Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BMW planning Zhi Nuo Chinese sub-brand, may export models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/bmw-planning-zhi-nuo-chinese-sub-brand-may-export-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/bmw-planning-zhi-nuo-chinese-sub-brand-may-export-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/bmw-planning-zhi-nuo-chinese-sub-brand-may-export-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW X1 - front three-quarter view

Automakers continue to pour big money into the developing market that is China, and new sub-brands born of joint ventures with domestic partners crop up on what seems like a weekly basis. The latest? According to reports, BMW and its Chinese ally Brilliance are forming a new sub-brand called Zhi Nuo ("The Promise") that will likely rely on existing or older BMW products as a basis for new models.

Previous reports had indicated that the sub-brand could build its offerings based on an older 3 Series model (presumably the E90 series), but newer rumors have the X1 crossover (shown) factoring in. The Zhi Nuo brand could receive its official unveiling as soon as later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Perhaps most interestingly, Automotive News Europe reports that the automaker's ambitions for Zhi Nuo may extend beyond China's borders. It's not clear what markets BMW may be eying, but executives admit the company hasn't ruled out Europe.

BMW planning Zhi Nuo Chinese sub-brand, may export models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesbmwbmw chinabrilliancebrilliance automotivee90x1zhi nuoSat, 06 Apr 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532198/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/bmw-planning-zhi-nuo-chinese-sub-brand-may-export-models/20532198/article-detail.xml 20532198 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-bmw-x1-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-bmw-x1-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 3 Series production to end in October, next-gen model coming in spring 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/bmw-3-series-production-to-end-in-october-next-gen-model-coming/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/bmw-3-series-production-to-end-in-october-next-gen-model-coming/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/bmw-3-series-production-to-end-in-october-next-gen-model-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 BMW 335is
2011 BMW 335is - Click above for high-res image gallery

Production of the current E90 and E92 BMW 3 Series will come to an end for good in October, in preparation for next spring's launch of the all-new F30 3 Series. Before the gas models bow out, the oil-burning 335d will cease production in August.

The death of the current 3er makes room for a sleeker, less cluttered version of the car which clings closely to the more aggressive new BMW design language. Among the changes will be flatter kidney grilles as well as shorter overhangs, as well as a more muscular stance.

The new 3s will also get a bump in efficiency, with a range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder mills, with the outside chance of a three-banger joining the lineup later on. The next M3 will ditch V8 power in favor of a twin-turbo inline-six sporting about 450 horsepower.

BMW 3 Series production to end in October, next-gen model coming in spring 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 bmw 335is3 series335isbmwe90e92f30Tue, 31 May 2011 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19953601/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/bmw-3-series-production-to-end-in-october-next-gen-model-coming/19953601/article-detail.xml 19953601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01-2011-bmw-335is-1306784714_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01-2011-bmw-335is-1306784714.jpg <![CDATA[How to 'murder out' your ride for just $120 - in your garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/26/how-to-murder-out-your-ride-for-just-120-in-your-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/26/how-to-murder-out-your-ride-for-just-120-in-your-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/26/how-to-murder-out-your-ride-for-just-120-in-your-garage/#commentsFiled under: ,

Homebrewed BMW vinyl wrap - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's say you want to go all Mad Max on your BMW 330i, but aren't quite ready to give your shiny paint that Krylon finish. No worries. As user djaemac over on E90 Post found out, wrapping your car in vinyl isn't as hard as the pros make it out to be. Over a week's worth of evenings, the guy set about covering his entire car in matte black vinyl using nothing but some application fluid, a felt squeegee, a heat gun, an X-Acto knife and a heaping helping of patience. The results look just as good as any of the pro wraps we've seen.

The best part is that djaemac managed to do the whole thing for a mere $120. Considering the thousands of dollars a shop will charge you for the same work, that's not a bad deal. While we aren't likely to go flat black on any of our personal cars, the writeup makes the thought of covering our front bumpers in clear protective vinyl all that more tempting. Hop over to E90 Post to see the full project for yourself.


Gallery: Homebrewed BMW Vinyl Wrap


[Source: E90 Post]

How to 'murder out' your ride for just $120 - in your garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto wrapAutoWrapBMWBMW 330iBMW E90BMW Vinyl WrapBmw330iBmwE90BmwVinylWrapcar wrapsCarWrapsE90E90 BMWE90 PostE90BmwE90PostMurdered-Out BMWMurdered-outBmwvehicle wrapvehicle wrapsVehicleWrapVehicleWrapswrapped autowrapped autosWrapped BMWwrapped carsWrappedAutoWrappedAutosWrappedBmwWrappedCarsMon, 26 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19454174/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/26/how-to-murder-out-your-ride-for-just-120-in-your-garage/19454174/article-detail.xml 19454174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-murder-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-murder-630.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Early BMW 3-Series mule spotted testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/spy-shots-early-bmw-3-series-mule-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/spy-shots-early-bmw-3-series-mule-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/spy-shots-early-bmw-3-series-mule-spotted-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Global Motors just posted some spy pics of what is believed to be a next-generation BMW 3-Series mule. The taped up rear and chunky fender flares distinguish it from a stock 3.

If you're scratching your head thinking we just got a new 3-Series from the Bavarians, you're right. The E90 debuted in 2006 and just received a freshening for '09, so we don't expect anything to come of this project until 2011 at the earliest (which goes some way toward explaining why there's no new production bodywork in evidence). Click over to Global Motors for more visuals of the mule in all its fender-flared glory. Thanks for the tip, Andrus!

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Early BMW 3-Series mule spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 3-Series2011 BMW 3-Series20113-series2011Bmw3-seriesbmw 3bmw 3 seriesbmw 3-seriesBmw3Bmw3-seriesBmw3Seriese90E90 replacemente90 sedanE90ReplacementE90SedanFri, 09 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1424757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/09/spy-shots-early-bmw-3-series-mule-spotted-testing/1424757/article-detail.xml 1424757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/3-series-small_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/3-series-small.jpg <![CDATA[BMW working on M3 CSL with 470 hp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW M3.

The rumormongers at AutoZeitung are reporting that BMW plans to unveil a stripped-out, track-ready M3 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The E90-based M3 CSL will use many of the same tricks BMW employed on the E46 model in an effort to shave the coupe's curb weight. Luxuries like air conditioning, stereo and navigation won't be included, while the hood, bumper, trunk and fenders will all be swapped out in favor of carbon fiber pieces.

In addition to keeping the pounds down, BMW will reportedly boost the output of the M3 CSL by an additional 50 horsepower, for a total of 470 bhp. That should allow the E90 CSL run to 60 in around four seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 185 mph.

Production of the 2010 BMW M3 CSL will be limited to 100 units and pricing is estimated at 90,000 euro, or just over $140k.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3


[Source: AutoZeitung via EGMCarTech]

BMW working on M3 CSL with 470 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 m3 csl2010M3Cslcsle90m3Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1257660/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/1257660/article-detail.xml 1257660 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/2008_bmw-m3coupe_hi012_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/2008_bmw-m3coupe_hi012_450op.jpg <![CDATA[Spy shots: Facelifted BMW 3-series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/spy-shots-facelifted-bmw-3-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/spy-shots-facelifted-bmw-3-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/spy-shots-facelifted-bmw-3-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now that all of its siblings have been introduced over the past two years, the plain Jane BMW 3-Series sedan has slipped off for a nip/tuck rejuvenation session. Not much will change, but the car is expected to get new headlights with more prominent "angel eyes," a higher hood, LED tail lights, and a revised interior. It will also get a wider grill, a feature from the CS Coupe that's been finding its way on BMW concepts and redesigns.

Under that higher hood will be a new selection of engines that won't include BMW's start/stop technology just yet, but should up the stakes in the frugality department in terms of gas and CO2. Expect a variable twin turbo 204 bhp 4-cylinder diesel that puts out 138g of CO2 per km.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy shots: Facelifted BMW 3-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-series facelift3-series sedan3-seriesFacelift3-seriesSedanbmwbmw 3-seriesbmw 3-series faceliftBmw3-seriesBmw3-seriesFacelifte90e90 sedanE90SedanfaceliftWed, 26 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/998451/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/09/26/spy-shots-facelifted-bmw-3-series/998451/article-detail.xml 998451 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/bmw_3_facelift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/bmw_3_facelift.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series sedan facelift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-bmw-3-series-sedan-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-bmw-3-series-sedan-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/spy-shots-bmw-3-series-sedan-facelift/#commentsFiled under: , ,



E90Post has several spy shots up that show the facelifted 3-Series sedan due around a year from now as an '09 model. While the car is still wearing camo, some things immediately jump out, like the more rounded grilles and sportier-looking lower front fascia. If you click through to the thread, you'll see that the taillamps are partially covered as well, suggesting a reshaping of the parts that reside on the trunklid. Changes to the hood and front bumper are also in store, but they're sporting disguises that still mask their updated shapes. To summarize, it looks like a more athletic look for the 3-Series sedan is in the works, which isn't a bad thing at all. For several more shots showing additional angles of the car, head on over to E90Post by clicking the image above or the "Read" link below.

Thanks for the tip, Lars!

[Source: E90Post]

Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series sedan facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-seriese90e90 sedane90postE90SedanFri, 31 Aug 2007 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/978446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/08/31/spy-shots-bmw-3-series-sedan-facelift/978446/article-detail.xml 978446 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/e90sedanfacelift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/e90sedanfacelift.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Gets Schooled: Part Two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/autoblog-gets-schooled-part-two-edumacation/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/autoblog-gets-schooled-part-two-edumacation/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/autoblog-gets-schooled-part-two-edumacation/#commentsFiled under:




Think back to your first time hitting black ice. Remember that surge of adrenaline? That sensation of impending doom and the all-encompassing focus you seemed to gain as the world slowed around you? Now imagine that experience, and all the accompanying sensations, drawn out for 20 minutes. That's the feeling you get when sliding around the wet tarmac of a skid pad.

Continue reading Autoblog Gets Schooled: Part Two

Autoblog Gets Schooled: Part Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>330ibmwboxstere90porscheskid padSkidPadskip barberSkipBarberFri, 02 Feb 2007 13:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/746997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/02/02/autoblog-gets-schooled-part-two-edumacation/746997/article-detail.xml 746997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/ab_gets_schooled_pt2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/ab_gets_schooled_pt2.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M3 sedan to get coupe front end]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/bmw-m3-sedan-to-get-coupe-front-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/bmw-m3-sedan-to-get-coupe-front-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/bmw-m3-sedan-to-get-coupe-front-end/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While sightings of the upcoming BMW M3 Coupe have been near prolific, glimpses of Bavaria's bomber in sedan form have been harder to come by. We found one for you back in July, but that mule hardly told us anything about what the M3 Sedan would look like since it was wearing the stock front clip of the 3-Series sedan. As far as we know, the shots we link to above are some of the first of the M3 Sedan showing its production front clip, which appears to be nearly identical to the front fascia we expect to see on the M3 Coupe.

What does this mean? It means the M3 Sedan's gonna be a hot number, foh sho. The standard 3-Series sedan, while not exactly uggo, is creased and stern looking, much like the mugs of the many business people who'll buy one. The coupe, however, is long, lean and graceful with a face that could launch a thousand ships. To see that visage on the M3 Sedan is a good thing, along with the 400-hp V8 that will be located directly behind it.

Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: M3Post.com]

BMW M3 sedan to get coupe front end originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupee90e92m3sedanThu, 21 Dec 2006 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/722965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/12/21/bmw-m3-sedan-to-get-coupe-front-end/722965/article-detail.xml 722965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/bmwm3sedanspy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/bmwm3sedanspy.jpg <![CDATA[A better BMW? E90 3-Series G3 by G-POWER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/a-better-bmw-e90-3-series-g3-by-g-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/a-better-bmw-e90-3-series-g3-by-g-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/a-better-bmw-e90-3-series-g3-by-g-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


How do you improve on a car as good as the E90 BMW 3-Series? There are several tuners in the aftermarket that would be happy to take your money. Some are better than others; G-POWER is one of the best. When it comes to BMW tuning, G-POWER customers benefit from the wealth of experience it has acquired since opening the doors in 1971. For 2006, they have taken liberties with the BMW E90, enhancing every aspect of the bimmers already competent performance.

Starting with a "discreetly-sporty" aerodynamics program with "hybrid" (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) components produced at their own plant, the body is enhanced with a front bumper, side sills, and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. There is also a wide body kit called "Extremo" that has wheel arch extensions, plus wing spoilers. Wheels are also a part of the package, with several 19 or 20" lightweight styles available.

The range of power options for the G3 is stunning. G-POWER is capable of providing any level of performance the customer requires. Starting with enhanced four and six cylinder engines up to 3.3 liters and it only gets better from there. A 5.2 liter V8 with 420 BHP, a 470 BHP 5 liter V8 and the ultimate, a 5 liter V10 with 550 BHP. More power is also available for diesel fans through their G-POWER D-TRONIK engine tuner. The chassis and exhaust are also tested and tuned on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife to extract every last ounce of potential. The interior can also be enhanced to provide both safety and comfort levels that will only make the driving experience that much better.

[Source: worldcarfans.com]

See more pics after the jump!

Continue reading A better BMW? E90 3-Series G3 by G-POWER

A better BMW? E90 3-Series G3 by G-POWER originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-SeriesBMWE90G-PowerG3Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/693652/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/11/01/a-better-bmw-e90-3-series-g3-by-g-power/693652/article-detail.xml 693652 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/e90_g3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/e90_g3.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Night Watch: BMW 3-Series retrospective]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/autoblog-night-watch-bmw-3-series-retrospective/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/autoblog-night-watch-bmw-3-series-retrospective/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/autoblog-night-watch-bmw-3-series-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: ,



The BMW 3-series has been the benchmark sports sedan for over three decades. We're not obsessive Bimmer-philes, but we know a good thing when we drive it and it's a rare occasion when we're let down by BMW's smallest sedan. This 22 minute PR-ified exploration of the 3-series, traces its origins, beginning with the beloved 2002, all the way through the current E90 series. Well worth the watch, but do take certain BMW talking head commentaries with a grain of salt.

Autoblog Night Watch: BMW 3-Series retrospective originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002bmw 3-seriesBmw3-seriese30e46e90Thu, 07 Sep 2006 23:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/665647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/07/autoblog-night-watch-bmw-3-series-retrospective/665647/article-detail.xml 665647 -1 2