BMW of North America releases all the information on the product updates and pricing for Model Year 2018. Most notable is the no change to the Destination and Handling fee for all BMW models – $995, the Rear View Camera is now standard on all models and the ConnectedDrive Services (6AK), previously known as BMW Online and BMW Apps being now standard on all models.

For the 2018 model  year, the 2018 BMW X1, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW X3, BMW 5 Series (excl. BMW M550i xDrive), BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, BMW X5, and BMW X6 package structure has been redesigned. Each model will now have a tiered package structure, with single options being unlocked after a specific tier is ordered.

Lines and Package changes:

• Cold Weather Package (ZCW) is no longer available, as its contents have shifted to other packages or are being offered as single options.
• Technology Package (ZTP) is no longer available, as its contents have shifted to other packages.
• Parking Assistant Plus (5DN or 5DL+5DP) is offered as a Parking Assistance Package (ZPK). Pricing varies by model.
• Active Driving Assistant (5AS/8TH) is offered as a Driving Assistance Package (ZDA). In certain cases, Head-up display (610) is also included. Pricing varies by model.
• When available, Active Driving Assistant Plus (5AT) is offered as a Driving Assistance Plus Package (ZDB). Pricing varies by model.

BMW i3, BMW 2 Series, BMW M2, BMW X1, BMW 3 Series, BMW M3, BMW 4 Series, BMW M4, BMW X3 and BMW X4.

• Convenience Package (ZCV) is the first tier, containing visual differentiation over the base model.
• M Sport Package (ZMP) now includes all Convenience Package content.
• Premium Package (ZPP) is the second tier containing sought-after options, and requires ordering the Convenience or M Sport Package.

BMW 5 Series, BMW M5, BMW X5, BMW X6.

• Premium Package (ZPP) is the first tier containing sought-after options.
• M Sport Package (ZMP) now includes all Premium Package content.
• Executive Package (ZPX) is the highest tier in all applicable models, and requires ordering Premium Package (if applicable), Convenience Package (if applicable), or M Sport Package. This package includes exclusive options, and further differentiates the car’s visual look.

Stand-alone Options:

• Metallic Paint will be reduced from $700 to $550 on all applicable models.
• On models where Navigation Professional (609) is offered as a single option, the bundle includes Advanced Real Time Traffic Information (ARTTI) and Remote Services (6AM/6AP) which is now available for $1700.
• On models where Navigation Business (6UN) is offered as a single option, the bundle includes ARTTI and Remote Services (6AM/6AP) and is now available for $950.

2017 BMW i8 Special Editions.

Information on the 2018 Model Year will be released at a later date.

Protonic Dark Silver Edition

• Protonic Frozen Dark Silver with Frozen Gray Metallic Accents
• Giga Amido Full Perforated Leather with blue seat belts

Protonic Frozen Black Edition

• Protonic Frozen Black with Frozen Gray Metallic Accents
• 20-inch BMW i Light Alloy W Spoke Matte wheels
• Seats with yellow highlights and gray seat belts
• Floor mats with black leather and yellow stitching
• Anthracite Headliner
• Door sills with “Protonic Frozen Black Edition” engraving

Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition

• Protonic Frozen Yellow with Frozen Gray Metallic Accents
• 20-inch BMW i Light Alloy W Spoke Matte wheels
• Seats with yellow highlights and gray seat belts
• Floor mats with black leather and yellow stitching
• Anthracite Headliner
• Door sill with “Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition” engraving

2017 BMW i8 Pricing (plus$995 D&H; subject to state incentives):

2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible changes are effective as of July 2017 production. This facelift includes new LED headlight and taillights, as well an enhanced interior with a new instrument panel with top stitching and a new instrument cluster.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• LED Fog Lights (5A1) replace Fog Lights (520), which are no longer available.
• LED Headlights (5A2) replace Halogen lights on 230i models and replace Xenon adaptive headlights (522+524) on the M240i models.
• On the 230i models, Power front seats (459) are now standard.
• A new bi-color 17-inch wheel (style 725) is now standard on 230i models. Several 18-inch upgrades remain available.
• A new bi-color 18-inch wheel (719M) is standard on the M240i models. A jet black wheel in the same styling is available as a no cost option.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• New exterior colors: Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Seaside Blue Metallic, and Sunset Orange Metallic.
• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go (available on certain 230i models)
• A new Cognac Leather Upholstery color is available.
• 2 new wood interior trim colors are available.
• iDrive 6.0 with Touch Screen technology on Navigation equipped models.
• Adaptive full LED headlights with Icon light design.

BMW 2 Series Pricing (plus $995 D&H)

2018 BMW 3 Series Sedan and Wagon.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon changes are effective as of July 2017 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• On 320i models, LED Fog Lights (5A1) replace Fog Lights (520).
• LED Headlights (5A2) are now standard.
• iDrive 6.0 with Touch Screen Technology now available.

Lines and Package changes:

• M Sport Package will be available with new 19-inch wheel (21W)
• A new trim is available for M Sport Package: 4MN Aluminum Dark Carbon Trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome Highlight.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• Shadow Sport Edition (ZSF) will be offered as special edition package on 338d, 330e, 330i and 340i models including:

• 18-inch Bi-color Jet Black Wheels Style 397 with Mixed Performance or All-season Tires (24Y/26P).
• Kidney frame in high-gloss black.
• LED headlights with black insert & Darker Tail Lights.
• Air dam with black insert.
• Optional 4MN Aluminum Dark Carbon Trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome Highlight.
• Sport Leather Steering wheel: the leather on the outer rim features a modified lining, giving the steering wheel a softer touch and better grip.
  • *Please note: the Shadow Sport Edition requires Park Distance Control (508).
• New color Sunset Orange Metallic is now available.
• New Cognac Brown Dakota Leather is now available.

BMW 3 Series Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 320i Sedan

$34,900

BMW 320i xDrive

$36,900

BMW 330i Sedan

$40,250

BMW 330i xDrive Sedan

$42,250

BMW 328d Sedan

$41,750

BMW 328d xDrive Sedan

$43,750

BMW 330e iPerformance Sedan

$45,600

BMW 340i Sedan

$48,950

BMW 340i xDrive Sedan

$50,950

BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon

$44,450

BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

$45,950

BMW 330i xDrive Gran Turismo

$44,850

BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo

$50,700

2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe.

Please refer to the 2018 BMW 4 Series Press Release for additional information.

Lines and Package changes:

• Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster will be available starting July production in combination with the Executive Package.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 430i Coupe

$43,300

BMW 430i xDrive Coupe

$45,300

BMW 440i Coupe

$49,700

BMW 440i xDrive Coupe

$51,700

BMW 430i Convertible

$51,450

BMW 430i xDrive Convertible

$53,450

BMW 440i Convertible

$58,500

BMW 440i xDrive Convertible

$60,500

BMW 430i Gran Coupe

$43,100

BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe

$45,100

BMW 440i Gran Coupe

$49,500

BMW 440i xDrive Gran Coupe

$51,500

2018 BMW 5 Series Sedan.

Please refer to the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive and 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Press Release for additional information.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On 530i models, Dynamic Handling package (ZDH) is a new package, including Dynamic Damper Control (223), M Sport Brakes (2NH), and Integral Active Steering (2VH), priced at $1,950.
• On 530e models, Dynamic Handling package (ZDH) is a new package, including Dynamic Damper Control (223) and M Sport Brakes (2NH), and is priced at $1,450.
• On 530i models, M Sport Brakes (2NH) are no longer available as a single option and are now included in the Dynamic Handling Package.
• On 530i models, Integral Active Steering (2VH) is no longer available as a single options, and is now included in the Dynamic Handling Package.
• Luxury Seating Package (ZLP) now includes Nappa Leather, and is priced at $4,050 on 530i models, and $2,600 on 540i models.
• Individual Full Merino Leather (ZBxx) is now available for $5,500.
• Individual Trims (4xx) are now available for $1,080.
• Anthracite Alcantara Headliner (776) is now available for $1000.
• Leather Dashboard (4M5) is now available as a stand-alone option for $1,200.

BMW 5 Series Sedan Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 530i Sedan

$52,400

BMW 530i xDrive Sedan

$54,700

BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan

$52,400

BMW 530e xDrive iPerformance Sedan

$54,700

BMW 540i Sedan

$57,700

BMW 540i xDrive Sedan

$60,000

BMW M550i xDrive Sedan

$73,400

The All-New 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.

Please refer to the 2018 BMW 6 Series GT Press Release for more information.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• Rear axle air suspension
• Automatic Tailgate (316)
• Panoramic Moonroof (402)
• Park Distance Control (508)
• 12.3-inch  Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster (6WB)
• Comfort Access (322)
• Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights (552) and Automatic High Beams (5AC)
• Satellite Radio (655)
• Wireless Charging (6NW) and Wi-Fi Hotspot (6WD)
• Heated Front Seats (494)
• Active Driving Assistant (5AS)
• Sensatec Dashboard (4AW)
• 19-inch Wheels (2xx)

Metallic Paint

Optional Equipment now includes:

• Dynamic Handling package (ZDH) is a new package, including Integral Active Steering (2VH) and Adaptive Drive + 2-Axle Air Suspension (2VT), and is priced at $4100.
• Driving Assistance Package (ZDA) is not offered, due to the fact that Active Driving Assistant (5AS) is standard equipment.
• Lighting Package (ZLP) is not offered, as Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights (552) and Automatic High Beams (5AC) are standard equipment.
• Luxury Package (ZPL) includes Rear seat back adjustment (461) and does not include Sensatec Dashboard (4AW).  Pricing is $500.
• Premium Package (ZPP) is not offered, as package contents are either standard or have been integrated into Executive Package (ZPX).
• M Sport Package (ZMP) does not include premium package contents as they are either standard or have been integrated into Executive Package (ZPX or M Sport suspension (704).  In addition, M Sport Package (ZMP) will delete the standard LED Fog lights (5A1).  Pricing is $1,250.
• Executive Package (ZPX) includes Soft Close Doors (323), Parking Assistant Plus (5DN), Head-up Display (610), and Gesture control (6U8).  Pricing is $2,150.

• 19-inch wheels – style 685 with mix performance run-flat tires (2QU), are now available as a no-charge alternative to the standard 19-inch wheels – style 685 with all season run-flat tires (2QW).
• M Sport Brakes (2NH) are not offered.
• Power rear side window shades (416) supplement Power rear sunshade with manual rear side window shades as option contents.
• Rear seat back adjustment (461) is offered as a single option for $500.
• Active Cruise Control (5DF) is only available for customer orders for $1,200.

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo

$69,700

2018 BMW 7 Series.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On BMW 740i and BMW 740e models, Active Driving Assistant will be offered as a stand-alone option.

Lines and Package changes:

• BMW 740i, BMW 740e, and BMW 750i models are now available with the Parking Assistance Package which includes the Parking Assistant and Surround View Camera.
• The Driver Assistance Package on the BMW 740i and BMW 740e models has been renamed Driving Assistance Package and includes Active Driving Assistant and Head-up Display.
• The Driver Assistance Package on the BMW 750i models has been renamed Driving Assistance Package and now includes the Active Driving Assistant.
• The Driver Assistance Plus package has been renamed Driving Assistance Plus Package and consists of the Active Driving Assistant Plus.
• Driver Assistance Plus II Package is no longer offered, as its contents are now included in the Diving Assistance Plus Package.

BMW 7 Series (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 740i Sedan

$81,100

BMW 740i xDrive Sedan

$86,100

BMW 740e xDrive Sedan

$90,700

BMW 750i Sedan

$96,400

BMW 750i xDrive Sedan

$99,400

BMW M760i xDrive Sedan

$156,700

2018 BMW X5.

Changes to the BMW X5 are effective as of September 2018 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• Sport Automatic Transmission (2TB) replaces Steptronic Automatic Transmission (205) on the X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d, X5 xDrive50i models.
• Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (2TE) replaces Steptronic Automatic Transmission (205) on the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerfomance.
• Trapezoidal tailpipes are now standard on all BMW X5 35i and BMW X5 35d models.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On the X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d, and X5 xDrive50i models, 21-inch M wheels – style 599M with performance run-flat tires (22Y) are available as an upgrade within M Sport Package for $1550.

BMW X5 Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 BMW X6.

Changes to the BMW X6 are effective September 2018 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• Trapezoidal tailpipes are now standard on BMW X6 35i models.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On the X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i models, 21-inch M wheels – style 599M with performance run-flat tires (22Y) are available as an upgrade within M Sport Package for $1550.

BMW X6 Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 ALPINA B7.

Lines and Package changes:

• The Driver Assistance Package has been renamed Driving Assistance Package and now includes the Active Driving Assistant.
• As of July 2017 production, ALPINA B7 comes with the Parking Assistance Package which includes Surround View Camera and Parking Assistant.

ALPINA B7 (plus $995 D&H):

BMW M.

2018 BMW M2 Coupe.

Changes to the BMW M2 are effective July 2017 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• LED Headlights (5A2) replace Xenon adaptive headlights (522+524), which are no longer offered.

BMW M2 Coupe Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 BMW M3 Sedan.

Changes to the BMW M3 are effective July 2017 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• LED Headlights (5A2) replace Xenon adaptive headlights (522+524), which are no longer offered.
• The illuminated matte-chrome M badge on the seat has been redesigned to high-gloss black, and includes the M3 model name.
• iDrive 6.0 with Touch Screen Technology is standard.

Lines and Package changes:

Competition Package (ZCP)

• New 20-inch wheel (2CQ) M Forged Black Star-Spoke Wheels Style 666 M with Mixed Performance Tires now available.

BMW M3 Sedan Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 BMW Pricing.

*pricing does not include $995 Delivery and Handling.

Cross-Platform Standard and Optional Equipment Changes.

Please refer to the individual model below for additional model year changes.

• Destination and Handling for all BMW models remains at $995.
• Rear View Camera is now standard on all models.
• ConnectedDrive Services (6AK), previously known as BMW Online and BMW Apps is now standard on all models.

For the 2018 model  year, the 2018 BMW X1, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW X3, BMW 5 Series (excl. BMW M550i xDrive), BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, BMW X5, and BMW X6 package structure has been redesigned. Each model will now have a tiered package structure, with single options being unlocked after a specific tier is ordered.

Lines and Package changes:

• Cold Weather Package (ZCW) is no longer available, as its contents have shifted to other packages or are being offered as single options.
• Technology Package (ZTP) is no longer available, as its contents have shifted to other packages.
• Parking Assistant Plus (5DN or 5DL+5DP) is offered as a Parking Assistance Package (ZPK). Pricing varies by model.
• Active Driving Assistant (5AS/8TH) is offered as a Driving Assistance Package (ZDA). In certain cases, Head-up display (610) is also included. Pricing varies by model.
• When available, Active Driving Assistant Plus (5AT) is offered as a Driving Assistance Plus Package (ZDB). Pricing varies by model.

BMW i3, BMW 2 Series, BMW M2, BMW X1, BMW 3 Series, BMW M3, BMW 4 Series, BMW M4, BMW X3 and BMW X4.

• Convenience Package (ZCV) is the first tier, containing visual differentiation over the base model.
• M Sport Package (ZMP) now includes all Convenience Package content.
• Premium Package (ZPP) is the second tier containing sought-after options, and requires ordering the Convenience or M Sport Package.

BMW 5 Series, BMW M5, BMW X5, BMW X6.

• Premium Package (ZPP) is the first tier containing sought-after options.
• M Sport Package (ZMP) now includes all Premium Package content.
• Executive Package (ZPX) is the highest tier in all applicable models, and requires ordering Premium Package (if applicable), Convenience Package (if applicable), or M Sport Package. This package includes exclusive options, and further differentiates the car’s visual look.

Stand-alone Options:

• Metallic Paint will be reduced from $700 to $550 on all applicable models.
• On models where Navigation Professional (609) is offered as a single option, the bundle includes Advanced Real Time Traffic Information (ARTTI) and Remote Services (6AM/6AP) which is now available for $1700.
• On models where Navigation Business (6UN) is offered as a single option, the bundle includes ARTTI and Remote Services (6AM/6AP) and is now available for $950.

2017 BMW i8 Special Editions.

Information on the 2018 Model Year will be released at a later date.

Protonic Dark Silver Edition

• Protonic Frozen Dark Silver with Frozen Gray Metallic Accents
• Giga Amido Full Perforated Leather with blue seat belts

Protonic Frozen Black Edition

• Protonic Frozen Black with Frozen Gray Metallic Accents
• 20-inch BMW i Light Alloy W Spoke Matte wheels
• Seats with yellow highlights and gray seat belts
• Floor mats with black leather and yellow stitching
• Anthracite Headliner
• Door sills with “Protonic Frozen Black Edition” engraving

Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition

• Protonic Frozen Yellow with Frozen Gray Metallic Accents
• 20-inch BMW i Light Alloy W Spoke Matte wheels
• Seats with yellow highlights and gray seat belts
• Floor mats with black leather and yellow stitching
• Anthracite Headliner
• Door sill with “Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition” engraving

2017 BMW i8 Pricing (plus$995 D&H; subject to state incentives):

2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible changes are effective as of July 2017 production. This facelift includes new LED headlight and taillights, as well an enhanced interior with a new instrument panel with top stitching and a new instrument cluster.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• LED Fog Lights (5A1) replace Fog Lights (520), which are no longer available.
• LED Headlights (5A2) replace Halogen lights on 230i models and replace Xenon adaptive headlights (522+524) on the M240i models.
• On the 230i models, Power front seats (459) are now standard.
• A new bi-color 17-inch wheel (style 725) is now standard on 230i models. Several 18-inch upgrades remain available.
• A new bi-color 18-inch wheel (719M) is standard on the M240i models. A jet black wheel in the same styling is available as a no cost option.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• New exterior colors: Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Seaside Blue Metallic, and Sunset Orange Metallic.
• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go (available on certain 230i models)
• A new Cognac Leather Upholstery color is available.
• 2 new wood interior trim colors are available.
• iDrive 6.0 with Touch Screen technology on Navigation equipped models.
• Adaptive full LED headlights with Icon light design.

BMW 2 Series Pricing (plus $995 D&H)

2018 BMW 3 Series Sedan and Wagon.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon changes are effective as of July 2017 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• On 320i models, LED Fog Lights (5A1) replace Fog Lights (520).
• LED Headlights (5A2) are now standard.
• iDrive 6.0 with Touch Screen Technology now available.

Lines and Package changes:

• M Sport Package will be available with new 19-inch wheel (21W)
• A new trim is available for M Sport Package: 4MN Aluminum Dark Carbon Trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome Highlight.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• Shadow Sport Edition (ZSF) will be offered as special edition package on 338d, 330e, 330i and 340i models including:

• 18-inch Bi-color Jet Black Wheels Style 397 with Mixed Performance or All-season Tires (24Y/26P).
• Kidney frame in high-gloss black.
• LED headlights with black insert & Darker Tail Lights.
• Air dam with black insert.
• Optional 4MN Aluminum Dark Carbon Trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome Highlight.
• Sport Leather Steering wheel: the leather on the outer rim features a modified lining, giving the steering wheel a softer touch and better grip.
  • *Please note: the Shadow Sport Edition requires Park Distance Control (508).
• New color Sunset Orange Metallic is now available.
• New Cognac Brown Dakota Leather is now available.

BMW 3 Series Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 320i Sedan

$34,900

BMW 320i xDrive

$36,900

BMW 330i Sedan

$40,250

BMW 330i xDrive Sedan

$42,250

BMW 328d Sedan

$41,750

BMW 328d xDrive Sedan

$43,750

BMW 330e iPerformance Sedan

$45,600

BMW 340i Sedan

$48,950

BMW 340i xDrive Sedan

$50,950

BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon

$44,450

BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

$45,950

BMW 330i xDrive Gran Turismo

$44,850

BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo

$50,700

2018 BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe.

Please refer to the 2018 BMW 4 Series Press Release for additional information.

Lines and Package changes:

• Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster will be available starting July production in combination with the Executive Package.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 430i Coupe

$43,300

BMW 430i xDrive Coupe

$45,300

BMW 440i Coupe

$49,700

BMW 440i xDrive Coupe

$51,700

BMW 430i Convertible

$51,450

BMW 430i xDrive Convertible

$53,450

BMW 440i Convertible

$58,500

BMW 440i xDrive Convertible

$60,500

BMW 430i Gran Coupe

$43,100

BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe

$45,100

BMW 440i Gran Coupe

$49,500

BMW 440i xDrive Gran Coupe

$51,500

2018 BMW 5 Series Sedan.

Please refer to the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive and 2018 BMW 530e iPerformance Press Release for additional information.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On 530i models, Dynamic Handling package (ZDH) is a new package, including Dynamic Damper Control (223), M Sport Brakes (2NH), and Integral Active Steering (2VH), priced at $1,950.
• On 530e models, Dynamic Handling package (ZDH) is a new package, including Dynamic Damper Control (223) and M Sport Brakes (2NH), and is priced at $1,450.
• On 530i models, M Sport Brakes (2NH) are no longer available as a single option and are now included in the Dynamic Handling Package.
• On 530i models, Integral Active Steering (2VH) is no longer available as a single options, and is now included in the Dynamic Handling Package.
• Luxury Seating Package (ZLP) now includes Nappa Leather, and is priced at $4,050 on 530i models, and $2,600 on 540i models.
• Individual Full Merino Leather (ZBxx) is now available for $5,500.
• Individual Trims (4xx) are now available for $1,080.
• Anthracite Alcantara Headliner (776) is now available for $1000.
• Leather Dashboard (4M5) is now available as a stand-alone option for $1,200.

BMW 5 Series Sedan Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 530i Sedan

$52,400

BMW 530i xDrive Sedan

$54,700

BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan

$52,400

BMW 530e xDrive iPerformance Sedan

$54,700

BMW 540i Sedan

$57,700

BMW 540i xDrive Sedan

$60,000

BMW M550i xDrive Sedan

$73,400

The All-New 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.

Please refer to the 2018 BMW 6 Series GT Press Release for more information.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• Rear axle air suspension
• Automatic Tailgate (316)
• Panoramic Moonroof (402)
• Park Distance Control (508)
• 12.3-inch  Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster (6WB)
• Comfort Access (322)
• Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights (552) and Automatic High Beams (5AC)
• Satellite Radio (655)
• Wireless Charging (6NW) and Wi-Fi Hotspot (6WD)
• Heated Front Seats (494)
• Active Driving Assistant (5AS)
• Sensatec Dashboard (4AW)
• 19-inch Wheels (2xx)

Metallic Paint

Optional Equipment now includes:

• Dynamic Handling package (ZDH) is a new package, including Integral Active Steering (2VH) and Adaptive Drive + 2-Axle Air Suspension (2VT), and is priced at $4100.
• Driving Assistance Package (ZDA) is not offered, due to the fact that Active Driving Assistant (5AS) is standard equipment.
• Lighting Package (ZLP) is not offered, as Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights (552) and Automatic High Beams (5AC) are standard equipment.
• Luxury Package (ZPL) includes Rear seat back adjustment (461) and does not include Sensatec Dashboard (4AW).  Pricing is $500.
• Premium Package (ZPP) is not offered, as package contents are either standard or have been integrated into Executive Package (ZPX).
• M Sport Package (ZMP) does not include premium package contents as they are either standard or have been integrated into Executive Package (ZPX or M Sport suspension (704).  In addition, M Sport Package (ZMP) will delete the standard LED Fog lights (5A1).  Pricing is $1,250.
• Executive Package (ZPX) includes Soft Close Doors (323), Parking Assistant Plus (5DN), Head-up Display (610), and Gesture control (6U8).  Pricing is $2,150.

• 19-inch wheels – style 685 with mix performance run-flat tires (2QU), are now available as a no-charge alternative to the standard 19-inch wheels – style 685 with all season run-flat tires (2QW).
• M Sport Brakes (2NH) are not offered.
• Power rear side window shades (416) supplement Power rear sunshade with manual rear side window shades as option contents.
• Rear seat back adjustment (461) is offered as a single option for $500.
• Active Cruise Control (5DF) is only available for customer orders for $1,200.

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo

$69,700

2018 BMW 7 Series.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On BMW 740i and BMW 740e models, Active Driving Assistant will be offered as a stand-alone option.

Lines and Package changes:

• BMW 740i, BMW 740e, and BMW 750i models are now available with the Parking Assistance Package which includes the Parking Assistant and Surround View Camera.
• The Driver Assistance Package on the BMW 740i and BMW 740e models has been renamed Driving Assistance Package and includes Active Driving Assistant and Head-up Display.
• The Driver Assistance Package on the BMW 750i models has been renamed Driving Assistance Package and now includes the Active Driving Assistant.
• The Driver Assistance Plus package has been renamed Driving Assistance Plus Package and consists of the Active Driving Assistant Plus.
• Driver Assistance Plus II Package is no longer offered, as its contents are now included in the Diving Assistance Plus Package.

BMW 7 Series (plus $995 D&H):

BMW 740i Sedan

$81,100

BMW 740i xDrive Sedan

$86,100

BMW 740e xDrive Sedan

$90,700

BMW 750i Sedan

$96,400

BMW 750i xDrive Sedan

$99,400

BMW M760i xDrive Sedan

$156,700

2018 BMW X5.

Changes to the BMW X5 are effective as of September 2018 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• Sport Automatic Transmission (2TB) replaces Steptronic Automatic Transmission (205) on the X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d, X5 xDrive50i models.
• Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (2TE) replaces Steptronic Automatic Transmission (205) on the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerfomance.
• Trapezoidal tailpipes are now standard on all BMW X5 35i and BMW X5 35d models.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On the X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d, and X5 xDrive50i models, 21-inch M wheels – style 599M with performance run-flat tires (22Y) are available as an upgrade within M Sport Package for $1550.

BMW X5 Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 BMW X6.

Changes to the BMW X6 are effective September 2018 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• Trapezoidal tailpipes are now standard on BMW X6 35i models.

Optional Equipment now includes:

• On the X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i models, 21-inch M wheels – style 599M with performance run-flat tires (22Y) are available as an upgrade within M Sport Package for $1550.

BMW X6 Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 ALPINA B7.

Lines and Package changes:

• The Driver Assistance Package has been renamed Driving Assistance Package and now includes the Active Driving Assistant.
• As of July 2017 production, ALPINA B7 comes with the Parking Assistance Package which includes Surround View Camera and Parking Assistant.

ALPINA B7 (plus $995 D&H):

BMW M.

2018 BMW M2 Coupe.

Changes to the BMW M2 are effective July 2017 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• LED Headlights (5A2) replace Xenon adaptive headlights (522+524), which are no longer offered.

BMW M2 Coupe Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 BMW M3 Sedan.

Changes to the BMW M3 are effective July 2017 production.

Standard Equipment now includes:

• LED Headlights (5A2) replace Xenon adaptive headlights (522+524), which are no longer offered.
• The illuminated matte-chrome M badge on the seat has been redesigned to high-gloss black, and includes the M3 model name.
• iDrive 6.0 with Touch Screen Technology is standard.

Lines and Package changes:

Competition Package (ZCP)

• New 20-inch wheel (2CQ) M Forged Black Star-Spoke Wheels Style 666 M with Mixed Performance Tires now available.

BMW M3 Sedan Pricing (plus $995 D&H):

2018 BMW Pricing.

*pricing does not include $995 Delivery and Handling.

The article Model Year 2018 Update Information for US Market appeared first on BMW BLOG

In what should’ve been a rather easy race to win for a 950 HP Porsche 911 Turbo, things turned out quite differently than everyone expected, with the driver of the Neunelfer managing only to spin out in the incipient phase of the race. Things are even more peculiar as the all-wheel drive Porsche was going up against a rear-wheel drive machine in this race, specifically an F10 BMW M5, which was also upgraded into oblivion.

The race we’re looking at here features two German land missiles, each upgraded thanks to the work of a specific tuner. The BMW was fiddled with by the guys from Gorilla Performance, otherwise quite known especially in Russia for their kits. Take up from 560 HP to 760 ponies, the M5 could easily have turned its rear tires into dust if the driver wasn’t careful with his right foot. Furthermore, the track seemed to be quite damp, which would’ve made things even trickier. Luckily, the driver of the BMW knew his car very well and managed to keep things in check.

That can’t be said about the other side of the drag strip. The man behind the wheel of the 911 probably got too excited to put his 950 HP to the test, thanks to the guys from 9ff. And even though his car should’ve had the edge here, coming with all-wheel drive, it seems like our good man was taken by surprise and managed to spin his car after covering probably less than 100 yards. Once again, luck played its part though, as he keeps his car from ruining everyone’s day, by keeping it in his own lane, despite losing control for a brief moment.

Things could’ve gone a lot worse since at the moment when the Porsche starts spinning, the M5 was right next to it. Fortunately nobody got hurt and I guess the BMW can add another win to its tally. That’s a valuable warning for all drag racing amateurs out there, AWD or not, to make sure they can handle the extra power once they get on the track.

[This post contains video, click to play]

Link for mobile users

The article Video: 950 HP Porsche 911 Turbo Spins During Race Against 760 HP M5 appeared first on BMW BLOG

Even though this current generation of BMW X5 doesn’t really seem old, as it’s still quite competitive and looks very good, it’s getting close to its replacement time. Admittedly, there are still a few years left, as it originally debuted as a 2013 model, but come 2019 and the X5 nameplate will be represented by a new model. That new model has been seen doing some testing on the Nurburgring in this new video.

There’s not much we can make out about this new X5, as it’s very heavily wrapped in camouflage. However, we can notice a few small details. For instance, its apparent the Kidney Grilles are now even more massive than they are on the current car. It seems as if BMW is just going to keep increasing their size with each new mode until there is no more front fascia, only Kidney Grille. Or until everything is all electric and grilles are no longer needed. We can also see the rectangular exhaust tips, which are common on most six-cylinder BMWs now, such as the new 5 Series and upcoming X3.

We also noticed that there’s quite a lot of body roll to this specific X5, so it’s likely just your standard run-of-the-mill car and not anything sportier. Although, there will be sporty variants available, such as the upcoming BMW X5 M and possibly even an X5 M50i. Those will go along with the typical suite of BMW diesel and petrol engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid, i Performance, variant.

To be honest, the current-gen BMW X5 was a pleasant surprise for me, personally. When I first drove it, after hearing quite a lot about it, I expected it to be a floaty, numb and smushy luxo-barge. However, it was surprisingly good to drive. It wasn’t what I’d call dynamic, but the turn-in was sharper than I had anticipated, body roll was kept in check and it felt rock-solid stable at any speed. It also had surprising agility for such a big car. All while maintaining superb comfort. The current BMW X5 really is a great everyday family SUV so we have high hopes for this fourth-gen car, which will be built on a better, lighter and stiffer chassis, while coming with better engines and technology.

The article VIDEO: 2019 BMW X5 getting busy on the Nurburgring appeared first on BMW BLOG

Way to time things horribly, Mercedes. Seriously, what gives? According to a report about Mercedes sources at a dealer meeting in Miami, the A-Class hatch has been rumored to be coming ‘Stateside and it couldn’t have happened at a worse time for North American BMW enthusiasts. While it’s good news that the A-Class hatch could be making its way across the Atlantic, as the more cool hatchbacks available to the market, the better, it just had to happen after BMW essentially killed off the rear-wheel drive 1 Series hatch.

Since its inception, American BMW enthusiasts have been begging the Bavarians to bring over the 1 Series hatch from Europe. While the 1 Series coupe we got was a great car and one with a large enthusiast following, we always wanted the hatchback just as much. It combined all of the fun. dynamics and performance of the 1 Series coupe, except it had the practicality of a hatchback and came in a five-door variant. Plus, it had the distinction of being the only rear-wheel drive hatchback on the market. Now, BMW has replaced it with a front-wheel drive sedan and hatch and it’s for China only. Grr.

BMW did have good reason for not bringing the 1er hatch over here, though. Hatchbacks aren’t exactly rockstars in America and the only hot-selling hatch is the Volkswagen Golf. So BMW was rightly hesitant. Even Audi and Mercedes-Benz were cautious about their small hatchbacks, with Audi only selling the A3 hatch here for one short generation and it only came in one variant with two engine options. However, if Mercedes-Benz will be bringing the A-Class hatchback, it could have pushed BMW to do the same with its small hatch. BMW enthusiasts would have been so happy, they’d be praising Mercedes for once.

The good news is that, if Mercedes-Benz does indeed sell the A-Class here, BMW could eventually bring a hatchback here as well. Though, it would likely be front-wheel drive, it would still be a sporty little BMW hatch and we’ll probably take what we can get.

The article Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback rumored to come to U.S. appeared first on BMW BLOG

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S received so much praise when it came out, people might have thought it was all made up. However, the car developed by the AMG division proved its worth time after time, showing it has what it take to be included in the supercar realm. On the other hand, BMW hasn’t launched a proper supercar since the M1 came out and even then. But does BMW really need a supercar in the first place?

Well, it seems like as long as there are tuners out there such as Manhart Performance, there’s no real need to develop and launch a proper supercar with the BMW roundel on the tip of the hood. That’s because tuners like this will always find a way to turn ‘ordinary’ M cars into performance beasts. What we’re looking at here, is a BMW M3 30 Jahre edition that has been put through the Manhart program. The end result is still powered by the S55 3-liter straight six engine the standard M3 comes with but it develops 550 HP now.

On the other side of the race we have the aforementioned AMG GT S which is actually the faster version of the AMG GT. Using the same 4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, the S has 503 hp to play with together with 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to its 7-speed gearbox, the AMG GT S is claimed to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, an impressive figure no matter how you look at it. And even though it wasn’t developed for the drag strip but more so for race tracks, the AMG GT S is no slouch here either.

The thing is, the M3 has more power and, despite having four seats and four doors and being bigger in every direction, weighs less than the Merc, making this a rather predictable race. The key here will definitely be keeping control of the cars, as both of them can easily overwhelm the rear axle. As long as there’s no drama in that department, things should be rather straightforward.

The article Video: 550 HP Mahnart BMW M3 vs Mercedes AMG GT S Drag Race appeared first on BMW BLOG

When one thinks about the E63 M6 there’s one thing that automatically pops up in his or her mind: the S85 V10 engine. That brilliant piece of automotive history is nothing more or less than a 5-liter bucket of joy for anyone lucky enough to drive it. Its 8,000+ RPM redline and the sound it used to make made it as one of the best engines BMW ever developed. Unfortunately, as time went by, it became obsolete as it was deemed to be way too polluting for this day and age but it is still stuck in the back of our heads as one of the best of all time.

Its successor definitely wasn’t received just as well when it came out. The S63 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 of the F10 M5 didn’t lack punch or torque but lacked character, something fans of the most powerful letter in the world never seemed to get over. Though, it delivered outrageous amounts of torque and power and some even claim that the Germans drastically understated the real specs of the car, to make it seem a bit more civilized. However, I’m pretty much certain that if a BMW fan had to pick, the choice would 9 times out of 10 go for the S85 engine.

Which is why the video below is quite bewildering, to put it short. In it, we get to see a BMW E63 M6 turned into a drift car. Nothing peculiar in that but once you take a look at the engine bay, you might notice something’s a bit off. That’s right, the S85 engine was replaced with its successor, the S63. We don’t get an explanation as to why that happened but you are free to guess and let us know. It does seem rather counter intuitive to use a turbocharged engine instead of a naturally aspirated one, especially since the latter category would be more reliable.

On the other hand, forced induction engines do have considerably more torque which allows them to shred tires easier on the drift track. Not that the S85 couldn’t do that though, but every bit of help does make a difference when competing at a professional level. In the end, it would be really interesting to get the owner/driver’s take on why this move was made but until then, let’s check out some tire shredding action in the video below.

The article Video: BMW E63 M6 with S63 Engine Is a Drift Machine appeared first on BMW BLOG

In the world of BMW tuning, there are a few names that are more popular than others. From the top of my head I could probably name AC Schnitzer, Hamann and Manhart as some of the best in Europe, yet one that stands out constantly in the US is DINAN Engineering.

Founded by Steve Dinan back in 1979 and based in Morgan Hill, California, the tuner is a well-known company in BMW communities not just in the US, but also around the world. That’s mostly due to the great work, as they usually offer performance packages that perfectly complement the standard cars in the first place. And that’s something a lot of people tend to forget.

Tuning, when done right, is supposed to just enhance, offer a bit more flavor not completely change the character of a car. After all, customers are buying cars for a number of reasons but they do make a choice, picking a model that they think fits them perfectly. When you go ahead and change that car beyond recognition, the essence of it is lost and you end up with an unrecognizable version of what you initially wanted.

That’s why a lot of companies out there might offer power packages and other products for your BMW, but when they are actually done with your car, you might not recognize it. In tuning, pretty much, as it is the case in life as well, balance is everything, which is why a holistic approach will always be recommended.

Dinan does just that and it does it without turning your vehicle into an illegal contraption, one that breaks the law every time you start the engine outside of a race track. That’s because their offering is basically the only legit one on the market, the only one that abides to the 50 state emissions regulations, even in Stage 3 guise. And that’s something you need to remember, even though a lot of people simply don’t care about this kind of stuff, simply looking for more performance.

Dinan’s Stage 3 kit takes it up to no less than 548 HP and 559 lb-ft (758 Nm) and that’s more twist than you’ll find on a BMW M5 right now

And while you may think that might take a toll on how much added power the car can gain while also remaining street legal, I’m here to tell you that the added oomph is more than enough for your daily needs. In standard guise the BMW M4 makes 425 HP and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. Well, Dinan’s Stage 3 kit takes it up to no less than 548 HP and 559 lb-ft (758 Nm) and that’s more twist than you’ll find on a BMW M5 right now.

How was it all achieved? First you start with a new ECU tune developed specifically for the S55 3-liter twin-turbo engine under the hood of the M4, but that’s just a small part of everything that goes into making this a reliable tune as well. Because of the new parameters the car has to work with, you’ll also need a bigger, cold air intake as well as some extra cooling and a new exhaust, of course.

Dinan’s S55 cold air intake uses a sealed air box that prevents the intrusion of hot, under hood air thanks to its relocation to push in cold air. Air is passed through a 30 percent larger high-flow filter, past an upgraded MAF sensor and into a carbon fiber tube that provides 20 percent more air volume than the stock piece. This alone would give the engine max gains of up to 14 hp and 21 lb-ft of torque.

Then there’s the free flow exhaust system which features 16 gauge 304 stainless steel construction. Dinan’s Free Flow exhaust system features twin secondary exhaust valves with a whopping 76mm diameter, making them 45 percent less restrictive than the OE valves. Computer controlled valve actuation has been fully retained for a civilized low-volume experience in Eco mode and high-volume unrestricted performance in Sport and Sport+ modes. This combination nets the M3 and M4 five horsepower and a weight reduction of three pounds. This system was designed to produce a more aggressive sound too under acceleration something you notice in full once you’re out on the road.

The full kit also includes a new X-Pipe that removes the factory center section after the secondary catalytic converters, including the large resonator. In its place Dinan introduces straight through mandrel bent 2.75″ T304 stainless steel tubing and the custom ‘X’ for better flow, and an improved sound.

Dinan put together a complete suspension kit to improve maneuverability and performance.

To keep the temperatures in check a new heat exchanger is needed offering 60 percent more core volume and 19 percent more face area than stock. Being 16mm thicker than the stock cooler, a 9° average water temperature reduction is offered to the intercooler across the RPM range. Colder water improves intercooler efficiency and allows the intake air to be cooled by an additional 6° average across the RPM range compared to stock. This leads to significant reduction in the tendency to heat soak.

All these upgrades will take care of the power aspect of the car but as I’ve already mentioned, this approach had to be holistic as all that extra power needs to be kept in check. One thing people complained about when the M4 came out was the fact that the car seemed to be too snappy compared to the outgoing E9x M3 models. Part of that issue was due to the turbocharged mill which, once spooled up, offered considerably more torque than before, meaning the rear axle would simply start spinning out of control if you’re not careful with the throttle.

To address these issues, Dinan put together a complete suspension kit to improve maneuverability and performance. The rear axle received special attention, the complete suspension link kit taking care of those issues, a must-have if you increase the power output of the car by so much.

The stock rear toe link is built with rubber bushings and a curved forged alloy rod which can flex. During hard acceleration, this flex allows the rear wheels to have excessive toe change under hard acceleration and braking. All of this flex in the stock toe links causes the car to be unstable. Dinan stops the flex by replacing the rubber bushings with Teflon coated machined steel rod ends and the OEM curved bar with a straight billet aluminum rod, thus adding stability.

The Dinan rod-ends incorporate left and right-hand thread, which allows quick and accurate toe adjustment that is tough to achieve using the stock system. Like the rear toe links, the stock front trailing links also incorporate rubber bushings.  Flex in these bushings allow the rear wheels to behave sloppily under heavy loads.  Dinan adds precision by replacing these links with billet aluminum rods and Teflon coated machined steel rod ends.  These front links are not adjustable.

Then there’s the Dinan tension strut ball joint kit that replaces the rubber bushings in the thrust arms with precision ball joints and machined aluminum housings thus improving responsiveness by eliminating the deflection inherent in the stock rubber bushings while also reducing brake shimmy. Furthermore, the complete kit includes lightweight tubular anti-roll bars that truly make a difference in the car’s behavior.

The cold start was even more impressive as the car was parked in a garage…

They measure 32mm in the front and 24mm in the rear, saving weight and offering an adjustable setup for those wanting to fine tune their car’s handling. There are four adjustability points on each end that work with the adjustable end links for a total of five positions on the bar, making it adjustable from 57 percent to 103 percent stiffer than the stock front bar and 0 to 13 percent stiffer than the stock rear bar.

Last but not least, I have to mention the adjustable coilovers. There is an abundance of models available for the M3/M4, including one made by Dinan. Their design keeps the factory Electronic Damper Control shocks in place and implements threaded collars to allow you to change the ride height. The end result is a sleek lowered stance that provides improved handling along with a better look in my opinion. Unfortunately, the car we tested didn’t come with EDC so we were basically stuck with one setting that proved to be quite harsh on my back during the first days with the cars. LA roads aren’t exactly the smoothest out there.

The springs combined with progressive bump stops and other components increase travel that allows the car to be lowered up to 1″ in the front and 1 1/2″ in the rear, with spring rates being increased by 50 percent in the front and 10 percent in the rear. Suspension packers are included to fine tune handling and comfort by changing the clearance of the progressive bump-stops.

All the parts listed here create a package that is hard to beat these days. Going to pick up the car all I could think of was whether I would truly notice the big changes the company claims or whether all of it would be just hot smoke. As it turned out, I was impressed by the way the Dinan S2 handled and there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The first thing you notice is just how different the engine note is. The cold start was even more impressive as the car was parked in a garage and the sound of the exhaust resonated against the bare walls, truly making it a gearhead’s delight. The upgraded exhaust sounds so good that it turned every tunnel I went through into a proper exercise of will, trying not to pop the car in neutral and let it rip to hear its majestic burble.

I decided to be brave and take this 550 HP beast out on the road, to see exactly how much and more importantly how its character has been changed, expecting the rear end to be as playful as a Labrador puppy. However, I was surprised to learn that the Dinan S2 can be both quite docile as well as a ferocious beast. First of all, I took full advantage of the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel, setting up M1 in the most docile setting (Comfort steering, level 1 gearshifts for the DCT, efficient setting for the throttle response) and the M2 in full attack mode.

Using M1 showed me that the car is actually usable on a daily basis. The pedal response is docile and doesn’t get the car bucking as soon as you touch it, while the steering is not as hard as trying to grind wheat using your hands only. The only gripe I had was the suspension which, in the standard M4 without the EDC stands somewhere between the Sport and Sport+ setting. Well, the car I was driving had all the suspension changed to be more track focused and therefore I could literally feel every crack in the road. And I mean every crack in the road. The 20” forged wheels and their Pirelli Corsa tires didn’t help a lot to alleviate this situation either, but they did play an important role when I took the backroads and used the M2 settings.

The standard M4 comes with 18×9 inch wheels and 275/40 tires on the rear. The car I was driving was running 20×9.5” wheels with 305/30 Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires on the back, not helping in terms of comfort, but making a huge difference in terms of grip.

Once I started pushing the car closer to its limit, I was surprised to see the extra grip compared to the standard car, and all that with over 100 HP extra and impressive torque. It wasn’t just the wheels that made a difference, but you could also feel how the new suspension setup changed the character of the beast, keeping it well in check. Understeer, at least on public roads, is a thing of the past. Sure, you may find some of it on the track at some point, but it will take a 10/10 push to do that.

The front axle gripped like crazy and made turn-ins a thing of joy every time I approached a tight curve in the road with way more speed than I should’ve. The car handled everything I threw at it with ease, seemingly teasing me as if it was saying ‘Is that all you’ve got?’. The M4 S2 was absolutely planted in every situation, but the biggest change I noticed was the fact that it didn’t break traction as easily as the standard M4.

That’s notable for a number of reasons. It’s not just the overall feel of the car that had been improved but it’s important to note how it changed as that is what makes the difference between tuners. The whole car felt just as if it was a lot more aware, more connected to the road in every sense and a lot faster without making me wonder about what would happen if I suddenly flew off the road as that didn’t really seem to be a possibility. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the Dinan S2 M4 showed me just what a ‘confidence inspiring’ tune really means.

And that’s just what every tuned car out there should be. That’s what you should aim for when trying to improve your car, focusing more on performance than on everything else. Sure, there will be some drawbacks but they simply can’t be avoided. To put things in perspective, think of it this way:

BMW creates M cars to be a perfect balance between every day usability and track days. Imagine a scale that holds comfort on one arm and performance on the other. Once you choose to tune your car, the balance of it will tip to one side or there other, most likely towards performance. So you will lose some of the comfort but if performance is what you’re after, you can’t really complain.

That’s what Dinan is offering: performance tuned to your needs. And that’s what makes this car and the kit on it so appealing. The overall price of everything you see installed on the Sakhir Orange M4 adds up to close to $90,000. The car itself was about $67,0000 and then you add about $20,000 in upgrades coming from Dinan. The beauty of it though is that you don’t need all of them, but you can choose what you want to upgrade.

The S2 package adds up to $13,282 and includes the engine tune with the exhaust, intake, heat exchanger ($9,269) and the complete suspension upgrade for $3,874. Of course, you can install them in stages. My suggestion would be to start with the suspension to see exactly how it upgrades your car. Then, I promise you, you’ll want more power to match the newfound capabilities of your car’s chassis.

The rest of the money up to $20,000 goes into accessories and wheels, the latter alone costing $6,550 for the set. They are forged and they are lightweight but you really need to stop and think about whether you really need to spend that much on rims. You might be better off with choosing the brilliant Competition Package wheels that look a lot better in my opinion. Then again, another good thing is that Dinan claims you don’t have to upgrade the brakes on your car and therefore, you don’t need wheels larger than the standard 18” ones. According to them, the car I drove was a R&D model that used the standard brakes and never showed any need for some extra stopping power, despite the HP increase. That says a lot about the great work BMW did when fitting the M4 with proper disks and calipers.

If you’re just looking to tone down the uncontrollable spinning rear wheels of your stock M4 you should also consider at least part of this kit, as it truly makes a difference where it matters. To top it all off, you get to keep your warranty intact, something no other tuner in the US is offering.

A lot has been said about the way the warranty works, but according to Dinan things are very simple. You can have all these parts installed at a select BMW dealerships and this won’t void your warranty. In case something goes wrong with parts installed as part of the Dinan tune, the people in Morgan Hill will take care of it. Then again, due to the special relationship Dinan has with BMW North America, if anything not related to the tune breaks on your BMW, your car will be covered under the standard warranty, no questions asked. It’s that simple. The coverage expands over 4 years or 50,000 miles.

So where does that leave us? Is the Dinan S2 M4 worth the extra money? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for and what you’re planning for your BMW. If you want to keep up with much more expensive cars on the track or even on the highway at eye-watering speeds, this is a great way to go. The added power and control the kit offers may turn this thing into a back-breaker while it will also offer you the edge in terms of performance, without too much hassle or worrying about your warranty. In the end, while the power increase might seem like the biggest plus of the whole package, it’s truly the chassis work that shines when behind the wheel of the Dinan S2 M4 and that’s something you need to remember as nobody ever complained about the S55 engine not having enough power in the first place.

The article TEST DRIVE: BMW M4 Dinan S2 appeared first on BMW BLOG

When car companies put out low-volume, limited-production cars and charge a premium for them, no one really minds. We accept the fact that these sorts of limited-run cars are going to cost more than they should. It’s just the nature of things. For instance, the MSRP on a BMW M4 GTS is $134,200. That makes it more than $50,000 more than a loaded BMW M4 Competition Package. However, it is basically a street-legal racing car, has a full roll cage, carbon fiber everywhere and even water-injection. So, fans accept that it’s a lot of money.

What fans and customer won’t accept is egregious price inflation by the dealerships. We know that dealers have a hard time getting cars like this and the supply is extremely limited. We also get that dealers have to make quite a bit of money on cars like this, as they’ll be sitting for a very long time. However, dealer markups can become simply insulting and this specific one on a BMW M4 GTS is exactly that.

Photo Source: SHADSTER911/ IMGUR

This unnamed BMW dealer has a BMW M4 GTS for sale at the moment. If you take a look at its window sticker, you’ll see the base MSRP of $134,200, some added carbon fiber wheels for $18,000 and a “Market Adjustment” for — get ready — $100,000. That’s right, the dealer is charging $100k for a “Market Adjustment” which is just a fancy way of saying dealer markup. $100,000?! You can buy an additional BMW 7 Series, Porsche 911 Carrera or BMW X5 M for just the cost of that markup.

I get marking up certain cars because of supply and demand. Still an uncool thing to do, but I understand it, as do many fans. However, this is just rude. Who do they think is going to buy a car for an extra six-figure cost when they don’t have to? Do they think someone who can afford that car is going to just blindly put their money down? Now, admittedly, that “Market Adjustment” can be heavily negotiated and it will be. Still, though, a $100,000 markup is just rude.

The article This dealer marked up the BMW M4 GTS by more than a new Porsche 911 Carrera appeared first on BMW BLOG

Hollywood star Scott Eastwood and BMW are in action together again: BMW is providing a whole fleet of different models for the new film “Overdrive” starring Scott Eastwood. Fans had the chance to preview “Overdrive” at exclusive screenings in Paris and Berlin attended by Eastwood and BMW, as BMW continues to expand its partnership with the film industry.

Produced by action specialist Pierre Morel (“Taken”), “Overdrive” delivers fast-paced, explosive action with a healthy dose of humour. Scott Eastwood (“Snowden”, “Suicide Squad”, “Fast8: The Fate of the Furious”) and Freddie Thorp (“The Head Hunter”) play two cool brothers alongside female leads, Ana de Armas (“Blade Runner 2049”, “War Dogs”) and Gaia Weiss (“Vikings”). The film also features Simon Abkarian (“The Cut”) and Clemens Schick (“Point Break”, “James Bond 007 – Casino Royale”). The screenplay was written by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, who also wrote the script for movie hits like “Wanted” and “2 Fast 2 Furious”.

A large number of BMW cars and the BMW R nineT motorcycle feature in the film. The new BMW M3 shows off its sporting agility and performance from the action-packed opening scene. The breath-taking BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé serves as the brothers’ getaway vehicle on a number of occasions in “Overdrive”. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible, the iconic BMW i8 and the rare vintage BMW 327 also make an appearance.

Scott Eastwood was visibly enthusiastic: “Shooting with BMW cars is always incredible! The BMW 327 is such a beautiful vintage model and you cannot feel unimpressed by it. Riding the M3’s hood was another beast though and you could clearly feel the car’s dynamism, a bit similar to the new BMW 5 Series I worked on.”

The collaboration between “Overdrive” and BMW was a perfect fit, based on the film’s strong appeal to young people and car enthusiasts. The gripping story with its high-speed car chases and moments of humour ties in well with the BMW core promise of “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. The plot’s emphasis on dynamism, performance and car aesthetics further amplifies the brand.

BMW will also use the cooperation with “Overdrive” in its own communications worldwide. In addition to various print and online motifs and a TV commercial, the far-reaching BMW brand social media channels, in particular, will play a central role. BMW customers will also be invited to further local screenings.

“Overdrive” is the next step in BMW’s fruitful cooperation with actor-model Scott Eastwood. BMW already worked with the American on the international “BUSINESS ATHLETE” campaign for the new BMW 5 Series. It is a combination that works well: Scott Eastwood is a fresh, young testimonial. His ambition and dynamism suit the BMW brand perfectly.

“Reuniting Scott Eastwood and BMW in the beautiful south of France was a great way of telling an authentic story for the BMW brand,” explains Uwe Dreher, head of Brand Communications BMW, BMW i and BMW M. “I am confident fans will love seeing the thrilling BMW M3 roaring alongside our stunning BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé.”

The BMW Group has built a name for itself as a reliable partner for film and TV projects through its extensive commitments in the film and entertainment sector. BMW Group vehicles are regularly seen in major international blockbusters like the “Mission: Impossible” series, as well as smaller, high-end productions like “Overdrive”.

BMW is also a long-standing partner of the Directors’ Guild of America, whose annual awards for outstanding work in TV and cinema are among the industry’s most prestigious and considered a reliable predictor of the Academy Awards (Oscars).

BMW is also active in the movie scene itself from time to time, as seen in the new release from the legendary “BMW Films” shorts series, entitled “The Escape”. Cult driver Clive Owen is once again behind the wheel of a BMW and escapes a tricky situation in a thrilling car chase (www.bmwfilms.com). 

The “Overdrive” story

The two daring, charismatic brothers Andrew (Scott Eastwood) and Garrett Foster (Freddie Thorp) are expert car thieves, specialising in the most exclusive and expensive collectors’ items. As an experienced team, their spirit of adventure knows no bounds. Seeking new challenges on the French Riviera, they fall foul of local gangster Jacomo Morier (Simon Abkarian), whose rare and priceless car collection they plan to steal. But Morier turns out to be an unpredictable opponent and challenges the brothers to demonstrate their exceptional talent by stealing the most-prized car from his arch-rival Max Klemp (Clemens Schick) within a set time. A race against the clock begins, with unexpected twists and turns and lots of adrenaline …

“Overdrive” opens in cinemas worldwide from late June 2017.

The article Scott Eastwood and BMW in “Overdrive” appeared first on BMW BLOG

BMW’s 1 Series M sort of saved the brand. Not that it was necessarily in trouble but its cars were becoming bigger, heavier, faster and far more electronic. As this shift was happening, the little BMW 1M hit the market and everyone let out a sigh of relief. “BMW hasn’t forgotten its ways”, people thought. Yet, after the 1M, there wasn’t anything else to remind us of that. Until the BMW M2 came out, that is.

Automobile Magazine recently tested both of these cars back-to-back in the Carolinas. They hit both twisty mountain roads and some track to really see which car is best. For most fans, especially those who haven’t driven either, the 1M is the undisputed king. The fact that it’s older, purer and dripping with connectivity and feedback makes it the fan-favorite. While the BMW M2 is a great car, most fans still feel it’s a bit too numb to keep up with one of the all time Bavarian greats. However, the Automobile article illustrates that not only can the M2 hang with its older brother, but can match it as well.

Not only is the BMW M2 more power, but it’s more composed. Its more advanced limited-slip differential at the rear allows it to be more planted on corner exit and break away more progressively. It’s also easier to control. While the BMW 1M’s better road feel and more tactile steering allow the driver to know exactly what’s going on underneath, it can be a bit twitchy at times. To be honest, I’m not sure there’s a “better” car here. The BMW 1M has its distinct feel that will be the only car to quench the thirst of those who want that. However, the M2 is easier to approach and easier to hoon, making it the more laid back M car. Both will provide endless thrills and both are incredible fun but they each have their ways about them that make them desirable in their own unique way.

But that’s not really what this video is about. What’s it’s really about is celebration. Celebrating the fact that these two cars exist and are as great as they are, despite them not being the purest of M cars on paper. They don’t have bespoke engines, like the rest of the M lineup. The 1M went turbocharged before it was cool. This particular M2 has a DCT gearbox, despite that not being the purist’s choice. They’re both based on BMW’s cheapest cars at each car’s time and they both lack the fancy technology their more expensive siblings get. Despite all of that, they’re still some of the very best BMW has ever made.

Just watch this video and watch them slide around, carve up twisty mountain roads and do exactly what BMW M cars are supposed to do.

The article VIDEO: Automobile tests BMW M2 vs BMW 1M appeared first on BMW BLOG

BMW is currently ranked as the second most valuable car brand in the world, topped only by Toyota. That makes the blue and white roundel quite desirable, topping brands such as Ferrari or Lamborghini in the process, showing once again that hard work spread across 100 years of existence does pay off. And since the brand turned 100 last year, even more people decided to turn their attention to it.

This, in turn, lead to an increased interest in the German brand and its history. The video below aims at providing some ‘useful’ insights into 15 things you might’ve not know about the BMW brand.

The video does provide some good insight into the history of BMW nonetheless, especially for the newer fans of the brand. Some might actually not be aware of events like the near acquisition of the Munich-based company by its long-lasting rival from Stuttgart at one point or of the fact that it even made pots and pans during its early years, just to stay afloat. The thing is, I think other, more interesting facts about the brand should’ve made this listing, instead of the ones that were actually included in the video, that are more widely known in my opinion.

[This post contains video, click to play]

Link for mobile users

The article Video: Are These 15 Things You Didn’t Know about BMW? appeared first on BMW BLOG

Last month, our own Chuck Vossler headed to Germany to test the refreshed BMW 4 Series Coupe. Our 440i Coupe test vehicle came equipped with the M Sport suspension and given the way this thing handled in the twisty mountain roads is definitely the way to option the car if you like sports car feel.

The 440i Coupe we drove through the tight Bavarian Alps switch backs, and blasted down the Autobahn wide open, is fitted with BMW’s B58 twin turbo in-line 6 cylinder. This motor twists out a stout 320 hp, 330 lb-ft of torque and runs 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Changes are not only about appearance, but also include re-worked chassis dynamics and updated electronics. Cosmetically, starting from the front the new BMW 4 Series gets new LED headlights standard with adaptive LEDs optional and were optioned on our test car.

The front apron has been changed slightly as has the rear apron on the car. Two new colors are available Snapper Rocks Blue, which looked fabulous in the sun against the back drop of the mountains, and Sunset Orange. The new 4 Series also has new LED rear lights, fog lights as well as new wheel options.

To learn more about the facelift 4 Series Coupe, click below for our video review:

The article Our video review of the 2018 BMW 440i Coupe Facelift appeared first on BMW BLOG

With the Concours d’Elegance Villa d’Este being organized in May and the Pebble Beach Concours taking over in August, it seems like a void was created between the two events, a void that was just waiting to be filled by yet another venue catering to those looking back at the ‘golden days’ of automotive design as some would say. Those were the days when terms like ‘climate’ and ‘change’ were not used in the same sentence all that often and when 16-cylinder engines were still being made. Luckily for us, BMW is helping set up yet another Concours d’Elegance, this time in June, in Romania.

Last year we attended what is known around the world as the Sinaia Concours d’Elegance and the cars we saw entering this venue were mint, to put things mildly. Even though some of them were even over 100 years old, they were still spotless with their engines running, making it through the hills of the Romanian city hidden in the Carpathian mountains. This year, a roster of 32 cars from four countries will once again compete for the attention of the public, on the same scene as always, on the grounds of one of the palaces owned by the Romanian Royal Family.

BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster at the 1st Italian Mille Miglia Grand Prix in Brescia, April 28, 1940 (03/2010)

BMW has been a part of this venue ever since it was revived, bringing back a tradition that was started over 80 years ago when the first edition was organized, in 1934. BMW Classic will therefore bring a fleet of automobiles to the grounds of the Peles Castle, celebrating some of the brand’s most important models. And while the presence of a first generation E23 7 Series will be appreciated as well as the inclusion of an E38 750i which marks 30 years since the first BMW V12 was introduced, the big kahuna will definitely be represented by a legendary BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster done by Touring. The car is one of only three such models ever built and it will be returning to Romania after racing there back in 1940.

However, more classics are waiting for the public to revel in their beauty, in case for some reason BMW’s offerings won’t get your blood flowing. The Tiriac Collection, one of the biggest privately owned car collections in the world, will be bringing out a Cadillac Series 90 fitted with a 16-cylinder engine, a rare bird by any measure. Other bespoke and rare models that will charm the crowd include a Porsche 356 Cabriolet, Jaguar E Type or Citroën DS 21 Cabriolet Chapron while one of the only two 1924 Ego 4/14 still in existence on the Globe will also be showcased this weekend.

The article BMW Classic Invites You to the Sinaia Concours d’Elegance This Weekend appeared first on BMW BLOG

Somewhere along the way, throughout the history of the automobile, car interiors started to all replicate each other. Go back five or six decades and car cabins were all remarkably different, with unique ideas and ways of doing things. However, modern cars are all very, very similar on the inside. Across brands, segments and price points, car cabins are mostly the same, in terms of overall layout, shape and technology. But there is one outlier in the industry and that’s the BMW i3.

Step into the BMW i3 and it’s almost like a different world, compared to other cars. It’s so different from anything else on the market that it’s almost unnerving. Whereas you can pretty much get in any car these days and immediately understand how to control and operate it and its systems, the i3 is different. There’s a learning curve and that throws people at first. And it isn’t even just because it’s an electric car, therefore lacking the need for conventional powertrain, as it differs greatly from every other electric car as well.

It’s sort of funny, as there have been quite a few modern cars that try and attempt a retro look with their cabins. The current Mustang, with its classic dials and dash layout, is one of them. Yet, the BMW i3 takes you twenty years into the future. There’s so much negative space, so much interior room that’s it’s almost shocking. In front of the funky two-spoke steering wheel is a single screen that displays the simplest of information and nothing more. The iDrive screen sort of floats above a section of negative space that’s often covered in eucalyptus wood and surrounded by exposed, unfinished carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

There’s nothing else like the cabin of the BMW i3 on the market. It’s fascinating and charming in a way that nothing else can come close to managing. Like it or not, there’s no denying its departure from the current car norms. This makes it one of the coolest cabins on the planet and the most interesting.

The article BMW i3 may have the coolest car interior appeared first on BMW BLOG

When picking out a brand-new MINI Cooper, many pure enthusiasts will actually go for the slower model. The current-gen MINI Cooper’s 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder base engine is one of the most characterful engines on the market. Combine it with a manual gearbox and it’s actually a lot of fun, despite being a bit slow. Plus, it’s lighter front end makes it more fun to toss around. This makes it the enthusiast’s choice. However, does this powertrain combination work well in the bigger, heavier, all-wheel drive MINI Cooper Countryman? Car and Driver tested one to find out.

Let’s just say no one is going to buy this combo for its speed. The turbo-triple in the MINI Cooper Countryman only makes 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. That’s not a lot, especially considering that the all-wheel drive Countryman weighs 3,538 lbs. So it takes 9.1 seconds to get from 0-60 mph (though, that’s still faster than my now-gone 2012 VW Passat Auto). So the MINI Cooper Countryman isn’t the most exciting car to drive.

A fact that’s exacerbated by the fact that the new Countryman is probably the least dynamic MINI ever made. It’s not bad to drive, it’s just that it lacks the sort of verve and excitement of other MINIs, even the previous Countryman. It’s now bigger, heavier and more comfortable than ever before. As C&D says, it’s a better crossover than before, but a worse MINI. However, it’s still very capable and can be enjoyable to drive, it just doesn’t feel like a proper MINI. Though, its customers are unlikely to care even a little bit.

Inside, the Countryman is still a MINI, just with more space. The design is as funky as ever and all of the brand’s cabin staples are there. Large center-mounted display? Check. Steering column-mounted tach? Yup. Toggle switch window and starter switch? You betcha. Except now, there are some actual ergonomics and a comfortable back seat. So it’s the most functional and usable MINI ever made. But that sort of defeats the point, right?

To be fair, BMW and MINI knew exactly who they were marketing with this car to. This is a car for MINI enthusiasts who are all grown up now, need the space and practicality of a crossover and could use some utility as well. Are they going to be upset with the brand’s slight departure from its heritage? Maybe a bit but they’ll likely take the trade-off so they can have their cake and eat it too, in a way.

The article Car and Driver tests MINI Cooper Countryman — 1.5T, manual appeared first on BMW BLOG

The biggest in-house rivalry that BMW has to deal with is probably the E36 M3 vs E46 M3 duel that has been taking up considerable amounts of time from enthusiasts over the years, arguing both on and offline about which is best. And while I would be bias towards the E46 as a former owner, a lot of you might probably disagree with me. Both cars are brilliant at what they do and they are closer related than you may think.

In the video below, we have a record-setting BMW E36 M3 chasing a BMW E46 M3 on, what else but, the Nurburgring. The two drivers are friends, according to the video description, and they seem to be extremely familiar with the layout of the famous German track. As a matter of fact, we wrote about the man behind the wheel of the chasing E36 M3 a while back when he surprised us with a blazing fast lap time of the BTG portion of the Ring. Therefore, we know what he’s capable of.

That said, the E46 M3 driver isn’t that shabby either, showing great skill at handling the M car around the corners of the Green Hell. Furthermore, we need to keep in mind that leading is always harder on a track than chasing. Even so, the 7:33 lap time set by the guys is not bad at all, especially considering that they had to do it all during a Touristenfahrten day, with traffic covering most of the track.

As for the two cars, we know that the E36 has been modified. The car managed to post a 7:25 lap time on the BTG and that’s a sort of unofficial record right now. The car’s interior has been stripped and a couple of changes were done to it to make it more track capable, as you can see in the video.

[This post contains video, click to play]

Link for mobile users

The article Video: BMW E36 and E46 M3 Go for Ring Run, Set 7:33 BTG Lap Time appeared first on BMW BLOG

“The Driveway” features today one of the most popular and loved M cars ever built – the E92 M3. The last supercharged M3 ended its production three years ago when BMW replaced the coupe with the first M4 model. Despite being over 10 years old, the E92 M3 continues to grow in popularity and it’s one of the highest sought cars on the pre-owned market. The E92 M3 featured today belongs to Vasil Krastev and judging by the photos, it’s in pristine condition and ready for new adventures.

Time of Ownership:
April 2015

What made you buy it?:
It is my dream car – M3 with V8 engine. And also it is already a legend – the last natural aspirated M3 Coupe ever!

Things you like:
I like every single part of this car – the engine, the sound, the suspension, the steering, the way it looks and how it feels. It is a masterpiece!

Things you’d change:
It would be nice to have some of the modern BMW gadgets but it is not such a big deal. The light beige interior leather is very hard to keep clean – if I was able to configure the car I would have chosen some orange or light brown color.

Modifications Done:
Only some small beautifications like LED interior light package, individual front grills in Schwarzchrom…

Any Adventures?:
It was kind of adventure the way I got my hands on the car. I have always been a fan of BMW and M Power especially. Always wanted to have an M3… My dream was to drive a V8 engine too. Clearly these two made my car choice. :)
I started searching for my M-car the moment I was able to afford it – winter of 2014. The interesting thing here was that I also had a deadline – summer of 2015. That is because me and some friends were planning a trip to Germany to attend a drift training course at BMW Driving Academy in Maisach.

On our way back we wanted to ride our ultimate driving machines through several very famous mountain passes in the Austrian Alps. The search began and the pressure was intense. There were not many offers to look at as I wanted the sun roof… I was starting to loose faith when I suddenly came across an offer that immediately drew my attention. The moment I saw the pictures I knew it was THE car I was searching for! It was LCI full individual, DCT and Competition package… Everything I was looking for. I payed it right away and ordered a friend of mine who delivers cars to Bulgaria to bring that one for me.

I was the happiest man when the car finally arrived at the end of April (I waited almost one month…). Mission accomplished – I had my M Power and we were ready to start our trip. We made an epic journey I will always remember!

Every year since we make such 4000 km MTrip somewhere in the Alps and drive our cars on the most exciting mountain passes in Europe. Last year we visited Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Here are two videos I made up with our footage from last years journey:

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Costs:
The car and its maintenance for 2 years – oils, fluids, spark plugs, brake pads.

What’s Next (Next car, next adventure, etc.)?:
The next thing for sure is our 2017 MTrip. I can’t wait for it!

The article The Driveway: 2012 BMW M3 Coupe (E92) appeared first on BMW BLOG

The replacement of the M6 Coupe is due out in 2019 and it will be built off the 8 Series design and platform. To be sold under the M8 badge, the new high-end sporty coupe will be the first M8 model to hit the market, after BMW has toyed with the idea back in the ’90s. BMW has already previewed the M8 through a series of camouflaged photos, building hype for 2018 and for its return to Le Mans racing.

“The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility. It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers’ most exacting requirements.”

The rendering attached here shows a muscular M8 Coupe, with the typical M design cues and beefed up bodykit. The wheels are larger than the 8 Series Coupe, the front-end is more aggressive and the ride height is lower.

We’ve gotten no specs as of yet, so we don’t know what sort of engine or power figures the M8 will have. We feel as if it could go in one of two directions. It could either get the same S63 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 as the F90 BMW M5 or maybe the same 6.6 liter twin-turbocharged V12 as the BMW M760i. They both make around the same 600 hp, so either way it would be properly quick. The original BMW 850CSi, and prototype M8, had a V12 engine and it seems that as BMW’s flagship it should have its biggest engine. On the other side though, the new S63 V8 is just as powerful and significantly lighter, allowing the M8 to handle better and have sharper steering.

So if we were to place a bet, we’d go with the V8 TwinTurbo that’s to be found in the upcoming F90 M5.

Alongside the standard BMW M8 will come the BMW M8 GTE, the race car that will spearhead the brand’s return to Le Mans. “The BMW M8 GTE development programme for our Le Mans comeback is in full swing,” says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Developing a new racing car is always exciting, and in the case of the BMW M8 GTE the anticipation is that much greater still. We can’t reveal any pictures yet, but I can promise you that the BMW M8 GTE will look spectacular. We are planning an initial roll-out for the first half of this year and are looking at giving the car its race debut in the Daytona 24 Hours in late January 2018.”

The article BMW M8 rendered into a mean machine appeared first on BMW BLOG

When it comes to market in 2019, the next-generation G20 3 Series will lose a family member. According to our sources, the 3 Series Gran Turismo is likely to be phased out and somewhat replaced by a new 4 Series Gran Coupe. Same source says BMW realized the challenges of selling both models side-by-side and the decision to build just one of those practical models was an easy one.

And since the car is still two years away, rendering artists from around the world are guessing what the design would look like. Take for example this image by Andrei Avarvarii who takes the proportions of the current 4 Series Gran Coupe and applies the latest BMW design language. Hence the rendered 4 Series Gran Coupe shows a sleek front-end, with laster lights connecting into the outer edge of a large kidney grille, and a front bumper that’s sculpted to reflect the sportiness of the Gran Coupe.

The side view is all about the two character lines which will find their way onto most new BMWs, enhancing the car’s side profile. The dimensions are pretty much the same as the current generation 4 Series Gran Coupe, with the exception of the wheelbase which is rumored to be about 7cm longer.

BMW is also currently working on a 4 Series Gran Coupe Electric that will make its debut in 2020 and directly compete with the Model 3. The 4 Series Gran Coupe Electric will be one of three different powertrain setups in the upcoming 4 Series model line. There will be a traditional petrol engine, a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a fully electric model. BMW is also targeting around a 311 mile range for the 4 Series Gran Coupe Electric, something that can be done right now with about a 90 kWh battery but could apparently drop down to around 70 kWh with newer high-density batteries and better cooling. Either way, it’s completely realistic for that range number to be met by 2020, as Tesla is targeting it now for the Model 3.

The article 2020 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe – Rendering appeared first on BMW BLOG

Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW, is overhauling its marketing department to focus on the latest digital trends in an effort to connect and engage with millennials. Millennials in key markets such as China are less receptive to traditional channels for distributing content since most of the consumption takes place online and on their digital devices. They are also less interested in print and TV commercials and focused more on engagement with a brand through social media.

“They don’t care anymore about a brand telling you how to live, what to do, how to behave, where to shop — their world is completely seamless between virtual and real and with a clear global focus, but still they themselves have a tiny world of brands, which they think are relevant for their life,” said Wortmann, who is senior vice president brand at BMW. “They want brands that behave like human beings.”

Ms. Wortmann also says that the new digital world comes with certain risks, naming BMW’s campaign at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.

“A few years ago, I would have probably gotten fired for going to a festival with sex, drugs, rock and roll,” Wortmann said. Taking the risk brought rewards as the social media impact was immediate with people posting pictures of themselves in front of the BMW i8. “We’re using their community in order to boost our message,” Wortmann said.

Ms. Wortmann joined BMW in 1998 and has played a crucial role in the successful re-launch of the MINI brand, so her resume speaks for itself when it comes to taking risks and engaging a vocal demographic. The BMW executive also said the automaker has overhauled its marketing department completely, replacing functional responsibilities for areas such as TV and print that had a “launch and forget” mentality moving from one product campaign to another. Instead she created a content studio at BMW’s headquarters in Munich that continuously mines information and reacts instantly.

“Any social media, any news on any channels that you can imagine – we see that live in our control center, our little war room, in real time,” she said.

Ms. Wortmann sat down with BMWBLOG last Fall in LA and shared similar thoughts. “In my new role, we have to build new competencies, including data analysts in our marketing team to be able to interpret what we see on these new marketing channels,” Ms. Wortmann said last year. Today, she added that the marketing department is now a hybrid of marketing people and data analysts.

“At the moment, I am not recruiting marketing experts. I am recruiting data analysts, who are capable of not just doing the data crunching, but really interpreting the right things out of that, which we need in order to take the right direction for the brand.”

The article BMW investing in social media capabilities to reach new customers appeared first on BMW BLOG