Autoblog

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The carrier M/V Courage tipped at the port in Jersey City on Friday causing damage to over 370 BMWs. The ship was loaded with new 3-series and 1-series vehicles, including new M3s. Around 70 of the damaged cars are reported to be total losses with others sustaining major damage. Word is that the M3s bared the brunt of the brutality. Extensively damaged cars will be crushed while those with minor damage will undergo repair at a receiving facility in Elizabeth, NJ, after which they will proceed onto dealers. Bimmers destined for European delivery customers were also on board, although it's not clear how those buyers will be handled in the wake of the incident.

This is a particularly harsh hit to BMW in terms of the new M3 and even more so for the owners awaiting their new V8-powered uber-coupes. We'd expect this unfortunately event will lead to an extension of the waiting period many potential customers will have to endure. It also means many dealerships are out of luck for a demo car. With the M3's competition coming on strong from the likes of Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes one can only imagine this sort of setback might steer away a few potential buyers.

Thanks for the tip Carl!

[Source M3Forum.com]

A New Jersey Audi dealer is counting his blessings after a frightening crash left him with surprisingly minor injuries. The crash happened when an overloaded, bald-tired 18-wheeler careened into Bryan Pacelli's lane crushing his Audi TT against a barrier, just in time for a charter bus to sandwich him from behind. The whole incident was captured in dramatic fashion by a dash cam mounted on the trailing bus.

Pacelli, 39, is expected to make a full recovery, and credits the TT with saving his life. When asked about his next vehicle choice, he says he plans on buying a bigger car. May we suggest something in an S4, Bryan?

[Source: KATU]