2012 BMW 3 Series unveiled

Posted October 14, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | No comments yet

The BMW 3 Series has been the most lauded sport sedan in the world for longer than we can remember. Worthy competitors pop up, only to fall short of beating this benchmark by some subjective measure that can’t be quantified. So it’s a big deal when the 3 Series is up for a clean sheet redesign. Not one to refuse a challenge, BMW stepped up to the task of redesigning its best-selling vehicles and came up with this, the redesigned 2012 BMW 3 Series.
BMW clearly wanted to bring the design of the new 3 Series more in-line with the look of its other new cars, mainly the 5, 6 and 7 Series. To that end, the most visible difference is up front, where the car’s nose has grown in size. Likely a nod to European safety standards that require taller hoods for pedestrian safety, the 3 Series’ new schnoz is both taller and wider than before.

The new, larger twin-kidney grille is also no longer separated from the headlights, which are also bigger. Instead, the grille surrounds meet a small portion of the lights to create the impression of a more unified front fascia. It looks a bit like the 5 Series, but also appears to draw inspiration from the forthcoming i8. The new 3 Series looks most familiar, from the side while the new rear end shows off the car’s larger trunk.

Drive Clean tests not needed until vehicles turn 7 years

Posted September 2, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | No comments yet

TORONTO — Thousands of Ontario drivers will get a break from the province’s mandatory Drive Clean program, as long as they keep their car or light truck for seven years.

The emissions tests that are required every two years once a vehicle is five years old will be delayed until they hit seven years, government sources confirmed late Wednesday.

The government believes the technology has improved, in both cars and the tests themselves, to the point where starting the emissions tests at seven years is as effective as it used to be when the tests started at five years.

“It will save people money, and the pain of having to get their car tested,” said one source.

About 11.1 per cent of cars and light trucks fail the emissions tests, which cost about $30 plus HST.

There is also a $450 repair cost limit. If drivers who fail the emissions test spend that much to correct the problem they will be given a conditional pass for two years.

The formal announcement from the Liberal government of the updating of the Drive Clean program is expected within the next few weeks.

There will be other changes as well to eliminate situations where a vehicle is required to undergo two tests in two years, which can happen when a driver buys a car after having leased it, or when there’s a transfer of ownership within a family.

The government says Drive Clean, which started in 1999, reduced smog-causing emissions by an estimated 266,000 tonnes in its first 10 years. There were over 32,000,000 tests conducted on cars and light trucks during that time.

The Ministry of the Environment is phasing in new testing technology it expects will reduce emissions from vehicles by 20 per cent over what can be achieved with the current test.

BMW recalling 3 Series models over faulty tail lights

Posted September 1, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | No comments yet

E46 Owners and Subframe issues!!

Posted August 23, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | No comments yet

Proposed Class Settlement for Owners and Lessees of 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series Vehicles

On October 24, 2006, Girard Gibbs filed a class action complaint against BMW of North America, alleging that 1999-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles suffer from defective sub-frames. According to the complaint, the constant loading and unloading associated with normal driving can weaken the sub-frame to the point where it cracks and separates from the chassis, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to the vehicle. The complaint alleges that BMW was aware of the alleged sub-frame defect, but failed to notify consumers or pay for sub-frame repairs under warranty.

On March 3, 2009, Hon. Judge Dean D. Pregerson granted preliminary approval of a proposed class settlement, under which BMW will reimburse E46 owners or lessees in full for their sub-frame repair expenses. As part of the settlement, BMW has also agreed to implement a National Sub-Frame Inspection and Repair Program. All current owners and lessees of a 1999-2006 BMW 3 series vehicle will be notified of the sub-frame problem and will have one year to present their vehicle for a free inspection and repair (if needed). The Court is scheduled to decide whether to finally approve the proposed settlement on August 3, 2009.

If you would like more information about the BMW sub-frame defect class action lawsuit or proposed settlement, please fill out the form on the right or call us toll free at (866) 981-4800.
Why Girard Gibbs LLP?

Girard Gibbs, a national litigation firm specializing in securities litigation, consumer class actions and complex business litigation, has recovered more than a billion dollars on behalf of its clients. Girard Gibbs’ managing partner Daniel Girard was voted one of Northern California’s Super Lawyers in 2007 and 2008 by Law & Politics, recognizing him as one of the top 5-percent of attorneys practicing in Northern California.

More info here: http://www.girardgibbs.com/bmwe46.asp

BMW ConnectedDrive. 10 Steps – How to Steal Jewellery

Posted August 19, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in BMW Blog, Just for fun | No comments yet

An Electric Car that Breaks Speed Records

Posted June 27, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | No comments yet

Progress in battery technology makes it possible now to have an EV that’s a fast car, not a granny-moving vehicle. The most amazing thing is how it goes from 0 to 110mph in 2 seconds. This 10mn documentary shows how speed records were broken time and again.

BMW Canada has the E82 1M Coupe go through walls

Posted June 18, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in Just for fun | No comments yet

Spy Photo: BMW X3 M Spotted?

Posted May 25, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | No comments yet

First rumor around a possible BMW X3 M surfaced back in 2010, and today, we might be looking at the first spy photo showing the third M-SAV during a test trial.

According to CarMagazine UK quoting a BMW source, the new BMW X3 M is set for launch in 2012. The new M-SAV is rumored to feature a new type of turbocharged engine, with a hint towards tri-turbo setup. CAR Magazine understands the all-new X3 M will be powered by a tweaked variant of the new M3 straight six which will power the next-generation BMW M3.

Provisionally rated at 449 hp, the high-performance straight six may even feature three turbochargers (one electric, plus a pair of exhaust-gas driven ones)  and a slightly bigger displacement (3.2 instead of 3.0 liters). To add even more fuel to the fire, CAR says that all current and future X-models will be available with the full M division treatment. A statement that us at  BMWBLOG considers to be a bit too adventurous.

As we mentioned in a previous article, our sources say that the go-ahead decision for an X3M model will be solely based on the success of the new mid-compact  premium SAV and the response from its customers. The market demands and integration could also affect this decision, same as it did with the X5M and X6M models. The new X3 sales have been strong and will become a high-volume car for BMW.

Expect to see more spy photos in the near future!

http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/05/24/spy-photo-bmw-x3-m-spotted/

The new 328 bmw design concept

Posted May 21, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in Just for fun | No comments yet

BMW decided to do a modern concept based on the original classic BMW 328. Obviously the modern design take has a lot of the Vision concept in it but that is fine, it looks great. Great job BMW.

Ultimate Blogger Winner

Posted May 18, 2011 by Bimmer Guy in News | 1 comment

The Unforgettable 90′s

I suspect my love affair with BMW began the day I was born, which happened to also mark the occasion my Dad took delivery of his 1990 BMW 320i. Carefully configured to include BMW’s lowered M sports suspension, stunning M3 wheels, and sporty Recaro seats, my Dad’s navy blue and beige 320i will forever be engraved in my heart as one of my best childhood memories.

I remember at age 5, I would at times be allowed to control the wheel from my dads lap. At 11 I had begun to park it, and at 15 I was allowed one drive around the block for each time I promised to clean it. I must have spent hours admiring its square sporty yet elegant lines. In 1999 along came a Blue Water E39 M5. The coolest, baddest, clutch-your-heart beautiful car on the market. I was smitten, again.

I write daily opinion pieces and post daily video commentaries on my blog, “Alexotics Auto Talk”. My weekly following of 2000 viewers is expected to exceed 2500 at the end of March. It would be an honor and a lifelong dream to represent the car company that has been embedded throughout my life.

Alexander De Clerck.