BMW have announced they are recalling 8,080 of its 5 Series Gran Turismo models due to a petrol tank sensor issue.
The car which began selling at the back end of 2009 and in Spring 2010 has a fault which causes the car to think there is petrol in the tank when there is none, possibly resulting in breakdowns or drivers damaging their vehicles.
BMW blamed the bug on moving sensors getting stuck against the tank wall preventing them from giving an accurate reading.
The German manufacturer has said it knows of no accidents or injuries that have occurred due to the problem and that the recall is voluntary.
A BMW representative also added that that company found the flaw themselves thanks to their “vigorous pre and post testing” and that they reported the problem to the correct safety authorities themselves.
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BMW has been dropping hints over the past few months about its forthcoming Megacity electric car and the latest points to an unveiling at the London Olympics in 2012.
A Source from BMW revealed that the German manufacturers see the Olympics as a major global audience to show off their new product.
Will this be too late though? By the time the Olympics come around there is likely to be a few electric cars already in production, some even shipping.
Offerings from Chevrolet and Nissan have all been given a release date of pre-2012 but with BMW being the solo Automobile sponsor of the 2012 games they will already have had a good two years build up of advertisement prior to the Olympics starting.
All that is known about the BMW electric vehicle is that they have put huge amounts of time and money into researching carbon fibre as a way of offsetting the battery weight, as they are aiming for a 35-k-Wh battery with an anticipated range of around 100 miles on one charge.
The development currently known as ‘Project I’ will be the first in a family of electric vehicles and is expected to be priced at in excess of £20,000.
Interested in making your current car more economical, rather than buying new replacement parts take a look a second hand ones that breakers have removed from other vehicles. It’s cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
BMW are offering owners the chance to personalise their vehicles in accordance to their political parties.
The Iconic BMW badges which have been personalised in accordance to the colours of each political party are part of the companies ‘real innovations system’ and as such have been termed Political Roundel Attachment Tags (PRAT).
Available in other options through the BMW site, the tags can be changed in seconds should you change your mind or happen to be in a particular political stronghold.
This release comes on the back of another innovation by BMW engineers called ‘Canine Repellent Alloy Protection’ which stopped dogs relieving themselves on brand new alloy wheels. This worked by administering a 200v shock should any liquid come into contact with the wheel.
BMW insisted that this was ‘relatively pain free’ but would act as a deterrent.
When you feel and want to give all new look to your BMW 3 series E36, then you can go with the option of replacing car door mirror. This will help in giving your BMW vehicle all new look with complete furnishing and shining door mirrors. When you want to replace the car door mirrors it simply means taking off the door panels by removal of several screws and unhooking connectors and rods. It becomes very much frustrating when you break your side window and it happened with me when I got so much tensed. Although it is not much costly but I wanted to get it repaired soon so that I do not face much problem. My BMW 3 Series E36 was not looking that stylish as it used to be when I bought it all new.
You can get all these done by yourself by simple care and precaution towards your side. You can even cut down the labour cost if you know how to install or replace the car door mirror. First of all you need to buy a replacement mirror and make sure that the new one matches your old mirror completely. You can even order it through dealership. You can turn your vehicle off and roll down your vehicle. Further, before proceeding you should disconnect battery’s negative cable. You must not forget to do this step as it might lead to electrocution if you do not switch off the battery. Now, get off the interior panel using pry tool to remove the trim pieces. Then remove the screws using the screw driver, be precautious in removing the corner trim piece before door panel lifts up. If you have the powered windows then you need to unplug the wiring harness otherwise if you have manual one, then you can skip this.
When you are replacing your BMW 3series E36 door mirrors, you need to be careful about taking out the mirror bolts with either a socket wrench or nut driver. This is done so that you have flexibility in removing the entire mirror assembly from the car. Further you need to separate the actual BMW mirror from the mirror assembly by using torx driver to extract the screws. You have to pry the plastic tabs until they both get separated. Further, just attach the new BMW 3series E36 mirror back in to the vehicle by snapping it and backing with the tabs. Now, put on this new BMW 3series E36 mirror into the mirror assembly. If you want to reinstall them then follow these steps in other manner.
So, have the best of means by having a good car door mirror in your very own BMW 3series E36 vehicle and add the style and elegance to your car. There are good website that offers car replacement and spare parts of car to your own doorstep. Before getting any car spare parts you need to check them so that you get the best of products.
I was once going on my ride when I discovered that my BMW E39’s window started rolling down and it was not able to roll back up. Window motor seemed to be working fine but I felt as if I had been caught on something. It might have happen that you are using the window and it is going crong crong crong and crong. When you manually touch the window of the car you will find you can move them manually. But as soon as you start having any symptoms, you should change your BMW E39’s window with the help of the manual you have been given.
You should take your own kit for replacing the rear window and you get that kit with your own BMW series vehicle. Now, you should start with opening the door. Take your screw driver and pop up the screw cover with its help. You have to use it to remove the door panel. You need to remove the under door light by prying it down from the edge closest to the front of the car. Further, just remove the wiring very carefully. Use a small screw driver and remove the window switch by just prying it up. Move ahead and pry down the door using 9 white door clips.
Lift the door up and down with all your force. As soon as the door clips are off, just pull, turn, push the door handle assembly through to the inside. Pull out the door cover up and down. Gently wiggle it out. There you will find a small wiring that you need to harness out carefully. There would be a black plastic on the post and remove that by squeezing the pliers on the post. Let it slide off. Here you need to replace the window regulator and here roll down the window about 80% down. This is done by using a torx T20 driver. Now, pull up the window and remove the bottom bolt using 10mm crescent wrench. Behind the soft plastic window, you will find a starburst shaped bolt. Reach behind the window and remove the bolt. Within the motor assembly; pull off the wiring harness. This is done by using Torx T25 and removes the Four Torx screws from the motor assembly. These screws are very easy to identify as they are pointed in right.
Further pull out the regulator assembly up and the bottom of it towards front of the car. Now, just replace it with new window regulator. After re arranging all parts back to the place with the new window regulator, just reattach the door of the window. Pull out all the three wires and have enough adhesive. Very firstly, re attach the speaker wire harness and then secure the door handle assembly using the screw and replace the cover. Finally reattach all the wirings and remount the switch and the light inside. In this way, you have just repaired your BMW E39’s window.
With BMW 5 series, you will find great comfort journey. Every part of this vehicle is just awesome and you will find great seats here. You have complete comfortable seats with your BMW 5 Series car and these are electrically adjusted. Each of the seats is such that it can be easily modified and they also offer you firm back support. BMW series car are something that just everyone wants to own and its seats make you feel as if you are in a great luxury. You can plan short as well as long journey on these seats and they will give you complete and comfortable feel even on long journeys. They will keep you refreshed and relaxed in your whole journey.
When you are looking out to replace your BMW car you have to look out for power seats because they will allow you to have complete control and you need not to do anything manually. The BMW cars have power seats that are completely adjustable and they are multifunction comfort seats for driver. These seats are even adjustable for rear passengers as well as front passengers. Every individual has his own ability to adjust the seat according to his or her own wish and this helps in complete comfort. So look out for replacing your own comfort seats for BMW 5 series with such seats that can be adjusted on each individual passenger. You can get these car parts in best manners by so many car spare websites. You must check out when you are buying the comfort seats for your BMW that they should be adjusted in lateral position. They should also be comfortable with seat height, seat angle and back rest angle. Check whether you get the seating depth and lumbar support height and these should be able to alter in maximum way.
If you are finding the comfort in the lumbar system then you must have knowledge in it and you should be able to see that the air chambers should be inflated to varying levels. There should be active headrests as this is also one of the factors in giving you complete comfort. It is the headrests that help you in suiting any kind of comfortable seating position. These comfort seats in BMW 5 series are controlled by panel on the side of armrest. So, while you are replacing the comfort seats you should check that you can operate the control buttons with your thumb and index finger. The complete memory function should be checked. You must check out the exterior mirror and steering wheel position when you are replacing your old seat with the BMW 5 series seats. So, this seat just asks you to do all kind of setting with the press of a single button. Memory function, mirror, steering and everything can be controlled by your own control button when you replace with the all new power seat.
BMW will be releasing the new second Generation X3 in January 2011 Anticipated to be one of the most economical and efficient cars of its class.
With plans for it be unveiled in October at the Paris motor show, the X3 is quite different to old old model. Re-engineered inside and out the off roader has different feel.
The X3 has grown slightly and this had resulted in further boot space. However it is not a huge growth: 78mm on length, 15mm on the wheelbase and 14mm on the height. That may not sound like much but it allows for 70ltr more boot space bringing its total to 550 litres
Much is being made of its engines efficiency. The entry level 2.0 manual had a combined economy of 50.4mpg and generates 181bhp. Its closest rival, the Audi Q5 has an economy of only 46.6mpg and produces only 170bhp
Spied in testing: Film of new X3 being tested on the road before its release.
In addition, other engine choices include a 2.0 diesel generating 181bhp. It comes with the option of either a standard six speed manual or an optional eight speed automatic.
At the top end of the spectrum we have a turbo charged, 6 cylinder 3.0 monster that produces 302bhp.
All models come with efficiency savings technology. All Gear boxes operate a standard start-stop function and work in conjunction with a brake energy recuperation system. an addition feature is the new electronic power steering system.
BMW have improved their equipment levels for the base entry model. Inside you will find a multifunction steering wheel, elegant trim and revised trim. The old X3 was a little lacklustre in the interior department but this model has more in common with BMWs 3 series.
All will be available in the UK in 4 wheel drive. More model engine options to come later next year. The X3 will be build in America at BMWs Spartanburg plant.
BMW is offering UK customers the chance to take their own cars on a Brands Hatch track day from a little as £39.
The scheme in conjunction with the MSV Club allows BMW owners to experience the true capabilities of their vehicles in a controlled environment. Customers who take up this offer will also have the added extra of ex-World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx on hand for advice.
The one of a kind experience will also take place at Bedford Autodrome, Cadwell Park and Snetterton giving owners as much chance as possible to take advantage of the offer. Teenagers who want to take BMW up on their offer can also take loan of a BMW 1 for the evening courtesy of YoungDrive.
Anyone interested in taking part in one of the events should visit the Club MSV website for more information.
BMW has been report to be continuing development of its three cylinder car engine. The engine which is based upon BMWS commonly used 500c per cylinder design is set to become part of the engine options for the 1 series.
The engines design takes advantages in engineering such as direct injection and turbo charging
According to Autocar “this is not an entry level unit. It’s a serious, refined, sporting engine with great CO2 figures.” They also assert that the next 1-series has been engineered to cope with the unique problems faced by a three-cylinder engine. These include noise and vibration
BMW currently uses three-cylinder engines in some of its motorcycles.
The BMW 3 Series is an executive cabriolet. The Original is known for its good handling and great looks but what about its topless counterpart.
One of the first changes you will notice with the new 3 series convertible is that the roof has been changed. BMW have now opted for folding metal roof as opposed to the old canvass. The roof is well integrated into the rest of the car. You can’t tell it’s a convertible from the front. The only clear differentiating markers are a flat and curvier rear screen and unique tail lights. The designers have done well to avoid a bulbous rear end that so many cabriolets suffer.
Convertibles are notorious for their handling, however the BMW is different. It feels taut, has good body control and can compete with any of its rivals. It is great through the corners and there’s no undue vibrations around the A pillars.
There are a range of different engine sizes, all of which are quite impressive. If you after that little bit extra, then you should go for the 3.0-litre six cylinder unit. Available as both a petrol and diesel option with either automatic or manual gearboxes. The gearboxes are smooth and go quite well with the car. All offer great fuel economy too. There are some downsides though. As with a lot of convertibles, the boot size is limited due to roof storage. BMW however, have managed to make this car a full 4 seater and the roof can rise up at the press of a button to increase access space to the boot. The prices are quite high compared to some of its rival; the base model costs £30,000 but does come will a generous helping of equipment.
This car is full BMW innovation such as special seats which reflect the suns heat. This means that even if you leave the roof down in the baking sun all day, they won’t be scorching hot when you return.
All in all, a good motor: BMW reliability and branding combined with performance and fuel saving technology. This car is certainly not a red herring.