Archive for December 29, 2011

| December 29, 2011
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BMW Online Adds Yelp to ConnectedDrive

BMW has announced that BMW Online users in the US can now access Yelp in their vehicles. Customers can now search for local restaurants, parking garages, businesses, and more.

Customers can also see ratings for these businesses, along with hearing reviews read aloud through BMW’s text-to-speech feature.

Yelp is the first app that has been added to BMW Online that customers can access from their BMW vehicle. BMW Online is available to Convenience Plan subscribers on BMW Assist with on-board Navigation system on the following models:

  • 2009 and later Z4, 1, 3, and 7 Series
  • 2010 and later 5 and 6 Series
  • 2010 and later X5 and X6
  • 2011 and later X3
Category: BMW Information, BMW Technology | Tags: , , ,
| December 20, 2011
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IIHS Names BMW X3 Top Safety Pick

The BMW X3 has been rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2012.

In order to earn Top Safety Pick status, a vehicle must earn the Institute’s highest rating in all tests including frontal off-set crash, side impact, rear impact and roof crush. A vehicle must also come standard with electronic stability control.

The 2012 BMW X3 comes with front, side and head protection airbags and knee-protection airbags. Along with responsive handling, Dynamic Stability Control, and xDrive, the available head-up display enhances the driving experience in the X3.

Also available on the BMW X3 is BMW AssistTM which comes with the industry’s first enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system. An assessment of potential severe injury can be transmitted to the BMW Assist emergency call center in the event of a severe crash. 

Category: BMW X3 | Tags: , , , ,
| December 13, 2011
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BMW 3 Series Wins Car and Driver’s 10Best Award

The BMW 3 Series has been named to Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best Cars list for 2012. This marks the unprecedented 21st consecutive year that the BMW 3 Series has been named to the automotive magazine’s list.

This list, which has come out annually since 1983, is based on the best performing vehicles available for the year that are priced below $80,000.

The BMW 3 Series was first introduced in the United States in 1977 and is entering its sixth generation. The 2012 3 Series is available as a coupe, convertible, and sport wagon and also has two- and all-wheel drive variants.

Other BMW vehicles that have appeared on the 10Best List include the 5 Series and Z3 models.

In February 2012, the sixth generation of BMW 3 Series Sedan will launch the new BMW 328i and 335i Sedans which will feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start/Stop technology that will make the vehicle more efficient. 

Category: 2012 BMW 3 Series, BMW Awards | Tags: , , , , ,
| December 8, 2011
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BMW to Partner with Toyota

It has been announced that BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp. will form a partnership in which the two automakers will conduct battery research for next generation green cars. The two groups will also exchange technologies with each other.

BMW and Toyota will work to develop a more powerful lithium-ion battery. They will also work together to discuss possible environmental-technology projects.

Toyota will receive diesel engines from BMW as a part of this agreement. BMW diesel engines are highly regarded as leaders in the automotive industry and they will help fill a void for Toyota.

In return, BMW will receive access to Toyota’s hybrid engines, which are considered the best hybrid engines in the industry.

This agreement could transform the green car market in the coming years, making hybrids and diesels more efficient and desirable.

Category: BMW Information | Tags: , , , ,