Autoblog

Mirror In The Bathroom: BMW Canada starts sexy new ad campaign to promote 3 Series Coupe [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 13 May 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, BMW, Canada, Luxury

Imagine this: You're in a public restroom, tidying up in front of the mirror, and you notice a message (written in red lipstick, of course) that says, "I'll make your heart pound," or, "My body is absolutely stunning." You'd want to learn more, right? BMW of Canada is hoping that men between the ages of 25 and 45 will agree, as the automaker will be launching a new ad campaign for the 3 Series Coupe using AddMirror technology that will display these risqué messages in public restroom mirrors across the country.

So, how does it work? As a patron approaches the mirror, motion detectors sense the person's movement and displays a sequence of messages urging readers to send text messages for photos of the subject leaving the flirtatious notes. When BMW receives the text, a link is sent back, leading readers to a landing page with downloadable beauty shots of the 3 Series Coupe, under the headline, "We were made for each other." Ooh la la!

The marketing campaign runs until May 16th in different venues throughout Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. For the full listing, BMW's press release is available after the jump, as is a video that shows the AddMirror technology at work.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Mirror In The Bathroom: BMW Canada starts sexy new ad campaign to promote 3 Series Coupe [w/video]

Mirror In The Bathroom: BMW Canada starts sexy new ad campaign to promote 3 Series Coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces pricing for 2011 range, 3 Series MSRP unchanged

Dan Roth — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 3 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

This either proves the point that BMWs are expensive enough for now or the company is trying to aggressively hold the line on pricing for existing models. 2011 pricing and equipment for the complete BMW North American model range has been released, and the company is adding a revised Value Package and keeping prices the same. New models, such as the 2011 5 Series with which we scooted about in Portugal, will see some attendant bottom-line juggling, but the base MSRP for your dream 3 Series remains the same, even if you choose the updated coupe and convertible models.

The biggest news is that the single-turbo N55 is muscling the twin-huffer N54 out of some Bayerische engine bays. 135s, 335s, 535s, the 535i Gran Turismo and X6 xDrive35i all get the new single-turbo N55 between the fenders. The N54 still appears in the Z4, new 335is and the 740i, as well as some others.

There's new package deals going on as well. 1 and 3 Series vehicles get a new Value Package, building on the popularity of the no-cost iPod interface and leather seat upgrade BMW has been offering. The 335 model misses out, however, as this is a 128-, 135- or 328-only affair. Don't fret, as there's a new Convenience Package, too. Costing between $1,000 and $2,350, the Convenience Package is different depending on the car, but it's again a 1 and 3 Series upgrade. The package includes an alarm system, Comfort Access, some flavor of PDC, sunshades and, sometimes, xenon headlamps. There's a press release as long as your arm detailing the panoply of infinitesimal and near-monumental changes among the 2011 BMW lineup available for your perusal after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2011 range, 3 Series MSRP unchanged

BMW announces pricing for 2011 range, 3 Series MSRP unchanged originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 3 Series M-Sport images surface

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 3 Series M-Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bimmerfile has snagged shots of the M Sport package available on the 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible, and similar to the recent refresh, the changes are subtle, but even more effective. The lines on the front bumper follow the same form as on the current M Sport package, but are notably sharper, and the lower opening appears slightly larger. Out back, the current vehicle's single exhaust pipe at each corner gets switched to a dual pipe on the left side, and a new wheel design is fitted at each corner. Inside will be the usual M-badged steering wheel and shifter, along with an anthracite headliner. All the details are due to be revealed soon, likely at the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 3 Series M-Sport

[Source: Bimmerfile]

2011 BMW 3 Series M-Sport images surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2011 BMW 335i coupe & convertible go snap-happy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible rank among the hottest sellers not only for BMW, but also in their respective segments. They're the benchmark against which rivals compare themselves and the target for both driving dynamics and sales figures. So when Munich unveils an update for both, you can expect to see them in short order in every parking lot and on every street corner and stretch of highway. But since the veil was lifted on the updated two-door Threes just yesterday, we're glad to oblige with one big gallery of images to hold you over in the meantime.

For a quick refresher, BMW has given the 3 Series coupe and convertible a minor facelift for the new model year, comprised principally of a revised front end with new headlights and wider twin-kidney grilles, new taillights, refreshed side mirror housings and restyled bumpers front and rear. Inside the convertible gets a solar reflective leather treatment aimed at keeping surfaces cooler in direct sunlight, and for the first time ever, BMW will be offering its xDrive all-wheel-drive system on the coupe, dropping a coupe of milliseconds off the acceleration times.

The big news, though, is the new N55 engine, a direct-injection, twin-scroll single-turbocharged inline-six that replaces the twin-turbo engine in the 335i with identical (but, crucially, more accessible) output figures. Check out the coupe, convertible and new engine in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible

[Source: BMW]

Pics Aplenty: 2011 BMW 335i coupe & convertible go snap-happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 3 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation BMW 3 Series isn't that far off, with the sedan expected to debut sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. Yet the Munich brand isn't sitting on its hands in the meantime - the current 3 Series coupe and convertible are getting a mild refresh and updated powerplants this spring for the 2011 model year. The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers.

The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open.

The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup.

BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200-5,000 rpm.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo

2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 3 Series leaks out ahead of Detroit - special U.S. market performance model mooted

Michael Harley — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

Don't expect an official confirmation from BMW for another week, but some of the automaker's anticipated updates to its 2011 E92/E93 (3 Series Coupe/3 Series Convertible) have already leaked into cyberspace. The team over at Bimmerfile is reporting that the exterior of both models will receive revised "sporty" front fascias, complete with LED lights and minor tweaks to the interior. Turbocharged 335i models optioned with either the M Sport Package or the standard Sport Package will be fitted with 19-inch alloys (a bump up from the current 18-inch offerings). Anthracite Bamboo trim will reportedly be a new interior option that will be joined by a new exterior color, and paddle shifters will be standard fare for vehicles without manual transmissions.

Keeping enthusiasts smiling, BMW will reportedly offer an "is" version of the refreshed two-door models. Exclusive to the U.S. market, the special variants are expected to be configured with either DCT or a Sport Automatic transmission. In addition, unique styling and special aerodynamic bits will differentiate them from the standard models. As expected, the interiors will be fitted with M Sport equipment as well. Best of all, the twin-turbocharged N54 under the hood will likely receive its own set of horsepower-boosting enhancements, much like those found on the recently announced Z4 sDrive35is.

[Source: BimmerFile]

2011 BMW 3 Series leaks out ahead of Detroit - special U.S. market performance model mooted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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