Autoblog

BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Recalls, Safety, BMW, Mini, Luxury

Catastrophic engine failure... not exactly what you want to hear no matter what you're driving, but especially so when you've just purchased a brand-new 2013 BMW M5 or M6.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "a manufacturing process error" could cause the oil pump's driveshaft to separate from its rotor, leading "to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash."

As is always the case with such recalls, BMW will be contacting owners and dealerships with plans to fix the problem free of charge. On the plus side, we'd imagine some owners already know of the problem, considering the brand issued a stop sale notice on the M5 and M6 on September 21.

In kinda-sorta related news (hey, Mini is owned by BMW after all), a recall notice has also been issued for certain 2011 Mini Clubman and Clubman S models regarding a glitch that may cause owners to miss an in-dash warning for malfunctioning ABS brakes. Not exactly catastrophic engine failure, and it only affects 75 cars, says NHTSA, but you can find both recalls in their entirety below.

Continue reading BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures

BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini Carmonica makes beautiful music

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini

Mini Clubman Carmonica - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Mini has come up with yet another trendy, interactive way of marketing its cars. The automaker's team in New Zealand strapped 300 harmonicas in the key of G to a Mini Clubman, drove it around, and created the Carmonica.

Now available on the Mini New Zealand website, you can take audio clips from the Carmonica's adventures and make your own sweet electronic jam. The cuts are a little choppy, so we doubt the next dance club banger will come from a bored Mini owner, but it's a great way to kill 15 minutes or so.

Check out Mini New Zealand's website to make your own Carmonica jam. Mini promises you'll be able to publish and share them with your friends soon, but that feature isn't live quite yet. Follow the jump to see the Carmonica in action.

[Source: Mini via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mini Carmonica makes beautiful music

Video: Mini Carmonica makes beautiful music originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Mini, Diesel

2011 Mini family - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current (second generation) of the modern Mini has been with us for a couple of years now, so that must mean it's time for a refresh. BMW, which owns the reborn British brand, has updated the front fascia on all three Mini models for the coming model year to visually differentiate them and improve their pedestrian protection performance.

Of special note are the new integrated ducts on the fascias of the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, offering a slightly meaner look to the Mini's cute and cuddly face. The black reflector headlamps that debuted on the 50th anniversary Camden model are now available as an option across the board and all of the Mini variants now have LED lighting at the rear.

Inside, the Minis are now available with a high-resolution screen within in the oversized central speedometer that can display video from an iPod or whatever other device that has been plugged in via the USB port.

On the engine front, updated gas engines were announced several months ago (base engine up to 122 horsepower, the turbo will now crest 180) but the diesel engines have been redone as well. Two versions of the 1.6-liter oil-burner will be available, with 90 or 112 horsepower and 159 and 199 pound-feet of torque respectively. Both diesels are more efficient than before with a rating of 61.9 miles per gallon (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer. For the first time in 2011, there is also a Mini Cooper D convertible available... but not in the States.

There's plenty more for the truly Mini-obsessive among us, check out all the sordid details after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Mini Family

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup

Mini shows off updated 2011 Cooper lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW, Mini

2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation Mini Cooper isn't slated to arrive until 2012, but judging by this latest set of spy shots, it looks like parent company BMW is working on a very, very minor facelift for the 2011 model year Cooper and Clubman hatches. The slight tweaks include things like a new front bumper with revised air intakes (similar to those on the Countryman crossover), a revised rear bumper and restyled taillights with LEDs.

Our spies also indicate that some of these prototypes were sporting some interior cladding, meaning that a slightly revised dash and instrument cluster could be on tap for 2011. The Mini's interior is growing a bit long in the tooth, especially the oversized speedometer - a kitschy feature that is rapidly losing its cuteness.

It isn't much, but these slight upgrades should be plenty in order to keep the Minis fresh until an all-new model launches. Look for the updated Minis to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, and click through the gallery below to see the spy shots for yourself.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman Facelift

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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