2008 M3 comprehensive Test / Review

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=124954/pageNumber=1

Notice the 0-60 times they attempt are two-fold: One being from a dead stop and another being with a 1-foot roll. I think this has to do with the clutch take-up, since all manual Bimmers have clutch-delay valves (CDV). The latter accomplished the 60mph run in 4.3 seconds :)

BMW 135i vs Porsche Cayman

In the UK, the base Cayman MSRP is 6000 pounds more than the 135i. I guess that's why they didn't test it against the Cayman S, even though the HP would be more similar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3comQxPNWI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeahQyxfvxY

Or a higher-quality alternative:
http://www.stage6.com/user/Stankia/video/2248188/#

Evolution of Car Logos

Pretty interesting.

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/02/18/evolution-of-car-logos/

Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aK8_DkEmLyo

335i vs E55 AMG vs E63 AMG vs E60 m5

Welcome to the Supra Turbo of the 21st century. There are some 335's already pushing over 400 wheel hp and over 450 wheel lb-ft torque:

http://www.burgertuning.com/images/maxpower.jpg


http://youtube.com/watch?v=3MAcbel9vEc

And that's what 15 psi sustained will do. Get ready for some serious crying by boys with more expensive toys. Awwww, it tugs at your heart strings doesn't it? Awww.

lol, E63 amg. Yeah, howze *this* feel baby? http://s153.photobucket.com/albums/s235/WalkedU/?action=view&current=vsjon.flv

Ouch...crushed every run by at least 2 car lengths. Here is the commentary:

"Heres part 2 of the videos.

Me the camera car, jon in the middle lane the e63 in the far right.

Jon was honking so the E63 could hear.

First run for me boost was going iffy but the other 2 were ok.

Jons car was running very quick last night. Awesome to see his car that fast.

When I boosted properly the most I could walk away by was like 1-1.5 CL, more like 1.

He was on basicly 92-92.5 octane he had less than a 1/4th of a tank left of 100 and we tried to burn it off before the meet. Funny stuff tho his car didnt throw any codes with the couple H and R switch on. Go go JB hahahah

We are both on pump gas.

Anyways sorry you cant see the E63, its hard to capture it. Basicly tho everytime we ran the E63 would be behind us about 2 CL's or so. I believe after 1.5 CL's it gave up but me and jon kept going.

Oh also every car had 1 passenger.

The first run the e63 didnt line up i believe. You can barley see the E63 sorry I should have been in the middle lane."

Nissan attempts to muzzle GT-Rs

http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0802_nissan_muzzles_japanese_gtr/index.html

2009 Jaguar XF sedan - Ian Callum strikes again

The all-new 2009 Jaguar XF is by FAR my favorite new car for the year. I am extremely excited about it in a strange way (given that I was never really a big Jaguar fan), because this baby finally looks like the absolute knock-out winner that the company deserves and needs.

It looks like an Aston, but for a fraction of the cost (it starts BELOW $50K !!!). A loaded one goes for a bit over 60k. That is extremely competitive.

The design is absolutely awesome in my view, as is the interior. They are already saying it drives beautifully and is masterfully refined and sporty.

And I believe it. I drove the XK, an older design, but their current coupe, and it was extremely competent and impressive.

It has already won Car of the Year from a couple of publications in Europe.

Other than the high weight of the XF (over 4K lbs), the rest of the package is absolutely impressive if you ask me. I mean just check out the interior: The panels light up with perimeter lighting ala the Motorola Razr. The startup sequence is damn cool and unique. Hell, even the unique color combinations for the interior are super sweet.

You owe it to yourself to check it out:

http://www.jaguarxf.com/default.asp

If I were in the market for a premium sedan with a price tag quite a bit below six figures, this is a no-brainer for me. I never thought I'd say that, but this car just caught my attention like a magnet from day 1 !!

Interesting E46 M3-related info from ROUNDEL magazine

Hey there 3-series/M3 folks:

I got my first issue of the BMW roundel magazine since I just joined BMW CCA club. They have a Tech Talk section where people send in comments/questions and the tech editors answer them. You know, like in the other car mags.

Well here are a couple that should prove interesting to you guys that caught my eye:

S54 engine redline:

"S54 is an outstanding achievement marred by TWO things: 1) The ridiculous 8000 rpm redline mandated by BMW's marketing weenies, which together with other factors such as oil temperature and 15,000-mile oil changes, led to these engines self-destructing in the E46 M3. No problem in the Mcoupe and Mroadster, because those have 7,600-rpm redlines. Last service action on the S54 included a DME reprogramming -- including a lower redline. How low? We don't know. BMW isn't talking about it. My guess is 7,900, which, apparently, is low enough. 2) 15,000-mile oil changes: Even with BMW's excellent Castrol-made TWS Motorsport 10W-60, that's simply too long. It's what causes the sludge problem."

So keep that rpm no higher than 7600 rpm and change your oil every 7500 miles and your S54 will live long and prosper.

SMG Shift-Switch Cleaning?

This one guy was saying how his UPSHIFT paddle on his 80k miles M3 SMG (2002 model) began to sometimes not work when he pulls on it. He claims it's a bit more stable in colder weather but was asking what's up with that. He said his tunnel shifter continues to work fine though. The Roundel editor told him they haven't heard of this problem before, but it's most likely just a switch contact issue. There's a switch set under the steering-wheel airbag module that is connected by a wiring harness. The shift levers actuate the switches. He probably just needs to spray the switches with electrical-contact cleaner, then reinstall. The airbag has to come out for this quick job however.

How to shift the SMG?

A 2004 SMG M3 owner wrote in asking them what's the best way to shift. Lett up on the accelerator between shifts, or no? Here's their abridged answer"

"It's quite difficult to shift smoothly in any BMW SMG except for hard acceleration in S4 and S5. I don't see what harm throttle lift can possibly cause. I agree that SMG power shifts seem to e very hard on the drivetrain, the differential in particular. And they're also hard on the rear tow bushings. Regarding the former, the M variable-lock differential is a masterpiece and appears to be quite strong. Moreover, M-cars have the benefits of a 1200-mile break-in service and gearbox and diff oil changes every inspection II (every ~60k miles) -- maintenance BMW refuses to authorize on non-M cars, to their eventual detriment. Regarding the latter, M3 drivers operating con brio are now accustomed to replacing the toe bushings every 10-20k miles. Normal street use, figure every 40-50k. There are permanent aftermarket solutions, but you have the choice between paying $700 for a set of quiet and durable Dinan toe bushings, or far less for a set of noisy and durable toe bushings from a number of other sources."

Fun fact mentioned about the 335i engine:

"Young powerplants are expected to have teething problems, in all new-model BMWs. It's not like the 1980s when new-model BMWs were tested out the wazoo before being put into regular production. Nowadays, the competition is way too fierce for that; the lead times are very short. Final R&D is literally being left to the dealership technicians to figure out".

Quick comment about 335i vs E46 M3:

"I loved the 335i coupe I tested for Bimmer magazine for 1,200 miles. I had some niggling complaints, but overall the car was superb -- and there's no question it handles better than a stock E46 M3. Whether it's more fun is a different question, and one that I would answer in the negative. The 335i is truly an oustanding luxury GT and it would unequivocally be my choice for year-round use or long road trips. Either car is excellently suited for daily use, but in terms of winter set-up, I think the 335i would edge out the E46 M3."

Philadelphia International Auto Show Coverage

Black Tie Gala, Food, Booze, The New Audi A4, Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R...and Miss America.

http://www.audiworld.com/news/08/philadelphia-international-auto-show/

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder vs Ferrari F430 Spyder test

Clarkson compares the Gallardo Spyder vs the Ferrari F430 Spyder, great clip !!

http://www.racingflix.com/getvideo.asp?v=2172

R8 vs 997 GT3 video

Top Gear compares the Audi R8 vs Porsche 997 GT3, great video, good fun:

http://www.racingflix.com/getvideo.asp?v=2173

What the BMW N54 (335i/135i) turbos look like...

A California-based tuner named "AutoTalent" recently did some surgery on their 335i test mule and posted pics of the twin turbos. Check em out.

The engineer is sure that the stock internals can hold 18-20psi that bigger turbos can give. Question is can the headgasket and ignition system hold up, and can the stock injectors give enough fuel for that much boost?

No matter, this engine powers what everyone's calling "The 1st Supra Turbo of the 21st Century". Given that it's all-aluminum, you won't be seeing 600RWHP with stock internals, but it's interesting to see what it can do with the 500 range...possibly??

Some of the parts that had to come off the car

The Baby Turbos

BMW GROUP (WORLDWIDE): 2007 SALES REVENUE RISES TO RECORD LEVEL

01/30/2008

Sales revenue up by 14.3% to euro 56,018 million+++
Sales volume set to reach new high level again in 2008+++

Munich. The BMW Group has achieved a new sales revenue record in 2007. Compared to the previous year, group revenues rose by 14.3% to euro 56,018 million (2006: euro 48,999 million). Revenues of the Automobiles segment went up by 12.7% to euro 53,818 million (2006: euro 47,767 million). The Motorcycles segment reported sales of euro 1,228 million (2006: euro 1,265 million /-2.9%), while the Financial Services segment increased its revenues by 25.8% to euro 13,940 million (2006: euro 11,079 million).

The total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered to customers in 2007 also rose to its highest level to date, with the sales volume rising by 9.2% to 1,500,678 units (2006: 1,373,970 units). This upper single-digit growth rate means that the BMW Group was well within the sales volume target that it had set itself for the full year. "

#5,000,000 BMW 5-series rolls off assembly line

The 5 millionth 5-series ever (a Carbon Black Metallic 530d pictured below) to be produced rolled off the assembly line at the Dingolfing plant yesterday. And boy was she a beauty.

A little historical background on BMW's 5-series cars:

- the first generation 5-series (E12) started its life in 1972, based on the 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti concept. It debuted at the Geneva Motor Show that year.
- the E12's range of engines consisted of four and six cylinder engines, with a six cylinder 218 horsepower engine at the top range
- the E60's (current 5-series) range of engines consists of six and eight cylinder engines, with a ten cylinder 500 horsepower engine at the top range in the ///M5.

Needless to say, the 5-series has come along way from its 1st to the 5,000,000th unit.

SUV Owners Must Pay $50 Per Day to Drive in London

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/business/suv-owners-must-pay-50-per-day-to-drive-in-london/752

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has partially built his career on making London more environmentally friendly.

Piccadilly Circus in central London

He’s made a few missteps in tackling environmental problems, such as the recent law he was promoting that would have hurt on bike use in the city. But today, in the thick of his mayoral re-election campaign, he announced what is in effect a massive tax hike on gas guzzling vehicles in the city of London.

London already charges a tax, known as a congestion charge, on almost all vehicles that enter central and parts of west London. Certain vehicles, such as those hybrids or eco-friendly fuel cars are exempt. Livingstone’s most recent announcement, however, vastly increases the charge for the highest polluting vehicles.

Vehicles in band G, those that emit more than 225 grams of CO2 per kilometre, will pay a whopping £25($50) every day to enter the congestion zone. This will mostly affect heavy 4×4 vehicles. Most other vehicles will continue to pay the daily charge of £8($16).

Livingstone had previously discussed the congestion charge hike, but likely chose to formally announce it now in an effort to strengthen his campaign. He has frequently highlighted his “green” credentials throughout the campaign.

Livingstone said in a written statement: “A key issue at the election is my proposal for a £25-a-day charge for the most CO2-emitting vehicles entering the congestion-charging zone and, after consultation, I will be able to take a decision on this in the coming month. On the environment, the choice is even starker. [Mayoral opponent Boris Johnson] is one of the few politicians who supported George W Bush in opposing the Kyoto treaty.”

The move has come under some criticism from the Automobile Association. They argue the charge will penalize small business owners who use vans to conduct business in the city, as well as large families who must use bigger vehicles to travel.

Info from Guardian Unlimited

Because he's worth it

$1.5m a week for Porsche’s Wiedeking

30th January 2008

	The size of the pay-out, a rather more sensitive issue in egalitarian Germany than in the shark-infested waters of Wall Street and the City, was enough to trigger a rant from German Chancellor Angela Merkel against corporate fat cats

How much pay is a good – really good – motor industry manager worth? Is it a million dollars? A couple of million? The latter is roughly what General Motors chief Rick Wagoner is getting as he continues to try and turn the titanic (pun only half-intended) supertanker around.

Ask Wendelin Wiedeking, the hyper-active, caterpillar-moustached chief executive of Porsche the same question and he is likely to blush a bit, roll his eyes cheerfully around the room, drum fingers and whistle innocently while trying not to give a direct answer. Not surprising, really; because for every week he went to work last year, he pocketed well over $1.5m.

The size of the pay-out, a rather more sensitive issue in egalitarian Germany than in the shark-infested waters of Wall Street and the City, was enough to trigger a rant from German Chancellor Angela Merkel against corporate fat cats. But, just like those hoary ol’ l’Oreal ads, Wiedeking can lay claim to be worth it. Ridiculous as it sounds, Porsche made a pre-tax profit of 5.9bn Euros ($8.5bn) last year on sales of just 7.4bn Euros ($12bn), even though more of the money came from financial wheeler-dealing and share options than direct car-making. There have been big bonuses for both workers and shareholders.

Few see the gravy train slowing. Industry analysis group Global Insight sees Porsche’s sales passing through the 100,000 threshold to soar to 120,000 a year after the Panamera four-door comes in during 2009. When Wiedeking first arrived at Porsche 15 years ago, it was close to bankrupt.

However with Porsche poised to take a 50 per cent stake in Europe’s biggest car maker, the Volkswagen group, early in the New Year (it is already VW’s biggest shareholder), Wiedeking’s mettle faces sterner tests than most he has confronted at the luxury sports car maker. He will move on to VW’s supervisory board determined to lick VW into shape to fend off strengthening Asian competition. Time to place bets on the winner……

Spy Photos: 2009 BMW Progressive Activity Sedan

From: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124596

MUNICH, Germany — BMW is developing another all-new model to fill the gap in its model line between the 5 Series wagon and the 2009 X6 SUV. At this time, BMW's newcomer is dubbed the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS), which BMW considers an all-new creation in the multitude of SUVs, SAVs, MPVs and APVs.

Although the PAS prototype is still under heavy disguise, it already reveals a sloping hatchback, similar to the X6 that debuted in January at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, but with more headroom for the rear passengers. BMW intends to steer clear of the minivan category, instead designing a sportier vehicle that avoids the perceived stigma of a family van.

Based on the new BMW 5 Series platform, the new PAS is scheduled

for launch in 2009. Power is expected to come from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower, and possibly a future direct-injection V8 delivering 420 hp.

"The Short, Deadly Story of a Kid and his M5"

This is very messed up. An 18yo kid and 4 of his pals perish in Florida while in his 2008 M5:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Columns/articleId=124526#3

Here's the M5board.com thread with videos and pics of the crash:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=111545

Thanks to my buddy Hao for pointing me to this story. It's incredible that this happened in a car as stable, accomplished, and safe as the E60 M5. I mean just look at the pics to understand the madness they put it through.

He posted on the BMW M5 forum — www.M5board.com — as "AmericanM5," the proud new owner of a 2008 BMW M5 painted Space Gray.

He had a problem. It happened when he had "everything set to max" and changed gear with the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As he said, "and I'm going pedal to the metal pushing 140 and upshifting, there tends to be a thud noise with the gear change." AmericanM5 wanted to know if this was normal.

And he added: "Let me say I am a beginner when it comes to high-performance cars as I am only 18, so take it easy on me."

Reality Check
The forum members told him that yes, the sensation of an abrupt gear engagement is normal with the M5's automated sequential manual transmission, but several also took the opportunity to express their concerns.

Wrote one: "It's just disturbing to know...that an 18-year-old who is asking these questions about a 500-horsepower car is driving the same streets I am. I don't have anything against young guys driving nice cars, but an 18-year-old being [behind] the wheel of an M5 is what accidents are made of."

AmericanM5 responded: "I completely understand where you are coming from, assuming that I am irresponsible...that is definitely understandable. I do sometimes make bad decisions but I am young and I do drive safe and I will not endanger the lives of others."

These posts were dated January 25, 2008.

Space Gray
At 3:30 a.m. on January 26, a 2008 BMW M5 painted Space Gray flew off the raised end of a runway at a private airport just outside Ocala, Florida, sailed 200 feet through the air and stuck a huge tree. The impact with the tree occurred 15 feet off the ground. Five young men, aged 18 to 20, were killed instantly.

Members of the M5Board began to put the pieces together. AmericanM5 said he was 18, had a 2008 M5 in Space Gray, and said he lived in the Ocala area. And he signed one of the posts, "Josh."

The driver of the crashed M5 had been Josh Ammirato.

Experience Counts
Apparently AmericanM5 had not been entirely truthful in his postings. The M5 belonged not to him, but instead to his father.

When members of the M5board forum had made this suggestion online, AmericanM5 bristled: "It's mine, buddy. I just traded in my 335i and paid the difference."

Another member suggested that AmericanM5's lack of knowledge about the BMW M5's transmission could be easily explained: "Maybe your two years' driving experience in your whole life is the problem."

AmericanM5 responded: "That could be a good assumption but the fact I never drive a manual car before may be true, but I've been driving for a lot longer than two years, buddy."

Reports indicate that Ammirato had received four traffic citations in the last two years.

Is This for Real?
The crash occurred at the Greystone Airport, which is bordered on one side by Jumbolair Estates, a fly-in community where actor and pilot John Travolta lives; he filed a suit in 2007 to compel the owners to allow him to land his Boeing 707 on the strip.

The fly-in community was built by the late Arthur Jones, inventor of Nautilus exercise equipment. The airstrip is 7,550 feet (1.5 miles) long and is 210 feet wide. Apparently it can be accessed through an unguarded gate.

The five occupants of the M5 had attended a basketball game, and then a party where they were celebrating the 19th birthday of Dustin "Smiley" Dawe, one of the men killed.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that there was evidence of skid marks at the end of the runway, indicating the car had turned sideways before crossing a sloped embankment and sailing through the air and into the tree. Alcohol does not appear to have been involved. The accident made headlines in the Ocala Star-Banner.

A Final Word
The final exchange between AmericanM5 and the rest of the forum members came late on January 25.

Some members wondered if the 18-year-old M5 owner was for real, and suggested that he post some photos of his car. Others wondered why a teenager would opt for an expensive sedan instead of more conventional sports car like a Porsche.

A forum member from Queensland, Australia, applauded AmericanM5's decision to get a BMW: "I would much prefer an 18-year-old with brains to have an M5 rather than spend his money on some other piece of junk that could kill him and his mates in an accident," wrote M5DAL, a forum member since 2004. He continued: "If you crash in a big way, expect to be on the news."

"Thanks, guys, don't get me wrong," AmericanM5 wrote. "I never said I didn't respect your wisdom. Thanks for the welcome, and I am looking forward to getting to know you guys better...and I plan to have all the pics up tomorrow. Josh."

That was his last post.

A bit better photo of the runway. The impact trees are at the bottom of the photo...

Official BMW 1 and 3 series performance parts catalogue !

WOW. Check out this *fantastic* list of new BMW performance parts for the 1 and 3 series:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3865

Here's the (German) catalog: http://www.1addicts.com/goodiesforyou/pp1b.PDF

This may speak towards what some have criticized BMW with on the lack of enough differentiation between their cars. Well if they're giving *these* to 1/3 customers, imagine the M3 ?

Here are some pics:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3888

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3888

Notice the matching clothing of the blonde? ;)

Anyhow, this is more proof of just how much a presence the 1-series, in particular the 135i, will be on the racetracks of the world. 335i to lesser extent given the customer target and interests.

I mean wow, just take a look at that steering wheel. Can you say...track junkies gonna be drooling?

BMW, Audi unveil diesels for 21st century

============================================================================================

BMW, Audi unveil diesels for 21st century

Marketing’s executive editor Paul Ferriss is in Detroit this week to cover the North American International Auto Show

Both BMW and Audi had diesels and performance cars to talk about in Detroit this week. But while BMW had high-ranking German executives to talk up the benefits to the environment and the pleasures of driving, Audi had Bryan Adams.

After executive vice-president of Audi America Johan de Nysschen addressed the media Sunday afternoon, the veteran Canadian singer walked casually onstage with his acoustic guitar and sang “The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You,” as the checkered flag cover came off the new Audi TTS sports car. Adams later posed for photos with Audi executives before disappearing backstage.

Audi is introducing a diesel version of its R8

In keeping with the green theme that has taken hold at the North American International Auto Show, Audi and BMW touted the benefits of diesel power, both from an environmental and performance perspective. Audi used the diesel version of its R8 supercar, the R8 TDI, as the perfect, if not extreme, example.

Claiming a possible 185 mph top speed and the ability to go from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, the concept car is powered by what Audi refers to as a “clean diesel” engine. “Audi wants to challenge the last piece of conventional wisdom about diesel power,” said Rupert Staller, chair of the Audi board of management.

Karsten Ruwoldt, Audi Canada’s recently appointed director of marketing and product management, said automakers should have an easier time marketing diesels to Canadian consumers, while the American market will be tougher to educate.

“Canadians have a more positive view of diesels,” he said. “And Canadians are ready for a clean diesel.”

Ruwoldt believes more Canadians have come in contact with diesels in Europe and are aware of their fuel-saving benefits. Plus, he added, Canadians take longer driving trips which are ideal for fuel-sipping diesels.

BMW meanwhile announced the North American availability of its Advanced Diesel engine with Blue Performance. The engine will be available this year in the X5 SUV and the 335 sedan.

BMW's new 1 Series

“Customers expect vehicles that are high performance, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management at BMW AG.

Almost overshadowing the diesel introduction, which came with loud Euro-style music and acrobatic dancers, was the debut of the 1 Series and X6 concept “performance sports activity vehicle.” Imagine an SUV that thinks it’s a sports car.

The 1 Series is the “reincarnation of the 2002,” said chairman and CEO of BMW U.S., Tom Purves, recalling the classic coupe that still enchants enthusiasts. It’s aimed at a different consumer target than most other BMWs and a unique Canadian marketing plan is in the works.