Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label i3-i8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label i3-i8. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

BMW announces a whole host of updates, upgrades, new engines, more power, better kit and more for 2017.

  • New 340hp BMW M140i and BMW 240i M Performance models top BMW 1 and 2 Series ranges.
  • BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series now benefit from more powerful, efficient engines.
  • New BMW iPerformance range launched, including new 7 Series PHEV models with up to 29 miles all-electric range.
  • Superior connectivity for the six additional model ranges.
  • New equipment and personalisation options.
BMW is upgrading its product range for the 2017 model year with more efficient, stronger-performing new four- and six-cylinder engines for the BMW 1 and 2 Series, the introduction of a BMW iPerformance range of Plug-in-Hybrid models and improved connectivity systems for several model series.  


Debut of a new six-cylinder 340hp engine: Introducing the BMW M140i and M240i.

The pinnacle of the 2017 BMW 1 Series three-and five-door hatch ranges and the BMW 2 series Coupé and Convertible line-ups are the M Performance models. 

They are powered by a new 3.0-litre straight-six engine also employing TwinPower Turbo technology to develop a power increase of 14hp and torque increase of 50Nm delivering a maximum of 340hp and 500Nm of torque, ensuring instantaneous acceleration across almost the entire rev range.


Acceleration in the BMW M140i is achieved 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model, the M135i and now has a zero to 62mph time of 4.6 seconds (automatic). 

The BMW M240i Coupé performs the same sprint in the same time with a reduction of 0.2 seconds from the previous M235i Coupé. 

The M240i Convertible goes from rest to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds yet at the same time there is a reduction of up to seven per cent in fuel consumption. 

Official figures for the BMW M140i hatchbacks and M240i Coupé are 36.2mpg (manual) or 39.8mpg (Sports Automatic), with respective CO2 figures of 179g/km and 163g/km. The M240i Convertible is capable of 34.0mpg in manual guise and 38.2mpg as an automatic, while their respective CO2 emissions are 189g/km and 169g/km.

Model
Price
from
OTR
Power
Hp
Torque
Nm
0 – 62mph SecondsTop Speed MphCombined MpgCO2 Emissions g/km
BMW M140i£31,8753405004.8 (4.6)155*36.2 (39.8)179 (163)
BMW M240i Coupé£35,0903405004.8 (4.6)155*36.2 (39.8)179 (163)
BMW M240i Convertible£38,5353405004.9 (4.7)155*34.0 (38.2)189 (169)
*Electronically-limited


This impressive demonstration of high performance mixed with parsimony is the result of painstaking attention to detail with every aspect of the powertrain. The compact size of the Twin Scroll turbocharger makes it extremely efficient, and it is linked to an indirect intercooler. 

The new M Performance models also feature electric wastegate control, a close-coupled catalytic converter, an on-demand cooling pump and map-controlled oil pump, electronic power steering, Auto Stop Start and Brake Energy Regeneration.

The six-speed manual transmission includes an engagement control function which blips the throttle on downshifts for increased smoothness and sportiness. 

The optional eight-speed Sport Automatic gearbox now has a wider spread of ratios to enhance efficiency and is capable of multiple downshifts for greater responsiveness. 

It incorporates Launch Control with a predictive shift strategy, all linked to the navigation system so that the car can extract every last fraction of performance when accelerating from standstill. 

A rev-linked vibration damper enhances smoothness and improves the rich sounds the driver hears, further aided by an acoustic shield beneath the bonnet.

OTR prices for the BMW M140i starts at £31,875, the BMW M240i Coupé costs £35,090 and the Convertible is listed at £38,535.

BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series now benefit from more efficient engines.
With the arrival of the 2017 model year BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch and 2 Series Coupé and Convertible, BMW completes the introduction of the highly efficient new Baukasten 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to all variants in both ranges.

The 2.0-litre engines employ BMW TwinPower Turbo technology incorporating a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS valve control. 

They are available in 20i, 25i and 30i guises, delivering between 6hp and 7hp more than the units they supersede at 184hp, 224hp and 252hp respectively. The introduction of Baukasten engines sees the 20i upgraded to twin exhaust tailpipes.

Model
Price
from
OTR
Power
Hp
Torque
Nm
0 – 62mph SecondsTop Speed MphCombined MpgCO2 Emissions g/km
BMW 120i£23,980184290 (270)7.1143 (140)47.1 (48.7)138 (133)
BMW 125i£28,6102243106.115147.9134
BMW 220i£26,865184290 (270)7.1 (7.2)146 (143)47.1 (48.7)138 (133)
BMW 230i£29,7102523505.8 (5.6)15544.1 (47.9)147 (134)


Acceleration times with the new engines are trimmed and fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions also fall in many models, in some cases by up to 17g/km, with advantages for Benefit-in-Kind taxation and Vehicle Excise Duty.

An eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission becomes standard for the 125i, while on the BMW 2 Series Coupé and Convertible a 230i takes the place of the former 228i.

Prices start at £23,980 OTR for the new BMW 1 Series, £26,865 OTR for the BMW 2 Series Coupé and £29,830 OTR for the Convertible. 

New BMW iPerformance range launched including new 7 Series PHEV models with up to 29 miles all-electric range.
At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show BMW announced a new iPerformance range of electrified fuel-saving, emissions-reducing models. 

They will take technologies developed for BMW i and introduce them into mainstream models, in much the same way as BMW's M Performance employ the design and engineering expertise of BMW M. 

Three of these plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models – the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e saloon and BMW X5 xDrive40e – are already on sale. They are now to be joined by the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive saloons, all to be sold under the new iPerformance banner.

Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.

All iPerformance models benefit from the advanced electronic motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries and intelligent energy management systems developed by BMW for the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8.

In the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive the combination of a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a synchronised electric motor produces a combined 326hp, with spontaneous delivery and exemplary efficiency. 

They are capable of covering up to 29 miles on electric power alone – sufficient for the majority of urban commutes – while CO2 emissions are between 49 and 56g/km and fuel consumption is from 134.5 to 113mpg.

OTR prices for the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive start from £68,330 and £74,880 and are available in the Exclusive or M Sport trim.

Superior connectivity for additional six model ranges.
Six additional model ranges now benefit from the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity services. 

Originally introduced on the BMW 7 Series and added to the BMW 6 Series, X3 and X5 in March/April 2016, it will now be available on the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, X5 and X6 ranges. Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. 

This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. 

The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. 

The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.

New equipment and personalisation options.

BMW pioneered the idea of the personalised car, and now takes it a step further with the 2017 model year versions.

Black Dakota leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching becomes an option on all BMW 3 and 4 Series M Sport models, and Venetian Beige Dakota leather upholstery contrasting with the black interior carpets for an elegant appearance is offered on the BMW 3 and 4 Series cars. 

For the BMW X5 and X6, the tilting monitors with the optional DVD and MP3 rear seat entertainment system have been increased in size from 9.2 to 10.2 inches, with higher resolution, while the DVD player is now compatible with BluRay and features an HDMI input to connect external devices.

An M Sport version of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-in-Hybrid has been introduced at £34,405 OTR before Government Plug-in Car grant. There are revised colour options for several models.

A BMW Individual leather steering wheel becomes standard on all BMW 3 and 4 Series Luxury models; there is a new Exclusive trim level available for the 7 Series models, while Executive Lounge seating and Executive Lounge package is available on long-wheelbase versions. In addition to this, the 7 Series Executive package has been renamed the Premium package which now includes Climate Comfort laminated windows and windscreen.

Finally, there is a new M Sport Plus package available on various models including the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the X5 and the BMW X6. 

This package includes the Harman/kardon Loudspeaker system and sun protection glass across all three models, 20-inch light alloy M Double-spoke style 303M on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and 20-inch light alloy M Double-spoke style 469M on the BMW X5 and BMW X6. The pack also includes Head-up Display and a Speed-limit display for both the BMW X5 and BMW X6.

Monday, 4 April 2016

USA SALES MARCH - Oh dear, does no one want to buy any BMW's or MINI's as both are down, a lot.

  • BMW brand sales decrease 12.5 percent
  • MINI brand sales decrease 18.3 percent
  • BMW Motorcycle sales increase 6 percent
Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 12.5 percent in March for a total of 30,033 compared to 34,310 vehicles sold in March, 2015. Year-to-date, BMW brand is down 10.0 percent on sales of 70,613 compared to 78,492 sold in the first three months of 2015.
Of particular note in March, were strong increases in the sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles, in particular the BMW X1 and the BMW X3. The popular new BMW 7 Series continues its sales success, increasing by 16.1 percent over March 2015.

“It’s been a tumultuous first quarter of the year for business in the U.S. with plenty of volatility even in the premium vehicle segment,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The desire for premium Sports Activity Vehicles continues accelerating at a strong pace in the U.S. and I’m very pleased that our SAV plant in South Carolina will make another production increase in the months ahead to help us satisfy the ever-growing demand for our X models.”
BMW Group Sales
In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 34,795 vehicles, a decrease of 13.3 percent from the 40,139 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are down 10.8 percent on sales of 81,452 in the first three months of 2016 compared to 91,269 in the same period in 2015.
MINI Brand Sales
For March, MINI USA reported 4,762 automobiles sold, a decrease of 18.3 percent from the 5,829 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA reported a total of 10,839 automobiles sold, a decrease of 15.2 percent from 12,777 automobiles sold in the first three months of 2015.

Table 1: New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, March 2016
Mar.
2016
Mar.
 2015
%
YTD Mar. 2016
YTD Mar.
 2015
%
BMW brand
30,033
34,310
-12.5
70,613
78,492
-10.0
BMW passenger cars
20,616
27,195
-24.2
47,242
57,851
-18.3
BMW light trucks
9,417
7,115
32.4

23,371
20,641
13.2

MINI brand
4,762
5,829
-18.3

10,839
12,777
-15.2

TOTAL 
Group
BMW Motorrad Sales
Sales of BMW motorcycles increased 19.6 percent in March with 1,931 motorcycles sold compared to the 1,614 sold in March 2015.
The S 1000 RR was once again the best-selling model with 254 deliveries compared to 219 this time last year, helping S-Series volumes grow by 51%. With 249 sales compared to 178 this time last year, the R 1200 GS Adventure helped drive growth of 38% in boxer models. 
Further growth also came from the award-winning 6-cylinder luxury touring models with 209 K-Series units delivered to customers compared to 155 in March of 2015. The new for 2016 C 650 GT Maxi-Scooter proved popular too, with 48 retails, up 14% on the figure from a year ago.

Table 2: Motorcycle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, March 2016
Mar.
 2016
Mar.
 2015
%
YTD Mar.
2016
YTD Mar. 2015
%
BMW Motorcycles
1,931
1,614
19.6
3,176
3,098
2.5

34,795
40,139
-13.3

81,452
91,269
-10.8