BMW X6

The X3 as well as X 6 are considered to be the oldest series of BMW. They were launched 7 years ago in the fall of 2003 at the Frankfurt auto show. But, in fact, it is time to go on. The next-generation 6-series will be launched in the near future, i.e. in late 2010 or early 2011.

It is expected that the next 6 will be not so bulky compared to the current model. It will be enabled with styling elements and it will be less controversial compared to the outgoing protruding posterior of the model. The new car will look tighter, more aggressive and even leaner.

Europe will be provided with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel car but it is unknown whether the U.S, will offer such cars. But it is expected that the M6 will appear in the US market. It is like the next M5 which is enabled with the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. It should be mentioned that the current models of V-10 M6 and M5 were offered with the automated SMG transmission.

BMW will make the new car with a convertible as well as coupe. It is hoped that the convertible will come with a traditional fabric roof. Moreover, there will be a third variation of the car, i.e. a sedan. It is expected to be dubbed as a four-door coupe. Such a model is being developed in order to rival with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7.

BMW X3

The All-New BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle®
Second generation of a vehicle that launched an entire segment.

In 2004 BMW introduced a new concept to the market: the small, premium Sports Activity Vehicle with all-road capability and unparalleled driving dynamics. This first generation BMW X3 became a best seller in the BMW line…both in the United States and in Europe. Through its lifecycle, over 600,000 original X3s have been sold worldwide with 150,000 sold in the USA. Subsequently, several competitors have entered the now hotly-contested segment.

The new second generation BMW X3 builds on the success of the original by developing its core competencies while adding new technology to establish new benchmarks for agility, efficiency and comfort. The new BMW X3 will be produced in an expansion of the BMW Spartanburg, South Carolina plant and is expected to arrive in US BMW Centers by the end of 2010.


Design: Exterior

The design of the new BMW X3 conveys elegance, agility and ruggedness. Up front, the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and large headlight assembly combine with a powerful-looking front apron and hood boasting six contour lines sweeping down to meet at the kidney grill, giving the X3 a bold presence. The twin round headlights combined with the round fog lamps form the triangular light pattern that is characteristic of BMW SAV design. The upper edge of the headlight assembly sports an accentuating chrome trim, creating the focused design typical of BMW vehicles. BMW’s signature “Corona Rings” are again illuminated to function as the daytime running lights. When equipped with the optional Xenon headlights, the Corona Rings and daytime running lights are illuminated by bright white LEDs.

The profile of the new BMW X3 is also characterized by a unique interpretation of typical BMW X design features. Powerfully flared wheel arches and the short front and rear overhangs emphasize the robust character of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. The dynamic appearance of the silhouette is accentuated by three characteristic lines. The new BMW X3’s brand-typical upper contour line at door handle level rises steeply at first within the front wheel arch area, then flows gently to the rear. Two additional subtle lines follow this contour line above the wheel arches.

The rear is characterized by horizontal lines, underlining the new BMW X3’s robust character. Precise lines and expressively modeled surfaces create attractive light and shadow effects. The taillights, which are located far to the outside, have a distinctive T-shape that is characteristic of the BMW X3. LED light bars create a distinctive BMW night-time design signature.

Dimensionally, compared to its predecessor the new X3 is a half-inch (12mm) taller, 3.36-inches (83mm) longer, 1.1-inches (28mm) wider, and features a half-inch (12mm) more ground clearance. It rides on a wheelbase which is 0.6-inches (15mm) longer, at 110.6 inches (2810mm).

Interior: First-class ambience, intelligent functionality.

A generous and versatile spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristic three-dimensional surface design provide the interior of the new BMW X3 with a modern, premium ambience and intelligent functionality. The horizontal lines of the instrument panel accentuate the width of the interior. The driver orientated cockpit, a hallmark of BMW design, is emphasized by the asymmetrically designed center console. The Central Display of the optional navigation system with fourth generation BMW iDrive is harmoniously integrated into the instrument panel. The system features in 8.8-inch high-resolution trans-reflective screen that is the largest on-board monitor in its vehicle segment. Throughout the vehicle, new BMW X3 has a large number of storage compartments, trays and cup holders.

The raised seating position facilitates egress and ingress, while providing outstanding outward visibility. The three rear seats offer outstanding comfort for travelling long distances and significantly more leg and elbow room than its predecessor. With EU-measured cargo volume between 19 and 56.6 cu.ft. (550 and 1,600 liters), the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the largest in its segment. At the same time, the versatility with which available space can be adapted to suit each personal requirement is also unrivalled. The rear seat backrests can be split at a ratio 60 : 40 and can be folded down either individually or together. The optional rear seats with ski pass-through has three segments of 40 : 20 : 40 can be folded down individually or in combination making it possible to adapt the luggage compartment in varying degrees according to need.


The X3 xDrive28i: 6-cylinder power for the entry model.

For the US, the entry-level X3 xDrive28i will feature BMW’s award-winning magnesium/aluminum 3.0-liter inline-6. In 2006 and 2007, the “N52” was awarded the distinction of being one of Wards 10 Best Engines of the Year. Its magnesium/aluminum construction, Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double-VANOS are features found only on BMW engines, and it is currently the lightest six cylinder engine for its size class in the world. The N52 in the X3 is rated at 240 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm.

That’s good enough to accelerate from 0 -60 mph in 6.7 seconds (preliminary). That’s nearly a half-second quicker than the previous X3 xDrive30i equipped with an automatic transmission.


The X3 xDrive35i: Class leading performance and efficiency.

The new top model BMW X3 xDrive35i features BMW’s newest turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 “N55” engine combining direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic. The N55 engine develops a maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm.

This engine enables the X3 xDrive35i to sprint from 0 to 60mph in just 5.5 seconds (preliminary). Top speed is electronically limited to 150mph when fitted with the optional Sport Package.

Both the BMW X3 xDrive28i and the X3 xDrive35i will offer not only the most dynamic driving characteristics in their categories, but also by far the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class. EPA fuel efficiency estimates will be provided closer to the on-sale date in the United States.


Playing a supporting role: The innovative new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Like many new BMW models, the new X3 features an 8-speed automatic transmission which brings smooth shifting, sportiness and efficiency to new levels of perfection. Compared to the exemplary 6-speed automatic offered previously, the 8-speed has “taller” cruising gears that make a significant contribution to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, as well as quietness. Its wider spread of ratios from lowest to highest gear enhances acceleration and response across the range of driving speeds. The revolutionary design even allows for direct shifts from 8th gear to 2nd gear for maximum acceleration.


This new automatic’s attributes have been achieved via an innovative concept that provides the two additional ratios (7 and 8) with no increase in bulk or weight. In a ground-breaking arrangement, four planetary gearsets and five clutch packs are controlled in a way that no more than two of the five clutch packs are freewheeling at any given time. The modest increase in the number of mechanical elements allows the new transmission to achieve unusually high efficiency. The so-called “gearing efficiency” is higher than 98% in all eight gears. . In 6th, gearing efficiency is at its optimum because that is a direct drive. Combine this with reduced friction and the ability to keep the torque converter “locked up” more of the total driving time, and the transmission becomes very much a part of the overall BMW EfficientDynamics concept.

Two additional gears mean threefold progress: quicker shifts, greater smoothness, enhanced efficiency.
The wider spread of ratios allows the engine to run at lower speeds, often in the “tallest” gear, 8th. Yet even with this wider spread, the steps between adjacent gears are reduced; in turn this means a stronger, smoother flow of power during acceleration.

Faster shifts are a further benefit because only one clutch pack is disengaged to shift up or down by one or two gears. On the other hand, downshifting more than two gears is accomplished as a direct shift. For example, a downshift from 8th to 2nd gear is made with only one clutch pack disengagement, and thus occurs without stepping down through the intermediate gears. So, at one instant the driver can be enjoying the quiet, fuel-efficient low rpm of 8th gear, and in the next instant getting maximum acceleration.

New suspension, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, and made-to-measure dynamics.

The new BMW X3 features standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Now in its third generation, BMW xDrive has been revised to incorporate even more flexibility, quicker response and improved handling characteristics. The new system marks a significant evolution in xDrive capabilities, which has always depended upon a networking of Dynamic Stability Control and the xDrive system. With the overall Integrated Chassis
Management system, all three control circuits work in parallel. This refined interaction achieves even quicker reactions to changing driving conditions and enhances xDrive’s already outstanding handling dynamics.

BMW xDrive is unique in design and construction. In normal conditions, driving torque is always transmitted to the rear wheels, and most of the time to all four wheels. Normal torque split is 40% front/60% rear. The portion of torque transmitted to the front wheels is controlled by a multi-disc clutch that can be fully open (100% to the rear), fully engaged or at any level of partial engagement in between.The torque split between rear and front wheels is thus steplessly variable. Engagement pressure on the multi-disc clutch is directed by an electronic control system in response to actual road and driving conditions. This gives xDrive a dynamic ability that is unparalleled by other all-wheel drive systems.

The new BMW X3 also features completely redeveloped suspension technology. The combination of a double-joint spring-strut suspension at the front and a multi-link rear suspension provides the foundation for agility and driving comfort. The standard Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering contributes to the X3’s precise handling.

The X3’s optional Electronic Damping Control adjusts the shock absorbers to any level of firmness, quickly adapting to road conditions and the driver’s demands.. Suspension control is always optimum for current road conditions, vehicle speed, and load. The shocks default to the softest appropriate setting for the vehicle’s speed, and when the vehicle encounters an irregular road surface, they adjust instantaneously to control ride motions, preserve ride comfort, and maintain adhesion to the road. The system is so fast that even at highway speeds the system can sense a pothole at a front wheel and adjust rear-wheel damping before it reaches the same pothole. The Electronic Damping Control option includes a new Performance Control feature on the X3. Performance Control helps the X3 maintain a neutral handling character by adjusting the xDrive torque split to 20% front/80% rear in steady state cornering. Performance Control can also apply the inside rear brake while also applying a little more power to the outside wheel (to compensate for the additional drag of the brake) in order to help rotate the vehicle.

Adjacent to the E-Shift lever on the X3’s center console is the optional Driving Dynamics Control selector (included with EDC). DDC provides three settings that tailor vehicle characteristics to different drivers, one driver’s different moods, driving conditions – or all of the above. The settings are Normal, Sport and Sport Plus; the following vehicle-dynamics parameters are affected:


* Shock-absorber firmness (within the Electronic Damping Control system)
* Engine throttle response
* Transmission shift characteristics
* Power-steering assist level
* Dynamic Stability Control mode


The X3’s driving dynamics can be widely controlled by these different calibrations of so many elements. In addition, when equipped with the Navigation system, the driver may use iDrive to custom-tailor the Sport setting.

Just ahead of the Driving Dynamics Control switch is the Dynamic Stability Control switch for BMW’s all-encompassing stability- and traction-control system. A brief push on this button switches the system to Dynamic Traction Control, in which DSC’s intervention threshold is raised; one effect of this setting is improved traction in deep snow. A long push on the same button de-activates DSC altogether, though the anti-lock braking and anti-rollover functions always remain active.


An extensive range of standard and optional BMW ConnectedDrive functions.

BMW ConnectedDrive comprises all offers and technologies which connect our vehicles, drivers and passengers, and the outside world. ConnectedDrive is comprised of three main pillars: Convenience, Infotainment, and Safety. Each of these three pillars operates and interacts seamlessly with iDrive and other onboard controls to create a unique and unmatched experience for both the driver and passengers. These features will be outlined in detail at a later date.

Production at the BMW Spartanburg plant.

The new BMW X3 is produced at the BMW Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.. With the production of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 models, the location, has become the competence center for BMW X models within the BMW Group’s worldwide production network. Thanks to a comprehensive $750 million expansion, BMW Plant Spartanburg is ready to produce the new X3 for distribution around the world.

Agility and comfort, sportiness and efficiency, ruggedness and elegance, flexibility and premium ambience – the new BMW X3 fulfils the varying demands made on a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. With its multifaceted qualities it sets new standards in the segment established by its predecessor. The all-new X3 is due to arrive in US showrooms by the end of 2010.

BMW plugs into Apple's new in-car iPod feature

BMW is the first car manufacturer to announce support for the little-heralded iPod Out feature from the iOS 4.

The feature allows all devices running the latest version to output the iPod interface to an external screen. Compatible devices include the iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 as well as the second and third generation of iPod Touches. Despite using the BMW iDrive system, the interface is Apple's own and seems rather like a combination of Front Row and the traditional iPod interfaces of old. Eschewing animated graphics of album art for a basic menu interface makes for easier navigation and less distraction from the road.

The promotional video outlines how the technology will work and how it integrates with BMW vehicles.

The advantages of such a system? It is far safer (and more legal) than browsing through your iPhone with your hands while driving. It also allows the devices to be charged while motoring from a single wire. The universal interface will make users feel at home, as well as access to Genius mixes and playlists. If more manufacturers adopt iPod Out for future vehicles, this could be the next optional extra to add to your automotive purchase.

This is not the first time Apple has partnered with car manufacturers to bring integration into cars. BMW released the first iPod automobile interface back in 2004, which allowed drivers to control the iPod from their steering wheel. Apple has continued to expand its range of partners over the years - with companies including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Nissan, Toyota, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Audi, Honda, Renault and Volkswagen all providing integration in some form.

Personally, I have a cassette adaptor in my Golf with a stereo line in, and that mostly works. It might be a bit of a driving hazard though, so safer to get a friend to change the track.

BMW Concept

The origin of the BMW car can be traced to Germany and Munich in particular and for the year 1913. BMW or Bavarian Motor Works was founded by Karl Friedrich Rapp, whose mission in life was to a car that would be solid production, and have every luxury that could perform like no other car could hope to match. BMW’s have over the being seen many changes in style, although the underlying principles have been left more or less unchanged and that is why the company has a excellent reputation – thanks in no tiny measure the quality of brilliant workmanship and if result of using the best quality materials that go into the production of each model. BMW’s are naturally closely with other top brands including its bitter rivals Mercedes Benz and Porsche and Jaguar. Still, the BMW is still able to assert her against such well-known car manufacturers, because each of the models have a lot of elegance, luxury and comfort in them. These qualities are in fact helped the company retain its position among the most prestigious auto manufacturers – for nearly ninety-five being. Even modern BMWs are able to produce an image of class and luxury and even nearly a century has passed since the first BMW car hit the promote, the company continues to remain at the pinnacle of automobile manufacturers scheme. Contrary to well loved belief, owning a BMW car is not only the sole privilege of the rich and prosperous, there are many models that can and also get regular buyers. There are innumerable designs and features that the company offers a wide range of models that help to ensure that all can hope to own a BMW car – and not simply end envied and dreams of owning a car. BMW gives status, but you should also know that buying BMW car parts can add to overall costs and so will have to learn how and where these parts get so that your car never stays in a garage for a lung. The BMW is a car that is never in style – perhaps because of its classic look and also because of the high quality that together help the passage of time increase. It is therefore not surprising to hear that these cars are among the most sought after cars in the world.

Drive a BMW Car

If you have never driven a BMW, it is indeed one of those things you must plan for at some point in your life time. These are the cars that dreams are made of and when you get behind the wheel of one, you will see why. You can close your eyes and imagine you are on the Nuerburgring Track with the handling and feel you will get from any BMW cars.

The kind of BMW you choose will depend on the kind of driving you plan on doing for most of the time. The great thing is that every BMW is made to outlast any kind of driving that you could do in a life time. These are the cars of champions to say the least. Whether you need a X5 sports activity vehicle or a sporty M4, you will always get the best in manufacturing and guarantees from BMW.

The BMW Car Company was born in 1913 and since then has included many awesome cars to its list. This car company has been independent since that first year and has maintained this independence incredibly well. This is simply because BMW is the finest machinery the automotive industry will ever see. There is no match to the ingenuity behind the making of these vehicles.

Another great thing about driving BMW cars is that you will be driving an exceptional machine that was engineered to be friendly to our environment. Every single detail was taken into account when the BMW you drive was designed and manufactured. For the best driving experience you could ever dream of, this is the car for fulfilling that kind of dream.

If you do not own a BMW now, you should see about how to get one. It might be last car you will ever want to own. After driving a BMW, driving anything else is going to be a serious letdown

Replacement BMW Parts

BMW is a quality car company with a reputation for style and performance. When the time comes to repair or replace parts, do a lot of BMW owners do not consider the buy of BMW aftermarket parts. They rotate in the direction of generic auto parts in an attempt to save a few dollars. Not choosing replacement parts for your BMW car service is a ordinary mistake that the quality and performance of a BMW can be reduced. Although the original BMW parts are manufactured from the highest quality materials, the same does not apply to aftermarket parts. In stipulations of BMW parts, the higher price is not only because of the brand. Replacing a few nuts and bolts with generic parts should not be applied to a problem. Yet even the smallest parts of a car causing extensive hurt if these less noteworthy materials. For example, a loose bolt that was not designed for a BMW can glide while the car is in motion, causing major hurt and possible injury as well. Saving a few pennies can cost much more generally. Maintaining the structural integrity of A BMWBMW has a tradition of well-made cars a quality ordinary for their clients. When other parts are used on a luxury car, it weakens the value of the car. The BMW no longer meets the specifications of the original model. This increases the speed of the depreciation of the car, making the investment less valuable. Depending on the parts that need replacing, the BMW warranty if other replacement parts are used. This is an vital consideration when choosing between BMW aftermarket parts and generic parts. The choice of BMW aftermarket parts is the only way to ensure that the car always in the best possible condition. If generic auto parts to be used on a BMW, causing the purity of the brand. After adding innumerable car parts, BMW is really a mix of different brands and quality levels. The same can be said of a glass of water with a drop in oil. The glass of water would no longer be considered water as the addition of the oil. A BMW can not rightly be regarded as a right BMW, because the addition of generic aftermarket parts. Aftermarket vs OEM BMW PartsUltimately, the possibility of whether OEM or aftermarket parts to use on your BMW owns the selection. Many people have their BMW parts replaced with generics without the least difficulty. Though, with generic car parts, there is no certainty about the exact quality of the product is placed on the BMW. With BMW parts, there is no doubt that the car will perform to exact specifications, it is designed for the factory. Price is certainly a valid consideration when choosing replacement parts for your vehicle. In most cases, OEM parts are more expensive than the generics. Though, by using the Internet, you can doubtless find OEM parts at much lower cost than through them directly from the dealer or the repair shop.

BMW History

Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the four-stroke internal combustion engine, set up an aircraft factory and training school in 1910. Though, after persistent quality problems with production, his business was bought by a consortium in 1916. The company became known as Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW) and started manufacturing aircraft under licence from Albatros Werke. It soon became the largest aircraft manufacturer in Bavaria, but at the end of the First World War demand collapsed.

Meanwhile, in 1913 an engine designer Karl Rapp had set up an aircraft engine manufacturing company, but vibration problems with their own engines meant that they switched production to Austro-Daimler V12 engines, under licence. A man called Franz Josef Popp was place in to supervise the manufacturing. He managed to persuade Karl Rapp to use a talented point engineer from Daimler, Max Friz. Friz quickly designed a new engine and made such an impact with the investors, that Karl Rapp was ousted from the business in 1917. At this point the company name was changed from Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH to Bayerische Motorenwerke BmbH (BMW).

Though, in December 1918, BMW was forced to close down by the government at the end of the First World War. Though, in less than three months BMW was allowed to reopen and started designing a new array of engines, although the company was forced to conclude aircraft engine production. At this point, an Austrian financier, Camillo Castiglioni, had be converted into the majority shareholder in BMW.

In the summer of 1919, BMW started building brake assemblies under licence from Knorr-Bremse AG, and nearly a year later Castiglioni sold his shares in BMW to Knorr-Bremse.

Following the sale of his stake in BMW, Castiglioni became interested in purchasing BFW which he completed in 1922. On the back of this, he went to buy back the BMW name and engine building division from Knorr-Bremse. He was successful, and with the fusion of BFW and BMW, under the BMW name, he also secured the point and management skills of Max Friz and Franz Josef Popp, plus valuable engine drawings and patents.

BMW started production of replacement engines, whilst Castiglioni did a lucrative deal with the Czechs to licence the production of BMW aircraft engines for use by their military.

During the 1920s, BMW supplied Russia with aircraft engines and Castiglioni, as well as being the majority shareholder, siphoned off a brokerage fee on every transaction to his ‘private’ companies.

Along with military engines, BMW started to fruitfully manufacture tiny agricultural engines and motorcycles, starting with the R 32 in 1923. These formed the footing of the scheme to point a BMW production car in 1925. Then in 1928 the company expanded into full car production with the buy of the Eisenach Car Factory that made the Dixi (or Austin Seven manufactured under license). The car became known as the BMW 3/15 and it was not long before BMW was producing its own designs.

Though, Castiglioni’s business dealings got himself and BMW into distress. After selling a majority shareholding to Deutsche Bank in 1926, to raise personal funds, his irregular commission payments were duly exposed. He settled out of court with a large payment back to BMW and stepped down from the board. In 1929, he sold the remainder of his shared to Deutsche Bank to prop up his finances.

The Castiglioni affair had also cost BMW. The Russian government became aware of the ‘commission’ payments and demanded compensation. BMW handed over a licence to produce the BMW VI engine for free and relations with the Russians came to an end in the early 1930s.

After successful expansion of the dirt bike and car businesses in the 1930s, BMW was forced to abandon civilian production by the National Socialist Party during the Second World War and focus on the production of aircraft engines. This included the use of forced labour.

Towards the end of the war, BMW was hit hard by allied bombing and when the war finished, the sites in eastern Germany were seized by the Russians. Meanwhile, whilst BMW survived in the West, they were banned from manufacturing engines for three being and BMW car plans and their chief designer Fritz Fiedler were taken to England to start Bristol Cars. And so it was not until 1948 that production of BMW motorcycles recommenced and not until 1952 that car production was started again.

The initial post-war car models, such as the 507 and 503, were not highly profitable and in 1959, BMW discussed selling the business to Daimler-Benz. This was an unpopular go with the workforce, and fortunately Chairman Kurt Golda increased his stake in the company to secure BMW’s independence.

During the 1960s the release of more sporty models spelt success for BMW. The BMW 1500 (that followed the BMW 700) led to the BMW 1600 and BMW 1800 models and in 1967 two door and convertible models that became known as the BMW 02 series. These developments eventually led to the creation of the well-known BMW 3 series.

The company expanded, with new production facilities and a new headquarters in Munich.

Going into the 1970s, the BMW 5 series replaced the sedans, the coupes were replaced with the BMW 3 series and a new BMW 7 series was launched, thereby giving BMW three distinct sports sedan ranges that continued into the 1990s.

BMW became a comprehensive brand in prestige car manufacturing and sales increased 18 era. Production expanded from Germany and has spread to across continents, including facilities in the UK, America, South Africa and India. The company has also formed partnerships over time with Russian and Chinese producers.

In the mid 1990s, BMW bought Rover from British Aerospace. Though, the company struggled to find a role for the English brands and make a profit. In 2000 it disposed of Rover to Phoenix Venture Holdings and sold the Land Rover brand to Ford. Though, BMW retained the Mini, Triumph and other brands. BMW has since fruitfully rekindled the Mini brand and also gone on to secure full use of the Rolls Royce brand (in 2003).

From its humble origins as pre-First World War makers of aircraft and aircraft engines, BMW has survived as a result of post-war entrepreneurial spirit and grown rapidly to be converted into a major comprehensive player in the prestige car promote.