has yet to reveal pricing details for the updated X5 line-up, but more details are expected closer to launch.

 

Adapted from TheMotorReport

The 2010 BMW 135i Coupe and Convertible will be offered with an optional 7-speed dual clutch transmission for the first time, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while boosting acceleration times and overall performance.

Both cars stick with a twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six engine rated at 225 kW at 5,800 rpm and 400 N.m of torque, which comes on as low as 1 200 rpm all the way up to 5 000 rpm. Additionally, the engine now features BMW’s Valvetronic valve adjustment system, which is the first time the system has been offered on a turbocharged engine.

With the addition of the 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the 2010 BMW 135i Coupe will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds flat while the slightly heavier 135i Convertible is understandably a bit off the pace, posting a 5.3 second run for the 0-100 km/h sprint.

The best part is that the fuel consumption of both the Coupe and Convertible equipped with the dual clutch transmission is better than the standard manual equipped models, as well as the former automatic models.

Both models come as standard with a modified M Aerodynamics Package and M Sports Suspension. Other standard features include DSC Dynamic Stability Control with an individualized set-up, an electronic limited slip differential, as well as model-specific control maps for Servotronic power steering and accelerator pedal.

Adapted from MotorAuthority

Designed to be timeless and elegant, the updated 3-Series features redesigned headlights (with LED corona rings/daytime running lights), modified bumpers, a new hood with wider kidney grilles, LED taillights, and a wider grille.

Inside, the interior is relatively unchanged. Despite this, the cabin is still luxurious with dark burled walnut wood trim (bamboo anthracite, light burl walnut, and aluminum trim are also available), bright metal accents, and ambiance lighting.

Under the hood, the 3,0-litre twin-turbo inline-six is replaced by BMW’s new twin-scroll turbocharged 3,0-litre inline-six (dubbed the N55). Boasting 225 kW and 400 N.m of torque, the N55 allows the 335i Coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec. The Convertible accomplishes the same task in 5.8 seconds, while the all-wheel drive 335i xDrive Coupe takes 5.2 seconds (5.3 with the automatic). Both models have a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

As before, BMW will also offer a naturally aspirated 3,0-litre inline-six with 169 kW and 271 N.m of torque. While the company declined to release performance specifications, the 328i Coupe will likely accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2, while the xDrive version will achieve the same in 6.8 seconds (Coupe) with the Convertible taking 6.7 seconds.

Regardless of what engine is selected, the optional six-speed Steptronic automatic now features steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Also expected for the 2011 3-Series facelift range is the 335is (note the added “s”), a sportier version of the 335i with slightly more power. Unfortunately, BMW has not released any information yet but expect similar power figures to those of the recently launched Z4 sDrive

The 2011 3-Series will go on sale in the United States and Europe this in the seconds quarter of the year.

 

Adapted from WorldCarFans

Vorsteiner has released a new aero package designed to enhance the BMW 3-Series E92 Coupe and E93 Convertible. Dubbed V-MS for Vorsteiner M-Tech Series, the package includes two carbon-fibre splitters for the front bumper, a carbon-fibre rear diffuser that attaches to the factory mounting points and a carbon-fibre boot lid spoiler. The kit can be complemented with a set of 19- or 20-inch BBS alloy wheels. The V-MS aero package is now available worldwide.

 

Via DubDaily

The 2011 BMW M5 saloon will have a 0 to 100 km/h time 0.3 seconds faster than the current model, according to sources. The car will receive a significant boost in power and torque, and a generous increase in efficiency.

Unfortunately, those who want an estate version will have to look elsewhere. No new BMW M5 Touring is reportedly planned for production at this time.

Engineers at the German automaker achieved the faster time despite dumping the 5,0-litre V10-engine in favour of their new 4,4-litre bi-turbo V8. Power on the engine, already seen in the X5 M, bounces up to 425 kW while torque is increased over the most recent M5 by 40% from 515 N.m to 720 N.m.

Even with better performance, the car will use an estimated 30% less fuel, while pumping out similarly reduced emissions, with final figures expected to be around 10 l/100km. This was not only accomplished with weight management, but through the use of the company’s Efficient Dynamics system. A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), developed by the company’s ex-F1 programme, may also make it to the final vehicle.

If the 250 km/h speed limiter were removed, the car would top out around 303 km/h. The 2011 BMW M5 should be introduced at the end of 2010, with market launch in the spring of 2011.

Adapted from WorldCarFans