Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[America, these are your top 10 most expensive cars to own]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - red - at speed in a forest

Picking up a used luxury car is a great way to save some coin. Letting the previous owner take the fall on depreciation is a smart move, but it's worth remembering that high-end autos carry with them high-end maintenance and repair costs. Using Edmunds.com data, 24/7 Wall Street has compiled what it says are the 10 most expensive vehicles to own, and the list is populated by some not-so-surprising names. BMW and Mercedes-Benz soak up the lion's share of the offenders, though other manufactures make a showing as well. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes top honors as the most expensive of them all with a "true cost of ownership" of $245,469. That's in addition to the gullwing supercar's $210,875 MSRP.

The calculations not only factor in deprecation, but also things like fuel, maintenance and insurance costs.

All told, Mercedes-Benz models takes four of the 10 spots on the list. That's twice as many as BMW, and the rest are split between makes like Land Rover, Audi and Nissan. If that last one seems a bit out of place, keep in mind Nissan makes the mighty (and mighty complex) GT-R. Check out our gallery below for a full list of the biggest offenders.

America, these are your top 10 most expensive cars to own originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesactivehybrid 7alpina b7audibmwclcl-classcost of ownershipg-classgt-rland roverlsls600hmercedes-benzmost expensive carnissanownershipr8range roverslsl-classsls amgFri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/america-these-are-your-top-10-most-expensive-cars-to-own/20245083/article-detail.xml 20245083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW 7 Series arrives with more power, gadgets and safety [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/2013-bmw-7-series-arrives-with-more-power-gadgets-and-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/2013-bmw-7-series-arrives-with-more-power-gadgets-and-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/2013-bmw-7-series-arrives-with-more-power-gadgets-and-safety/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 BMW 7 Series, dynamic shot, front three-quarter view

The 2013 BMW 7 Series gets incremental improvements everywhere. Outside the changes are minimal: fewer vertical slats inside the kidney grille and a larger chrome surround, two horizontal chrome accents bars splitting the lower intake, restyled side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and new shades of red on the taillights. Inside are resculpted front seats, more soundproofing, redesigned ambient lighting, an updated iDrive controller and "floating" screens for the Rear Seat Entertainment package, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. Along with those changes, the look of the navigation system has been updated with new menu organization, displays, a "pie menu" and 3D elements. The Attention Assistant system provides gives BMW drivers their own coffee cup icon to remind you when it's time to rest and hands-free trunk operation makes its first appearance in the range.

The eight-speed steptronic transmission, fitted to every model, allows the new 7 to make more of its engines. Under the hood, the inline six-cylinder in the 740i maintains the same power ratings, 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft, but is mated to the new eight-speed Steptronic transmission and said to have "significantly improved" efficiency, with a 20 percent increase noted in the EU cycle. The 4.4-liter V8 in the 750i gets fitted with Valvetronic and gets bumps of 45 hp and 30 lb-ft, for 445 hp and 480 lb-ft total. The changes reduce its 0-60 time to 4.7 seconds, at the same time as fuel economy on the EU cycle climbs 25 percent with the new transmission.

The second-gen ActiveHybrid 7 drops down an engine size, swapping its previous V8 for the 3.0-liter six-cylinder from the 740. It's yoked to a 55-hp synchronous motor. Rated at a combined 349 hp and 367 lb-ft, BMW says it is 14 percent more fuel efficient than the 740i.

Both the 740i and 750i will come with a new powertrain management system dubbed ECO PRO that joins the other Driving Dynamics Control settings and that includes a coasting mode operable between 30 and 100 mph. Other driving enhancements include Dynamic Damper Control, an electronically controlled damping system that works on each shock individually dependent on road conditions, self-leveling rear suspension now standard on all models, and xDrive available on the 740i.

Both the 740i and 750i will arrive in showrooms this summer, the ActiveHybrid 7 coming this fall. The high-res gallery above can show you what's coming, scroll down to read all about it in the press release.

UPDATE: A pair of official videos are now available by scrolling below.

Continue reading 2013 BMW 7 Series arrives with more power, gadgets and safety [w/video]

2013 BMW 7 Series arrives with more power, gadgets and safety [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw 7 series7 series7-series740740i740li750750i750li760liactivehybrid 7bmwbmw activehybrid 7Fri, 25 May 2012 09:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/2013-bmw-7-series-arrives-with-more-power-gadgets-and-safety/20244838/article-detail.xml 20244838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013bmw7series2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013bmw7series2.jpg <![CDATA[BMW considering possibly, maybe making an M7, sort of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/bmw-considering-possibly-maybe-making-an-m7-sort-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/bmw-considering-possibly-maybe-making-an-m7-sort-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/bmw-considering-possibly-maybe-making-an-m7-sort-of/#commentsFiled under:

2011 BMW Alpina B7

Okay, so maybe this isn't much in the way of confirmation, but BMW M division president Friedrich Nitschke told Car and Driver that the company was "considering" building an M Performance version of the 7-Series. While that's not quite an M7, it's close.

Remember, M Performance is the new quasi-M car line that BMW has created to offer a higher performance version of its vehicles to slot between the standard models and the full-blown M cars. M Performance will also allow BMW to create performance diesel and all-wheel-drive models without sullying the M badge.

Of course, enthusiasts looking for a full-size BMW performance sedan can already have an Alpina B7 like the one pictured above, but there's something alluring about a real M-badged 7-Series. Given that BMW has already M-ed the X6, it only seems fair that the 7-Series gets some love too, even if it's just in M Performance form.

Nitschke's interview revealed a few more interesting details about BMW's product plans, namely that turbocharged engines are here to stay. He said BMW has no plans to use superchargers for its M products, and it sounds like naturally aspirated M engines are a thing of the past as well. Manual transmissions will continue to be offered, as according to Nitschke, new models will be equipped with transmissions that use software and electronics to "protect" the tranny from mismatched shifts. We won't be seeing a hatchback M135i here in the U.S., however, nor are any of the diesel M Performance models headed towards our shores.

BMW considering possibly, maybe making an M7, sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7-seriesbmwfriedrich nitschkem performancem7Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219329/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/bmw-considering-possibly-maybe-making-an-m7-sort-of/20219329/article-detail.xml 20219329 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lead1-2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lead1-2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Drivers of 2010-2011 Rolls Royce Ghost models and several BMW models with turbocharged engines need to get their vehicles to their dealers. The cars are being recalled for a potentially hazardous defect that could turn their high-end autos into smoldering hunks of less luxurious melted plastic and steel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the circuit boards on the cars' water pump could overheat and possibly catch fire.

The 2011 BMW models affected are the 5 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo. 2012 models are the 6 Series, 7 Series, X5 and X6. All affected models have either the turbocharged V8 or V12. NHTSA says the number of BMWs affected is 2,846. About 60 Rolls Royce Ghosts will be recalled.

The recall is nearly identical to one announced last November that recalled 2010 Rolls Royce Ghosts. This campaign seems to address the same problem that plagued 2011 models.

Continue reading BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards

BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5 series gt6 series7 seriesbmwNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecallrolls roycerolls royce ghostx5x6Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216669/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/20216669/article-detail.xml 20216669 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rrghost-recall-2011-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rrghost-recall-2011-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA: BMW 7 Series gearshift issue has resulted in 16 crashes, 5 injuries]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2002 BMW 7 Series

You had to figure that this might happen when BMW decided to reinvent the gearshift lever for the 2002 7 Series. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the 2002-2008 7 Series since last fall, and has now "upgraded the probe to an engineering analysis," according to an Associated Press report in The Detroit News. The Feds have found 16 crashes and five injuries related to transmission issues, and received 50 complaints about the issue, according to the report.

NHTSA's Monthly Defect Investigations Report calls the problem "Vehicle Rollaway Allegations," which are likely related to the design of the gear selector in the E65/E66. This generation of the 7 Series moved the traditional gearshift lever from the floor console to the steering column to make more room in the center console. In doing so, BMW abandoned the traditional P-R-N-D layout and adopted an electronic push-button selector for "Park." The AP says at least some of the problems may be related to owners not realizing their cars were in neutral instead of park.

Our own experience has shown that even in more recent BMW's with floor-console-mounted shifters, it can be difficult to tell whether the vehicle is in Park or not, and we find the BMW gear selector as a whole to be non-intuitive - we're frankly surprised that NHTSA has not received more than 50 complaints concerning the issue.

NHTSA: BMW 7 Series gearshift issue has resulted in 16 crashes, 5 injuries originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002 bmw 7 series7 seriesbmwbmw shift leverbmw shiftere65e66National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsaMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/20216647/article-detail.xml 20216647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2002-bmw-7-series-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2002-bmw-7-series-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 7 Series getting mid-cycle updates for 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/bmw-7-series-getting-mid-cycle-updates-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/bmw-7-series-getting-mid-cycle-updates-for-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/bmw-7-series-getting-mid-cycle-updates-for-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 2013 BMW 7 Series has an appointment for some cosmetic surgery, according to a report in Car & Driver. The restyle will be minimal, with detail changes around the fascia going just far enough to let other 7 Series owners know that you have the latest model.

A more substantive change could occur under the skin of the ActiveHybrid 7, however. It's nearly $13,000 more expensive than it's non-hybrid counterparts but doesn't make an equally hard-to-ignore case for efficiency: the ActiveHybrid 750i has 55 more horsepower than the standard car, but is rated at 17 city / 26 highway versus 15 city / 22 highway. Speculation is that the ActiveHybrid 7 could get the six-cylinder powertrain from the ActiveHyrbrid 5 to improve its green credentials.

BMW 7 Series getting mid-cycle updates for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw 7 series7 seriesactivehybrid 5activehybrid 7bmwbmw activehybrid 5bmw activehybrid 7Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20193273/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/bmw-7-series-getting-mid-cycle-updates-for-2013/20193273/article-detail.xml 20193273 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmw7refresh_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmw7refresh.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #273]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/autoblog-podcast-273/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/autoblog-podcast-273/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/autoblog-podcast-273/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Geneva Motor Show Recap

autoblog podcast logo

Episode #273 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan hosts and is joined by Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert and Zach Bowman. Topics range far and wide around our recap of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #273:
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Hyundai Accent
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
2012 BMW 740i

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:21:01
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #273

Autoblog Podcast #273 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series740iaccentautoblog podcast 273autoblog podcast geneva motor showbmw 740iciviccivic hybridfeaturedhonda civic hybridhyundai accentTue, 13 Mar 2012 16:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #273Autoblog.com01:21:01 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192470/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/autoblog-podcast-273/20192470/article-detail.xml 20192470 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The next BMW 7 Series, said to be arriving in 2015, will reportedly use more CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in its build. In two interviews R&D head Dr. Klaus Draeger said the big sedan will introduce the expanded use of CFRP components into the mainstream BMW line.

Draeger made sure to say that he believes in the right material mix, making structural items like the engine cradle and crash structures in high-strength steel and using aluminum for pieces like the doors, front fenders and roof. It is thought that carbon fiber will supplant some aluminum parts like the hood, roof and trunk.

Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesbmw 7 seriescarbon fibercfrpWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/20181407/article-detail.xml 20181407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw7cfrp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw7cfrp.jpg <![CDATA[BMW recalls over 32,000 cars and CUVs over fire risk]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/bmw-recalls-over-32-000-cars-and-cuvs-over-fire-risk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/bmw-recalls-over-32-000-cars-and-cuvs-over-fire-risk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/bmw-recalls-over-32-000-cars-and-cuvs-over-fire-risk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



BMW has issued a recall of five different model lines covering the years 2008-2011 due to a fire risk. Turbocharged eight- and twelve-cylinder engines in the 5 Series, 5 Series Gran Turismo, 7 Series, X5 and X6 could suffer from overheating circuit boards that control the electric auxiliary water pump.

The overheating board could cause the pump to smoulder, and in extreme cases among the 102 failures, BMW has found there were two engine compartment fires. BMW will send recall notices for 32,000 vehicles and dealers will replace the pump free of charge. The NHTSA report detailing the recall is after the jump.

Continue reading BMW recalls over 32,000 cars and CUVs over fire risk

BMW recalls over 32,000 cars and CUVs over fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5 series gt7 seriesbmwrecallx5x6Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094149/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/bmw-recalls-over-32-000-cars-and-cuvs-over-fire-risk/20094149/article-detail.xml 20094149 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bmwfirerecallpump_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bmwfirerecallpump.jpg <![CDATA[This is what a 217-mph BMW 7 Series looks like]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/15/this-is-what-a-217-mph-bmw-7-series-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/15/this-is-what-a-217-mph-bmw-7-series-looks-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/15/this-is-what-a-217-mph-bmw-7-series-looks-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TuningWerk BMW 7 Series

Take one BMW 7 Series, hand it over to Germany's TuningWerk, ask for the second-stage tune that the company characterizes as "a little revitalization," and the sedan you get back will top out at 720 horsepower, 803 pound-feet and 217 miles per hour.

The super stormer gets bigger, lighter brakes, a new sound system, a sport exhaust, and a weight-loss totaling 264 pounds, The eight-speed transmission is swapped for a beefier unit with either five or six speeds. It all makes getting from zero to 62 mph a minor inconvenience, taking but 3.5 seconds.

If all that's too much - and at €198,000 ($274,982 U.S.) it may be - you can hold steady at the Stage One tune that raises the game to "just" 530 hp and 546 lb-ft. There's more info in the presser after the jump.

Continue reading This is what a 217-mph BMW 7 Series looks like

This is what a 217-mph BMW 7 Series looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesbmwbmw 7 seriesgermanytunertunerstuningwerkSat, 15 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20080563/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/15/this-is-what-a-217-mph-bmw-7-series-looks-like/20080563/article-detail.xml 20080563 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tuningwerkbmw7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tuningwerkbmw7.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 7 Series under investigation for roll-away issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/bmw-7-series-under-investigation-for-roll-away-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/bmw-7-series-under-investigation-for-roll-away-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/bmw-7-series-under-investigation-for-roll-away-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2002 bmw 7 series

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigation (not a recall) into BMW 7 Series models made from 2002 through 2008. The reason? A 2006 BMW 7 Series rolled away when it was parked, and NHTSA wants to make sure this was an isolated incident. After all, we don't want to see more unintended activity involving any of the 120,000 units sold between that time period.

We're not going to worry just yet, however, as the lone incident resulted in no injuries or an accident. Still, there are a few other reports of folks experiencing a randomly rolling 7 Series, and NHTSA is examining the electronic transmission shifter. The unit is designed to place the vehicle in park when the engine is turned off.

Once we hear more with regards to the mysterious case of the roving 7 Series, we'll let you know.

BMW 7 Series under investigation for roll-away issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesbmwbmw 7 seriesbmw nhtsa investigationnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaroll away 7 seriesTue, 09 Aug 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013317/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/09/bmw-7-series-under-investigation-for-roll-away-issue/20013317/article-detail.xml 20013317 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/bmw-1-1312912073_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/bmw-1-1312912073.jpg <![CDATA[2011 BMW 740Li [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/2011-bmw-740li-7-series-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/2011-bmw-740li-7-series-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/2011-bmw-740li-7-series-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rolling Sixes In Bimmer's Big 7

2011 BMW 740Li

It's been a good long while since the BMW 740Li badge graced American shores, and even longer since the entry-level 7 Series packed anything other than eight furious cylinders under its hood. The last time a straight-six lurked behind the quad head lights of the big Bimmer here in the Land of the Free, Bill Clinton was still hanging around Arkansas and the only Cyrus terrorizing the airwaves was Billy Ray. Since then, an entire culture of consumption has blossomed and withered under the glare of questionable loans and fluctuating oil prices, and as such, automakers like BMW have begun to alter their wares to fit the times.

When it came to the long-wheelbase 7 Series, BMW decided to abandon larger displacement engines options for smarter, more efficient powerplants that wouldn't disappoint buyers accustomed to a world-class performance threshold.

Cue the arrival of the N54 - a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that's happy to provide propulsion for the 2011 BMW 740Li. To drive it is to handily dispatch any and all naysayers who would have you believe that an executive sedan needs a V8 to hold its head high in the business district.

Continue reading 2011 BMW 740Li [w/video]

2011 BMW 740Li [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw 740i7 series7-seriesbmwbmw 740ifeaturedquickspinreviewreviewsFri, 29 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003719/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/29/2011-bmw-740li-7-series-review/20003719/article-detail.xml 20003719 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-bmw-740li-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-bmw-740li-review.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 7 Series nip/tuck spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/bmw-7-series-nip-tuck-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/bmw-7-series-nip-tuck-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/bmw-7-series-nip-tuck-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

spy shot bmw 7 series
Spy Shots: BMW 7 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current-generation BMW 7 Series, or F01 to you Bimmerphiles, was launched in 2009. After the German luxobarge hit the streets, Audi and Jaguar decided to launch their own redesigned flagship sedans. Mercedes-Benz will soon step out with an updated S-Class, and that means BMW will need to give its 7 Series a touch-up. Spy photographers managed to capture a camo-clad 7 hiding some of the newly updated exterior features.

If you look at the photographs closely, you can see that BMW will add an LED strip above the headlights. The front bumper has been redesigned, and the turn signals now sit on the side mirrors. Out back, a revised rear bumper wraps up the exterior upgrades. As the camo tape eventually comes off, we expect to find more nuanced updates before a lightly re-skinned production version hits an upcoming auto show stage.

BMW 7 Series nip/tuck spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw 7 series2013 bmw 7 series7 seriesbmwbmw 7 seriesbmw spy shotsspy photosspy shotsTue, 21 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19972624/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/21/bmw-7-series-nip-tuck-spotted/19972624/article-detail.xml 19972624 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bmw-7-face-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/bmw-7-face-lead.jpg <![CDATA[European car-jackers hit with import duties on stolen exotics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/european-car-jackers-hit-with-import-duties-on-stolen-exotics/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/european-car-jackers-hit-with-import-duties-on-stolen-exotics/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/european-car-jackers-hit-with-import-duties-on-stolen-exotics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tax evasion. It's how they got Al Capone, and it's how European authorities are pinning down a team of car-jackers who made off with a trio of top-end automobiles.

The thieves reportedly broke into a house in Switzerland and drove off in the proprietor's BMW 750Li, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Bugatti Veyron. Not just any Veyron, either, but the ultra-rare Grand Sport Sang Bleu.

According to reports, they drove the cars through Germany on the way to Poland, and were easily spotted along the way. A million-dollar chromed supercar does not exactly blend into traffic, after all, the way a Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Camry would. The drivers of the Bugatti and BMW were apprehended by German police, and the Veyron was unfortunately scraped up in the process. The driver of the Ferrari reportedly escaped, however, ditching the car at a railway station and disappearing into the crowd.

Now the two apprehended thieves are being hit with a half-million-dollar tax bill. That's right, they're being charged for importing the stolen cars into Germany from Switzerland, which is not part of the European Union. That, and probably a count or two of grand theft auto...

European car-jackers hit with import duties on stolen exotics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>599 gtb fiorano7 series750libmwbugattieuropeferrarigrand theft autoswitzerlandveyronveyron grand sport san bleuThu, 16 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19968602/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/16/european-car-jackers-hit-with-import-duties-on-stolen-exotics/19968602/article-detail.xml 19968602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/sangbleu_3_4front_open_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/sangbleu_3_4front_open_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2011 BMW Alpina B7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alpina Delivers Its Best Impression Of An M7

2011 BMW Alpina B7
2011 BMW Alpina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Try as it might, the BMW M3 Coupe can't lose the Alpina B7. The two of us are an unlikely automotive pair, playing cat-and-mouse on one long road to nowhere deep in the reaches of an unincorporated area of the California coastal mountains. The air is cool and the canyons are mostly quiet. Only the sound of two wailing V8s breaks the silence.

While the M3 dives into the corners with confidence, the B7 launches out with ferocious conviction. The M3 pulls energetically on the short straights, but the B7 puts its power down with resolve and steadily reels the smaller coupe back in. Even mid-corner, when the M3 is in perfect step, the B7 clenches a slightly wider line but still holds its ground.

We've been at this game for more than an hour, and neither of us is willing to raise a white flag. Only the illumination of the low fuel light in the smaller coupe has us calling it quits. Want to learn what it takes to harass an M3 owner?

Continue reading...


Gallery: 2011 BMW Alpina B7: Review

2011 BMW Alpina B72011 BMW Alpina B72011 BMW Alpina B72011 BMW Alpina B72011 BMW Alpina B7

Photos copyright (C)2011 Michael Harley / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 BMW Alpina B7

Review: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 bmw alpina b77 seriesalpinaalpina b7b7bmwBMW M7featuredM7reviewreviewsFri, 14 Jan 2011 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19800727/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/14/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review-road-test/19800727/article-detail.xml 19800727 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead1-2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead1-2011-bmw-alpina-b7-review.jpg <![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2010 BMW 760Li]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/2010-bmw-760li-quick-spin-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/2010-bmw-760li-quick-spin-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/2010-bmw-760li-quick-spin-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If You Have The Means, Then By All Means...

2010 BMW 760Li
2010 BMW 760Li - Click above for high-res image gallery

$66,350 is a significant sum. In the automotive world, it can buy you a variety of delicious drivables, including the BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V or Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. It can buy you exactly 4.67 Mazda2 hatchbacks, if that's more your style, but no matter how you look at it, $66K isn't chump change.

So when you consider that the 2010 BMW 760Li commands a wallet-gouging $66,350 over an entry-level 7 Series, which itself starts at at a lofty $70,650, you'd be right to expect the standard BMW flagship treatment with a heaping helping of sport sedan prowess thrown in for good measure. And that, folks, is exactly what you get.

Continue reading...


Gallery: 2010 BMW 760Li: Quick Spin

2010 BMW 760Li2010 BMW 760Li2010 BMW 760Li2010 BMW 760Li2010 BMW 760Li

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 BMW 760Li

Quick Spin: 2010 BMW 760Li originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 bmw 7 series2010 bmw 760li7 series760libmwfeaturedquick spinquickspinMon, 27 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19772691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/27/2010-bmw-760li-quick-spin-review-road-test/19772691/article-detail.xml 19772691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead1-2010-bmw-760li-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead1-2010-bmw-760li-qs.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Individual teams up with Steinway for 7 Series Composition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/bmw-individual-teams-up-with-steinway-for-7-series-composition/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/bmw-individual-teams-up-with-steinway-for-7-series-composition/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/bmw-individual-teams-up-with-steinway-for-7-series-composition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW 7 Series Composition
BMW 7 Series Composition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some may deride it as dressed-up plastic - and in some cases it is exactly that - but piano black lacquer trim is now regularly seen in luxury automobile interiors. BMW's custom-appointment division, however, has taken things a step further.

Teaming up with Steinway & Sons, BMW Individual presents the 7 Series Composition. The unique trim level can be ordered in either an ebony or ivory finish with a special three-layer clearcoat. A gold pinstripe and special 20-inch wheels further distinguish the exterior, while the passenger compartment is decked out in merino leather (black or white to contrast, not match, the exterior), lambswool carpets, Alcantara headliner, special embroidery, and, of course, piano black trim.

Though the images in the gallery below show a hybrid model, BMW Individual will similarly equip any car in the 7 Series range for the big concerto. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: BMW 7 Series Composition


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Individual teams up with Steinway for 7 Series Composition

BMW Individual teams up with Steinway for 7 Series Composition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesbmwbmw 7 compositionbmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series compositionbmw individualcompositionpianosteinwaysteinway sonssteinway and sonsSun, 14 Nov 2010 15:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19715863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/14/bmw-individual-teams-up-with-steinway-for-7-series-composition/19715863/article-detail.xml 19715863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/web630-p90068825highres_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/web630-p90068825highres.jpg <![CDATA[Lumma Design increases its carbon footprint with BMW 7 Series package]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/lumma-design-increases-its-carbon-footprint-with-bmw-7-series-pa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/lumma-design-increases-its-carbon-footprint-with-bmw-7-series-pa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/lumma-design-increases-its-carbon-footprint-with-bmw-7-series-pa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW 7 Series by Lumma Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

No matter which way you look at it, the latest BMW 7 Series is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor in terms of styling. But if you're looking for something a little more aggressive, Lumma Design has an answer for you: A lot of carbon fiber ought to do the trick.

Much as it has done for just about everything else made in the Fatherland, the German tuner has released a raft of carbon bits for the flagship Bimmer. Included in the package are a new grille, door handles, door mirror housings, front bumper with integrated LEDs, a quad-tip exhaust and massive 22-inch wheels riding on ultra low-profile rubber.

Lumma being more into design than engine tuning, the mechanical bits of the car remain untouched, but you can get a closer look in the gallery below.


Gallery: BMW 7 Series by Lumma Design


[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Lumma Design increases its carbon footprint with BMW 7 Series package originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7Seriesbmwbmw 7bmw 7 seriesBmw7Bmw7Serieslummalumma designLummaDesignFri, 17 Sep 2010 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19634954/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/17/lumma-design-increases-its-carbon-footprint-with-bmw-7-series-pa/19634954/article-detail.xml 19634954 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/web630-lumma-design-bmw-serie-71_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/web630-lumma-design-bmw-serie-71.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 breaks the luxo-barge mold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 BMW Alpina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alpina is as familiar to German enthusiasts as Shelby, Hurst, Saleen and Yenko are to American gearheads. And like its American counterparts, Alpina has made a business out of taking the best vehicles from one marque and making them substantially better than anything rolling off the assembly line.

The relationship between BMW and Alpina started in 1962 when a German enthusiast named Burkard Bovenseipen realized his BMW 1500 had plenty of untapped potential. Bovenseipen developed a dual carburetor kit for the 1500's four-cylinder, and as the carbs flew off the shelves, he realized there was a serious market for BMW-based performance parts. Mr. B formed ALPINA Burkard Bovenseipen KG in 1964 and in the decades since, the company has become known simply as Alpina.

But while the name has changed, its mission remains the same, and its line of upgrades have grown considerably since its inception. Bovenseipen's team continues to recognize the potential in almost every new BMW product, and the small but competent company, now managed by Bovenseipen's son Andreas (his staff calls him Andy), delivers better, less compromised, higher-performance versions of BMW production cars.

In Europe, Alpina offers variants of the 3 Series, 5 Series and 6 Series, dubbed the B3, B5, and B6, respectively. However, production constraints (and some concerns about M cannibalization, we're sure) prevents sales of these hotted-up Bimmers in the States. That's a crime, because the Alpina B7 - the only Alpina available in the U.S. - is easily the best 7 Series we've driven.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7


Photos by Rex Roy / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 breaks the luxo-barge mold

First Drive: 2011 BMW Alpina B7 breaks the luxo-barge mold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 alpina b72011AlpinaB77 series7Seriesalpinaalpina b7AlpinaB7b7bmwbmw 7 seriesBmw7Seriesfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveTue, 29 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19534441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/29/2011-bmw-alpina-b7-first-drive-review/19534441/article-detail.xml 19534441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1alpinab7fd2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lead1alpinab7fd2011.jpg <![CDATA[Bimmerfest 2010: The Rose Bowl hosts North America's largest BMW gathering]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bimmerfest-2010-the-rose-bowl-hosts-north-americas-largest-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bimmerfest-2010-the-rose-bowl-hosts-north-americas-largest-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bimmerfest-2010-the-rose-bowl-hosts-north-americas-largest-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bimmerfest 2010 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Bimmerfest is billed as the celebration of being a BMW enthusiast - but to most it is simply the world's largest BMW event held in North America. After starting as a small get-together at a BMW dealership in Santa Barbara just over a decade ago, the show has outgrown all of its venues... until now. The 2010 show, its 11th annual event, was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena this weekend. Thanks to strong online forum support for Bimmerfest, this year's show was packed with thousands of BMW models covering decades of production and dozens of vendors peddling accessories. If you have a Roundel on your hood, it's worth the trip (some drove from as far as Alaska and Florida just to attend).

The best part of Bimmerfest - and the reason we enjoy the show so much - is that nearly every single BMW at the show is privately owned. Sure, BMW North America brought some cars to display (among them an X6 M and a 7 Series Alpina B7), but the diversity and customization of the owned cars meant no two were alike. We weaved our way through hundreds of freshly detailed 3 Series and 5 Series models to find dozens of real gems. Our favorites included the race-bred E30 M3 models, a sweet BMW Z8, and a rare BMW 850CSi six-speed manual. Check out our gallery to find some of your favorites.


Gallery: Bimmerfest 2010


Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Bimmerfest 2010: The Rose Bowl hosts North America's largest BMW gathering originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 Series1Series3 Series3Series5 Series5Series7 Series7SeriesBimmerfestBimmerfest 2009Bimmerfest 2010Bimmerfest2009Bimmerfest2010BMW Car ShowBMW ShowBmwCarShowBmwShowFestM3M3 sedanM3SedanRose BowlRoseBowlMon, 24 May 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19487867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/24/bimmerfest-2010-the-rose-bowl-hosts-north-americas-largest-bmw/19487867/article-detail.xml 19487867 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/bimmerfest39opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/bimmerfest39opt.jpg -1 2