Autoblog

Alpina tunes its first crossover, XD3 Bi-Turbo results

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Diesel, Luxury

There was no teasing and no build-up, just a "Boom!" and there appeared the Alpina XD3 Bi-Turbo. Said to be in response to customer demand, the XD3 Bi-Turbo uses the twin turbocharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel from the BMW X3 xDrive35d. But where that engine in standard guise gets 313 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, Alpina ups the specs to 350 hp and 516 lb-ft. The result, through the eight-speed ZF transmission tuned for the application, is a 0-62 mile-per-hour run of 4.9 seconds. For comparison, the 555-hp X5M runs the same sprint in 4.7 seconds, and in the XD3 BiTurbo you still get 34.5 US miles per gallon.

Not that we'll get it - this one is for European customers only. The other tweaks they'll see on it are the trademark Alpina bumper, sill and skirt exterior treatment, 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels on Michelin Pilot Super Sports and quad pipes. Underneath are electronically-adjustable dampers and a new exhaust manifold running into a stainless steel exhaust. Inside are Alpina touches like two-tone sport seats and blue-green stitching, and sport steering wheel.

The press release below has the details, the high-res gallery above has the angles on the first-of-its-kind SUV.

Continue reading Alpina tunes its first crossover, XD3 Bi-Turbo results

Alpina tunes its first crossover, XD3 Bi-Turbo results originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future US BMW diesel plans leaked

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Diesel

Back in July, we told you that BMW would be bringing a pair of new diesel engines to the US market in the near future, and thanks to the folks at VWVortex.com, we might just have a clearer view of exactly how those new oil-burning mills might fit into the automaker's lineup.

One intrepid forum member obtained a photo of a slide being shown during a BMW North America meeting, listing specific models set to receive diesel engines in the coming years. If true, it appears that the 3 Series sedan and sport wagon will both be offered with diesel power in the first and second half of 2013, respectively. Also on deck for next year is a 5 Series diesel, reportedly slated to launch in the third quarter, as well as an X5 diesel that will arrive in Q4 2013. Looking ahead to 2014, the slide shows that both the 7 Series and X3 will be offered with diesel engines. Both of those models will come in the first half of 2014.

BMW currently offers the X5 with a 3.0-liter diesel inline-six in the xDrive35d model, and before the F30 3 Series arrived earlier this year, the automaker offered this same engine in its well-liked 335d sedan.

The two engines BMW will be bringing to our shores are a new 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four and 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six. Our best guess is that the 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 will receive the smaller mill, estimated to produce roughly 255 horsepower and an unknown amount of torque. The 7 Series and X5 will likely rely on the larger 3.0-liter six for torque-tastic grunt. Expect eight-speed automatic transmissions to be on hand across the board, as well.

Future US BMW diesel plans leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW adds four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo power to X3

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

As a relatively compact crossover, you might expect the BMW X3 to be available - in this climate even in the United States - with a four-cylinder engine. But that wasn't the case until now, as BMW has announced the availability of its TwinPower Turbo four to replace the 3.0-liter six-cylinder mill in the X3 xDrive28i.

The N20 engine is the same unit that's already available in the Z4, 528i and new 328i, and joins the X3 along with a raft of upgrades for the 2013 model year. Auto Start Stop, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO Pro, and a power tailgate all join the list of standard equipment, while an optional Driver Assistance Package (with Lane Departure Warning) and an M Sport Package join the options list.

Production of the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i with the N20 turbo four is scheduled to begin in April, with prices starting at $37,995 (inclusive of destination), with MSRP on the carry-over X3 xDrive35i pegged at $43,595. Follow the jump for full details.

Continue reading BMW adds four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo power to X3

BMW adds four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo power to X3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, BMW, Land Rover, Luxury

The turn of the year didn't merely lead us into the Year of the Dragon, but also the year of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Halewood's small softroader won a boodle of awards: Autoweek's Best of the Best, Top Gear magazine's and Jeremy Clarkson's choice for Car of the Year, Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year. For starters. Consumer Reports, however, isn't as swayed, saying that the new BMW X3 "handily outpointed its European rival" in a head-to-head between the two compact luxury crossovers.

We expect there's an Evoque out there with a sore backside because CR did not spare the rod, saying the Evoque scored near the bottom of its category because of "a cramped cabin, stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering and troubling emergency handling." On top of that, its "rear view is poor," its "cargo area is small" and its interior is "noisy" albeit "well finished," and was outdone by the X3's "lavish interior." The baby Land Rover finished so far in the hole that CR couldn't give the vehicle its coveted Recommend rating.

That seems a bit harsh at first glance, especially since comparing interior measurements between the two seems disingenuous when the BMW is so much larger that it's basically in another class. That said, we haven't read the full piece yet, so we'll withhold further commentary. For CR's press release on the Evoque vs. X3 cage match and its comments on the Toyota Prius V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Jeep Wrangler, look no further than after the jump.

Continue reading Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque

Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW pouring $990M into Spartanburg plant to build more CUVs

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Luxury

BMW is expanding its operations in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The company has announced it will invest $990 million into the facility over the next three years to allow the plant to produce up to 350,000 vehicles annually. Currently, the Spartanburg assembly plant produces the BMW X3 (pictured), X5 and X6, and BMW says the company expects to see an increase in CUV demand in the coming years. BMW has already committed to broadening its presence in the crossover market with the introduction of the upcoming X4 model.

The BMW X3 helped BMW grow to become the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in the company's history last year. The model saw a 156 percent increase in global sales to a total of 117,944 units, and 27,793 of those found homes in the States.

Right now, 70 percent of the vehicles built in Spartanburg are exported to other markets around the world. Last year, the facility built 276,065 vehicles, which marks an increase of 73 percent over 2010. The plant originally opened in 1994, and the German automaker is currently celebrating the 2 millionth vehicle produced since then. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading BMW pouring $990M into Spartanburg plant to build more CUVs

BMW pouring $990M into Spartanburg plant to build more CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, BMW, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

Cadillac is gunning for BMW. The company's recently unveiled ATS is a clear shot across the bow of the German automaker's 3 Series, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports the small sedan may be the first of a larger product offensive. Kurt McNeil, vice president of sales with Cadillac, said the luxury brand is currently looking into the possibility of a small CUV designed to lure in BMW X3 buyers. The vehicle would be smaller than the current Cadillac SRX, which saw an 11 percent increase in sales last year.

The report makes it clear that General Motors hasn't given the go-ahead on the smaller crossover, though the fact that Cadillac is growing its presence globally will likely factor heavily in the final decision on whether or not to bring the vehicle to market. American buyers are always happy to welcome another tall-riding five-door into the fold, but CUVs don't enjoy the same level of prestige in European markets.

Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW still has "no plans" for 1 Series hatch in States, X6-like X3 variant in the cards

Chris Paukert — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

We've just returned from a Detroit Auto Show media roundtable with Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of BMW AG, Development, and he's helped shed some light on both some near- and far-term developments for BMW in the States.

Draeger confirmed that BMW has absolutely no plans to expand the 1 Series lineup in the U.S. with a hatchback variant like the new generation F20 range sold in Europe. While Draeger says that the 1 Series has done a "wonderful job" for BMW, he notes that the model is positioned very differently in the U.S. and Europe. In the States, the 1 Series is a car for hardcore driving enthusiasts, but in Europe, with its fuller range of (primarily lower-power) engines and bodystyles, the 1 Series is positioned as more of a family car - an entry point to the brand (70 percent of European 1 Series buyers are new to BMW).

In the short-term, Draeger confirmed that the 740i six-cylinder model will receive the company's xDrive all-wheel drive system before the end of the year. The system is currently available on the V8-powered 750i, but with the biggest market for the 7 Series being the New York tri-state area, not having the additional foul weather performance of xDrive in the I6 has left a vacuum in the model lineup.

In more general terms, Draeger says we can expect to see electric power steering and start/stop systems in all BMWs, and indeed, a number of models in the company's portfolio already feature the fuel-saving technologies.

Also on the fuel-saving front, Draeger says that X5 diesel sales are going well in the States, accounting for roughly one-third of sales. Despite that, the X6 will not get a diesel variant, as the current model only has two or three years left in its life and it wouldn't make sense to introduce one this late in life. However, he wouldn't rule one out for the next-gen X6, nor was he willing to preclude a diesel's inclusion in the new X3. The new generation 3 Series and current 5 Series are also likely candidates for oil burning motivation, but they won't happen this calendar year.

When asked if BMW is happy with X6 sales, Draeger said "Yes. Absolutely." As a followup question, Draeger was asked if it then made sense to do a similar variant on the X3, and he said "Yes. Yes." Unfortunately, he wasn't at liberty to elaborate.

Finally, BMW officially announced yesterday that its smallest crossover, the X1, will go on sale here soon (likely not before a mid-cycle refresh), but Draeger maintains that there is "no real synergy" to justify bringing production to the U.S.

BMW still has "no plans" for 1 Series hatch in States, X6-like X3 variant in the cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists are....

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The finalists for the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year have just been announced, and this year, the three candidates in each category are as follows:

Car:

Truck:

The above finalists are the result of voting by a 50-member jury of full-time automotive journalists and broadcasters from a longer "short list" composed of 30 cars and seven trucks (an award category that also includes sport utility and crossover utility vehicles). Eligibility requirements dictate that the vehicles up for consideration must be new or substantially revised for the model year.

The jury will now vote again on these shorter lists, and the winners will be named on the opening morning of the Detroit Auto Show, with this year's press conference falling on January 9.

Last year's hardware was awarded to the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the 2011 Ford Explorer.

Who do you think should win? Levy your votes in Comments.

*Full Disclosure: Author is a NACTOY jury member.

Continue reading Your 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists are....

Your 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists are.... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X4 production confirmed

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

BMW has reportedly confirmed plans to build an X4 crossover, according to AutoWeek. As its nomenclature suggests, the X4 will slot in between the X3 (pictured) and X5 within the automaker's lineup, so essentially, the X4 will be to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5.

Aside from the confirmation, details are slim about what we can expect from the X4. If the X5/X6 relationship is anything to go on, we can bet that the X4 will share its powertrain offerings with the X3, meaning that both four- and six-cylinder engines will be available, all with turbochargers. AutoWeek states that a high-output X4 M is likely to be produced, as well.

BMW X4 production confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW, New Car Reviews, Luxury

A 3 Series Wagon For The Non-Wagon Buyer

Despite enchanting few critics along the way, the all-new 2011 BMW X3 has been helping its German parent clean up on the sales charts.

Like the rest of the premium crossover segment, the X3 has been viewed by some brand diehards as a blatant cash-grab. The starting price might be easy enough to swallow, but start ticking the option boxes and the sticker swells to a size more startling than the first time you heard your mother drop an F-bomb. Despite this, we wanted to see if the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i could break through the enthusiast's wall of prejudice. As you'd expect, it's a mixed bag.

Continue reading 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i

2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW leads global sales race among luxury brands through July, Audi second

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

BMW is apparently the Ultimate Selling Machine. The German automaker has retained the title of top luxury brand after its most successful July in history, moving 108,721 units for the month. Overall sales are up 17.9 percent for the entire BMW Group through the first seven months of the year.

One of the BMW products moving off lots quickly is the redesigned X3. Sales of the compact crossover rose 193.2 percent, which equates to 9,763 units finding a new home in July. The X5 also helped total volume numbers by improving 51.7 percent in July, with 24,196 examples sold.

With 106,000 total sales in July, Audi isn't very far behind, and it hopes to stand in the top spot ahead of BMW by 2015. BMW is aiming for 1.6 million in sales this year, while Audi is shooting for 1.2 million. Mercedes-Benz came in at number three with 100,391 units sold in July.

BMW leads global sales race among luxury brands through July, Audi second originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #240

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

2012 Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Cruze diesel, bending Ford SVT Raptor frames

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #240 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready, and this week Chris, Dan and Executive Editor Chris Paukert hold down the fort. We start with the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept and spend a while talking about its sharp new styling before moving on to ponder what the now-confirmed Chevrolet Cruze diesel means for fuel economy and fun when behind the wheel. Our last news topic is bending frames on some Ford SVT Raptor pickups before we move on to your feedback. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, 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 #240:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 BMW X3
2011 Mazda RX-8 GT
2011 Kia Forte SX
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:15:44

Get the podcast
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Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #240

Autoblog Podcast #240 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW X3 recalled over power steering issues

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Crossover, BMW

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 BMW X3 has only been on sale for a few months now, but it already faces a recall over a potentially serious problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a control module in the crossover's electric power steering system may malfunction, resulting in a loss of power steering.

This recall only affects X3s built between April 27, 2011 and June 8, 2011 - 50 vehicles in total - and owners will be notified within the coming weeks. BMW dealers will repair the control module free of charge, ensuring that the X3's steering never goes berserk while out on the road. Hit the jump for NHTSA's official release.

Continue reading 2011 BMW X3 recalled over power steering issues

2011 BMW X3 recalled over power steering issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AC Schnitzer's take on 2012 BMW X3 includes amusing 'crash test' [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Videos, Crossover, BMW

AC Schnitzer BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery.

If you're one of the tens of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the BMW X3 M, there may be an alternative that's ready to go right away. AC Schnitzer has gotten hold of the X3 and applied its custom touches to the compact crossover. A body kit, wheels, rear spoiler and custom exhaust help the up-fitted fat wagon stand out in the crossover sea of similarity. AC Schnitzer's engine gurus have also bumped power from 184 horsepower up to 218. That's for the 20d, and an upgrade for the 30d is also in the works.

AC Schnitzer has taken an extra step with this particular X3. Rather than wait for a spoiled teenager to pilot the front end into tree, AC Schnitzer has subjected the car to a series of "crash tests." Click past the jump to watch a cylindrical projectile repeatedly fired at the nose of this X3, and turn up the speakers to enjoy some How It's Made-grade background music.

Continue reading AC Schnitzer's take on 2012 BMW X3 includes amusing 'crash test' [w/video]

AC Schnitzer's take on 2012 BMW X3 includes amusing 'crash test' [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X3 M getting ready to rumble

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, BMW

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the wizards at Europe's CAR magazine, sources within BMW have confirmed that the high-performance X3 M could launch as early as 2012. A stupid-fast X3 hardly seems necessary, but then again, that's what we said about the larger X5 M and X6 M before falling in love after our stints behind the wheel.

CAR states that the X3 M will likely be powered by a tweaked version of the new six-cylinder engine bound for duty in the M3. In the X3, this engine will reportedly produce somewhere around 450 horsepower, and could use a brand new tri-turbo system - one electric turbocharger paired with two exhaust-gas-driven units.

A 450-horsepower X3? With three turbochargers (one of which is electric)? Sounds absurd (and is to be taken with a grain of salt... for now), but based on our experiences with the rest of BMW's M range, consider us totally stoked.

BMW X3 M getting ready to rumble originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency

BMW X3 emergency vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its SLS AMG first-response vehicle, Mercedes-Benz may have gotten our attention, but it's hardly the only automaker offering specially equipped emergency vehicles at the RETTmobil expo this year in Fulda, Germany. While Mercedes used the Gullwing to highlight its range of emergency vehicles, BMW is relying on the strength of its full model range to speak for itself.

Among the vehicles BMW is showcasing for the first responders and local government officials visiting the trade show this year is a 5 Series Touring with lights and sirens controlled directly from the iDrive system, and with a specially designed load floor extension with built-in fracture points that allow first responders to access all their equipment while reducing injury in case of a rearward collision.

In response to numerous fatalities caused by traffic colliding with police cars stopped on the side of the road, BMW is also showcasing a specially prepared X3 that is inherently easier to see due to its taller form, and also features additional LED lighting for increased visibility.

There's also an R 1200 RT paramedic motorcycle on display that integrates such features as radio equipment, siren, PA system, strobe lights, fire extinguisher, front crash bar and an electrically adjustable windscreen direct from the factory. Other vehicles on display include X1 and X3 crossovers and 3 and 5 Series wagons for police, fire and paramedic applications, along with the eye-catching 123d police car prepared by AC Schnitzer and the X6 ambulance we reported on back in 2009. Check 'em out in our high-resolution image gallery.

Continue reading BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW Super Bowl Ad - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

BMW was one of the few companies to keep its Super Bowl advertising plans to itself until kick off time, but the Roundel came to the game packing two 30-second spots. The company said it wanted to get two messages across to Americans: that its diesels are cleaner and more powerful than ever and that the German manufacturer is continuing to invest in America even as the economy struggles to recover. In order to make that happen, BMW enlisted the vocal talents of actor Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) for the two spots. Pine is now the official voice of BMW advertising here in the States.

The first ad is clearly aimed at distinguishing the 335d from the American perception of diesel - sluggish old Volvo wagons, rough-idling Mercedes-Benz sedans and soot-spewing trucks and busses. The second ad focuses on the company's efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including producing every X3 on the planet. Hit the jump to check out both spots as well as the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Martha Stewart crafts BMW X3 of her very own [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Celebrities, Luxury

Martha Stewart picks up her customized BMW X3 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Martha Stewart and her crew descended on BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina production facility where the automaker builds its X3 crossover, as well as the X5 and X6. Stewart designed and built her own X3 through BMW's "Dream It. Build It. Drive it." program, allowing for more than 70 million unique configurations including a handful of exclusive hues.

When the show airs, viewers are able to enter a contest to win an X3 of their own, however it doesn't appear that Martha is looking to usurp Oprah in the you-get-a-car category of giveaways.

Hop the jump to watch Martha Stewart dive into the world of BMW.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Martha Stewart crafts BMW X3 of her very own [w/video]

Martha Stewart crafts BMW X3 of her very own [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW, Harley-Davidson among those that tapped Federal Reserve for billions during crisis

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Earnings/Financials

The U.S. government's Commercial Paper Funding Facility was established towards the tail-end of 2008. The CPFF was created to offer companies short-terms loan when traditional means of establishing credit were crumbling. Lehman Brothers had collapsed and AIG was taking expensive trips while showing the world its pocket lint, but that didn't mean that other companies weren't in need of cash, and Washington stepped in to oblige. According to Bloomberg, among those parties taking advantage of the Federal Reserve program were a long list of automotive clients, German automaker BMW among them.

According to Bloomberg, German automaker secured funding assistance intermittently between 2008 and 2009, with the largest single transaction a reported $3.62 billion. This line of credit helped BMW survive during a time when other automakers were getting by on life support. Some of the funds were used to expand the South Carolina facility that produces X3, X5 and X6 models. While suffering its lowest profit in a decade, BMW was still able to produce a positive cash flow of nearly $2 billion.

Taking a look at the data provided by the Feds (download the spreadsheet here - *Warning: Excel spreadsheet), we see that a number of automakers and compnaies also made use of the CPFF, including Harley-Davidson (33 separate instances totaling $2.3 billion), Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and Mitsubishi.

[Sources: Bloomberg, The Washington Post | Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]

Report: BMW, Harley-Davidson among those that tapped Federal Reserve for billions during crisis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bimmer Builder: 2011 BMW X3 configurator comes online

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, BMW

The 2011 BMW X3 is ready for prime time, with all-new sheet-metal and an equally new interior, a choice of efficient inline six engines and a standard eight-speed transmission. If that sounds like an enticing package, you can now head over to BMW's official website to build your own. The base X3 28i will set you back $37,625, but for that price you'll have to go with non-metallic black or white paint and a Leatherette interior. For another $550, there are eight different metallic paints from which to choose.

On the interior front, there are four different leather options to choose, each of which will set you back $1,450. A fully loaded 28i comes in at $52,150 and includes several different option packages including a $3,450 Premium Package, which includes the $1,450 leather seats and a $3,200 Technology Package with navigation and audio inputs.

Move up to the 300-horsepower X3 xDrive 35i and the base price rockets to $41,925, or $4,300 more than the non-turbo 28i. Max out the available packages and add options like smart phone integration and rear camera and you're looking at an MSRP of $56,750. All prices include $875 destination...

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3: First Drive

Bimmer Builder: 2011 BMW X3 configurator comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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