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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Technology, BMW, Luxury

It looks like BMW may be spreading its ActiveHybrid technology to the 3 Series line in the near future. Autobild is reporting that a battery-laden model will debut shortly after the 2012 3 Series arrives on dealer lots early next year. The report suggests that the company's forced-induction four-cylinder will also show up behind the headlights of the 3 Series in everything but the mighty 335i. The top-of-the-line 3 will continue to boast inline six-cylinder power for the conceivable future. Meanwhile, the hybrid variant will work with a version of the company's straight-six mated to tech from the ActiveHybrid 7 Series.

That means that buyers should be able to look forward to an additional 15 horsepower from a small electric motor as well as the boost of instantaneous torque. Chances are the system will use the same 120-volt lithium-ion battery pack as the big 7 as well. Or at least it will if the report turns out to be true. Right now, Autobild is working off of whispers obtained from unnamed sources within the shadowy halls of BMW headquarters, so take this hybrid 3 Series rumor with a grain of salt.

Next BMW 3-Series to get hybrid option? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US based BMW tuner Dinan releases information on their upgrade to the iconic BMW V10 engine. The Dinan ...

M-Power gives the M fans an exclusive look at the first and only exclusive BMW M dealership. The ...

Word has it that BMW is working on some serious stoppers for its M5. According to Bimmerfile, Dr. Herbert Diess, a member of the BMW board of management, has confirmed that the company is currently testing carbon ceramic discs for the M5 and upcoming M6. Brake supplier Brembo has teamed up with SGL Carbon for a joint venture to manufacture the discs, and Brembo is already responsible for bits like the multi-piston calipers already at work on the 2012 M5.

So, when we can we expect to see carbon discs on the performance sedan? That still remains unclear. Diess says…

The Germans from BMW decided to reveal the pricing for the 2012 BMW 528i, prices which start from $46,700 for the rear-wheel drive model and end at $49,000 for the 528i xDrive. The 2012 BMW 528i features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine able to deliver 240 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque. Customers can opt either for the Sport or Manual shift modes of the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The new four-cylinder engine which replaces the 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit offered on the outgoing model is able to offer more power while keeping the fuel…

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

BMW X4 production confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In late ?70s, BMW launches the first 6 Series Coupe, a replacement to the legendary 3.0CS and 3.0CSi. ...

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Technology, Crossover, BMW

If 300 horsepower is good, 320 horsepower is better. And when that 20-horsepower boost comes at a cost of just $599, it's really a no-brainer as far as we're concerned.

BMW hopes you agree, as it's officially announced two new Power Kits for the 135i, 335i and certain X6 models that boost the power of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six by the aforementioned twenty ponies. Just as welcome is a boost in torque from 300 to 332 pound-feet (when equipped with an automatic transmission) and 317 lb-ft (when equipped with a manual or DCT transmission).

The increase comes courtesy of what BMW is calling Version 1 Power Kit, which basically amounts to a reflash of the car's computer system, and it can be applied to any 135i or 335i and all X6 models produced before April of 2010. These power figures bring the turbocharged machines up to the specification of the 2011 335is.

A second option is the Version 2 Power Kit, which adds an auxiliary water cooler and "enhanced" radiator fan to the reflash on 1 Series and 3 Series models. The V2PK costs $1,199, a modest increase over the $599 of Version 1 considering the added hardware. Both kits also include an "exhaust burble sound during engine overrun conditions." BMW is quick to point out other modifications may be necessary and that installation isn't included in that price.

In case you're thinking this all sounds rather familiar, BMW did indeed make a similar announcement a little while back. While that press release heralded the option for new buyers of the 2011 335i, this one indicates the availability of current owners to get the upgrade retrofitted to their cars while their warranties remain intact. For all the details, hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading BMW announces new Power Kits for 135i and 335i

BMW announces new Power Kits for 135i and 335i originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Germans from BMW announced their intentions to introduce the xDrive traction system on the new 6 Series generation. Therefore, the U.S. customers will be able to order the new BMW 6 Series with the all-wheel drive system, an alternative to the traditional rear-wheel drive system. According to the official details, the new BMW 6 Series xDrive will be available in both Coupe and Convertible body styles, the actual all-wheel drive system being priced at around $3,000.

This means that the BMW 650i Coupe is priced from $83,000 while the Convertible version…

While a renown seller for the Bavarian company, the little 1 Series never really pleased the brand fans until the company came up with the BMW 1M Coupe. The BMW 1 Series M is mostly made up of the remaining bin parts your favorite Germans had lying around and some people say this as if [...]