BMW Car Club of Great Britain and Ireland

WebClips - links to items on the interwebs

2012-02-26T16:03:00.000Z

Webclips from last months magazine

Welcome to webclips, sit down, strap in and turn the volume up to maximum for this first one! http://bit.ly/wUBajE it’s Erich Edlinger in his BMW 320 (E30) IRL at Kitzeck in 2011, sounds fabulous! I have to admit there’s not much E30 left but it certainly goes!

This next one is from PistonHeads, how about a 500HP Audi A1? This car was built by VW Group tuning specialists MTM, they call it the “Nardo” edition, story here: http://bit.ly/x6DlWn and video here: http://bit.ly/yf9E5w

I’m not really into surfing, I have had a go a body boarding whilst on holiday in Cornwall and that can be great fun, but this is in another league: http://bit.ly/x2Cpam It was shot off the coast of Tahiti near the village of Teahupoo, I think they actually call them “Teahupoo’s”.

How about a shortened 205 GTi doing VERY tight donuts? Stoppies? http://bit.ly/zAOaXU it looks like fun but I think I’d probably be dizzy doing that many donuts that quickly!

Bit of class next, the Targa Florio as recorded in 1972, it’s almost a mini documentary at nearly 10 minutes long…. http://bit.ly/xfDgbP

How about digging up a Dino 246 GT in your back garden whilst getting those last few potatoes out at the end of the year, what you mean you don’t have a car under your patio? You’re missing out! http://jalo.ps/yfRZtr

What do you think about the “check engine” warning light? I guess most of you reading this will be better informed than most so will appreciate why it’s there, Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik thinks they should be banned, here’s his argument: http://jalo.ps/yeafZO

And finally, this is what I want fitted to the back (and front!) of my car, a very clever “Gatling” gun exhaust pipe contraption: http://bit.ly/xIhniy

To see all the webclips links on-line please visit the blog http://bmwccgb.blogspot.com/

I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of WebClips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://on.fb.me/xIqqnq , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

Please send me links to any interesting items you find on your travels around the interwebs and I'll see if we can get it mentioned here in a future edition of the magazine.

Have fun and be safe on the interwebs!

M Power eZine

2012-02-11T15:09:00.000Z

I have just uploaded an early copy of the MPower eZine to issuu here: http://issuu.com/bmwccgb/docs/mpowerezine.

It's a members only eZine but we thought it would be good to share a copy with our non members so that they can see what they are missing!

There are also a few old club magazines available so that you folks can see the quality of our monthly publication: http://issuu.com/bmwccgb/docs

Hope you enjoy them!

WebClips - links to items on the interwebs

2012-01-30T21:09:00.000Z

Webclips from last months magazine...

Be careful when jump starting your car!

Welcome to webclips, another eclectic mix of links again this month, I’m starting with a bit of a close shave, watch this video to see why: http://bit.ly/skS49B The next one is a new version of a story I have heard many times before, usually for rallying but occasionally for racing, you probably know the story, the race car needs a part, the team doesn’t have it and so they look for a suitable donor in the car par, well, on this occasion they already had the donor car ready as they have invited the owner of a car they “borrowed” parts from last year to hang out with the team as a thanks you! http://jalo.ps/tYTfg0

I have shared a video like this with you before, it’s a roller-blader called Jean Yves Blondeau, I think some of the footage is a repeat from the old video but this now one is well worth a watch! http://bit.ly/vK10mL

I really can’t work out the “rider” in this next video actually stayed alive, you’ll just have to watch it to see what I mean: http://bit.ly/vgMoLL

How about washing your car with one bucket of water? No pre-wash or leather down afterwards required! http://bit.ly/vlFN3c

I got this next one thanks to member Chris Tranter, it’s also topical. As I am sure you know, BMW are a main sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics and so I think we will probably see more of this kind of thing: http://bit.ly/sCxmNR

Here’s an old Fifth gear “fun” test, where Tiff and Jason test an M3 and a Lexus ISF, it’s all done in the interests of science…not http://bit.ly/rABhh0

With the release of the new M5 I thought you might like to take a look at a summary of the life of the previous M5s, there’s a nice collection of videos along with a link to the original BMW Press release from July 2010: http://aol.it/s9P56J

That’s it for this month, don’t forget to send me your links, I leave you all with this picture, it’s a piece of BBC Top Gear clothing so some of you may have had this giggle before: http://bit.ly/vcUoTq

I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of WebClips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://tiny.cc/j7tde , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

Webclips

2011-12-30T20:02:00.000Z

Here's the weblips links from last months magazine...

...John Castle has been scouring the interwebs and sent me this link to an old Wheeler Dealer’s video from 2000, hope it works OK on your computer, the sound is OK on mine but the video is a little jumpy: http://bit.ly/st0wmm

Here are a couple of non-car links, you may have noticed by now that I am a bit of a fan of “Parkour”, this is what is also known as Free Running, the chap (Damian Walters) in this next video is a bit of an expert, you may have seen a video of him that I have posted before: http://bit.ly/tjEuQk

How about some very high speed downhill (well, luge actually) skateboarding? Sounds like a great use of the facilities when there’s no ice about! http://bit.ly/tfPeMl

OK, back to car stuff, who can remember the terrible accident that happened to Alex Zanardi in 2001, I have to admit that I remembered the name but not the accident, anyway, he’s never given up competing but he has changed four wheels for three, here’s a very motivating story: http://jalo.ps/vWT5WD

Another thing I like to watch is drifting, some people think it’s all out of control, and simply ruins tyres, well yes, it does ruin tyres but the drivers are very skilled, here’s a video that includes an unusual Mercedes wagon doing a spot of drifting: http://bit.ly/tZsLou

Q cars, you have to love them, what looks like an ordinary everyday car turns out to be a bit of a “sleeper”, how about a MK2 Golf with 900hp? Read the story and watch the video on PistonHeads here: http://bit.ly/s2zkin

How long do you keep your “ordinary” cars, I mean the ones that you use to get you to work every day, the “shopping” cars, not the ones that get polished to within an inch of their lives? How about this guy in the states who has done over 1,000,000 miles in his…..wait for it….Honda Accord! To reward him Honda gave him a new one, and held a massive celebration in his home town, well done Honda, and man have you got patience Joe! http://jalo.ps/sjux1X

One last non car related one, one for the tech geeks out there, this is the “OmniTouch”, a “wearable depth-sensing and projection system that enables interactive multitouch applications on everyday surfaces”, watch the video, it’s cool. http://bit.ly/u2Kp5B

That’s it for this month, don’t forget to send me your links.

To see all the webclips links on-line please visit the blog http://bmwccgb.blogspot.com/

I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of WebClips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://tiny.cc/j7tde , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

Cheers to all who have looked at our flickr stream!

2011-12-13T21:00:00.000Z

We have just exceeded 500K views!

NEC Classic Car show Meguiars video

2011-12-06T14:39:00.000Z

This short video (SOUL OF A CLASSIC) was shot at the NEC Classic Car Show by stephenbrooksfilms.com & Scene Media and features the Meguiar's Club Showcase at The Classic Motor Show as well as other cars from around the show. Look out for the M1, M635 and M3 that were on our stand.

SOUL OF A CLASSIC from Stephen Brooks on Vimeo.

Pulled by the boys in blue

2011-11-24T11:18:00.000Z

Just a quick blog to pass on a heart stopping moment that happened to me today. I was taking my M3 to Eclectic Cars for an MOT and oil change this morning (sorry Barney but it really is too far to travel to Classic Heroes just for an oil change!) and as I approached the Tingewick bypass I spotted a Police car behind me, now I wouldn't have been "going for it" anyway as it was damp, the car was clean and I know that there are regularly speed cameras up on this bypass so I stuck to 70....

I got to the end of the bypass and the Police car was right behind me with the blue lights flashing! I quickly pulled over whilst wondering what on earth I might have done, the officer got out and approached me with a stern look on his face only to offer his hand to shake mine after which he congratulated me on the work I do for the club magazine, he said "keep up the good work", I was very relieved, and I will do just that!

Eclectic's courtesy car

Cars and Girls

2011-11-17T20:13:00.000Z

This may prove to be controversial, but since nobody reads my blog I don't see that it's likely to upset many people!

I like cars, I like pretty women (picking my words carefully here), regarding the latter I am talking about pretty women generally, I have been known to take a second glance whilst out in town and a pretty woman walks by, I do not think this is wrong, in fact, I believe it is actually a subconscious thing in that men are programmed by evolution to think about mating opportunities.Woahh! I know what you are thinking but it's not true, just by looking at a pretty woman you do not have to thinking about, well, sex!

I love cars, as you now know I like looking at pretty women and I am also an amateur photographer, hang on, there you go again, you're now thinking that I take photos of cars and pretty women....well yes, yes I do when I get the chance.

The only reason I am writing this is because I was recently at the NEC at the Classic Car Show and as it was getting a little slow late on Sunday afternoon I went and asked some of the models that were on a stand nearby if they would mind coming over to our stand and "brightening things up", I had in mind exactly what you will see on the clubs flickr pages, nothing rude or crude in my opinion, just pretty models posing with our BMW's.....however, someone in the club has asked if the club is going downhill as a result of me posting the pictures, I'd just like to get some feedback from other people to so see what you all (?) think...

Here's a Wiki entry on attractiveness that might prove interesting, the photos can be found on flickr here

This months Webclips

2011-10-30T20:32:00.000Z

Hello,
Welcome to webclips, here’s a nice story of a motorsport pilgrimage that appears to happen annually for some of IND Distribution’s staff, they visit the Eisenmann factory and the Nurburgring on their trip http://bit.ly/uK7qno . The second article is about the life of a tyre tester, it was run on Pistonheads recently and if very interesting http://bit.ly/tQto6I .

First video…..how about some drifting, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but you have to admire the skill required… http://bit.ly/vcLPOm this one is of Kenneth Moen at the Lillehammer hill climb course.

Couldn’t resist sharing this (non-car related) video, it’s the Ohio University Marching 110 band doing “The Party Rock Anthem”, please watch it all the way through, I guarantee a smile! http://bit.ly/tuzsbU

You know all about the GT-R and how it goes, and handles…well how about stuffing all of that running gear and technology into a Juke? Go and have a look at the “Nissan Juke” YouTube channel for lots of videos: http://bit.ly/sxrWP0

I’m a big fan of time lapse videos, there not really videos at all but a series of still photos stringed together at video speed (usually about 25 frames per second), here’s one of a Subaru WRX build up done by Vermont Sports Car http://bit.ly/swWsFm

Another quick non car related one, an amazing robotic hand, you will be surprised at what can be achieved: http://bit.ly/upBGmh

And finally this month a couple of “driver’s eye view” in F1 cars, the first is Lucas di Grassi http://bit.ly/tcLMHf, the second is older and is of David Coulthard http://bit.ly/rEuqGr

That’s it for this month, don’t forget to send me your links.

To see all the webclips links on-line please visit the blog http://bmwccgb.blogspot.com/

I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of WebClips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://tiny.cc/j7tde , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

BMW's new 3 Series

2011-10-14T20:12:00.000+01:00

We have all the photos and info on what is BMW’s most important model, the full specs are below with photos on Facebook here: http://on.fb.me/qQPiJw Apologies for the VERY long blog post!

With the announcement of the sixth generation BMW 3 Series Saloon, the benchmark by which all sport saloons are measured just got raised. The pioneering history of the 3 Series serves as inspiration for the new sports saloon, whose powerful styling represents a fresh interpretation and conscientious development of traditional BMW design cues. It will not only set new standards for performance and handling but also for luxury, technology and efficiency as well.
The all-new BMW 3 Series Saloon arrives in UK showrooms in February 2012 as a 2012 model.
The new BMW face, with elongated headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, emphasizes the new BMW 3 Series’ sense of width and strengthens its athletic overall profile. The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown moderately in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 47 mm/1.85 in.) particularly prominent, and the car’s length (+ 93 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.) also accentuates its sporting allure. Inside the new BMW 3 Series Saloon, the rear passengers will appreciate the noticeable increase in space made possible by the larger dimensions. And the BMW 3 Series range is now also available in a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Each presents its own individual take on the character of the sports saloon, with exclusive, high-quality material combinations and unbeatable build quality underlining the premium ambience of the new range.
Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new
BMW 3 Series Saloon. The new car belies its larger dimensions with an equipment equalized curb weight 88 lb (40 kilograms) below that of its predecessor.
A choice of two muscular, refined and efficient engines – which both feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology – will be available for the new
BMW 3 Series Saloon in the US market. In addition to the already successful
6-cylinder N55 engine powering the 335i, customers can also opt for the new turbocharged 4-cylinder (N20) variant in the BMW 328i. This latest-generation engine, initially introduced in the 2012 Z4 sDrive28i, rewards the driver with both a dynamic driving experience and significantly reduced fuel consumption.
The innovative 8-speed automatic gearbox – which is a first in the segment – opens up a whole new level of driving experience. It can be specified in combination with either the 328i or the 335i and includes the new Auto Start-Stop function. Compact and exceptionally efficient, it allows the new BMW 3 Series to match or outperform models fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in terms of fuel economy. The new 8-speed automatic brings together shift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest order, making it the perfect partner for the new saloon’s dynamic potential.
As components of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology line-up, the
Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, and need-based operation of ancillary components (including an on-demand air conditioning compressor) also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. Added to which, the new Driving Dynamics Control switch, which allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Sport, Sport + and ECO PRO mode, gives both models the potential to further improve these figures. This ECOPRO mode helps drivers maximize fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel between visits to the pumps. BMW will add another cutting-edge engine to the line-up in 2012, when the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will premiere.
BMW ConnectedDrive offers an unmatched combination of available driver assistance technology and mobility systems for the new BMW 3 Series range. A new arrival in the premium mid-size segment is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information – in sharp resolution – onto the windshield so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it. In addition, an available Parking Assistant system helps the driver to parallel park. Among the other assistance technology available under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner are the Active Blind Spot Detection System and Lane Departure Warning System with camera-based Collision Warning system, which are offered for the first time in a BMW 3 Series. A Navigation System with Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and an innovative comfort access function allowing hands-free opening of the trunk lid are all included on the options list.

Design.
All in all, the innovative body structure and intelligent lightweight design concept of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon ensure that it is now larger and safer, but – depending on the engine specified – also lighter. The dynamic proportions and athletic overall impression of the new 3 Series bring the sporting character of this hugely successful model into even sharper focus.
The BMW 3 Series Saloon is an iconic figure in the sports sedan segment and over the years has come to symbolize the aesthetic appeal, dynamics and sporting capability of BMW. With its dynamic lines and athletic overall presence, the sixth generation of the world’s best-selling premium vehicle highlights the sporting character of the brand’s mid-size model. Although the new BMW 3 Series has grown moderately in all dimensions compared to its predecessor, it retains a perfect balance of sportiness and elegance. As in previous generations, the saloon’s dynamic proportions are shaped by the sweeping hood, short front overhang, long wheelbase and set-back greenhouse typical of BMW.
Striking face with precise contours and multi-faceted surfaces.
The wedge shape of the new 3 Series’ silhouette and its wider track
underline the sporting appearance of the new BMW. By clearly accentuating the width of the car, the multi-faceted surfaces of the expressive front fascia give the BMW 3 Series a more athletic face than ever. A wide, squat interpretation of the upright, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille emphasizes the assured presence of the new BMW 3 Series. LED accent lights positioned like eyebrows above the striking twin headlights with corona rings (if xenon headlights are specified) lend an extra intensity to the classic BMW focused look. Clearly defined headlight surrounds now extend up to the frame of the kidney grille, merging the headlights and grille of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon into a single stylistic unit and adding further emphasis to the car’s broad-set stance. The BMW 3 Series replaces the central air intake of its predecessor with two larger intakes, which are positioned underneath the headlights to the outer edges of the front fascia and add extra depth to the car’s sporty styling. On the far left and right of the main ducts are small vertical intakes which help create the “Air Curtain”. This new technology improves air flow around the front wheels, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at higher speeds.
The closely spaced, squat openings of the kidney grille, with their eye-catching surrounds, form the most prominent element of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon’s front design. This is also where the precise lines of the heavily contoured hood, spawned by the roof pillars and flowing over the full length of the hood, come together on the their journey towards the road. The result is a front that appears lower-slung, giving the BMW 3 Series a clear sporting edge when viewed head-on.
Precise lines produce a stretched silhouette and enhance the car’s dynamic impact.
Powerfully taut surfaces with sweeping lines dominate the side view of the BMW
3 Series Saloon, stretching the car visually and lending extra verve to its dynamic stance. The flanks of the car are shaped by an eye-catching double character line running alongside each other. The higher character line emerges out of the low-slung nose and flows over the front wheel with an understated sweep, in a nod to the sedan’s fleetness of foot. The second character line develops lower down behind the front wheel and follows a delicately arching path towards the rear. Together, they reinforce the dynamic wedge shape of the car’s flanks. As well as providing a discreet increase in muscularity in the rear section below the character line, these styling cues also create vivid light and shade effects, which draw further attention to the car’s wide track.
The striking interpretation of the hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink at the base of the C-pillar injects the silhouette of the new 3 Series with even greater élan. Alongside it runs a fine contour line from the roof pillars into the rear deck lid, giving the roof an even lower appearance from the side. The resultant sense of sporty yet elegant lightness spreads all the way down the sedan’s sides, with the slightly rising shade line low down on the heavily contoured side skirt adding further emphasis. The large light surfaces above the side skirt serve to enhance the lightness of the car’s flank lines.
Contrasting light surfaces imbue the rear with brio and energy.
The strong horizontal lines of the rear – including rear lights in customary
BMW L-shaped design positioned at the outer edges of the rear – accentuate the broad face of the wheels and wide track of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon. The low-set reflectors guide the vertical lines flowing out of the greenhouse over the rear lights to the wheels, lending visual emphasis to the car’s consummate road presence. Traditional BMW 3 Series design traits include the two lines below the rear spoiler and above the bumper, which frame the rear stylistically. Richly contrasting light surfaces give the rear end of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon a fresh dynamic flair, while the interchanges between smoothly flowing surfaces, precise lines and defined edges inject brio and energy.
The interplay of surfaces and lines fills the interior with life.
The interior of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon is straight out of the BMW design handbook. The driver-focused cockpit wraps around the driver and puts all the important controls within easy reach. The cockpit is angled towards the driver by seven degrees. The ingenious layout of the front cabin incorporates the driver-focused cockpit as part of its natural design – i.e. without excluding the front passenger. The surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth, protective border. In the driver’s area all the lines converge on a single point behind the steering wheel and guide the eye towards the road.
The cockpit’s four circular dials (fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer and oil temperature gauge) come with a black panel display. Positioned on the horizontally-structured instrument panel, the freestanding iDrive monitor with slim, transreflective, high-resolution display recalls the latest flatscreen televisions normally found in living rooms rather than cars.
On the driver’s side of the deliberately asymmetric centre tunnel, a different trim surface and graining mark out the active driving elements of the interior, while the trim surface on the front passenger side exudes a pleasingly elegant air. Positioned centrally on the centre console within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger is the standard iDrive Controller.
More space, wide variety of storage compartments, even greater practicality.
Passengers in the rear of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon will enjoy significantly more space than in the outgoing model. The car’s larger dimensions ensure rear passengers are welcomed by 0.71 in. /18 mm of extra legroom inside the doors as they climb aboard. Behind the fully contoured front seats, 0.6 in / 15 mm of additional knee room and 0.31in. / 8 mm of extra headroom further enhance the passengers’ comfort on the road. Backrest nets offer additional accommodation for small items, reflective vests and road maps. Larger pockets in the front doors, whose lines and surfaces open up towards the instrument panel, now have space for drink bottles up to one litre in size. Added to which, two large drink holders are now integrated into the centre console ahead of the gearshift lever. If desired, the cupholders can be swapped for an oddments tray, which is stored in a special area of the glove compartment when not in use. The new saloon offers 480 litres of luggage capacity, 20 litres more than the outgoing model in DIN measurement protocol. And an innovative and practical solution allows extremely convenient access inside. If the optional Comfort Access is specified, the boot can be opened hands-free and without needing to use a key. For example, if the driver approaches his new 3 Series with both hands full, all he/she needs to do is move his/her foot around underneath the bumper to trigger the opening mechanism for the boot lid (see also BMW ConnectedDrive). The luggage compartment can hold as much as three golfbags, or a pram and chassis inserted over a remarkably low boot sill that is a mere 26 inches high (66 cm). Standard securing hooks hold the items firmly in place, while a storage tray under the load compartment floor and a deep storage compartment on the left-hand side accommodate small oddments. For bulky items, the optional Through-Load includes a folding rear seat bench to allow flexible transport solutions. The 40:20:40 split rear backrests offer unbeatable versatility when you need to carry passengers and long items, such as several pairs of skis or snowboards, at the same time.
Three equipment lines shine the spotlight on the car’s distinct character traits.
High-quality material combinations and unbeatable build quality underline the premium ambience of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon. The materials and colour concept of standard model accentuate the sporting character of the car, but a large selection of colours and upholstery variants also offer scope for various other options. From the basic matt satin silver surface treatment to the warm look of fine burr walnut wood, all trim surface options can be combined with either the leatherette or one of two leather upholstery colours.
In addition to the standard trim level, the new BMW 3 Series Saloon can now also be specified with any of three equipment lines or an M Sport Package. Customers can therefore adapt the appearance of their car to their personal lifestyle and preferences – in their own way and with eye-catching results. The Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line each emphasize the different sides to the new BMW 3 Series Saloon’s character in their own individual way. The exclusive, carefully coordinated equipment features embrace both exterior design elements and the selection of materials and colours for each model. In terms of value, design coherence and expressiveness, the new BMW Lines go far beyond existing packages in the segment.
Sport Line:With eye-catching exterior features in high-gloss black, this new line accentuates the dynamic appearance of the BMW 3 Series Saloon. Eight heavily contoured high-gloss black kidney grille slats in a chrome-coloured surround give the front end of the car a particularly sporty and alert look. The black inserts in the front apron make the air intakes appear larger and lend extra emphasis to the muscular wheel arches. Bi-colour, double-spoke design 18-inch light-alloy wheels provide the athletic looks to match. Meanwhile, high-gloss black painted exterior mirrors and the standard high-gloss black B-pillar and window trim add an extra sporting flavour to the flanks. A black trim strip on the lower crease underlines the width-enhancing effect of the rear styling, while the black chrome exhaust tips rounds off the exterior’s sporty appearance. The sporty and exclusive ambience of the interior is expressed by contrasting black and red accents. Red trim rings, red scales in the circular dials, red stitching on the sports steering wheel and a base trim strip in high-gloss black with coral red accent strips all underline the sporting ambience of the cockpit. The standard sports seats can be specified in a choice of two upholstery styles and three colours. The ignition key for Sport Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon is identified by its black finish and red detailing.
Luxury Line: The discreet high-gloss chrome elements of this line lend the exterior of the BMW 3 Series saloon a particularly elegant and exclusive appeal. The BMW kidney grille with 11 fine chrome slats, two slightly offset chrome trim strips in the front apron air intakes, and a high-gloss chrome trim strip running horizontally above the air scoop give the front a striking appearance. As with the Sport Line, the B-pillar and window guide come in high-gloss black, and the window frame and weather strip are in chrome. Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design accentuate the stylishness of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon when viewed side-on. From the rear, the new Luxury Line is easily identified by its exquisite, high-gloss chrome trim strip – which extends across the full width of the rear apron – and its chrome exhaust tips. Chrome elements also catch the eye inside the Luxury Line variant. This is the only line which gives the radio and air conditioning units a chrome surround. High-gloss wood trim (with stylish inlays also available) and seats with distinctive stitching and leather upholstery in three classically elegant colors highlight an inviting, exclusive ambience. The ignition key for Luxury Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon can be identified by its black finish and chrome detailing.
Modern Line: In contrast to Luxury Line models, the avant-garde trim elements included in Modern Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon are all in satin aluminium, underlining the contemporary character of this line. The BMW kidney grille, with 11 satin aluminium slats, and double trim strips for the air intakes in the same color give the front end of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon a particularly contemporary, classy touch. The high-gloss black B-pillar and window trim of the Modern Line blend smoothly with the satin aluminium trim elements at the front and rear. 18-inch turbine-style light-alloy wheels strengthen the future-focused concept of this equipment line. The harmonious lightness of the interior dispenses with strong contrasts. Instead, with a light upper side to the dashboard and a steering wheel in dark oyster, it generates an all-new ambience. Leather upholstery in oyster or black, and a choice of three trim surfaces with accent strips in pearl-effect chrome, further enhance the appealing interplay between materials. A trim element with three-dimensional structure and open-pored wood lays on a whole new feast for the fingertips. Modern Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon are marked out by the oyster-coloured ignition key with matt silver detailing.
M Sport package: The M Sport package brings the ultimate in sporting makeovers to the new BMW 3 Series. An all-new aerodynamic package for the exterior clearly sets cars specified with this package apart from the base model and the three lines. 18 and 19 -inch light-alloy wheels in hallmark M design, M Sport suspension, a black kidney grille and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim give the car that typical M look. The theme continues inside the car with sports seats boasting distinctive upholstery choices, trim elements with blue accent strips, an M Short-shifter (in models with manual gearbox), M door sill covers, an M driver’s footrest and the new M leather steering wheel.
New dimensions in driving pleasure and dynamic performance: Sporty power delivery, outstanding efficiency and enhanced ride comfort.
The sixth generation BMW 3 Series sports saloon offers top-level agility and driving dynamics, and they combine all this with new levels of comfort. At the same time, there is no change to the proven basic concept comprising high-performance engines, a sporty chassis and a rigid, lightweight body. After all, over the past 35 or more years, drivers have come to expect dynamic, sporty driving enjoyment as a matter of course in a BMW 3 Series model, while powertrain and chassis technology rank as a core strength of the brand. A longitudinally mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and a balanced (50:50) weight distribution are a formula that makes the BMW 3 Series the sportiest sedan in its segment.
At launch, the new BMW 3 Series Saloon will be offered with two high-torque, refined and fuel-efficient engines, both feature the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. They comprise the familiar 6-cylinder inline engine and a new-generation 4-cylinder engine. Both engines offer impressive driving dynamics coupled with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. At first sight contradictory and conflicting technical objectives have been ingeniously resolved by BMW. For example, the dynamism goes hand in hand with outstanding performance on the cost and environmental front, since emissions for both the engines are well within the US ULEV II limits. And the new Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PLUS mode, which is available for all engine versions, provides the opportunity to extend these savings even further.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels either via a standard 6-speed manual transmission or, optionally, via an 8-speed automatic – currently the only such unit in this segment. The automatic, which can be combined with either engine, is so efficient that it is able achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions than with the manual transmission on the EU test cycle (EPA test figures will be announced closer to the US on-sale date). Both the manual and the automatic models are equipped with the Auto Start-Stop function for further savings.
Advanced suspension technology, featuring a large number of light-alloy components and new tuning, along with Servotronic speed sensitive power steering, low vehicle weight and a balanced weight distribution top off a dynamic package, making the new BMW 3 Series Saloon an exemplar of sporty handling combined with increased comfort.
BMW 328i: new 4-cylinder petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology sets a new benchmark for driving dynamics and efficiency.
With the launch of the new sports saloon, an ultra-modern 4-cylinder engine will make its debut in the BMW 3 Series. In keeping with the dynamic overall theme of the new BMW sports saloon, this new-generation turbocharged engine offers plenty of power and performance, responsive acceleration, powerful torque, a high rpm ceiling and low weight. The new 4-cylinder engine, which provide noticeably livelier power for maximum driving enjoyment, also come with lower fuel consumption than its predecessor.
The state-of-the-art, lively 2.0-litre engine marks a return to the popular sports saloon’s roots – it was with lightweight, high-performance 4-cylinder engines in a similar vein that the BMW 3 Series made its debut back in 1975, with the first 6-cylinder engines for this series making their appearance at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show. A 6-cylinder continues to top the engine line-up in the new BMW 3 Series.
The significant upgrade in power and efficiency is chiefly down to the use of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing along with twin-scroll turbocharging. On the new-generation 4-cylinder engine, this world-exclusive technology package from BMW again provides a very efficient way to extract more power from the engine, rather than taking the route of a much larger displacement and, in the process, adding to the weight and therefore to fuel consumption. This explains why the more dynamic performance and driving enjoyment does not come at the expense of higher fuel consumption and emissions.
The new BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder’s displacement of 1,997 cc delivers maximum power of 180 kW/ 240 hp at 5,000 rpm while, thanks to twin-scroll turbocharging, the maximum torque of 260 lb-ft is developed at just 1,250 rpm and remains constant up to 4,800 rpm. These statistics translate to commensurately dynamic performance: the new BMW 328i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The engine responds instantly when the driver demands more throttle, and the vigorous and almost linear power delivery from only slightly above idle, which continues all the way into the higher rpm range, is duly impressive.
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the new 4-cylinder engine.
This new engine is the most powerful in a new generation of 4-cylinder engines designed in accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, which aims to combine increased driving enjoyment with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. In technical terms, this new 4-cylinder engine is modelled on the current multi-award-winning 6-cylinder inline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (N55), which is the benchmark in its class for dynamic power delivery and impressive efficiency. This world-exclusive technology combines High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing with twin-scroll turbocharging.
These features give the new BMW 328i the sort of power which with a naturally aspirated engine would require more cylinders and larger displacement. At the same time, with its all-aluminium crankcase, this engine is lighter and more compact than a 6-cylinder engine of equivalent power. This has obvious benefits for driving dynamics: the reduced load on the front axle gives this
BMW sports sedan greater agility and further improved steering and cornering characteristics.
Twin-scroll turbocharging.
The new 4-cylinder engines also feature twin-scroll turbocharging. This means that the exhaust stream from cylinders 1 and 4, and the exhaust stream from cylinders 2 and 3, follow separate spiral-shaped paths to the turbine wheel. This reduces exhaust back-pressure at low engine rpm, allowing the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be utilized as efficiently as possible. The result is instant throttle response and fast-revving performance which BMW drivers can instantly translate into driving pleasure.
VALVETRONIC, Double-Vanos and High Precision Direct Injection.
The combination of a high power output and a simultaneous reduction in emissions is achieved by VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing. The latest generation of the VALVETRONIC system features a faster-acting, optimized stepper motor with integrated sensor. Seamlessly variable control of intake valve lift dispenses with the need for a throttle butterfly. Instead, the air mass is controlled inside the engine, resulting in faster response. At the same time, pumping losses have been reduced to a minimum.
The excellent efficiency is also down to the High Precision Direct Injection system. Centrally positioned between the valves, solenoid injectors precisely control the supply of fuel. The fuel is injected very close to the spark plug, with a maximum injection pressure of 200 bar (2900 psi), resulting in clean and homogeneous combustion. The cooling effect of the directly injected fuel also results in a higher compression ratio than on port injection engines, bringing further efficiency improvements.
Exceptional performance assisted by innovative design features.
The exceptional performance of the new engine is also due to various innovative features of the core engine. For example, twin balancer shafts positioned at different heights result in optimized vibration absorption, while a centrifugal pendulum absorber integrated in the dual-mass flywheel brings a noticeable reduction in irregular running at low engine rpm. The driver can therefore make full use of the strong low-end torque without sacrificing smoothness. These factors all help to explain why the new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine achieves refinement, noise and vibration of a kind that was previously confined to BMW 6-cylinder engines.
BMW 335i: Inline 6-cylinder engine with beefy power delivery, strong torque and superb refinement.
Fans of large 6-cylinder engines have a treat in store too. The inline 6-cylinder engine (N55) in the new BMW 335i will impress performance-minded drivers with its effortless power, exceptionally fast-revving temperament and outstanding refinement. The N55 has been setting standards from the start, as the pioneer of a new generation of engines in which BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing plus a twin scroll turbo made its debut.
Thanks to intensive fine-tuning of the engine, BMW’s engineers have now further reduced the fuel consumption and emissions of the predecessor, while at the same time maintaining its high performance. With a maximum power rating of 225 kW/ 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder unit reflects the sporty personality of the BMW 3 Series and helps this sedan deliver brilliant performance. And the high peak torque of 300 lb-ft, on stream between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm, ensures that the power is effortlessly and instantly delivered.
As a result, the new BMW 335i can show off its prowess with a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of just 5.4 seconds. The automatic version is on par, reaching 60 mph a full 0.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model. Top speed remains the same, at an electronically governed 155mph.
All this extra performance comes with exceptional fuel economy and low emission figures. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (29.8 mpg). Fitted with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 335i is even more frugal, with combined fuel consumption of just 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres (32.6 mpg). The improvement in emissions for the manual and automatic versions works out at 6 and 16 per cent respectively.
Sporty 6-speed manual transmission as standard; state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic optionally available for both engine versions.
The BMW 3 Series owes its characteristic driving experience not just to its high-torque, fast-revving engines, but also to its transmissions. For performance-minded drivers the transmission, as the interface where the power from the engine is relayed to the rear wheels, is pivotal to a dynamic driving experience. It is just as important for it to offer precise, short-throw shifting as to provide the right ratios. Smooth shifting, low noise and efficient design are further qualities demanded in the premium segment. For drivers who value a hands-on approach, the new BMW sports sedan is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, while those who prefer to leave the shifting to the transmission will find an ideal alternative in the innovative 8-speed automatic. Finally, customers can also opt for a sports automatic version of this transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts as an upgrade with the Sport Line and M Sport package.
6-speed manual transmission as standard.
The sporty 6-speed manual transmission in the new BMW 3 Series boasts an easy and precise shifting action and optimal ratio spacing. The lightweight, compact format and innovative, low-friction design help to further enhance shift feel and efficiency. The transmission used on the BMW 335i, is equipped with dry sump lubrication for significantly improved efficiency and shifting quality, due to reduced drag losses. At the same time, noticeably more comfortable shifting is achieved by the use of innovative carbon friction linings in the synchromesh units. The new BMW 328i likewise features an optimized transmission with ratios precisely matched to the performance characteristics of the new engine. The optimal ratio spacing makes for powerful sprinting performance and fast mid-range acceleration, all combined with a reduction in fuel consumption.
Innovative 8-speed automatic transmission: efficient power transmission and optimal ratios.
The new BMW 3 Series can be equipped with an optional high-performance
8-speed automatic transmission, which can be combined with any of the engines being presented. The additional ratios allow this state-of-the-art transmission – which is an option not currently offered by any competitors in the premium compact sports sedan segment – to combine unprecedented standards of comfortable shifting, sporty performance and efficiency. With all this going for it, the automatic transmission is fully in keeping with the overall sporty temperament of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon.
In terms of size and weight, this 8-speed unit is comparable with the 6-speed automatic transmission used in the past. A range of innovative technical features and exceptionally high internal efficiency allow this higher-performance unit, too, to combine powerful acceleration, strong mid-range sprinting and further reduced fuel consumption. For performance-minded drivers this transmission also has lots to offer, particularly since the driver can choose to play a more active role by changing gear manually, thereby releasing even more of this sporty sedan’s potential.
With its optimized control technology, the 8-speed transmission boasts extremely fast shift and reaction times and direct downshift capability. The electronic transmission controller can also alter the shift characteristics as required, to cater either for a sportier or for a more relaxed, fuel-saving driving style. Despite a larger overall spread, eight ratios mean that the spacing between them is smaller, so that the optimal ratio is available in virtually all situations. The close ratios deliver turbine-like power combined with smooth and fuel-efficient low-rpm operation. Altogether, then, as well as providing dynamic acceleration and smooth shifting, the new 8-speed automatic also allows drivers to maintain a very economical driving style. This all helps to explain why, when fitted with the 8-speed automatic transmission, the new BMW 3 Series even lower fuel consumption than models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.
A sports version of the new 8-speed automatic transmission is available as an option for cars equipped with the Sport Line and M Sport package. This unit offers even sportier shift characteristics (e.g. faster shift times), and the option of changing gear manually using the paddle shifts on the steering wheel. Alternatively, it is also possible to use the electronic Quickshift selector lever on the center console. The Normal and Sport modes are chosen using the Driving Dynamics Control switch. This allows the sports automatic to deliver both dynamic driving enjoyment and top-level comfort.
Precision chassis engineering sets new standards:
sporty handling, high agility and increased comfort.
In the sixth model generation, too, dynamism and performance are among the stand-out features of the BMW sports saloon. These qualities are underpinned by a precision-engineered chassis with four-wheel independent suspension that perfectly complements a winning formula: a longitudinally mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution and torsionally stiff body. In the new
BMW 3 Series the engineers have further improved the already outstanding handling qualities of the predecessor and its excellent agility and directional stability, while at the same time noticeably improving comfort. To achieve this, they have made extensive use of extra-lightweight chassis components, sophisticated and perfectly tailored axle kinematics and a high-precision steering system. State-of-the-art electronic control systems on the new BMW 3 Series Saloon help manage the vehicle dynamics and ensure that the combination of outstanding sporty performance and increased comfort can be enjoyed to the full and with complete peace of mind.
With friction-reduced wheel bearings and ball joints, aerodynamic improvements at the rear axle and reduced rolling-resistance tires, the whole chassis plays its part in reducing fuel consumption and thus emissions.
A wheelbase of 110.6 inches / 2,810 mm (+ 1.96in/50 mm) and a front and rear track width of 60.3 / 1,543 (+ 1.46 in / 37 mm) and 61.9 / 1,583 millimeters (+ 1.85 in/ 48 mm) respectively give the new BMW 3 Series Saloon a more road-hugging stance than its predecessor, while the weight-optimized powertrain and lightweight body design result in a perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution.
Double-pivot front axle with spring struts and anti-roll bar.
The new BMW sports saloon adopts an innovative but proven front axle design which provides an optimal fusion of driving dynamics and comfort. The suspension components combine maximum stiffness with minimum weight. Aluminum torque struts, wishbones and swivel bearings bring a substantial reduction in unsprung masses. At the same time, the absence of torque steer makes it easier to gear the kinematics of the double-joint axle to agility and dynamism.
Advanced axle design further refined:
five-link rear axle improves driving dynamics and comfort.
Incorporating various significant improvements and refinements, the rear axle of the new BMW 3 Series makes an important contribution to the new model’s improved driving dynamics and comfort. Its space-saving design is based on the tried-and-tested five-link design used on the predecessor model, with elastokinematics which have been specially tailored to the new sports saloon, featuring long spring travel and precise and confident wheel location in all situations.
Extra-wide mounts and supports on the wheel carriers for track and camber, extremely stiff control arms, the stiff axle subframe and thrust arms connecting the suspension and body provide an excellent basis for the agile and, at the same time, comfortable overall suspension qualities of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon. The large mounts and supports at the rear axle not only affect handling, they are also important for ensuring good acoustic insulation between the powertrain and suspension, particularly on vehicles with a powerful, high-torque engine. Thanks to the effective insulation of the powertrain from road excitations, the new rear axle also provides first-class noise and vibration damping.
The classic BMW 3 Series rear-wheel-drive set-up and a balanced weight distribution also provide the ideal basis for resolving the conflict between ride and handling. As a result, the new BMW 3 Series impresses with extremely sporty handling combined with highest standards of stability and comfort. Last but not least, the reduced-friction wheel bearings, robust powertrain isolation and carefully targeted aerodynamics modifications at the rear axle also contribute to improved driving dynamics and efficiency.
Optional Variable Sports Steering.
Optionally a new variable-ratio steering system can be ordered. Variable Sports Steering provides different steering gear ratios depending on the turning situation, so that the new BMW 3 Series responds either more directly or more softly to the driver’s steering inputs. This reduces the number of steering wheel rotations required for bigger turns by up to 25 percent and makes for easier, more convenient parking and turning since less effort is required from the driver. Also, the handling is sharper in general, for example when very sudden evasive action is called for. At smaller steering angles between zero and 100 degrees, on the other hand, the Sedan provides high standards of track-holding and straightline stability, and offers satisfyingly precise response to steering changes. The variable-ratio steering is a purely mechanical system based on a variable-ratio steering rack.
High-performance lightweight brake system.
The dynamic performance of the sports sedan calls for an equally powerful brake system. The new BMW 328i uses lightweight floating caliper brakes at all corners with large vented discs while the 335i uses 4-piston fixed calipers at the front and floating calipers at the rear. The aluminum front fixed calipers bring a further reduction in unsprung masses. This extremely high-performance system also features outstanding heat tolerance, excellent wet braking performance, easy operation and precise control. Together with the large wheels and high-grip wide tires, it provides the sports sedan with highly effective deceleration.
The brake system is further supported by various state-of-the-art electronic safety systems, which are integrated into the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system for improved driving dynamics and safety. The DSC system incorporates the following functions: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), along with start-off assist, brake drying and an electronic limited slip function for the rear differential, which can be activated using the “DSC Off” button.
Driving Dynamics Control switch with ECO PRO mode:
extra-sporty, more relaxed or more fuel-efficient driving modes – at the press of a button.
The new BMW 3 Series offers impressive driving dynamics combined with new standards of comfort in the segment. This is a result of superbly tuned suspension which achieves an astonishing balance between dynamics and comfort. On top of this, drivers are also able to vary the overall character of the sedan depending on the driving situation or to suit their personal preferences. As well as sportier or more comfortable drive settings, they can also opt for extra fuel efficiency. The different modes are selected using the new Driving Dynamics Control function including ECO PRO mode, which is standard on all 3 Series models.
Using the Driving Dynamics Control switch, the driver is able to customize accelerator response characteristics, engine response, the power steering characteristics and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) thresholds. The Servotronic function, the automatic transmission and Dynamic Damper Control are integrated into the system too. Using the simple-to-operate rocker switch on the center console, drivers can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. Each of these predefined setups activates different settings for the relevant powertrain and suspension components.
In SPORT mode, for example, throttle response is very sharp and the steering becomes even more direct. On vehicles with automatic transmission, the shift points are altered to provide a significantly sportier drive.
A further button allows the driver to change the DSC settings. Selecting Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) mode, for example, makes it much easier to start off on loose surfaces or in deep snow. In this mode as well as in SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Stability Control thresholds are raised and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is activated. It is also possible to shut off DSC altogether. The electronic limited-slip function for the rear differential can then provide extra-sporty acceleration out of corners or hairpins.
The new ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, supports an extra-efficient and economy-conscious driving style. It does this by changing the accelerator mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode. Also in this mode, the automatic transmission control strategy is modified so as to upshift sooner and to delay downshifts, while intelligent energy and climate management reduces the mechanical power consumption and also the consumption of electrical systems such as heated mirrors and seats. But the biggest potential for improving fuel economy comes from the driver’s own personal driving habits. Special displays in the instrument cluster let the driver know by how much the driving range is being extended, show fuel consumption history, or, with reference to the specific driving situation, provide tips and incentives on how to develop a more economy-conscious driving style. ECO PRO mode allows average fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20%, with a corresponding increase in driving range.
Dynamic options: M Sport package, Adaptive M Sport suspension, sports automatic transmission and BMW 3 Series xDrive.
For out-and-out enthusiasts, further features are available to enhance the dynamic driving qualities of the new BMW 3 Series and give them a distinctive visual dimension as well. The M Sport package, which will become available after launch, is designed for this very purpose and has been developed specifically for this model series. It includes the lowered M Sport suspension, featuring a 10 millimeter (0.4 in.) drop in ride height, firmer suspension and damping, and larger anti-roll bars. Also featured are 18 or 19-inch M alloy wheels. The package is completed by an M aerodynamics package featuring special body parts, and by chrome tailpipes, exclusive exterior paintwork and interior trim to match. An Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically controlled damping is also optionally available for the new BMW 3 Series. Based on incoming information about body and wheel acceleration, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, vehicle speed and steering wheel position, an electronic control unit adapts the damper mapping to the road surface and driving situation. At the same time the driver can use the Driving Dynamics Control switch to vary the basic suspension characteristics between more comfortable or sportier settings. An 8-speed sports automatic transmission with faster shift times and sporty steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts is also available as an option.
The new BMW 3 Series will soon provide even more variety and become even more attractive with the introduction of BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. In addition to the typical benefits of all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled BMW xDrive system – which can fully vary the driver power split between the front and rear wheels with split-second speed – ensures top-class traction, safety and handling, and optimal power management whatever the weather and road conditions. The system has been recalibrated for greater agility and precision, with benefits also for cornering. In this new version it offers an ideal combination of dynamism and comfort, and is the ideal basis for maximum driving enjoyment. The BMW 335i xDrive and BMW 328i xDrive, all-wheel-drive models will go on sale in summer 2012.
BMW EfficientDynamics: More power, less fuel consumption.
With high-performance engines, superior suspension technology and an extremely torsion-resistant body, the new BMW 3 Series is building on its position as the sportiest sedan in its segment. It is also advancing even further on the comfort front. Agility and dynamic performance continue to be the sports sedan’s stand-out features, and are key to its high standards of driving enjoyment. To cap this off, the 3 Series also boasts an exceptionally good balance between performance and fuel consumption. This reassuring knowledge is a further incentive for drivers to make full use of the dynamic potential of the new BMW 3 Series.
To a large extent, these typical BMW qualities are due to the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy that is extensively used on the new sports sedan. New, more fuel-efficient engines, extra-efficient transmissions, on-demand control of ancillary units, intelligent lightweight design, Auto Start-Stop function, and low drag aerodynamics including “Air Curtain” and underside fairing all help to consolidate the leadership position of the new BMW 3 Series on fuel consumption and emissions.
Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode.
The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is equipped with an Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches off the engine during short stops at traffic lights or in stationary traffic, so as not to waste fuel. For the first time, and uniquely in this class, this system can be combined with the new 8-speed automatic transmission as well as the manual gearbox. The new BMW 3 Series is also equipped with BMW’s now familiar Brake Energy Regeneration system. With Brake Energy Regeneration, power for the vehicle electrical system is generated only during braking and overrun. When the engine is under load, the alternator can often be disengaged. This not only means that electricity can be generated with little or no effect on fuel consumption, it also grants the sports sedan livelier acceleration. Finally, the new Driving Experience Control switch gives drivers the option of selecting ECO PRO mode which, by modifying the powertrain management and re-programming the heating and air conditioning, the heated seats and the exterior mirrors to operate at optimum efficiency, reduces fuel consumption by as much as 20%.
On-demand control of ancillary units saves energy.
Intelligent energy management in the new BMW 3 Series is further enhanced by the ancillary units, which consume significantly less energy compared with conventional systems. Examples include the on-demand coolant pump, the electronically controlled oil pump and the electromechanical steering system, which only consumes electric power when steering assistance is actually required. The special air conditioning compressor featured on many of the sports sedan models works on the same principle. As soon as the driver switches the air conditioning off, the belt drive to the compressor is disconnected by a magnetic clutch, to minimize power drain.
Intelligent lightweight design brings further reduction in fuel consumption.
Use of lightweight materials has played a significant role in reducing vehicle weight and in delivering high passenger cell safety standards, combined with a significant increase in strength. At the same time, these measures also help to ensure superior driving dynamics. Intelligent lightweight design is integrated into all areas of BMW vehicle development work and into all components, from the body and engine to the suspension. Materials used include high and ultra-high tensile steels, a hot-stamped B-pillar, plastics and state-of the-art composites. Increased use of aluminium components in the engine and suspension systems has also further reduced the weight of the relevant assemblies.
Aerodynamic optimization of underside paneling.
It is common knowledge that fuel consumption can also be cut by reducing aerodynamic drag. As the excellent drag coefficient (cd = 0.26) would suggest, the aerodynamics of the new BMW 3 Series have been intensively honed in BMW’s state-of-the-art full scale rolling road wind tunnel. The optimized aerodynamics also have benefits for noise reduction and roadholding. In particular, streamlined design of the underside plays a big part in minimizing lift forces. The aerodynamically optimized underside with extended streamlined panels at the sides, under the engine compartment shield and at the front part of the exhaust tunnel provides unprecedented standards of sealing. Additional aerodynamic covers, which create a diffuser effect at the rear axle, further reduce drag and lift forces, while at the same time improving stone chip protection. Also, the front aprons are designed to incorporate the “air curtain” effect which reduces turbulence in the wheel arch area – again reducing drag. This system was first introduced on the 1 Series M Coupe in 2011. The aerodynamically designed wheel arches, and the air deflectors in front of them, likewise help to reduce fuel consumption.
Dynamic, efficient and innovative: the new BMW ActiveHybrid 3.
In autumn 2012 a sensational new model will join the BMW 3 Series. In the new ActiveHybrid 3 – the world’s first hybrid at the premium end of the sports sedan class – the innovative BMW ActiveHybrid powertrain technology and the sporty personality of the BMW 3 Series meet and merge with highly dynamic and efficient results. The combination of the 6-cylinder engine and electric drive produce unrivalled driving enjoyment, combined with even better fuel consumption and emissions figures, and further intensify the sporty yet fuel-efficient driving experience that lies at the heart of the new BMW 3 Series. The gains in both performance and efficiency are a textbook example of the
BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy in action. Following the
BMW ActiveHybrid 7, BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 5, the new BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is the fourth production model in which a model-specific intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive provides extra performance while at the same time significantly slashing fuel consumption and emissions. In the BMW ActiveHybrid 3, ActiveHybrid technology has for the first time been integrated into the vehicle architecture right from the start. Amongst other things, this meant that a lot of space was saved.
The powertrain of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is closely tailored to the sporty personality of the new BMW 3 Series. It features the 225 kW/ 300 hp inline 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (N55) and a hybrid-specific eight-speed automatic transmission with integrated electric motor which for limited periods can increase power by up to 40 kW/ 55 hp. Maximum combined output is 250 kW/ 335 hp, with a maximum combined torque of 330 lb-ft. This high-powered, high-performance combination nevertheless returns extremely low fuel consumption. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is less than 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (36.7 mpg). That means the ActiveHybrid technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 offers fuel savings of more than 12.5 percent compared with equally powerful conventionally driven BMW sports saloons.
The electric motor supplies the 6-cylinder engine with supplementary driving power and can provide a boost function when extra-dynamic performance is required. This adds a further edge to the driving experience in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3. BMW ActiveHybrid technology also allows the vehicle to run solely on electric power. In this zero-emission, virtually soundless driving mode, the vehicle can cover a distance of between 2 to 2.5 miles (around three to four kilometers). Top speeds in all-electric mode range from 37 mph (60 km/h) under load to 100 mph (160 km/h) on overrun (coasting). When the driver applies more throttle, the internal combustion engine is engaged automatically, then disengaged on overrun. During overrun and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is used to charge the battery. This is the same principle as the Brake Energy Regeneration function on the regular models, although on the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 the amount of energy recuperated by the electric motor is many times greater.
Efficient and seamless integration between the internal combustion engine and electric motor is ensured by the central power electronics, which provide intelligent, proactive energy management to further improve overall system efficiency. In terms of utility and interior adaptability, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 shows no significant differences from the other models in the series, since its high-voltage battery is integrated under the floor of the trunk. With trunk space of 390 liters (DIN) and unrestricted through-loading functionality, there are no concessions on the car’s high standards of comfort and convenience. Drivability too is on a par with that of a BMW 335i.
BMW ConnectedDrive: Intelligent integration provides greater comfort, safety and infotainment.
The BMW ConnectedDrive range of technology includes a portfolio of innovative functions – unique worldwide – which serve to ensure maximum comfort, infotainment and safety. BMW ConnectedDrive uses the intelligent link-up of the driver, car and outside world to provide useful information for the situation at hand. The technical pre-eminence and progressive character of the new BMW 3 Series is underpinned by an unmatched combination of driver assistance systems and mobility systems from BMW ConnectedDrive.
Among the most prominent technologies developed under the banner of
BMW ConnectedDrive are the comfort-enhancing systems BMW Parking Assistant and Surround View. They are joined in the new BMW 3 Series Saloon by features which further increase levels of passenger comfort – such as office services, calendar and Facebook as examples.
High-functionality interface technology providing a prime example of state-of-the-art infotainment capability enables the driver and passengers to make extensive use of external mobile phones and music players inside the new BMW 3 Series Saloon. With new Bluetooth office functions from BMW ConnectedDrive, internet-based services such as weather, news etc., as well as calendar entries and text-based messages (SMS and e-mail), can be viewed in the Control Display of the iDrive operating system and read out via the Text to Speech function. In addition, passengers can access their personal music library on their smartphone or music player inside the car. Their playlists, stored song titles and relevant album cover artwork are then displayed on the on-board monitor. The BMW Connected app allows full in-car use of web radio and calendar functions in combination with the Apple iPhone. In addition to web radio music streaming serves such as Pandora and MOG can be accessed safely and conveniently through the iDrive controller and screen.
The constantly expanding number of driver assistance systems from
BMW ConnectedDrive provide added safety and assurance on the road. In a new development in this premium class, the new BMW 3 Series Saloon will be available with the new-generation full-color Head-Up Display. Key driving information is projected – in sharp resolution – onto the windshield so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Safety is given a further boost by the availability of the Active Blind Spot Detection System and Lane Departure Warning System including Collision Warning. This technology warns the driver of a possible collision during a lane change manoeuvre or if the car strays unintentionally out of its lane. Meanwhile, the Advanced Collision Notification function help occupants to limit the consequences of an crash, should the worst come to the worst.
Head-Up Display with full-color capability.
The new-generation Head-Up Display now delivers even greater display quality, functionality and flexibility. The symbols projected onto the windshield are displayed in sharp resolution in the driver’s direct field of vision. All of which allows drivers to view all of the information in this ergonomically excellent position without having to divert their gaze from the road ahead. A full range of colours are used to reproduce common road sign symbols as accurately as possible through the display graphics. Depending on vehicle specification, the car’s speed, cruise control setting, navigation instructions and alerts from the Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems will be displayed on the display. Even direction indicators and Check/Control messages can now be displayed, as well as a wide range of information selected personally by the driver. The intensity of the projections adapts automatically to the light conditions, and therefore follows the illumination of the cockpit dials. Added to which, the precise positioning of the projections on the windshield can be adjusted easily using the iDrive Controller. The variety of driver assistance systems available for the BMW 3 Series Saloon increases the amount of information that can be shown in the Head-Up Display to a whole new level.

Active Blind Spot Detection System monitors vehicles following behind.
Inattentiveness or misjudgment of the distance and speed of a vehicle approaching from behind can lead the driver into a critical situation when changing lanes. The optional Active Blind Spot Detection System warns BMW 3 Series Saloon drivers of the potential danger of such an overtaking manoeuver. The system uses a pair of rear-mounted radar sensors to monitor traffic in the adjacent lanes, from the blind spot to a distance of approximately 60 meters (200 ft.) behind the car. This information, indicated to the driver before he actually changes lanes, allows him to prepare for a lane change manoeuver with confidence and to avoid critical situations from the outset. If other road users are approaching the car in an adjacent lane or moving through the driver’s blind spot behind and to the side of the car, a yellow triangle symbol in the housing of the driver’s side exterior mirror gives a discreet warning of possible danger. If the driver then still goes ahead and activates the direction indicator, announcing an intention to pull in or out, the LED symbol starts to flash. A further warning is provided in the form of a discreet but unmistakable vibration of the steering wheel rim.

Camera monitoring: Lane Departure Warning System and Collision Warning.
The Lane Departure Warning System available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is activated at speeds above 70 km/h (43 mph) and warns the driver if he unintentionally strays out of his lane. The system comprises a windshield-mounted camera in the rear-view mirror area, a data comparison unit and a signal generator which – as with the Active Blind Spot Detection System – causes the steering wheel to vibrate. The Lane Departure Warning System is speed-sensitive. At high speeds, the system reacts at a suitably early stage if the car is getting close to the lane markings. The camera tracks the lane markings on at least one side of the car, and the control unit uses image processing to calculate the position of the car in relation to the markings. The camera focuses some 50 meters (164 ft.) ahead of the car and is also active through corners and on narrow roads. Indeed, the system even works in the dark as soon as the headlights have been switched on. The driver can therefore count on its services in a wide range of everyday driving scenarios. The system does not give a warning if the driver has signalled an intention to change lanes or turn off by switching on the direction indicator. BMW ConnectedDrive uses a high-tech multifunctional camera, mounted on the rear-view mirror, to initiate a number of different driver assistance systems. With the new BMW 3 Series Saloon, BMW will become the first premium manufacturer to use such a camera for monitoring traffic on the road ahead. The image processing system continuously scans the scene on the road and gives an audible warning if it identifies a potential collision risk. If the driver draws too close to the vehicle in front, the system produces an acute audible warning and a visual signal appears in the instrument cluster or the optional Head-Up Display, if specified. At speeds upwards of 50 km/h (30 mph), the brake system is primed and the activation threshold of the hydraulic Brake Assist system is lowered. These measures, which are activated simultaneously with the visual and audible warnings, are designed to help the driver react effectively in an emergency. There is no automatic braking intervention. The sensitivity of the automatic Collision Warning system can be individually configured by the driver through several stages.
If the worst comes to the worst: BMW Assist enhanced Automatic Collision Notification with automatic vehicle location.
In the event of an accident in the new BMW 3 Series, the enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system from BMW ConnectedDrive allows the emergency services to receive detailed information on the type of collision and the likelihood trauma level injuries before arriving at the scene of the accident. That allows first responders to prepare the appropriate medical care in advance for those involved in the crash. The precise position of the car and vehicle type are specified, and all the data gathered by sensors in the car is forwarded. The information provides indications as to the nature and severity of the collision, while the deployment of the car’s restraint systems gives the emergency services an idea of the number of injured people and allows frontal, rear, side or multiple collisions to be identified and differentiated.
Intelligent use of advanced light technology.
The optional High-Beam Assistant for the new BMW 3 Series Saloon provides enhanced safety at night. The system automatically switches high beam on and off, as conditions require, ensuring that the driver always has optimal visibility without having to switch manually between high and low beam. Images recorded by the camera integrated into the rear-view mirror allow the system to identify vehicles travelling up to around 400 metres (approx. ¼ mile) in front. Oncoming traffic is picked up when it is still around 1,000 metres (just under
¾ mile) away, and the system also switches to low beam if ambient lighting is bright enough.
The optional Adaptive Xenon headlights provide illumination follows the curves of the road, turn with the steering angle and the speed of the car. The cornering light function integrated into the foglamps is triggered when the driver switches on the indicator and turns the steering wheel (at up to 65 km/h /40 mph). Every time the driver turns, an additional beam of light provides significantly improved visibility in the area immediately around the car.
Rear view camera and Surround View deliver a perfect overview.
A rear view camera is also available for the new BMW 3 Series Saloon as an extension of the Park Distance Control (PDC) system. PDC uses sensors in the bumpers to detect the distance to obstacles in front of and behind the car. The camera is located in a protected position in the license plate recess of the trunk lid and sends images with optimized colour and perspective to the cockpit monitor. Interactive lane markings signal the room available for the parking manoeuver and the smallest possible turning circle.
Making its debut in the BMW 3 Series Saloon, the Top View system provides an even more extensive overview of the car. This system complements the rear view camera and PDC sensors, and works using two cameras in the exterior mirrors. The data collected on the car and its surrounding area is processed by a central computer, which generates an overall image. This is then displayed on the on-board monitor, presenting a bird’s-eye view of the car and the area around it, and enabling the driver to carry out precise manoeuvers in tight spaces.
If the car is moving at under 20 km/h (12 mph), the driver can – at the touch of a button – also choose to activate only the Side View function of Top View. Side View uses two cameras integrated in the sides of the front bumper to monitor traffic crossing in front of the vehicle. These images are also relayed to the cockpit, where they not only act as a manoeuvering aid but, above all, give the driver an early idea of what is happening on the road to the left and right of the car when pulling out from narrow and concealed exits or junctions.
BMW Parking Assistant takes charge of maneuvering into parking spaces.
The BMW Parking Assistant is another comfort-enhancing driver assistance system from BMW ConnectedDrive to be included in the new BMW 3 Series Saloon. The new system helps the driver to maneuver safely and comfortably into parking spaces positioned parallel to the direction of travel. BMW Parking Assistant uses ultrasound sensors integrated into the side indicator surrounds to help the driver search for suitable parking spaces. With the car travelling at no more than 36 km/h (22 mph), these sensors permanently measure the length and breadth of parking spaces at the edge of the road and on roadside verges. BMW Parking Assistant searches for spaces at least 1.20 meters (around 4 ft.) longer than the car itself. With the system activated, the driver is alerted to suitable spaces as he passes them. When the system is switched off, this measuring process takes place in the background; only when the driver draws to a halt and engages reverse gear is the parking space flagged up on the on-board monitor using a suitable symbol. In both cases, drivers can confirm they want to use BMW Parking Assistant with a push of the iDrive Controller. During the parking process all they have to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedal and keep an eye on the area around the car; the Parking Assistant takes care of the steering wheel movements required to carry out a precise reverse parking maneuver. Drivers are given instructions to guide them through the parking process. Audible and visual alerts from PDC, the rear view camera or the newly introduced Surround View system help to maintain the required distance to other vehicles or obstacles in the chosen parking space.

Innovative boot access makes life a little easier.
BMW ConnectedDrive has come up with another new and intelligent solution that makes BMW cars even easier to use. The hands-free trunk lid opening function – available for the new BMW 3 Series Saloon in conjunction with Comfort Access – is a first in the premium class. Standing behind the car, customers can prompt the boot to open with just a short movement of their foot under the centre of the rear bumper, i.e. without using their hands. The boot then automatically unlocks and swings open by spring force. The vehicle is fitted with sensors placed at different heights in the rear bumper trim, which are able to identify a person standing behind the vehicle. The sensors can identify the foot “command” by monitoring the area of the leg between the shin and the tip of the foot. They then send a signal containing special algorithms to the on-board computer. Access is only authorized, however, if the system simultaneously identifies the Comfort Access control unit (the key), which the person must be carrying with them. The boot lid is then unlocked and raised automatically, without hand contact. Key authorization provides the safeguard ensuring correct operation at all times.
Body and safety: The safest BMW 3 Series yet .
The new BMW 3 Series offers its passengers exceptional active and passive safety. Judicious selection of materials, a high-strength structure and an intelligent lightweight design concept allow the body to meet the most exacting standards, and it teams up with highly efficient restraint systems to provide maximum occupant protection. At the same time, the lightweight construction of the new BMW 3 Series makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and agility of the new sports sedan. In addition, an extensive package of active safety components help the driver to avoid accidents or, if a collision is unavoidable, to minimize its consequences. The same goes for the optimized pedestrian protection systems. All in all, the flawlessly assembled overall concept of the new BMW 3 Series makes it an incredibly impressive proposition – not least in terms of safety.
High-strength body structure with extremely stiff passenger cell.
The body of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon meets the highest standards across the board. Large and extremely durable supporting structures and the intelligent use of high and ultra-high-tensile multi-phase steels maximize the strength of the safety passenger cell, while keeping weight low. Precisely calculated load paths ensure that impact energy is spread around the passenger cell to other areas of the body such as the floor structure, side members, front bulkhead and roof, and absorbed by defined deformation zones of the front and rear. In the event of a side-on collision, reinforced structures in the B-pillar and sills, high-strength side impact members in the doors and sturdy seat cross-members protect the occupants from injury.a With its strengthened pillars and roof members, the passenger cell also provides a secure survival area for the occupants if the car rolls over. The body of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon is over 10% more rigid than its predecessor – good news for drivers who like to see vibrations suppressed and steering precision nurtured.
Individual protection at every seat.
The exemplary crash responses of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon body also provide the best possible basis for the optimum design and set-up of the car’s restraint systems. The sports sedan is equipped as standard with front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus head airbags for both rows of seats. Responding to the nature and severity of the impact, the integrated safety electronics ensure that only those airbags that are able to provide effective protection are deployed at the optimum time. Those airbags that are not required remain unused – and therefore ready to spring into action should there be a second collision. All seats are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, and the driver and front passenger also have belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters. Also part of standard specification are ISOFIX child seat attachment points for the rear seats.
Improved pedestrian protection.
The front of the new BMW 3 Series features various pedestrian protection systems. An impact absorber is located between the bumper supports and bumper trim, reducing leg injuries, while the hood is built to include deformation elements, which absorb impact energy. These optimized measures help to reduce the risk of injury and mitigate the consequences of an accident.
A host of active safety systems reduce the risk of accidents.
A selection of electronic assistance systems make an active contribution to driving safety in the new BMW 3 Series, helping drivers to avoid collisions in the first place. The functions of the main assistance systems have already been described in the “BMW ConnectedDrive” chapter, but the stand-out features include the, daytime running lights, Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant, dynamic brake lights, a rear view camera, the Lane Departure Warning System including Collision Warning, the Lane Change Warning System and Speed Limit Info.
The all-new BMW 3 Series Saloon will arrive at UK BMW dealers in February 2012 as a 2012 model.

This months webclips

2011-09-28T21:46:00.000+01:00

Hello,
Welcome to this months webclips, I’m going to start with something completely mad, clearly these guys have money to burn and no sense of self-preservation or the preservation of life in general http://bit.ly/qoGCgG . I was watching a YouTube channel that had lots of car adverts on it and noticed that Honda have done some really cracking ones, first up “the cog” http://bit.ly/o2jYox then “impossible dreams” http://bit.ly/q6i683. This next one is a Shell advert for V-Power fuel, I haven’t seen it on TV, it’s very good though http://bit.ly/qPpqsj .

Back to an old favourite of mine, some time ago BMW got several famous directors to create short films that featured BMW cars, they were all a bit so-so apart from this one with Clive Owen and Madonna http://bit.ly/nrjp4y there’s a great driving sequence and it’s almost funny too!

Here’s a funny one, it’s a twist on the “Police Stop!” videos we see so much of on TV, but with an alternative commentary, and a different set of tactics too! http://bit.ly/pn6IUs

Let’s move away from cars for a minute, the guy in the next two videos is called Jeb Corliss, he’s a well know “wing suit” flyer, the first is called “Grinding the Crack”, it will become more obvious when you watch the video… http://bit.ly/pfAThr and I think you’ll agree that he’s completely nuts! The next one is a bit of a compilation, slow to get started but get’s better: http://bit.ly/ru8g5z

Here’s an interesting article that Jalopnik ran a few weeks ago, talking about car design, and how they are all becoming the same, food for thought? http://jalo.ps/oWuInE

Green Hell fly and drive with the new M5, I think we know what they will be saying don’t we? http://bit.ly/owiVx1

Here’s one a member sent me, it’s from the Tour de corse in 1992, it’s of Patrick Bernardini in a BMW M3 E30, the video quality isn’t brilliant but his skills in the tight confines of the narrow roads and villages is, and it sounds brilliant. http://bit.ly/qKNLLk

And finally, make sure your pride and joy is trapped down properly when you go to the rolling road or this might happen: http://bit.ly/rcNTyG

That’s it for this month, oh, no, not quite, can’t resist this little video from BMW promoting “M”, especially as it has a rather nice Z4MC in it! http://bit.ly/pKGbZR

Don’t forget to send me your links.

To see all the webclips links on-line please visit the blog http://bmwccgb.blogspot.com/

I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of WebClips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://tiny.cc/j7tde , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

WebClips update

2011-09-03T16:39:00.000+01:00

Hello, Welcome to webclips, I’m to start this month with a bit of a “garage” theme, some are great because of the garage and the way it is equipped, others because of what is in them, here’s a few to be jealous of:

If your garage is too small why not add another “layer”: http://tinyurl.com/3l8f9uf, But how about something a little more “industrial”, here’s RoboVault: http://tinyurl.com/3ua2hw7 ,a blast from my past, Vanilla Ice’ garage refurb: http://tinyurl.com/3qt8cxn, and finally a superb garage that just happens to be owned by a BMW enthusiast.. http://tinyurl.com/4ywqybq.

This will definitely have you rewinding, an Alvis Stalwart driving into a lake at full speed! http://youtu.be/3mr_pCrhTkk it just goes to show how well these things are put together.

Some photo’s next, I found these stunning photos of a drag racing accident on Jalopnik, there’s also a video in the article somewhere… http://tinyurl.com/3d583kh

Back to BMW, on the forum recently a member shared a link to an old video of an E21/E30 being built, here’s an up to date time lapse style video of the latest 3 series production line: http://tinyurl.com/3kmjhf5

I would appreciate some help with this next one, it’s called the “BMW Observer Coupe”, developed by MGA…anyone have any background information? http://tinyurl.com/3esx57c

A bit of fun, but not strictly legal, the fasted lap of the Manhatten island in New York:

http://tinyurl.com/6h8yekv

And finally, from Fifth gear, Tiff scares Jason….. http://tinyurl.com/3eezzek

To see all the webclips links on-line please visit the blog http://bmwccgb.blogspot.com/

I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of WebClips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://tiny.cc/j7tde , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

Please send me links to any interesting items you find on your travels around the interwebs and I'll see if we can get it mentioned here in a future edition of the magazine, you know my email address!

Photos and videos from the National Festival

2011-08-30T22:23:00.000+01:00

We created a couple of additional videos from the concours and the festival and I have now posted up several hundred photos from the Saturday and Sunday......enjoy!

All the photos are in these two sets:

*** Concours *** *** Festival ***

There's also the M shot as well!

National Concours short video

2011-08-16T01:08:00.000+01:00

Myself and my eldest son decided to do a short video of our day at the clubs National Concours event at Gaydon on Saturday 13th August, much sweat and a few tears went into this and it's still not quite right.....

We hope you enjoy it and we'll keep practicing until we get it right!

Cheers,
Darren.

Last months WebClips from Straight Six

2011-07-30T14:23:00.000+01:00

Hello,

Welcome to webclips, we’ll start with a very funny clip of Ricardo Patrese’s wife in the passenger seat of a Honda Civic Tyre R, she’s doesn’t realise it’s being filmed and obviously doesn’t normally sit next to him whilst on track! http://tinyurl.com/2dmybmr

Here’s a very old clip of Ari Vatanen with Dave Richards as his co-driver in an Opel Manta on the Manx Rally, it’s the classic “Dear God” quote from Dave Richards… http://tinyurl.com/2vkgfv

Here’s something a little more serious for Webclips, this guy was born with no arms and has learnt to drive and maintain his car, there are some obvious questions that I’ll let you think about but you can’t help admire him: http://tinyurl.com/42lbzjm He can also fire guns, do archery…..

There is a place (in the USA of course) where there is a “village” designed for your car…..I can’t explain…just watch the video http://tinyurl.com/69gjzgq

This next one was sent to me by Anthony Darling, he’s into cars and bikes and we had a bit of a discussion about who’s fastest….anyway, in this case it the ….. that wins, watch the video to find out, it a modified BMW M3 vs. a modified BMW RR http://tinyurl.com/3p4vze2

That was very serious, sort of, and back in the day I am sure that VW took their vehicle testing very seriously, well, let’s see shall we http://tinyurl.com/3v5zn98

Here’s a nice article on BaT (Bring a Trailer) about an S14 powered 2002, recently for sale in New York for just under $23K http://tinyurl.com/62ocew7

Club photo competition - have you voted?

2011-07-20T21:22:00.000+01:00

For some reason we seem to struggle get members to vote for their favourite photo each month in the clubs photo competition, is is because you don't know about it? Can't find it? Don't think it's worth voting?
Whatever the reason it would be good to know, the people entering the photos take the time and effort to contribute to the activities the club is providing, it would be great if a few more people could go an take a look at the photos and vote for their favourite each month.
It can't be too onerous can it? All you have to do is look at some photos and pick your favourite, how bad can that be?
The competitions are here, look out for the one in the announcement area that has the word "Poll" in the title, that'll be the one to click on.....
Let's see some more votes this month eh?

To vote this month please click me!

Northern BMW & MINI Festival 2011 at Tatton Park

2011-07-06T10:58:00.000+01:00

The largest gathering of BMWs in the North!

“Big fan of the Bavarian marque? Then the place to be on Sunday 10^th July is the 11^th Annual Northern BMW & MINI Festival, at Tatton Park, Cheshire.

The event, Sponsored by Blue Bell BMW of Wilmslow, attracts by far the largest gathering of BMWs in the North, with over 1,500 enthusiasts attending the show last year. And this year with the added attraction of the new MINI to the show, it promises to be the biggest gathering yet.

Along with the usual attractions like the Meguiars sponsored NW Concours, we also run a huge Show & Shine competition, entered by over 300 cars in 2010!

There will also be a giant BMW Tombola with ££££ of prizes, which is kindly supported by all the North West BMW dealers, with some amazing prizes on offer, a ‘Cars for Sale’ section and a chance to clean out your garage of all your autojumble.

The show attracts numerous traders, including someone to fix those minor blemishes and dents at lower than trade prices, repair those damaged wheels and polish out those scratches and swirls, so you can leave the show with a pristine car! Blue Bell will also be bringing along the new (bright orange!) M3 GTS and the new 1 Series M Coupe.

There will be displays from some of the club’s registers, including a huge display of M Power cars, Zeds, Alpinas and a parking area for the new MINI Register with over 50 MINIs already booked in!

Tatton Park itself boasts a stately home for you to explore, craft and gift shops and a wonderful 100 acre show garden not to be missed. With over 1500 acres of parkland where deer roam freely for you to explore, plus a kiddies farm, fun fair and adventure playground to keep the wee one’s happy there really is something for all the family.

This show is one not to be missed for the BMW enthusiast, and is open to the public, so everyone is welcome. The event starts at 10.00am, and pay on the gate entry costs only £2.50 per adult (children under 16 free) so even the price is right!!!”

For more details contact Jeff on 0161 678 2088.

Tatton Park (WA16 6QN) is situated just 5 minutes from Junction 7 of the M56 and 5 minutes from Junction 19 of the M6 and is signposted from both junctions, making it accessible for most within 1 hour.

2011-06-26T17:39:00.001+01:00

Here's last months Webclips from Straight Six....

I have another great selection for you this month starting out with a bit of a mad one, not sure how I found this, or indeed why this chap thought that a repeating slingshot firing steel balls is necessary: http://tinyurl.com/3sgr7l4

Here’s a link that John Castle sent me, it’s the story of a CSL racing car restoration with a link to over 300 photos! http://tinyurl.com/3nh4e67. You can never see too many on car Nurburgring videos so how about this one that Chris Harris recommended: http://tinyurl.com/3m2drsr it’s Jurgen Alzen motorsport, not sure who the driver is or what the car is but together they are very fast.

We’ve probably now all seen the Ken Block videos, you remember, the “gymkhana” series? How about seeing a multiple Pikes Peak victor drifting a “semi” truck….. http://tinyurl.com/3c62yzo

Here’s a funny one that Michal Johnson sent to me, the “Milwaukee” drill companies heavy duty drill http://tinyurl.com/4xccjwb

This is a favourite of mine, if you ever wondered how those guys manage to get their cars looking so fantastic for the concours competitions then wonder no more, this was a real eye opener for me, read it carefully and learn all the tricks http://tinyurl.com/65q7rps

This is scary, someone is innocently driving down the road when a piece of 2x4 comes through the windscreen http://tinyurl.com/6d62r75

Last one for this month, either these guys are VERY talented or they spent hours and hours and hours putting this together, it’s not car related…… http://tinyurl.com/3punrvn

Semi truck drifting, go on, watch the video....

MINI John Cooper Works WRC ride in store for one lucky fan

2011-06-20T08:53:00.000+01:00

The largest motoring garden party in the world, set in the heart of the British countryside, will be the idyllic setting for an outing of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. This will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on the 1st - 3rd July and here a member of the public will get the once in a life time chance to be a passenger in one of these iconic cars while it is being driven at speed.

The lucky person, who will sit beside works rally driver, Kris Meeke (GB), on Sunday morning while the car goes through the 1.67 mile loose-surface forest rally stage, will be the winner of a raffle to be held at the annual glittering ball on the Saturday night. Dr Kay Segler, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI, commented: “When we were invited to be part of this event, which has a worldwide reputation for being one of the biggest on the motorsport calendar, we were delighted. The affection felt for MINI as a brand is amazing, and I am confident the fans at Goodwood will give it as enthusiastic a welcome as I watched it have on its World Rally Championship debut in Sardinia. We wanted to make it even more special, so we felt giving a prize that money could not buy would be a great start.”

Meeke will be driving the car on both the rally stage and up the 1.16 mile hillclimb on all three days. This event, which was founded in 1993 by the owner of Goodwood House, the Earl of March, has become a magnet for fans who come from far and wide to celebrate motorsport and all things automotive at their finest. The hillclimb, which is the main attraction, is very technical and challenging and rises over 300 feet from start to finish.

This year’s theme is ‘Racing Revolutions – Quantum leaps that shaped motorsport’. Priceless machinery from around the world representing two and four wheeled motorsport will be on display for the 150,000 sell-out crowd to see at close quarters.

The MINI WRC Team has been busy testing ahead of its next WRC outing on Rally Finland on 28th - 30th July. This is the second of six WRC events in 2011 that Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle (IR) and Dani Sordo and co-driver Carlos del Barrio (ES) will take part in ahead of a full assault on the WRC in 2012.

Fathers day at Harewood House with the BMW Car Club

2011-06-15T21:42:00.000+01:00

Ever had a go at a concours event? Showed your car? Why not have a go and take part in a great day out at Harewood House this Sunday (19th, Fathers day in case you had forgotten!) where the BMW Car Club will be present as part of Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally. The event will be the venue for the 2011 BMW Car Club North East Region 'Concours of the North'.

The club has a massive 150 car stand and would like to invite you all to come along and join us. You don't have to be showing your car in the concours to come and park your BMW on our stand..it's also much cheaper way of enjoying the show - tickets are £5 per car, payable on the day to one of clubs reps, Andy M or Nick W - they have 50 show field and grounds passes and will give them out on the day, on a first come first served basis.

the club's stand is on the same plot as last year with it's own 'all day' access via Church Lane which runs from the main A61 all the way down the back of the show field directly to the club stand. There is no need to pre pay or pre book and don't go paying on the gate like all the other visitors. Use our dedicated entrance and buy your ticket on the BMW Car Club stand.

This is a fantastic day out and one not to be missed, so pack up that picnic hamper and come to Harewood House near Leeds on Fathers Day and see some of the finest BMW's in the land battling it out for the silverware.

Showcars - no need to book, just try and make sure you are on site and set up for 9.30 am

BMW, MSV and the BMW Car Club novice track evenings

2011-06-15T11:37:00.000+01:00

There are still a few places available at next weeks novice track evening at Snetterton (22nd June), these evenings are designed as an introduction to BMW drivers (that's BMW and Mini) to track days. They are very cheap at just £49, and a great introduction to track day driving. You'll have a briefing followed by some "ducks and drakes" laps behind an instructor at relatively low speed in order to see what the correct lines are. There will also be instructors available to sit in with you and provide instruction and guidance on the lines, braking points and general technique.

Visit the MSV web page here for more information and if you enjoy the evening perhaps you would be interested in attending one the clubs own in-house track days, the next one is at Croft in North Yorkshire. For more details about this event please click here.

What the opposite sex really thinks about your Classic Car.

2011-06-11T22:55:00.002+01:00

I am a regular reader of the CCFS (Classic Cars for Sale) newsletter and really like the way that Phil Cooper writes, I have reproduced here, with his permission, a recent blog entry about what the opposite sex thinks about your classic car. The original can be found here

Yesterday I was sent to a seminar to understand how Google works! I can only assume this was the result of some drunken strategy meeting by the senior management of CCFS. Several times I tried explaining that I would much rather have spent the day driving someone else’s E-Type or a Healey 3000 but my plea fell on deaf ears.

Apparently, as I work on a website it is deemed important that I have a vague understanding of how the internet functions. As a result of this I have not found enough time to do a proper road test this week. (My friend took me out in his ‘immaculate Capri’ but it was dodgy even for a Capri - and I’m not willing to write about it Steve you massive charlatan).

But Steve was refreshingly honest when I asked him why he had bought one of the worst Ford Capris in the history of shoddy workmanship. His ‘women like them don’t they?’ answer got me thinking.

It transpires my friend had bought a Ford Capri with the expectation of using it to pick up women. Rather interestingly he is still single. If however, Steve had tried harder at university and got a proper job, then rather than buying a really rusty Ford Capri he may have purchased something that women actually do like.

This conversation came up again a couple of nights ago when I had a few friends round to my flat and we all vaguely agreed that a consideration when buying our cars had been what women think of them.

One of these guys has been married for 20 years but he still believes that his Lotus Elan is one of the things his wife likes about him. And this works both ways, one of my female friends believes that men look at her differently because she drives a Eunos Roadster.

How many times have you finished cleaning your car and gone into the house and looked at your; wife, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend, etc and announced that your freshly polished beauty is ready for inspection? Every time I expect you get the same response to this, ‘yes it looks very nice dear but did you mow the lawn?’ – I guarantee though that in your mind this is not what you hear. I usually hear, ‘Wow Phil, that may be the most amazing car I’ve ever seen, you’re quite a guy, I’m the luckiest girl in the world.’

Deep down when we look at the situation logically, we know that our partners are probably not with us because of the car we own. But that should not stop anyone from probing further into this fascinating anthropological study.

I decided that in order to investigate this matter further I should conduct a scientific survey. As roughly 20% of our readers are female it was suggested to me I should write a balanced survey of both men and women. However as it is yet to be proven I am capable of being balanced in anything I do, I decided not to do this. Instead I just e-mailed my survey with pictures of the cars mentioned to 5 of my female friends aged between 25 and 40.

Q1. This is a Ferrari 250 GTO. It’s worth millions. Are you so shallow that if a guy owned one of these you’d be more likely to date him?

Answer. Three said yes- two lied.

Q2. This is my Mini. A common view of the Mini is cute and troublesome much like my good self. Would you agree?

Answer. One agreed, reluctantly. My favourite comment from those that didn’t was, ‘Ah, now I understand why we’re doing this survey. Size does matter Phil’.

Q3. The Jaguar E-type has been voted the most beautiful car of all time on more than one occasion. Would you be worried if you dated someone that owned one, that their car would be more attractive than you?

Answer. All five said no. But four of them should be worried.

Q4. A man tells you he has a classic car because using a recycled car is good for the environment. Do you believe this quite obvious lie and find him sensitive and thoughtful?

Answer. One said yes. Two of those who said no pointed out that I’d tried that line on them.

Q5. Do you think there is something romantic about classic and vintage vehicles?

Four said yes. Result.

I’m reasonably certain that as a result of this survey I have yet again failed to really achieve anything. But then that’s not really unusual for my blog, so I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.

Next week I’m going to decide what to write about either by consulting a Ouija board or opening Yellow Pages on a random page and somehow connecting classic cars to whatever I land on.

Until then have a great week.
Phil

philcooper@classiccarsforsale.co.uk

Wessex region concours d'elegance

2011-06-03T12:58:00.002+01:00

The clubs Wessex region hold their annual concours d'elegance on father day this year (Sunday 19th June) at Athelhampton House and Gardens, the event was a great success last year and so the team are back!

Athelhampton is a stunning 15th century house and gardens for all to enjoy. Situated near Dorchester in Dorset. Contact purebmw@btinternet.com for more information.

Rankin: Spirit of Ecstasy - An art commission for Rolls Royce Motor Cars

2011-05-17T13:16:00.000+01:00

In the year that celebrates the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced details of a very special commission. Over the next months, 100 images inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy - the figurine famed for its prominent and defining position on the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce - will be captured by renowned photographer Rankin. The first two images in the Rankin: Spirit of Ecstasy collection are revealed today and can be seen below.

Like Charles Robinson Sykes, the man who crafted the legendary Spirit of Ecstasy flying lady one hundred years ago, Rankin takes inspiration from the beauty and sensuality of the feminine form. Just as Eleanor Velasco Thornton is rumoured to have been Sykes’ muse for the Spirit of Ecstasy, so Rankin has turned to his inspirational wife and model Tuuli Shipster for the first of his 100 portraits.

The full press release can be read here

BMW Car Club On Track - Cadwell Park May 13th

2011-05-10T19:51:00.000+01:00

There are still a few places left for the clubs track day at Cadwell Park this Friday, this is one not to miss, with famous corners like The Mountain, Gooseneck and Mansfield it's one for the track day diary!

You can enjoy a full day of open pit lane for just £169 as a club member or £199 for guests, this is an exclusive hire of the track and will be run, as usual, to very high standards. There will be a raffle which will include club vouchers and Nick usually has a voucher for a free BMW Car Club track day of your choice and a trophy for driver of the day judged by the marshals. Nick has also arranged for instructors to be available throughout the day to help you learn as much as possible about the track, you and your car.

This is the clubs 30th year at Cadwell Park so we must be doing something right!

For more details please visit our facebook page or contact Nick our track day organiser: nick@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Duxford Spring Car Show + "e" Straight Six

2011-05-02T21:41:00.000+01:00

Photos are available on flickr and Facebook from the Spring Car Show at Duxford, thanks to Meguiar's for sponsoring the concours and to Bernie for organising the event (and the warm and sunny weather!).

Also, a reminder that we have a few issues of Straight Six magazine in electronic format for publiciing the club, take a look here.

Open publication - Free publishing - More bmw

WebClips - links to items on the interwebs

2011-05-02T16:38:00.000+01:00

It was pointed out to me by a member recently that it would be a good idea to repeat the WebClips column from the magazine on-line, that way you don't have to retype the links to each item. So here goes, here's this months WebCips....

Welcome to webclips, I have another great selection for you this month starting out with a Mazda RX7 that was supposed to be drifting but the wheels fell off….and I mean all of them! http://tinyurl.com/35dgqw4

This one will have you asking why? How about driving along on two wheels whilst your passengers change the wheels and tyres? Well, I guess maybe it was just “because we can”.. http://tinyurl.com/4cl7efr

Now back to BMW, here’s just over 9 minutes of a Z4 M Coupe (V8) racing a Porsche 997 RSR at the Nurburgring, it’s very fast and very close racing. http://tinyurl.com/6xm69xh

Fancy having a look around Jay Kay’s car collection? Here’s a flashback to a Fifth gear visit that Tiff and VBH did to music man and car nut jamiroquai’s garage a while back: http://tinyurl.com/47uvk6q

Ever seen a US Army Air Mail delivery? How about a few trucks that just have to be on the battlefield tonight! http://tinyurl.com/4hrwy4v

These will make you cringe…..a compilation of failures… http://tinyurl.com/4cgmzcx

And finally, I know it’s only a bicycle but I bet you couldn’t do that even with a few Red Bull’s inside you! http://tinyurl.com/4e8f7mu

That’s all for this month, I could really do with some help in finding interesting stuff on the internet so please do email me with your ideas for links I can include in future editions of webclips. We also have our own video channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BMWCCGB and our photos on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bmwccgb/. Also, don’t forget that we now have a Facebook page here: http://tiny.cc/j7tde , Twitter account (@BMWCCGB) and a blog www.bmwccgb.blogspot.com please take a look and get involved!

Have fun and be safe on the interwebs!

Tickets are on sale for the 2011 National Festival

2011-04-29T09:42:00.000+01:00

You can now buy tickets for the National Festival and concours in August, details of the ticket prices are below

Saturday 13th August:

Concours entry £5 per car **

Hog Roast: £9.95 each or £18 for 2 **

Camping £25**

Sunday 14th August:

Member "early-bird" tickets offer (1st March to 31st May)

Adult £9.95 (£15 on the day)

Child (6 to 16) £5.50

Under 5's Free

Member Advance tickets (1st June to 8th August)

Adult £12 (£15 on the day)

Child (6 to 16) £6.50

Under 5's Free

Non Member Advance tickets (1st June to 8th August)

Adult £12.50 (£15 on the day)

Child (6 to 16) £7

Under 5's Free

Family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) £29.99 (£42 on the day)

Groups (>10 tickets) Members £9 Non Members £10

Show and Shine £5 per car #

Cars for Sale £10 per car #

Auto Jumble £10 per car #

** All individual attendees must have purchased an entry ticket for the festival in order to gain access to the museum on Saturday or they will need to purchase a normal entry ticket (£11)

# in addition to entry ticket price

Call the club office 10am to 4pm Monday-Friday (not bank holidays) to book: 01225 709 009

Photos from previous festivals can be found here

Bedford Autodrome Novice track evening with Tiff Needell!

2011-04-20T08:25:00.000+01:00

A gorup of novice track day drivers gathered for an introduction to track days at Bedford Autodrome on Monday 11th April, the event is one of a series that has been organised by BMW, The BMW Car Club and MSV. The events are all sponsored by BMW which makes them very affordable (Bedford was just £49!) and a great way to get a go at driving your BMW on track.

We even had a visit from Fifth Gear presenter Tiff Needell who had a few tips for the novices, most included the word "flat" and he also threw in a "Scandinavian flick" for good measure! More photos from the event can be found hereL http://tinyurl.com/3aupcld

Prodrive factory tour

2011-04-17T15:22:00.002+01:00

A group of around 45 BMW Car Club members enjoyed a very informative tour around the Prodrive facilities in Banbury on Saturday 16th April. The tour guide was not only informative but also had some interesting stories to tell about some of the cars, the history and the way that things are done at Prodrive. Photos can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/3oy7pac

Simon Alcorn organised the trip and is thinking about doing another in September, if you are interested please email purebmw@btinternet.com and let him know you are interested.

Targa Tasmania 2011 final report

2011-04-12T11:42:00.000+01:00

Classic Heroes update on Targa Tasmania.....The rally ended in Hobart last night, after the long run across the island on the last day in the rain. Many cars did not make it home. But for those finishers, it was a hugely satisfying experience. In hindsight, the experience is simply surreal. The ultimate boys’ adventure. And an immense challenge. Over the last days, the miles increased, the speeds increased and the rain fell. A deadly cocktail. The roads were unbelievable. Even in our little M3 we regularly touched 200kph on winding country roads. We saw 7500rpm in 5th many times. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Pure adrenalin! One can only imagine how fast the guys in the modern cars were going.

Up and down mountain pass we sprinted, wound our way along valleys below, testing brakes, engine and skills, over and over again. On the last day we ran the famed Arrowsmith stage, at 58kms apparently the longest stage in a tarmac rally in the world. In the rain! It was here that we had our “moment”: about to overtake a Jaguar XJS it spun and bounced off the embankment blocking the road ahead of us. I still don’t quite know how we managed to avoid hitting it. But we did. So after having confirmed that the crew was OK, we continued, albeit at a more subdued pace.

To our surprise and delight, we picked up a podium finish – 2nd in the (rather contrived) class comprising those entrants who had competed in the inaugural Targa all those years ago. We were beaten by a Jaguar XJS “Walkinshaw look-alike”. So we’ll take home a lovely piece of silverware to remember the best week of motorsport you can ever imagine. In the truer class comprising all classic cars, we finished 47th from 83 finishers. There were 20 cars which DNF. So for us, it was a terrific result, for we certainly did the best we could and came home without a scratch on the car. And that was all we aimed to do.

And in case you are wondering what really won the honours? Well, the rally was won outright by a 2009 Nissan GT-R in the modern category and, as usual, by a 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS for the classic category. But the truth is that we were all winners, every one of us. For we’ve competed in the world’s best tarmac rally. And will we be back next year? You’d better bloody believe it! Because we couldn’t disappoint spectators like those in the attached photo, could we?

On-line Straight Six magazine

2011-04-07T18:31:00.000+01:00

Experimenting with an on-line version of the magazine, feedback welcome.....

Open publication - Free publishing - More bmw car club

Targa Tasmania 2011 "Day 2"

2011-04-07T10:32:00.001+01:00

Classic Heroes update on Targa Tasmania.....Day 2 done. 410kms after a 7.27am start. Makes for a long, tiring day. But this is easy to forget when the weather is so utterly perfect and the Tassies so hospitable. Crowds gather and wave wherever the cars pass. And spectators can be found in the oddest of places. Even by themselves in country farmhouses. But there can be a downside to this tarmac rallying nirvana as we discovered today: the dreaded co-driver car sickness. It hit us high on Elephant Pass, a 12kms stage up and down the mountain pass. Needless to say, Genevieve stopped calling the pacenotes and left me driving blind. I think my resulting lack of concentration may have been the cause of what I diagnosed as a flat tyre – the car started to oversteer and slide dramatically. After a thorough check of the car after the stage the reality of the situation became clearer: the problem was the driver not the car!

And a few images for the day: a piece of Aussie muscle. This immaculate original 1971 Falcon GT was parked beside us at lunch today. Something to tantalise the Brits who may never one in the flesh. Awesome, but very scary I suspect! And the view of Tassie from inside the M3 today.

Targa Tasmania 2011 update - Day 1

2011-04-06T21:01:00.001+01:00

Classic Heroes update on Targa Tasmania.....
Today the rally really began. 8 Targa stages in beautiful, brilliant, unseasonal Tassie sunshine. Perfect rally weather and sensational scenery.

But part of the magic of Targa is the famous faces you find everywhere. Like ex World Rally Champion Walter Roehl driving a 1982 911CS which he drove in the 1982 San Remo Rally. Herr Roehl is competing here with 2 other Porsches from the factory museum: a 356 and a 908. Now Porsche really know how to preserve their history – by driving it flat out! Here’s a shot of your correspondent’s M3 parked just 2 cars away from Roehl’s 911. And a shot of your correspondent with the great man himself.

In case you’re interested, the M3 ran perfectly all day. And changing up at 7500rpm it sounds wonderful in the countryside. Yes, it gets plenty of attention from the rally fans who you find in the most interesting places along the route. Not to mention a helicopter hovering over a particularly nasty corner, which scared the hell out of me I must admit.

Targa Tasmania 2011 update

2011-04-05T16:33:00.001+01:00

Classic Heroes update on Targa Tasmania.....
Today we completed the prologue stage – a 4.82km blast around the closed streets of Georgetown where our time determines the rally starting order tomorrow. Slowest cars start first with the fastest at the back, all at 30 second intervals. Needless to say with many professionals in the event and many modern, more powerful cars than our little M3, we are way way down in the field, qualifying 51st out of 100 “classic” cars.

I’m sure that in better hands the M3 would qualify faster, even more modern cars, but for me that is really not the object of the rally. With my wife in the navigator’s seat and photos of our kids on the dash, these days rallies are an opportunity for a fabulous holiday in spectacular scenery where we can drive a special car as fast as we like and share our experiences with fellow enthusiasts in some of Tassie’s sensational restaurants savouring its seafood delights and wonderful cool climate wines.
So tomorrow Day 1. The rally really begins.

Here’s a shot of typical scenery: gum trees to shade the cars during the wait for our run around town and a varied assortment of cars and old geezers enjoying early autumn sunshine. My favourite, a few cars back behind our M3, is an ex-works Lancia Fulvia HF, still in original Marlboro livery. Classic."

Targa Tasmania 2011 reports

2011-04-04T14:05:00.001+01:00

Classic Heroes have been advising one of their customers based out in Australia who runs an E30 M3 on brake set ups for the Targa Tasmania, and in return they are receiving regular updates and photos from the event. Classic Heroes have been kind enough to offer these reports to us as well and so we'll reprint the reports here as soon as we receive them......

And so it begins: the long countdown to the start of Targa is almost over. We are finally in Launceston in northern Tasmania (or Tassie as we Aussies call it), having passed scrutineering and attended the drivers’ briefing and now ready for the rally prologue tomorrow. So the car is emblazoned in T11 paraphernalia, bearing special T11 number plates and ready to go. But the truth is we’ve been on the road to Targa for months. The entry process is rigorous. To qualify you need a car worthy of the world’s best rally. An E30 M3 of course passes this test, as its motorsport credentials are impeccable and as the LHD only E30 was never brought to Australia by BMW they are still rare here. In fact it is the only E30 M3 in the rally. And then you need to satisfy the requisite motorsport experience/licence. Having been rallying and racing on and off for about 25 years I managed to get the tick in that box too.

So with the car retrieved from the workshop, we began our journey on Friday morning. For those in the UK who don’t know the distances involved in Aussie travel, getting to Tassie from Sydney is like leaving London for a rally on the Isle of Skye. First we trailered the car to Melbourne, a 700 mile trip. Then caught the overnight ferry across Bass Strait to Tassie. A great opportunity for a few beers with other entrants on board. Then an 80 mile drive from the port at Devonport to Launceston where the rally starts. And so here we are: in a town of less than 100,000 now completely filled with motorsport fanatics preparing to drive wild on some of the planet’s best roads. With over 300 entrants Targa is now the world’s largest competitive rally.

2012 BMW M5 Concept leaked ahead of Shanghai debut

2011-04-04T11:52:00.000+01:00

Seen on Autoblog.com

BMW Concept M5 - Click above for image gallery

The 2012 BMW M5? Here it is in the "concept" form that will make its official debut later this month at theShanghai Motor Show, courtesy of photos leaked from an embargoed preview event held this weekend in Germany.

As is BMW's wont when it comes to these things, "concept" simply means, "This is exactly what the production car looks like, and we'll reveal the rest of the juicy details at a future date. And maybe the production wheels won't be black."

Of course, some stuff related to the F10 M5 is pretty much set in stone already, courtesy of Chris Harris' first drive for Evo magazine.

The twin-turbo V8 should out-power the one in the X6M, which makes 546 horsepower.
Shifts come via a seven-speed DCT.
Selectable driving programs include Comfort, Sport, and Sport-Plus, plus the let-it-all-hang-out M Driving Mode.

Snap judgement: this is the best-looking BMW M vehicle since the E39 M5, and whatever BMW's cooked up underhood should have no problem backing up the looks. Stay tuned for more info on the BMW Concept M5 as we receive it.

Some of the cars M didn't build

2011-04-03T17:29:00.000+01:00

There were quite a few April fools about cars that BMW's M division were to make, the pick up, the special "Royal Wedding" M3 and so on... Car Magazine did a blog article on the subject of M cars that they didn't build, some have been seen before but it's well worth reprinting some of the photo's, especially what would have been the M8. Take a look at the ones I have re-printed below and wander over to Car Magazine's blog for a few more: http://tinyurl.com/3ja4qkg

BMWRDC Kumho race series at Silverstone this weekend

2011-03-29T20:36:00.000+01:00

Just a little reminder that the BMW Racing Drivers Club season kicks off this weekend at Silverstone with two races, one on the 2nd and the other on the 3rd, more details here

Saturday 2nd April 2011
Sign On	10:05 - 10:20
Scrutineering	10:20 - 11: 20
Qualifying	11:35 - 11:50

Sunday 3rd April 2011
Race 1	09:50
Race 2	15:15

Straight Six magazine taster - help us recruit new members

2011-03-23T21:24:00.000Z

As an experiment we have had a selection of pages from the January edition of our Club magazine "Straight Six" converted to an on-line PDF format magazine for a trial period (it will not be available after the 12th April), you can find the on-line version >> here <<

We are always trying to recruit new members to the Club. Whilst we offer many benefits to members ranging from discounts on various items from insurance, warrantees, parts & servicing, all the way through to track days and trips to the Champagne region of France the one thing that captures it all is the monthly 80+ page magazine.

It's a fantastic publication for a Club, in many respects it's better than other magazines available in newsagents and is certainly our best asset in terms of getting over the benefits of the Club to potential members and keeping members in touch with all things BMW.

Take a look at this on-line version and pass on the link to anyone you know who has even the faintest interest in BMW, we think that they will want to join the Club as we really do have something for everyone regardless of age or BMW model.
Please also let them know that they can find details about how to join on-line >> here <<: or they could just email or call the Club office: 01225 709009 bmwcarclub@btconnect.com and soon future editions of Straight Six will be landing on their doormat!

Thanks for your help in recruiting new members!

BMW Group donates 1 Million Euro to help disaster victims

2011-03-21T17:48:00.000Z

Given the devastating consequences of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan, the BMW Group is showing solidarity with the victims of the catastrophe and has pledged emergency aid totalling €1 million.

The company’s Board of Management expressed their shock at the tragedy unfolding in Japan. “We are deeply moved by the horrific suffering in the affected regions,” stated Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “During this difficult time, our thoughts and sympathies are with the Japanese people.”

The donation will go in equal parts to the international non-profit organization “Save the Children” and the Japanese Red Cross. Funds are earmarked for the treatment of traumatized children, emergency aid and reconstruction work.

Get your BMW on track for £49 and meet Tiff!

2011-03-21T15:01:00.001Z

Here's a quick reminder about the upcoming BMW subsidised track days....

For the second year BMW has teamed up with Club MSV and the BMW Car Club to offer all BMW owners the chance to take their BMW on the track at exclusive BMW only track events, giving them the chance to experience the full capabilities of their cars.

Five novice track evenings will take place across the country at some of the UK’s best test tracks, priced at just £49 a session. Following a safety briefing, participants will be taken on a familiarisation lap before putting theory into practice and discovering what it means to drive the ultimate driving machine on a famous motor racing circuit.

The first evening will be staged at Bedford Autodrome on Monday 11 April. Tiff Needell, former F1 driver, will be on hand at the inaugural event to offer some first class advice and encouragement.

For further information or to book one of the limited spaces at this or any of the other locations go to www.clubmsv.co.uk/bmwontrack.

2013 i3 will be RWD, hooray!

2011-03-17T09:28:00.000Z

In spite of going environmentally friendly and doing an all electric vehicle BMW is at least sticking to it's old "Ultimate Driving Machine" monica and going for rear wheel drive, yes, you heard that right, a rear wheel drive all electric car!

Can't wait to see what it's like when the "camo" is off....A few more pictures and words here.

The BMW M3 Pickup is not for real!

2011-03-16T09:25:00.001Z

I just spotted this on Jalopnik and thought you might appreciate it......Holy Ride of the Valkyries, what's this? Caught this week testing at the Nürburgring with all the other BMW M-Class models was this El Camino "Die Straße" coupe, with a truck bed. UPDATE: Sorry, folks. Not happening...

First, the conspiracy theories: Yes, it's an actual BMW, driven by BMW drivers and wearing the same camo tape other BMW development models sport. And yes, it looks like a real bed, and not some secret test compartment for capturing roadside cow farts to fracture into hydrogen and rainbows.

Given the European embrace of developing markets and "ute"-class trucks like the VW Amarok, maybe BMW just doesn't want to be left behind. Or maybe it's just the next-gen BMW M3 convertible and they're all just having a laugh at us.

Still. STILL. When we find out more, we'll share it.

UPDATE: And...product planner-to-the-car-stars Jim Hall tells us it's a one-off parts hauler for ZTechnik or another BMW motorcycle accessory builder that's used just around the compound. As for camouflage, Hall said: ""Camouflage means nothing. BMW puts camouflage on anything and everything. Look at that BMW Vision Connected concept. That has camouflage and they're obviously not building that."

BMW continues its support of MotoGP in 2011

2011-03-15T20:33:00.000Z

Dorna Sports and BMW have reached an agreement to extend the German manufacturer’s position as the Official Car to MotoGP until 2016, thus prolonging what has been a highly successful and strong partnership since its beginnings in 1999.

Late February saw BMW deliver to Dorna Sports the official cars for the 2011 season, during a presentation in Munich and in the presence of Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and President of BMW M Division Dr. Kay Segler. In its role as Official Car of the MotoGP World Championship BMW M will continue to provide a total of six Safety Cars, two Safety Bikes and nine VIP Village Shuttles at all European rounds, whilst for the overseas Grands Prix the two main Safety Cars and one Safety Bike will make the trip.

In 2011 the fleet will be led by the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M, and in an exciting new development BMW will also provide a hybrid car as part of the Race Direction car fleet, incorporating further a green-aware approach into the logistical management of the World Championship.

M5 pre-production first drive

2011-03-11T15:00:00.000Z

As seen on Evo magazines web site, Chris Harris drives the pre-production M5, here's what he said:

Technical highlights

Twin turbochargers, with unspecific modifications to both intake and exhaust systems. Official response to the question of power output is: 'Do you really think we would give it less than an X6M?'. An X6M has 547bhp. There's a seven-speed DCT dual clutch transmission with three different shift speeds and a fully automatic mode. Saloon only for now.

What’s it like to drive?

Is turbocharging a highlight? When it makes a car this flexible and plain accelerative, it has to be. Yes, the near-insanity of the old V10 makes way for slightly reduced throttle response, but it’s marginal. On a Swedish lake, you can still make tiny adjustments to sustain that all-important 1km drift. Does it feel turbocharged? A little bit. Does it make enough induction noise? No. But this isn’t the finished car, the BMW M-gurus insist that the final product will be different in this respect.

I only drove the car on snow, ice and the occasional patch of asphalt. It felt like an M-car in the correct sense: purposeful, but not too aggressive. The steering, chassis and powertrain each have three modes: comfort, sport and sport-plus, giving a myriad of options. The MDM (M Driving Mode) brings a higher threshold DSC intervention that requires steering correction from the driver, or you spin, It works brilliantly. Switch it all off and you have a circa 560bhp, rear-wheel-drive saloon with an LSD. If you can’t enjoy that, you’re a wally.

I can’t tell you much about ride comfort and steering yet, except that with the suspension set to comfort the car is compliant but never soft. The steering is faster than in a regular BMW 5-series.

How does it compare?

The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is too good to be a walkover, but this M5 will take some beating. For all current and recent E60 M5 owners know this: the new M5 has a gearbox as fast as the E60s that also works properly in Auto mode. It has a bigger fuel tank than a regular 5 (somewhere between 70 and 80 litres, but they won’t say exactly what – I’m cleverly guessing 75) which with the much improved economy gives a real range of 400 miles. So: range, gearbox, torque – BMW has listened, all of the E60’s vices have been sorted.

More here: http://tinyurl.com/63a3t4l

BMWs most important car…

2011-03-10T17:55:00.000Z

2012 3 series......

As the launch date of the new F30 3 Series draws closer, more info and photo shop images will start to appear on-line and in magazines. It won’t be too long before we start reading first driving impressions and start hearing the moan of auto scribes the world over picking apart one aspect or another of the new 3er to complain about.

The 3 Series is BMW’s cash cow, subsequently don’t look for exaggerated styling since the 3er has to appeal to an extremely broad market both in Europe and North America, unlike the 1er, for example. Expect the looks of the car to reflect the styling idioms incorporated in the 7er and 5er. The wheelbase will be stretched a bit, possibly three or so inches, while the overall length of the vehicle should remain under 180 inches. The styling should be crisp, with a minimum of superfluous lines but with subtle detail that is revealed in light and shadow.

Picture credit to Worldcarfans.com

What are your thoughts......

Get your BMW on track for £49 (or possibly for FREE!!)

2011-03-08T16:51:00.000Z

For the second year the BMW Car Club has teamed up BMW

and Club MSV to offer all BMW owners the chance to take their BMW on the track at exclusive BMW only track events, giving them the chance to experience the full capabilities of their cars.

Five novice track evenings will take place across the country at some of the UK’s best test tracks, priced at just £49 a session (Cadwell £39). Following a safety briefing, participants will be taken on a familiarisation lap before putting theory into practice and discovering what it means to drive the ultimate driving machine on a famous motor racing circuit.

These novice track events provide a safe introduction to on track driving and are the ideal springboard to our own track day programme – see Straight Six for details.

The first evening will be staged at Bedford Autodrome on Monday 11th April. Tiff Needell, former F1 driver, will be on hand at the inaugural event to offer some first class advice and encouragement. For further information or to book one of the limited spaces at this or any of the other locations go to http://www.clubmsv.co.uk/bmwontrack

BMW UK and Club MSV have kindly offered Car Club members 2 FREE places at the Bedford Autodrome event on 11^th April. To be in with a chance of winning one of these FREE places we have a simple competition for you to enter:

In your own words complete the following sentence:

“JOY is being a member of the BMW Car Club because…….”

Email replies to bmwcarclub@btconnect.com by close of business on Tuesday 5^th April.

Winners will be notified by email or telephone on 6^th April. The judges decision is final.

Future BMW Car Club, BMW UK and Club MSV novice trackdays are:

Monday 11 April - Bedford Autodrome

Friday 13 May* - Cadwell Park (Lincolnshire)

Wednesday 22 June - Snetterton (Norfolk)

Tuesday 19 July - Brands Hatch (Kent)

Monday 1 August - Bedford Autodrome

BMW Car Club Fantasy GP....roll up....roll up!

2011-03-03T15:52:00.000Z

I am guessing that many of you are into F1 and like me get fed up of hearing about the whole "Fantasy Football" thing? So that us "petrol heads" have something else to talk about during the season I have set up a Fantasy F1 league for the club on Badger GP here: http://badgergp.com/fantasy-gp/

If you register with the site you can then create your team (3 cars, 3 drivers but with a £70M limit!), and then click on the ‘Friends Leagues’ button in your management panel on the right, find BMW Car Club in the drop-down list of teams and join using the code JXA4nH

Look forward to you all joining me and fighting it out against my team which is called "McBull"!

How about the "Job of a Lifetime" for blogging?

2011-03-02T21:08:00.000Z

A BMW dealership in Ajax (Ontario, Canada) is offering the following to whom they judge to be the "ultimate" blogger, in their words:

"Have what it takes to become the Ultimate Blogger? If you're obsessed with BMW performance you just may be the one. You'll get a salary, a BMW, a condo for a year, travel and lots of other perks. All you have to do is prove to us you're driven by performance. To enter, set up your page, post a blog and share online to get votes. You'll be on your way to become the Ultimate Blogger."

The winner will receive a $65,000 annual salary while writing about BMW, Tweeting and Facebooking the latest news (it could be me!). The writer will also be given the keys to a new BMW every six months.

Add to this the fact that the dealership will pay for living expenses for a year and also fund trips to BMW events around the world and it really does sound like a dream job for a BMW "nut"!

If you want to take part take a look at their web page here. to view the entries click here.

What's your garage like?

2011-02-28T20:24:00.000Z

I have a strange addiction to looking at what other people have done with their garages and workshops, I am known to go and take a look at the gallery on the Garage Journal from time to time (http://tinyurl.com/6kgx7s7) and peruse the amazing time effort and cash some people put into their garages, not to mention some of the fantastic machinery (the cars!) that live inside them.

I was looking a the gallery this evening when I came across a link to this forum thread: http://tinyurl.com/yjzhj59 how about that for exotic garage space!
I'm thinking of running an article in the magazine about peoples garages, yes the garages, and not the cars, anyone up for it?

Garage with a view?

Guest blog entry: Jonathan Bordell on BMW Mini

2011-02-22T20:49:00.000Z

I hate the Mini......not because of the 'it's not a real BMW' debate. If it's designed by, made by, and sold by BMW, then it's part of the family. I just always thought it was a car that tried too hard. It was twee and fiddly for the sake of it. So it was with no pleasure that I was lent a Mini Cooper D last week. Now it wasn't love at first sight. Of course it had the obligatory black stripes on the bonnet, and after sitting myself in the drivers seat, I was surrounded with a whole mess of random switches and dials in the wrong places. Why does the tiny rev counter sit above the steering column?

It was antithesis of every bit of BMW’s fine ergonomics. So I set off on my 80 mile journey home, and after sticking £35 of diesel in, headed through the pouring rain.

I didn't drive the car much the next day, but on the following day had to pick the kids up from school and decided to use the Mini.

So in the spirit of a car I did not particularly like, I gave it a proper thrashing. Now I don’t mean I drove like an idiot, I'm not one for using the road like a race track, but I drove the diesel like I would an old petrol hot hatch, and the whole thing came together. The engine was smooth and punchy, revved freely and did not for one moment sound like a diesel. The ride was fluid, the steering precise, the gear change a delight. When I had to give the car back, it still had over half a tank of fuel in it...... And you know what? I fell in love with that little Mini. I ended up loving the fact that every switch was in the wrong place, and every action required me to think about what I was doing.

So it was with great regret that I returned that Mini to the garage. In a strange way the Mini’s real charms are not in its looks, they are in its talents which run very deep.

If you would be interested in writing a guest blog please email bmwccgb@gmail.com

BMW Car Club On Track - season opener - Monday 28th Feb!

2011-02-22T20:48:00.000Z

Just a reminder that we open the track day season at Silverstone on their new Stowe Circuit this coming Monday 28th Feb. We have the track exclusively and will be running an open pit lane set-up. For more details please visit our facebook page or contact Nick our track day organiser: nick@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk

Fog light abusers and lane hogs - my rant!

2011-02-19T17:57:00.000Z

I am guessing that I am not the only person that is extremely annoyed by those folks who hog the middle lane on motorways or the outside lane on dual carriageways? I have tried various means to get their attention to move over. Flashing, moving right out into the right hand lane and then back across in front of them to the inside lane.....in the majority of cases it has no effect whatsoever. Do they not know that they should be on the inside lane? Are they stupid or frightened? If you have a sure fire way of getting them to move over that is legal please do share it with us all....

Another irritation (am I starting to sound like a grumpy old man now?) is people who use their front fog lights when it's not foggy, I say use but they are course have no effect in almost perfectly clear weather...do they think they are safer, cooler, or have I missed some new EU legislation? they must be doing it purposely as there can;t many cars around now where you can leave them on by mistake.....

Most recently I have seen some new cars that appear to put the front fog light on when indicating.....at first I thought there must have been a faulty batch of bulbs as almost every car I spotted had just one fog lamp working, then I noticed a pattern.......and I got annoyed,
very annoyed!

What's your pet hate when driving........

Guest blog entry: Jonathan Bordell on top flight motor-sport spectating

2011-02-14T21:01:00.000Z

I've had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in America over the last 20 years and have made many friends along the East Coast from New York right down to Miami. They all know of my passion for Motorsport and one year an old friend asked if I would like to accompany them to Daytona for the NASCAR 500. “Oh I'll check with the wife” I said. “Why?” he asked, “We go with the whole family.” “Oh!” I said, “That might be a bit expensive.” It would be too expensive to take the whole family to F1. He was astonished.

I then I told him the price with seating and an infield pass would cost me well over £1000 for the F1 GP in the UK. He was very surprised, firstly, because children under 12 in the States are free, but secondly he thought that was very expensive for a whole weekend....”Whole weekend” I said, “That's just Sunday.” He was speechless......

Four days at Daytona with his family would be less than a thousand dollars. More to the point, there was a fun fair, entertainment and loads of things to do. Now this was a few years ago, and with BMW's renewed presence at the recent Rolex Daytona 24hr race I thought I would check the prices this year.

OK, are you ready for this; full hospitality over the race weekend. Suite, all meals, beer or wine, programme, pit walk, grandstand seating, Q&A’s with a driver, guided garage tours, unlimited soft drinks, and the opportunity to drive the track and have your photo taken crossing the finish line. .....$395...now that's what I call value for money.....

Not NASCAR but a great picture of a great car at Daytona!

If you would be interested in writing a guest blog please email bmwccgb@gmail.com

Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix 2009 featuring M1 Procar - turn up the volume!

2011-02-13T14:22:00.000Z

No excuses needed to feature this video on our blog, If you have not yet seen M1 Procar's racing then try and get yourself to an event where they are taking part because they are fabulous! This in car footage from Hans Wagner's car is very good quality, if you haven't got time to watch it all then skip to around minute 3 and watch from there!

By way of a reminder, there are only a few places left at a first track day of the year at Silverstone, please get yourself booked in as soon as you can: http://tinyurl.com/67knyxv

Guest blog entry: Jonathan Bordell on Audi

2011-02-09T10:09:00.000Z

Darren and those other nice people at The BMW Car Club have asked me to contribute to the Club's blog, and in the few minutes I can grab here and there I'll try to jot down the few musings that I have during the course of my working day.

Now just as a formal introduction I should explain that I help Barney with Classic Heroes, some of you may have seen my recent article in Straight Six; hopefully it shows that I am an enthusiast first and foremost. So my ramblings on here are those of an enthusiast and in no way represent the views of Classic Heroes etc. etc.

Now, with the politics out the way, firstly I'd like to say a big thank you to Audi. Why? Well as far as I can see they have drawn away all the 'owners' that gave BMW owners a bad name. Like the Pied Piper they have flashed their shiny LED eyebrows and tempted them into the Audi fold. Great, that's left all the nice people owning BMW's. Now obviously prejudice aside and in the interests of impartiality I'd like to let you know I have driven two new Audi's in the last month a Q7 and an A4. The Q7 was enormous, why I have no idea, but they are, to be frank, the ergonomics were so poor I couldn't even work out how to change the radio station. However my abiding memory was of the sports seats. They were rock hard; I might as well have been sitting on a plank of wood. I never want to hear a journalist moaning about BMW run flats gain, I think Audi seats also don't have any 'give' in them.

As for the A4, a popular if not "the" popular rival for the 3 series, well I thought Audi's were meant to be well finished, this one wasn't, hard scratchy plastics, indifferent panel fit, it was a mess. I think I'll leave Audi to those 'special people'.

The lights of the Pied Piper?

The golden years of the DTM, nostalgia at it's best!

2011-02-07T23:36:00.000Z

No apologies for repeating this one here (it was in Webclips a few magazines ago), I can't get enough of this kind of footage, it's some of the best of the DTM, here's 6 minutes of fantastic film coverage from (dare I say it) over 20 years ago! Enjoy.....

The music is a bit dodgy, I'd put some Rammstein as a background myself but it's not mine so...............

E30 M3 V10 S85 vs BMW M3 V8 - YouTube video

2011-01-27T19:37:00.000Z

This is a video I mentioned in WebClips in the club magazine a while ago, seeing that we now have an interactive way to share these things I thought I would give it a go, hope you like it, it's immense!!

In the February edition of Straight Six......

2011-01-26T21:11:00.005Z

The February edition of "Straight Six" the BMW Car Club monthly magazine will be with Club members in the next few days. It's 84 pages packed with all things BMW. This month, amongst other articles you will find:

The second instalment of an article on the Alpina Roadster S, (with 400 bhp!)
A Club members account of a Riviera adventure, where he mixes it with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Audi
An owners view of living with a ZM coupe
A guide to buying cars from on-line auction sites

To get the magazine regularly all you need to do is join the club, click here for details.

National Festival - the biggest and the best!

2011-01-25T21:12:00.006Z

It's just 200 days to go until the worlds biggest gathering of BMW's take's place and it's organised by YOUR club! This year we are having events on both the Saturday and the Sunday. On Saturday we will be holding the National Concours and a special E30 M3 birthday event, Richard Baxter (M Power Register and Director) is going to re-create the famous Jeremy Walton photograph from the "Unbeatable BMW's" book where the "///M" is made up entirely of E30 M3's!

On the Saturday night we will have a hog roast and entertainment for those that want to stay late, camp on site or stay nearby, and then on the Sunday we have the main event with it's usual attractions as well as continuing the E30 M3 birthday theme with road and race cars and another birthday celebration for the '02 series.

Tickets will go on sale in March with discounts for club members, watch this blog, facebook, the magazine etc. for more news as it happens.

Award winning club magazine "Straight Six"

2011-01-20T21:25:00.015Z

Every month club members receive a high quality 80+ page magazine packed full of news and information that is of interest to club members throughout the country. You'll find the latest club news, an update on BMW Motorsports, reports and photographs from recent club events, details about discounts that club members can get along with classified advertisements and much more besides! Here are a couple of articles we ran recently:

To join the club all you need to do is contact the club office, you can do this via telephone (01225 709009), email (bmwcarclub@btconnect.com) or by visiting the membership page on the web site.

Prodrive factory tour

2011-01-20T12:47:00.004Z

One of the clubs local regions (Wessex) has organised a trip to Prodrive in Banbury for Saturday 16th April, tickets are £20 each. Please contact purebmw@btinternet.com to register your interest. A quick overview of the tour is below.

Tour overview:

Coffee and welcome in the Prodrive heritage centre where you can view race and rally cars from Prodrive’s 25 years in world motorsport
Rally car transmission and engine build and dynos - to see what it takes to make an £80,000 gearboxThe workshops where we build the Subaru rally cars and the Aston Martin GT1, GT2, GT3, GT4 and the current Gulf liveried LMP1 sports cars and its V12 engines
Advanced manufacturing facilities where we fabricate and machine all the parts which go into our cars
See the new BMW rally Mini which be on display
Opportunity to visit the new shop, to buy the merchandise we produce on behalf of Aston Martin Racing, McLaren F1, Williams F1 and the Subaru World Rally Team, as well as Prodrive performance wheels and parts and special items of memorabilia not available anywhere else. All at specially discounted prices to our guests

BMW Car Club On Track - season opener

2011-01-19T11:09:00.004Z

We open the track day season at Silverstone on their new Stowe Circuit, we have the track exclusively and will be running an open pit lane set-up. for more details please visit our facebook page or contact Nick our track day organiser: nick@bmwcarclubgb.co.uk