The new kit includes a new front lip spoiler, new raer air diffuser, a trunk lip spoiler, a new set of carbon-fiber mirror covers, and a brand new set of side sills. Out of all the parts available, the most important is definitely the sport exhaust system, which will unleash the M3’s engine note on the massive 420 hp V8.
If you want to add some fancy look to your Bmw you may want to choose the Euro Sport Tuning’s real carbon fiber. This grilles are an excellent addition to your vehicle, giving it the sporty look that only real, high quality carbon fiber can. They have no chrome and they are entirely grille replacements and not overlays. The grilles are made of 100% true carbon fiber and only top quality materials are used with the help of the best production methods.
Well...it’s true! According to Bimmerfile, a website for Bmw enthusiast, the X5 will not feature a M version and this for sure is not going to happen in the future. Although spy photos of the vehicle ,which was believed to be the M version of the Bmw X5, were taken on the Nurburgring race track it looks llike that was only the sport edition of the SUV featuring the 4.8 V8 engine.
Using the same power plant as the Bmw X6, the engine of the sport edition will develop 407hp which while the top speed is going to be limited at 250 km/h. The technical specifications of the new sport edition were not yet revealed but, according to the rumors the new car will be able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.
By mounting LSD wing door hinges, the quite unadventurous BMW 3 Series E90-saloon becomes a real showcar. The wing doors hinges are available with immediate effect.The LSD wing door hinges for the BMW 3 Series E90 feature the new GRS+ (Guided Roller System). It offers an adjustment possibility with the roller guidance of the roller bearing integrated in the hinges and additional stability through a catch which that locks in fully-opened condition. This results in more safety and more precise opening and closing of the door.
LSD door fittings come with a German TÜV certificate certifying that the LSD wing doors meet all safety standards. Compared to other retrofit sets for wing doors, the LSD fittings made in Germany are more impressive due to their absolutely sound engineering and the highest-possible standard of quality. In addition, a testing laboratory accredited by the German Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Federal motoring bureau) proved in a side-crash test, that the LSD-solution patented in Germany is as secure as a door assembled in the series production.
This means: the occupants safety is guarateed by the LSD door fittings in a side-crash complying with rule 96/27/EG. LSD makes a quick and easy installation possible, without any welding or repainting necessary. Another convincing feature is their perfect fit, thanks to the ability to make three-dimensional adjustments. The LSD door fittings are mounted directly at the points where the original doors were removed. With the added fittings, the otherwise unchanged original doors open first outward and then gently glide upward and stop. Adjustable buffers prevent the doors from being opened too wide or from falling downward or inward when open.
A simple grip is all it takes to close the door. On the one hand, the LSD solution allows you to open the door in a outward motion with an aperture angle of approx. 30°; on the other hand, it also allows you to swing the wing door upward,and all that without any great exertion. The LSD wing doors lend any car a sensational look and are the ideal solution for all fans of unusual tuning and show cars. The LSD door fittings are available from LSD or special dealers.
In fact, they’re admitting that no production hydrogen powered car is close to reality.
According to Drive, a magazine published in Australia, Jochen Schmalholz, the head of BMW’s clean-air technology group, admits that hydrogen cars in “significant numbers” are fifteen to twenty years away. Meantime, BMW’s working on an electric car.
(more after the jump)
But, Schmalholz doesn’t sound nearly as keen on the electric car concept as, for example, General Motors with the Chevrolet Volt. “We will only bring [the electric car to market] if it makes sense. At the moment, we are not really convinced it will work for BMW. But if t makes commercial sense and it makes sense to our customers, then we will do it.
Oddly, Schmalholz identifies the primary problem with hydrogen vehicles as distribution - exactly the same position taken by top executives at General Motors, who believe that as few as 200 hydrogen fueling stations strategically located would be able to serve over 40% of the driving population. Moreover, both GM and Honda have taken some steps toward developing home hydrogen refueling equipment, something BMW appears not to have contemplated undertaking.
Meantime, of course, General Motors appears to be getting the edge on BWM in another department: This year, participants at the Oscar ceremonies will be arriving in a fleet of GM vehicles, including E85 hybrids and the experimental hydrogen fuel cell Chevy Equinox.
The BMW 5 Series Edition Exclusive focuses on most sophisticated style and elegance with supreme quality all round. Indeed, this claim is borne out clearly at very first sight by the exclusive paintwork in Platinum Bronze Metallic and with a further choice of five additional metallic colors.
Both the Saloon and the Touring gain additional style through Chrome Line on the side window surrounds, the window shaft covers and the screenwasher nozzles, as well as high-gloss Satin Chrome on the B-pillars and the window trim on the rear doors.
A further sign of distinction is the 17-inch light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, while electrically adjustable comfort seats, high-quality cowhide in Black or Tobacco with appropriate contrast seams and wood inlays in bamboo grain Anthracite likewise serve to provide a luxurious ambiance.
Here it is! BMW’s secret concept from Geneva: the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, a hybrid-diesel version of the X5 SUV. Mild ActiveHybrid technology is combined with a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, a new eight-speed automatic gearbox and even roof-mounted solar panels.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics uses BMW’s Variable Twin Turbo concept, third-generation common-rail injection and an all aluminium crankcase to deliver 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm. The engine is supplemented by a mild hybrid concept that delivers a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration. As a consequence, even though the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics features a relatively small capacity engine, it delivers nearly the same levels of horsepower as the conventional X5, but offers improvements in its already class-leading consumption and emissions figures.
The mild hybrid solution in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics uses a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto the gearbox. This motor produces up to 20hp of on-demand power. In addition, BMW’s now familiar Brake Energy Regeneration is used to efficiently capture energy that would previously have been lost when the engine is on overrun. Innovatively, the alternator is also integrated into the crankcase rather than conventionally driven from the front of the engine.
All of these technologies combine to deliver the best fuel economy and lowest emissions of any large 4×4 currently on sale. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics delivers 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and just 172g/km of CO2 emissions. However, these frugal figures do not translate into low performance figures. With its twin-turbocharged two-litre diesel engine delivering more than 100hp per litre, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 seconds, a time faster than most current production competitors.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics uses BMW’s Variable Twin Turbo concept, third-generation common-rail injection and an all aluminium crankcase to deliver 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm. The engine is supplemented by a mild hybrid concept that delivers a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration. As a consequence, even though the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics features a relatively small capacity engine, it delivers nearly the same levels of horsepower as the conventional X5, but offers improvements in its already class-leading consumption and emissions figures.
The mild hybrid solution in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics uses a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto the gearbox. This motor produces up to 20hp of on-demand power. In addition, BMW’s now familiar Brake Energy Regeneration is used to efficiently capture energy that would previously have been lost when the engine is on overrun. Innovatively, the alternator is also integrated into the crankcase rather than conventionally driven from the front of the engine.
BMW’s concept uses highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated. These high-storage-capacity batteries enable optimum use of Brake Energy Regeneration. In addition, they create possibilities to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system. For these functions, a 120 volt vehicle power system was designed and runs in parallel with the conventional 12 volt system.
The power harnessed by the batteries is also supplemented by roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 metre square. The energy generated can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Importantly, the power created in this zero- CO2 way can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. The less efficient warm-up phase is thus shortened considerably.
This innovative and technologically advanced engine is directly mated to a new eight- speed automatic transmission. Developed jointly between BMW and ZF, the new gearbox delivers fast and efficient gear changes. With such a spread of gears, the car will always be in exactly the right ratio for the prevailing driving conditions. It also improves fuel consumption and minimises emissions.
The chassis and ride-height of the X5 have been adapted for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. This includes aerodynamically-efficient 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation. The design of the spokes reduces wind resistance to the extent that, at 100mph, the car has to produce one horsepower less than a conventionally-wheeled car. This benefit has not been included in the fuel consumption calculations but, on the road, the impact is noticeable.
Autocar caught testing the 2010 Lotus ’Eagle’ GT, a model that will be powered by a 4.4-litre V8 supplied by BMW.
The engine was first used by BMW in the newly launched X6, but by 2010 will have been used in a number of other BMW models including the X5 and the 7-series. Lotus will probably re-work the engine management and extract a Nissan GT-R- and Porsche 911 Turbo-rivalling power figure in excess of 500bhp.
Infineon Technologies AG will help BMW develop Engine management systems for future BMW M cars. The Engine management system receives feedback from various sensors located in the engine and meters fuel accordingly. “We are proud of our cooperation with BMW M GmbH. Our TriCore microcontrollers deliver real-time performance as yet unmatched by any other microcontroller today,” said Jochen Hanebeck, senior vice president and head of the Microcontrollers unit at Infineon’s Automotive, Industrial and Multimarket business group.
The Munich based company offers semiconductor and system solutions for automotive, industrial and multimarket sectors. Infineon’s main task would be to integrate its microcontroller chips into the BMW’s ECU . Its will also provide the required technical support.
Both the companies remained tight lipped on the financial details of the deal. As emission norms are becoming stricter, engines will have to be designed and built to satisfy the regulations. And this has to be done without compromising on the other factors like fuel efficiency, power, torque etc. Incorporation of advanced electronics has helped in this area and holds greater responsibilities in the future.
Chinese love Beemers. They gobble up all the BMW’s produced in no time, leaving the manufacturer gasping for breath.
To feed the BMW-hungry market, the German manufacturer has planned to step on the gas and produce 45% more cars in the following months which is roughly about 44,000 extra cars a year. BMW’s sales and marketing chief Stefan Krause, said the company experienced a 37 percent rise in 2007 sales to more than 61,000 cars.
BMW is partnered by Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd to make 3 and 5 Series cars in the Chinese plant situated in Shenyang.
"It is our clear goal to strengthen our lead as the most successful premium provider in Asia," Krause said.
BMW aims to sell more than 2 million cars worldwide by 2020, and raise the operating margin to 8-10 percent by 2012 from 5.5 percent for the first nine months of 2007.
Apart from the components made of CFP, the front air dam, the side-sills and the rear bumper as well as the rear lid are all brand-new in design. The objective in this design process was to optimise the car’s aerodynamic qualities, consistently reflecting the extremely dynamic commitment of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
To meet the particular requirements made of such a car, the structure of the front air dam differs significantly from the air dam in regular production models: The particularly muscular side air intakes are coated inside with CFP and the front air dam comes on both sides with so-called air splitters.
"We are excited to receive this prestigious award; to be acknowledged by such an esteemed panel of judges - each design masters in his own right - is an honor. As the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, the X6 is a truly innovative automobile design, as is demonstrated in the powerful presence of the vehicle," said Anders Warming, Head of Exterior Design for BMW, who accepted the award on behalf of the BMW Group. "BMW will continue to seek dynamic design concepts that push the envelope, create new market sectors and bring the automobile industry in directions it’s never been before."
The BMW X6’s design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, offering unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. It offers all the DNA of a genuine BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, interpreted however, in a brand-new, extremely sporting style. Indeed, the design language of this new model is the authentic visualization of the outstanding driving characteristics offered by the BMW X6, mainly through intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control.
Various design features typical of BMW also stand out in the vehicle’s details, ranging from the BMW kidney grille to the dual round headlights optically "cut off" at the top and the powerful contour line along the side, all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear emphasizing the sheer width of the vehicle.
The EyesOn Design Awards support the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s mission to assist and educate the visually impaired, help preserve vision by public and professional education and support research related to the eye.
Successfully meeting the strict exhaust emissions requirements of the North American automobile market, BMW Advanced Diesel – slated to hit US roadways in late 2008 – will be available in all 50 states. The wide availability of these vehicles marks a significant milestone in the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, which seeks to offer customers in automobile markets around the world maximum driving pleasure with minimum fuel consumption and emissions.
BMW Advanced Diesel technology is being introduced into the US market in the form of the 3.0-liter inline-six featuring Variable Twin Turbo Technology – an engine widely acknowledged as the unchallenged benchmark for sporting performance, motoring refinement and superior efficiency in other markets around the world. At the 2008 NAIAS, BMW is presenting this 265-hp high-performance diesel engine in both the BMW X5 xDrive35d and the BMW 335d. To ensure full compliance with the demanding emission standards in California and other US states, BMW uses SCR technology to reduce nitric oxides (NOX), enabling nationwide introduction of BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance as a 50-state model (BIN5).
BMW diesel competence for the US.
The history of BMW diesel engines began in 1983 when the BMW 524td was introduced as the fastest diesel in the world. From that starting point, BMW has spent 25 years continuously developing diesel technology. Today’s BMW Diesels are characterized by dramatically improved power and performance, fuel consumption and emissions levels – reflecting the principle of BMW EfficientDynamics in every respect.
Through their superior motoring refinement alone, BMW diesel engines have helped to significantly eliminate any reservations regarding the acoustic properties of a diesel engine. Indeed, great demand for BMW diesel engines has helped BMW achieve increased market share not just in Europe, but in regions across the world. Today no less than 67 percent of all new BMWs delivered to customers in Europe are powered by a diesel engine.
While diesel engines of today represent an impressive standard for fuel efficiency and emissions on the whole, BMW Advanced Diesel engines take this a step further, setting the standard for torque and pulling power that could never be achieved by a similar displacement gasoline engine – while consuming 25 percent less fuel on average than an equally powerful gasoline engine.
Maximum dynamism, minimum emissions.
Maximum power, supreme efficiency: The first BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is particularly well-suited to combine the driving dynamics and motoring refinement of a premium automobile with the most current and demanding standards for preserving resources and reducing emissions. Featuring exceptional power and torque, the 3.0 liter inline-six diesel is one of the most fuel-efficient and economical engines in its class.
Applying Variable Twin Turbo Technology, a small turbocharger first cuts in at low engine speeds. Thanks to its low inertia, this turbocharger develops boost (and extra power) in response to even the smallest movement to the gas pedal and without the slightest delay. As engine speed increases, the second, larger turbocharger cuts in, developing maximum torque of 425 lb-ft at just 1,750 rpm. Interaction of the two turbochargers is controlled by the particularly efficient, high-performance electronic engine control unit.
In addition to the above Variable Twin Turbo Technology, new technical highlights of BMW Advanced Diesel – presented for the first time in 2007 – include an aluminum crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection. Featuring precision-quality precise piezo-injectors to deliver the precise dosage of fuel into the combustion chambers with the smallest volume of pre-injection, the third generation system ensures a particularly clean injection process with optimized fuel consumption, emissions figures and running smoothness.
Given all of these qualities, BMW’s 3.0-liter diesel with Variable Twin Turbo has won the prestigious International Engine of the Year Award multiple times – more than any other prize or acknowledgement. The engine is featured in a large number of models in Europe and is now expanding its global story of success as the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.
At the 2008 NAIAS, the BMW 335d featuring Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance for maximum output of 265 hp and peak torque of 425 lb-ft. will provide a clear and convincing demonstration of these qualities. On the road, this means acceleration from 0–62 mph in 6.2 seconds and average fuel economy of 23/33 mpg (city/highway, provisional data).
The BMW X5 xDrive35d, will also debut in Detroit. Like the 335d, the X5 xDrive35d offers sporting character through BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, while standing out as a high-torque Sports Activity Vehicle with excellent qualities for long-distance motoring. The BMW X5 xDrive35d accelerates from 0–62 mph in just 7.2 seconds and offers average fuel economy of at least 19/25 mpg (city/highway, provisional data).
What does it mean?
BMW’s sales have risen as others have fallen. Indeed, the BMW sales charts are the envy of the industry. But the more it sells, the less money it makes. It says it’s trying to change that.
But there may be more to it than the company is admitting. Meeting both new European and American emissions and fuel economy standards is going to tax BMW’s coffers. It makes its money selling cars that will be the most affected by the new regulations. It’s going to need all the money it can get to pay for the development costs, and there’s no time to lose. The European standards are effective in 2012.
Unlike the desperation move at Chrysler, the BMW decision is not a sign that the company is in trouble. It’s a sign that the company is being ultra realistic about exactly what it has to do in order to remain competitive in the future, and isn’t afraid to do what it takes to achieve its goals.
The move, however, seems certain to add to speculation that BMW will sooner or later seek further cooperation and/or consolidation with Daimler. Both companies are believed to need outside help to finance the costs of meeting the new standards, developing new models, and of competitive expansion into emerging markets. Both are thought to be able to achieve significant economies of scale by cooperating with the other because their products and product lines are so similar.
BMW, however, seems to be moving more aggressively than Daimler, at least on the issue of costs. Daimler, of course, has had Chrysler on which to blame past profit problems. Divesting Chrysler has increased earnings dramatically. There is, however, reason to question whether Daimler has bigger problems than it has been publicly prepared to acknowledge. After all, the same folks that ran Chrysler into the ground are still running the show at Daimler.
If so, the BMW move may also be seen as a bit of pre-positioning, so that if and when the need and or opportunity to reach an equal alliance with Daimler should eventuate, it will be BMW that is the one that is more equal than the other.
The BMW X6 comes as standard with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations.
Featured for the first time as standard in the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control likewise ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. Dynamic Performance Control incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential incorporating two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs that enables the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that Dynamic Performance Control can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels.
Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision and, as a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or with the driver suddenly releasing the gas pedal, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the driver to safely enter and enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery or uneven surfaces, Dynamic Performance Control provides the further advantage of even safer and more stable traction.
The new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection, is likewise making its world debut in the BMW X6. Displacing 4.4 liters, this eight-cylinder with maximum engine output of 400 hp and peak torque of 450 lb-ft available over an unusually large range of engine speed from 1,800-4,500 rpm, is the most powerful engine ever seen in a BMW X Model.
The new eight-cylinder is indeed truly impressive not only through its outstanding thrust and pulling force, but also through its compact dimensions. For this is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.
“We received the car shortly before SEMA and concentrated on making it look great for the show,” said company founder and president John Hotchkis. “Now we will run the BMW at autocross events and track days to gather the data necessary to develop a complete 335 Sport Suspension package. Every part that leaves this facility was developed and tested on the racetrack.”
The brand new BMW was grouped in the highly competitive Street Modified class that featured well developed cars running on R compound street/race tires. The Hotchkis BMW held its own and completed every run.
“The 335 has power and potential,” Ogawa explained. “We were conservative in all aspects for this first event and I can’t wait to make some serious suspension modifications and get back out there.”
The Hotchkis BMW 335 is sponsored by: The Tire Rack, Bridgestone Tires, Enkei Wheels, Stop Tech Brakes, Borla Exhaust, Red Line Oil and APR Carbon.
But is there any reality to what BMW is doing, or is the Hydrogen 7 really just a very effective publicity stunt?
Though hydrogen powered vehicles are generally thought of when fuel cells are the actual source of power creation, the Hydrogen 7 is not a fuel cell car. And, therein, lies the real story.
The Hydrogen 7 burns hydrogen in modified BMW V-12 engine. In that respect, it’s a lot like cars that are converted to burn propane. A different fuel is being substituted for gasoline, but it creates power the same way as any other internal combustion engine: moving pistons in cylinders. In fact, the Hydrogen 7 can also burn regular gasoline. Selecting the fuel is simply a matter of moving a switch on the dashboard.
But, in order to burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, it must be stored in liquid form. That requires the ability to keep the hydrogen very, very cold. The hydrogen fuel tank in the Hydrogen 7 is insulated, using an insulating material which BMW says has the equivalent properties of 17 meters of Styrofoam in the one inch thick tank insulation. Even though the tank is so well insulated that, according to BMW, it could keep coffee hot for three months, it can’t keep hydrogen inside it for more than a day. The fuel builds pressure in the tank, to the point that it must be vented when the pressure reaches 87 psi. That happens automatically, but it can also vent out half the hydrogen fuel supply into the atmosphere. The car is equipped with a catalytic converter to add oxygen to the venting hydrogen to turn the escaping gas into water vapor.
Then, there is cost: hydrogen is more expensive than gasoline. Even though it creates water vapor as its exhaust, there has been virtually nothing done to assess either the environmental impact of the energy used to manufacture hydrogen or maintain it in liquid form in storage tanks around the country. Similarly, there has been no apparent consideration given to the effect of increasing the atmospheric water content, particularly in areas with concentrated automotive populations.
BMW claims that it is hoping the Hydrogen 7 will encourage more stations selling liquid hydrogen. But, it’s not willing to take the gasoline tank out of the car before loaning it to the stars. That’s probably just as well, for both stars and company. On hydrogen, the range of the Hydrogen 7 is a mere 100 miles with a full tank.
