2015 BMW M3 and M4 Show Faces Ahead of Detroit Auto Show

BMW unveiled its 2015 M3 sedan and M4 coupe this week in advance of their official debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show next month. The M3 and M4 are high-performance versions of the 3-Series and 4-Series, respectively.
We previously reported that the new M3 and M4 will both feature an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The previous 2013 M3 sedan and coupe are powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8 that produces 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

2015 BMW M4 (BMW of North America)

In addition to a new engine, the M3 and M4 feature various suspension and aerodynamic components to improve performance. The M3 and M4 feature rear spoilers that BMW says reduce lift and add styling to the rear end. BMW also explains that the exterior mirrors are designed to be aerodynamic and make a styling statement.
Autoweek writes that the front bumper looks "edgier" and is designed to better channel air into the engine. A power dome in the hood makes more room for the engine, the publication adds, and the fenders are widened and feature a vent that helps remove hot air from the engine compartment.

2015 BMW M4 Interior (BMW of North America)

Car and Driver is pleased with the overall appearance of the M3 and M4, saying they "look every bit as aggressive as their spec sheets indicate they will be."
Pricing details haven't yet been released, but the previous 2013 M3 started at $60,100. BMW says the M3 and M4 will go on sale in the summer of 2014.

Read more »

Redesigned 2014 BMW X5 Gets Pricier

(BMW of North America)

BMW announced this week that the redesigned 2014 X5 SUV will start at $53,725, including destination, which represents an increase of $5,300 over the 2013 model.
For 2014, BMW adds a new base model, the sDrive35i, which is the first rear-wheel drive X5 BMW has offered. Other models, all of which have all-wheel drive, include the xDrive35i, which starts at $56,025, xDrive35d (diesel), which starts at $57,525, and xDrive50i, which starts at $69,125.
According to USA Today, “BMW says straight price comparisons aren't fair,” given the 2014 model’s increased size, lower curb weight and added standard equipment over the 2013 model. When looking at the prices of rivals in its class, the new X5 is still more expensive. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class starts at $48,175, the Acura MDX starts at $43,185 and the Porsche Cayenne starts at $50,575, all including destination.

(BMW of North America)

For 2014, the 35i models are powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This engine carries over unchanged from 2013. The 35d features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine that makes 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, which is a loss of 10 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque over the 2013 model. The 50i has a 4.4-liter V8 rated at 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 45 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque over the 2013 model’s V8 option. All X5 models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA has yet to publish fuel economy information for the 2014 X5, but for reference, the 2013 xDrive35i is rated at 16/23 mpg city/highway, the diesel xDrive35d at 19/26 mpg and the xDrive50i at 14/20 mpg.
BMW says the 2014 X5 comes with more standard equipment, including an engine start-stop feature, iDrive navigation with a touchpad and a 10.2-inch display and a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seat. A two-passenger third-row seat is optional. BMW offers a few trim lines for each model that add features and equipment to the X5. These trims include the Luxury Line, xLine and M Sport.
To Car and Driver, the new X5 appears “a little chunkier” than the 2013 model, but points out that BMW claims to have reduced the new model’s curb weight by about 170 to 230 pounds.
The gas-powered 35i and 50i models will hit showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, while the diesel model will arrive in early 2014.

Read more »

BMW, General Motors and Toyota Issue Recalls

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

BMW is recalling 42,080 3-Series models for a potential issue with the front airbag on the passenger side. The recall affects 2002-03 3-Series convertibles, coupes, sedans and wagons, as well as M3 coupes and convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the airbag “may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the airbag.” In the event of a collision, metal fragments from the inflator could strike vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of serious injury.
BMW will notify owners of affected 3-Series vehicles in May, though replacement parts aren’t expected to be available until July. When parts are available, BMW will follow up with owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag at no charge. If you think your 3-Series is affected, you can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Photo courtesy of General Motors

A faulty hybrid charging system has prompted General Motors to recall a total of 42,904 vehicles. NHTSA says that the Generator Control Module (GCM) in 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco sedans may malfunction, which “could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.” If the condition is ignored, the vehicle could stall, fail to start or a fire could occur in the vehicle’s trunk.
GM will contact owners of affected vehicles, who can have the GCM tested and replaced (if necessary) by dealers at no charge. If you have questions about the recall, you can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 and mention recall campaign number 13136.

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Auxiliary driving lights that don’t comply with government safety standards have prompted Toyota to recall 11,489 FJ Cruiser SUVs from 2007-13 model years. NHTSA says that when the driving lights are used in conjunction with the headlights, the FJ Cruiser surpasses “the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp.” As a consequence, the driving lights may cause too much glare for approaching traffic, which could increase the chance of a collision.
Toyota will start contacting FJ Cruiser owners in late May, and dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the 55-watt driving lamp bulbs with 35-watt bulbs at no charge. If you own an FJ Cruiser, you can contact Toyota directly at 1-800-331-4331

Read more »

i3 Prototype Showcases BMW's Future

BMW i3 Concept Coupe. Photo courtesy of BMW.

Last year, the BMW i3 Concept Coupe was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. BMW i is a new subdivision of BMW that will introduce electric and hybrid-electric vehicles to the automaker’s lineup. BMW released a statement last December confirming that production of the electric i3 will start by the end of 2013. Elaborating on the release date, Car and Driver reports that the i3 will hit U.S. dealers in early 2014.
Some sources have detailed a couple ways that BMW will combat range anxiety with its new electric vehicle. Edmunds reports that a fully charged battery will give the 2014 BMW i3 a range of about 80 to 100 miles. An optional gasoline engine is available to extend the i3’s driving range by another 80 to 100 miles. BMW of North America CEO Ludwig Willisch spoke with Edmunds at the 2013 New York Auto Show, and said that the gas engine "is an auxiliary generator than can charge the battery if it has been discharged to such a level that you won't make it home."

BMW i3 Concept Coupe. Photo courtesy of BMW.

BMW also plans to ease concerns about range anxiety by offering gas-powered loaner vehicles to i3 owners for longer trips. WardsAuto reports that the loaner program will be integrated into the i3’s price, which should start in the mid-$40,000 range.
When it arrives next year, the BMW i3 will compete with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles like the 2013 Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf. The Focus Electric starts at $39,200 and has an EPA-estimated range of 76 miles, while the Leaf starts at $28,800. Nissan estimates that the 2013 Leaf can travel about 75 miles on a fully charged battery. The i3 will also compete with plug-in hybrids such as the Toyota Prius Plug-In, which starts at $32,000 and Chevrolet Volt, which starts at $39,145.

Read more »