The BMW M Bike is a spectacular combination of state-of-the-art technology and exclusive design. Disc brakes and an elegant matt anthracite frame with the M logo combine perfectly with the leather saddle, stunning rims and handles, and shiny red seat inlay. Characteristic of the entire M collection, which, like the BMW M model itself, stands for the extraordinary and unique.
The thrill of speed.
Anyone who rides this sporty speed bike through the city or takes a short tour through the countryside will immediately attract a lot of attention − at least for a few seconds. The high total gear ratio transmission delivers astonishing speed.
The best of the best.
The BMW M Bike’s fi’zi:k saddle is made from the highest quality leather with a red inlay. This ensures extra riding comfort and superior grip. The built-in Shimano SLX gear system is light and sturdy. The Manitou Match suspension fork on the front wheel is incredibly durable and the disc brakes make for a clean stop.
Starting in June 2010 BMW M Bikes will be available in a special limited edition at select BMW dealers and online at www.bmw-shop.com.
Here you’ll also find choice textiles and other accessories from the M Collection, including the M Cabin Bag, a travel bag made from the finest leather, or the M Shoes − black sneakers made from a leather-nylon mix, designed in cooperation with Puma.
On Thursday, I looked at the history and examined some technical elements behind an electronic brake override system, which has been in the news quite a bit lately since Toyota’s nightmare with sudden unintended acceleration. Soon after writing that post, I got a demonstration of an override system at work.
I was on an access road at the BMW headquarters in a 2009 BMW 335i Coupe with Thomas Plucinsky, a BMW spokesman, at the wheel. I wanted to experience brake override myself. Mr. Plucinsky wound the car up to 60 miles per hour and, with his right foot still delivering full throttle, hit the brake pedal hard, triggering a full anti-lock brake stop.
We left strips of rubber on the road and stopped in something less than 150 feet, with a lot of noise but not much other drama. As my stomach became steadily queasier, we tried it twice more with the same results — the car came to a quick halt. Mr. Plucinsky also demonstrated that the brake override would not be triggered by a “racing start” with a full throttle held back by firm braking. Asked how the system distinguishes between intended driver technique and an emergency situation, he said, “Now you’re getting into proprietary areas.”
The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance. The 4th generation of the Business Touring convinces through powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics combined with exemplary efficiency. Extensive comfort and safety features, which include numerous BMW exclusive driver assistance systems, substantiate the outstanding qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as an upper midrange touring car.
Design: Individual styling, sporting elegance.
The design of the new BMW 5 Series Touring is characterised by a high level of individuality with regard to its proportions and surface design. Its uniqueness is reflected by dynamic and powerful looks. With its long bonnet, short overhangs, the longest wheelbase in its segment, the stretched silhouette and a steeply inclined roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Touring possesses an elegance unrivalled by its competitors.
Versatility: Intelligent solutions for modern functionality.
Thanks to a multi-functional interior and intelligent detail solutions, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is fully equipped to meet the most diverse demands. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 litres is guaranteed by 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment. The backrest angle is variable by up to 11 degrees. The backrest can be folded down using two control levers inside the luggage compartment, the loading space cover of which is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. The separately opening rear window automatically swings upwards at the push of a button.
The driving experience: Supreme dynamics and outstanding comfort.
The most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies ensure supreme sportiness and a higher level of motoring comfort. Optional Dynamic Driving Control enables drivers to set the suspension individually to their personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Touring features as standard pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-levelling. Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering are optionally available.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring is making its debut with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel. The BMW 520d Touring is powered by a 135 kW/184 bhp four-cylinder turbo diesel power unit featuring an aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection. It is equipped with Auto Start Stop function as a standard feature, and with an average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100km (54.3 mpg) and a CO2 emission level of 137 g/km in an EU test cycle, it achieves the best efficiency in its segment.
The straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet of the BMW 535i Touring, with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, develops a power output of 225 kW/306 bhp. Maximum power output of the straight-six engine featured in the BMW 523i Touring in lean operation is 150 kW/204 bhp. The BMW 530d Touring features a straight six-cylinder diesel with a 180 kW/245 bhp output. Thanks to BMW BluePerformance technology it fulfils the EU6 emission standard. All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring fully comply with the EU5 requirement.
BMW EfficientDynamics: BMW 5 Series increases the lead even further.
All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring are optionally available with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the electro-mechanical power steering EPS utilised on all variants, it makes an additional contribution towards efficiency. Depending on the model, the standard BMW EfficientDynamics measures comprise brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function (BMW 520d), gearshift point indicator, demand-dependant ancillary components and active air flap control. An intelligent lightweight construction is obtained through doors, bonnet, front side panels, drivetrain and suspension components made of aluminium.
Innovative driver assistance systems by BMW ConnectedDrive.
The spectrum of features offered by BMW ConnectedDrive comprises, inter alia, a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with brake activation in conjunction with Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, High-beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with detection of persons as well as Head-up Display. Furthermore, innovative office functions can be utilised via Bluetooth.
Joint development and production together with the BMW 7 Series.
The BMW 5 Series Touring is based on a newly developed vehicle architecture also used for the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans. Joint production of the BMW 5 Series Touring, the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW 7 Series at the BMW Dingolfing Plant, combined with the extensive use of shared components, ensures highly efficient production incorporating maximum possible quality standards.
Profit before tax rose by 17.7% to euro 413 million (2008: euro 351 million). Net profit amounted to euro 210 million (2008: euro 330 million/-36.4%) due to the higher effective tax rate. Revenues decreased moderately by 4.7% to euro 50,681 million (2008: euro 53,197 million). Based on the proposal of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board, the dividend will remain unchanged against the previous year at euro 0.30 per share of common stock and euro 0.32 per share of preferred stock. via bmwblog
Statement from BMW NA
“We performed well in 2009 despite difficult market conditions worldwide. Our cost management and efficiency improvement measures had a positive impact, even though the effects of the worldwide financial and economic crisis were still being felt“, stated Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Thursday in Munich. “We are proposing a dividend for 2009 despite the difficult economic climate, demonstrating the confidence we have in our operating strength, and we also want our shareholders to participate in the company’s performance“, continued Reithofer.
BMW of North America, LLC announced the names of its top performing dealerships in the U.S. While all of the award recipients did well in providing quality service, some 2010 winners continue to exceed the expectations of their customers winning the COE multiple times. A few note worthy dealer accomplishments include Reeves Import Motorcars, Inc. in Tampa, FL for achieving COE nine years; East Bay BMW in Pleasanton, CA and Flow BMW in Winston Salem, NC for winning the award a total of eight times; and Isringhausen Imports in Springfield, IL for winning the award seven times. Additionally, Global Imports has won the COE award for seven consecutive years and Hendrick BMW has won for six consecutive years. Despite the challenging economy, BMW’s dealer network continues to invest in their sales facilities and workshops spending $340 million in 2009 alone. Dealers recognize the benefits of refining their business processes and focusing on top-tier customer service making BMW one of the most successful franchises in the U.S.(full list after the jump)
“All BMW dealerships offer a premium experience to our customers, but the 24 Center of Excellence winners excelled in the way they take care of their customers and represent the BMW brand,” said Peter Miles, Executive Vice President of Operations, BMW of North America, LLC. “It’s a highly coveted award and our top dealers worked hard all year to achieve this high honor – we congratulate them.”
The BMW Group once again improved sales volumes substantially in February of this year. A total of 91,758 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers (prev. yr. 80,474) – representing an increase of 14.0%. The figure for the year to the end of February was 173,911 units – 15.3% higher than the previous year (150,893).
Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “After a substantial increase in January, sales year on year were significantly higher as well in February. Last month we saw growth in Asia, in particular, but we also made gains in many markets in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In key sales markets such as the US, the automotive sector is also showing encouraging signs of a gradual recovery.“ Almost all markets are experiencing a definite upturn. In the US, the BMW brand was the segment leader in February with growth of 16.3%. In Germany, the BMW Group managed to increase volumes by 6.8% despite the downward market trend. In China, the company sold 96.7% more vehicles in the month under review.
Robertson added: “We are looking forward to the new BMW 5 Series and the start of deliveries on 20 March. There is already tremendous interest in this vehicle which accounts for almost one fifth of BMW retail volumes – and is one of the brand’s mainstays, alongside the 1 Series and the 3 Series. However, primarily due to the 5 Series model change, we expect temporary slower growth in total sales during the launch phase in spring.”
A total of 78,248 BMW brand automobiles were delivered to customers in February – an increase of 13.7% (prev. yr. 68,823). For the year to the end of February, sales were 14.7% higher than the previous year (129,085) at 148,112 units.
Sales of the MINI brand also continued to perform well. Last month, 13,443 MINI cars, 16.0% more than in February 2009 (11,584), were delivered to customers worldwide. 25,645 MINI vehicles were sold in the year to the end of February. That represents an increase of 18.2% (prev. yr. 21,704). Ian Robertson: “Over the next few years the MINI product family will grow from three to six members. The MINI family’s fourth model, the new MINI Countryman, will arrive in showrooms in September and will play an important part in the premium brand’s long-term growth.”
For the first time the new MINI Countryman is currently being presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Until 14 March, the BMW Group will be showcasing a wide range of new models and technologies at the show. Other highlights include the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan as well as revised BMW 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible and X5 models. The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides a showcase for two very innovative concept cars: With its BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW is presenting its concept for a ground-breaking full-hybrid model for the upper middle class segment. Also making its European debut is the BMW Concept ActiveE, a concept car based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, equipped with fully-electric drive and innovative energy storage technology. Two new BMW hybrid models will be available by mid-April, when the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 go on sale in Europe.
The Rolls-Royce brand delivered 67 automobiles in February (prev. yr. 67/+0.0%). For the year to the end of February, 154 Rolls-Royce cars were handed over to customers worldwide (prev. yr. 104/+48.1%).
Following a good performance in January, deliveries in the Motorcycle Segment again rose substantially in February by 24.6% to reach a total of 5,485 vehicles (prev. yr. 4,401). For the year to the end of February, that represents an increase of 14.4% to 9,299 motorcycles sold (prev. yr. 8,132). The revised R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT, all strong volume models, contributed to this growth as well as the newly introduced S 1000 RR.
It was dark, humid, and overcast when I started the day at 6AM in Sebring, Florida. However, by the time I was showered and dressed at 6:45AM I could already hear the roar of high-powered machinery echoing across the flat landscape.
Walking into the track at 7:30 sharp, the trailers and staging areas for all of the teams and cars were very quiet with only a few engineers wandering around with an assortment of various tools or lightweight rims adorned with slick tires. Upon spotting a large trailer and an empty, covered corral under underneath a cluster of BMW flags I found the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team….
