BMW to unveil ‘major’ milestone

January 11th, 2012 by Bob Bimmer

The New Year has really started off on the right foot; we found out BMW topped the sales charts in 2011, there have been a number of big debuts at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show this week including the new BMW 3 Series and the ActiveHybrid 5, and BMW plans to make a big announcement tomorrow! This big announcement will reportedly be about economic development. Maybe there will be some new BMW models in store? Either way, the employees in this NJ BMW dealership can’t wait to hear it! According to news sources, BMW has big plans to grow. Read below to learn all about this highly anticipated announcement.

Article by: David Dykes and Rudolph Bell

BMW scheduled an economic development announcement for Thursday at its Greer plant, following company officials’ disclosures at the North American International Auto Show that the automaker is planning for more growth.

Max Metcalf, a BMW spokesman, declined to provide details, including whether more jobs are involved locally.

BMW officials Tuesday called the event as “a major milestone and economic development announcement.” Gov. Nikki Haley’s office said she will be there.

Jeffrey Horton, chairman of the Spartanburg County Council, declined to comment.

David Britt, chairman of the council’s Economic Development Committee, said he couldn’t discuss details.

The Greer plant has produced an estimated 2 million vehicles since it opened in 1994.

It builds the X3s, X5s and X6 sports activity coupes, and about 70 percent is exported.

At this week’s auto show in Detroit, BMW’s global sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson said 2011 was the most successful year for the BMW Group and the company planned to capitalize “on the potential 2012 holds.”

Klaus Draeger, BMW’s head of development, told reporters in Detroit the automaker’s new ActiveHybrid 3, a compact sports sedan, will be available starting this fall.

He said the hybrid achieves 37 miles per U.S. gallon and complements the Active Hybrid 5, which made its North American debut at the auto show.

At the show, BMW also presented two concept cars — the BMW i3 and BMW i8. Both were developed as fully electric or plug-in hybrid cars, Draeger said.

BMW said Monday that 2011 was its best sales year ever, with global deliveries of BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles reaching 1.67 million.

Doug Woodward, an economist at the University of South Carolina who has studied BMW’s operations in the state, said he doesn’t think differences in the values of the U.S. dollar and the euro would be a major factor for BMW in any decision to expand its Greer factory.

“Currencies can fluctuate and they’re making long-term investment decisions,” Woodward said.

“It may have more to do with the long-run prospects for the North American market relative to Europe.”

Source: GreenvilleOnline.com

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2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe: “Mission Accomplished”

January 5th, 2012 by Bob Bimmer

Happy New Year from BMW of Freehold! 2011 was a big year for BMW and 2012 is already shaping up to be full of new BMW models and exciting announcements. The employees at this NJ BMW dealership are excited about the 2012 6 Series Coupe because it’s both luxurious and sporty. It’s classy, yet powerful. Learn all about the 2o12 BMW 6 Series Coupe here and be sure to stop by BMW of Freehold to check out our 2012 BMW 6 Series models in stock!

Source: SpeedLux.com

BMW describes the 2012 6 Series Coupe as an agent with two identities, luxurious for comfortable driving with the capabilities of an exciting sports car. This model is all about the high class interior and the powerful engine. The driver will not only feel comfortable driving but safe with its perfect road handling, night vision, BMW Assist, and the features from BMW ConnectDrive.

My favorite features if this model is the features from BMW ConnectDrive and night vision. The BMW ConnectDrive is a full color Head-Up Display that projects the current speed and navigation instructions directly in the field of vision while eyes are on the road. The night vision is an infrared camera which displays an image on the Head-Up Display warning of a collision.

Another feature is the BMW Assist, a personal information service that connects the driver to the BMW Assist Call Centre with the press of a button at no extra cost available 24/7.

What gives the 6 Series Coupe its majestic presence on the road is the exterior styling of 179 grams per kilometer, lines and curves. The BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology along with petrol direct injection provides sports power and efficiency in its 6 cylinder V8 engine. It has an 8 speed sports automatic gear box and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is 36.7 mpg and CO2 emission.

BMW represents a long history of over 70 years of unmistakable characteristics of athletic elegance. If you have an eye for beauty and a thrill for sport cars your heart is sure to skip a beat after seeing this new model in action.

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

Source: SpeedLux.com

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The One and Only BMW xDrive: A look behind the technology.

December 20th, 2011 by Bob Bimmer

Winter presents some tough driving conditions. Whether you’re looking for a new BMW or a used BMW, consider a BMW vehicle with xDrive. BMW xDrive technology can save your life on the road, especially during this time of year. At BMW of Freehold, we like to keep our customers informed and in-tune with the latest BMW technologies. Read this article all about BMW xDrive technology and how it can keep you and your family safe this holiday season and all year long.

Source: BMW of Freehold December Newsletter

The “x” stands for “peace of mind.” The “x” stands for “intelligent.” The “x” stands for “safe and responsive.”

BMW xDrive is the intelligent all-wheel drive system that is all these things. The xDrive system automatically delivers the right amount of power and the best possible traction to the right place, at the right times, before you even realize it’s necessary.

Intelligent? Under normal conditions, xDrive distributes power to your BMW vehicle’s axles in a 40/60 front-to-back ratio. However, xDrive and Dynamic Stability Control (DCS) sensors automatically read the changing road conditions and adjust the power distribution instantly to compensate, directing even 100 percent of power to one axle, if necessary.

BMW xDrive

For example, imagine starting from a stop with the rear wheels sitting on a sheet of ice. With BMW xDrive, all the drive energy is directed to the front axle, which pulls the vehicle off the sheet of ice. Then, xDrive and Dynamic Stability Control will know the first millisecond that the rear wheels are on clear, dry pavement, and will redistribute drive power so it is balanced between front and rear wheels. Dynamic Stability Control and xDrive work with constant communication to recognize the first hint of wheelspin and distribute torque as necessary to maintain optimal handling and stability.

On rock and rubble, when one tire may completely lose contact with the ground, xDrive sensors tell the multi-disk clutch where to send power to always have maximum possible traction.

On curves, when xDrive senses the first sign of understeer, it will reduce power to the front axle. Likewise, when it senses oversteer, xDrive will compensate by increase drive power to the front axle.

The result is that you feel like your BMW pulls you through curves on a set of rails—sure-footed and completely stable at all times.

BMW xDrive continues to work even at the lowest speeds. When you’re parking, xDrive sensors open the clutch completely, enabling optimal powertrain function. Because the DSC system is connected to your BMW car or SAV’s antilock braking system (ABS), xDrive will deliver braking power to individual wheels, as needed, to make sure you are always under control.

Source: BMW of Freehold December Newsletter

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Vehicle Profile: BMW 3 Series Overview

December 14th, 2011 by Bob Bimmer

This year may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of BMW news hitting the web! The all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series models have a lot to offer. If you’re looking for style, performance and a flawless design, you may have met your perfect match with the new BMW 3 Series. Read here for all of the details of the 2012 BMW 3 Series family.

Source: BMW of Freehold December Newsletter

The BMW 3 Series didn’t become legendary by accident. As a product of an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, styling elegance and driving excitement, any 3 Series model will likely be the best car its driver has ever experienced. Since drivers don’t fit neatly into one-size-fits-all boxes, the BMW 3 Series is available in body styles as diverse as the men and women who climb behind the wheel.

Have a look at what’s offered:

BMW 3 Series Sedans

The BMW 3 Series Sedans are icons – for their style, performance and brilliant engineering. The all new 2012 models are no exception, offered with standard rear-wheel drive and a choice of  two turbocharged engines, each delivering a distinct performance.

The 328i (MSRP  $34,900) has a  2.0-liter, four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with  240 hp on tap. Despite propelling to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.7 seconds with the standard manual transmission (STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is also offered), it’s a friendly companion at the pump.

Drivers looking for a  even more verve can turn to the 335i Sedan. Its muscular, TwinPower Turbo inline-six boasts 300 hp and a 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds with both the six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series Coupes

With their sporty rooflines and athletic stances, the 3 Series Coupes have undeniable street presence. The 328i ($38,500) and 335i models share the superb powertrains of their sedan counterparts.

Like the sedan lineup, there’s also a third coupe for added variety. Meet the BMW 335is. It has an even more powerful 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine, featuring 320 hp and an even sportier suspension, making it the most athletic 3 Series Coupe yet.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series Convertibles

Nothing compares to the open-air driving experience of the 2012 BMW 3 Series Convertible. The 328i ($47,400), 335i and 335is models each have rear-wheel drive and share the powertrains of their fixed-roof counterparts. They offer the added advantage of a power-retractable hardtop for a coupe-like silhouette, and the rigidity and interior comfort of the feature.

But when the weather’s good, the hardtop folds completely out of sight in just 22 seconds. A movable partition that separates the roof from the cargo area can even be adjusted when the roof is up for the luxury of additional trunk space.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon

What do you do when you want the performance of a 3 Series, but your needs call for something more accommodating than a 2012 BMW 3 Seriessedan or coupe? You grab the keys to a BMW 328i Sports Wagon (MSRP $37,250).

With the same 3.0-liter 230-hp engine and transmission options as the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, you know you have proven power and handling on tap. Available xDrive means enhanced all-weather handling, and up to 60.9 cubic feet of cargo space under the panoramic glass roof with a foldable backseat means stocking up on shopping trips with plenty of room to spare.

There are no wrong answers

No matter which BMW 3 Series you select, you know you’re getting one of the most globally recognized and unprecedented vehicles to date. Each offers a staggering variety of luxury, safety and entertainment features for almost limitless personalization opportunities. Whether it’s a driver aid like Park Distance Control, Navigation to guide you through long road trips or an impressive Harman/Kardon Surround Sound audio system, the BMW 3 Series does, indeed, have something for everyone.

Posted in 3-Series, BMW News, Model News | No Comments »

Spyshots: BMW Teases New X6 M — Possibly A Diesel?

December 7th, 2011 by Bob Bimmer

The holidays are approaching and BMW apparently wants us to get some of our gifts early this year! Spy shots of a new X6 M are popping up all over the web and the employees at this NJ BMW dealership are begging for more information. Read the article below and watch the video to learn more about what’s in store with the new BMW X6 M.

Article by: Jake Holmes

We’re plenty familiar with the BMW X6 and its go-fast counterpart, the X6 M, but now the company is teasing a new version of the four-seat SUV. Although the car’s badges and lights are obscured, the video does say that BMW’s M GmbH has a hand in tweaking this new model.

We already knew that BMW was testing some sort of new engine in the X6 M, based on spy shots from the Nürburgring that emerged in August. Our best information suggests this car could have a high-output diesel engine. BMW reportedly has plans for a diesel-powered performance 5 Series — called the M550dX — that allegedly could offer about 381 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The rumored tri-turbo, 3.0-liter diesel inline-six engine would be less powerful than the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in a regular X6 M, but it could still move the sporty SUV with alacrity. The X6 M offers a solid 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the regular X6 can be equipped with a 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, or a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 400 hp.

As this video is called Step 1, we imagine there will be several subsequent teaser videos before BMW finally shows the real car. Take a look at the video for yourself below, and check back later for any updates on this mysterious X6.

Source: Automobile Magazine

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