For decades, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been competing for dominance in the luxury car market. In 2011, BMW took the top honors beating its German rival by just 2,715 vehicles sold. The race is even closer now, at least for the end of the first quarter of 2012, with BMW selling a mere 36 more cars than Mercedes.

In the month of March, BMW saw an increase of 18 percent in sales thanks to its new 3-Series model. Mercedes-Benz had sold 770 more cars than BMW heading into March, so it was a hotly contested sales race. It’s worth noting that the sales figures do not include Daimler’s Sprinter vans and Smart cars, or BMW’s MINI models since those aren’t considered luxury vehicles.

Mercedes also has its newly-redesigned GLK SUV heading to showrooms later this year while BMW will continue to push its new 3-Series model.

U.S. sales of BMW hit 23,940 last month while Mercedes increased 7.7 percent to 23,134. Lexus, who used to hold the top spot in the luxury segment for years fell 2.6 percent to 20,140.

[Source: Automotive News]

BMW clearly has a bit of an open air theme at this year’s New York Auto Show. Call it spring fever (the buds are already blooming in Manhattan as I write), or call it simply a more relaxed approach, it’s definitely about going topless.

Besides recently announcing the i8 Spyder, the Munich based automaker has just unveiled a drop top version of the M6, (shown in coupe form in Geneva last month). In terms of specs, the roofless version essentially mirrors its tin top counterpart.

It’s got the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood, cranking out 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, it’s got the 7-speed dual clutch transmission with Drive Logic and an active rear differential that can automatically adjust from fully open to fully locked, enabling the back tires to provide the maximum amount of traction depending on the road conditions.

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One of our favorite sports coupes is undoubtedly the BMW 1M. When we tested one last year, we loved pretty much everything about it.

We also knew its life on the production line would be very short. Now, after just one year of production, BMW has stopped taking orders of this ultra special 1-series. The factory will now just fulfill the orders already placed, and it plans to have all of those ready by this summer.

So if you have one, cherish it and look after it; because rare cars that drive well will always have an enthusiast following and will command big money in years to come.

Considering BMW’s next small car will be called a 2-series, this might go down in history as the only M-car based on a 1-series, and is every bit as special as the original M1 supercar of 1978.

However, every cloud has a silver lining. The fabulous 3.0-liter, twin-power, straight-six cylinder engine that produces 335-hp, lives on in the Z4 sDrive35is.

So if you’ve been wanting a new 1M, either start looking around to see if any dealer still has one lying around, or buy a used one before prices start climbing up. We will miss this little rocket ship, and we hope the next small M-car can live up to the standards set by this car.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Shortly after images of the BMW 2013 X1 crossover leaked onto the internet today, the automaker released official pricing details.

Ahead of the New York Auto Show, we can now report three price points for the 2013 X1. Set to arrive in U.S. dealer lots this Fall, pricing will start at $31,545 for the rear-wheel sDrive28i model with a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine. Tack on an extra $1,700 for the xDrive28i which offers BMW’s all-wheel drive system.

For the hotter, 300-horsepower all-wheel drive xDrive35i, customers can expect to pay a starting $39,345 MSRP. All three prices include the $895 handling and destination fee.

As we reported earlier today, the 2013 X1 doesn’t look terribly different over the 2012 model it replaces, but there are some subtle styling updates. Recessed fog lamps, silver accents around the lower front fascia and undertray with repositioned reflectors and LED-based headlights are among the updates.

The interior remains largely unchanged, though the cockpit equipment is not slightly more angled toward the driver.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW X1

Scheduled to go on sale in September and to debut on Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, the 2013 BMW X1 is the latest car to be leaked ahead of the show.

Changes to the 2013 X1 will be relatively minor, but include new recessed fog lamps, a silver paint-accented front bumper and slightly redesigned headlights. New silver side sills and redesigned taillights, complete the exterior facelift along with new paint colors.

The interior is only a little different from its predecessor with a slightly revised lower center console and dash trim, though the rest looks essentially the same as the 2012 model.

Expect the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four cylinder to power the U.S. model, making 242 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Watch for more details on the 2013 BMW X1 this Wednesday during out live coverage in New York.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW X1 leaked

Over the weekend BMW unveiled their i8 Spyder Concept. Today we have an additional video, showing the drop-top concept in action. 

For those not in the know, the i8 is BMW’s most advanced car yet. It features a 170-hp electric motor which powers the front wheels. Powering the rear wheels is a 1.5 liter, three cylinder engine which produces 223 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

With numbers like that, the i8 manages a 0-60 time in about 4.9 seconds, thanks to the cars relatively light weight. It’s also very quiet, something you can witness for yourself in the video.

With the car’s fuel-economic credentials, the i8 has an all electric range of 20 miles, before the three-cylinder range extender kicks in, which will apparently achieve something close to 78.5 mpg.

Check out the concept in action in the video below.

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The i8 plug-in hybrid is the product of BMW‘s best engineering and innovation in an effort to create the most advanced automobile to ever come from the Bavarian automaker.

Motivated by a 170-hp electric motor driving the front wheels and a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 223-hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear, the performance figures don’t sound exactly supercar territory. However, thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, BMW managed to keep its i8 down to a thin 3,197 lbs., good enough to earn respectable performance numbers like a 0-to-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds. A unique all-wheel drive system, which can change into an all-front or all-rear powered car in an instant, should provide the i8 with superior all-condition handling performance as well. What’s more, on a full charge, the BMW i8 can travel 20 miles in full electric mode.

But BMW isn’t going to stop there. In an effort to make the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car even more appealing, a convertible “Spyder” version is also in the works, with a selection of photos having been released ahead of the cars debut at the New York Auto Show next week. Could this be the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric convertible to go into production?

GALLERY: BMW i8 Spyder

While BMW is out testing its new, next-generation M3, automotive enthusiasts are speculating what will come underneath the hood when it’s finally released as a 2014 model year vehicle.

Initially it was believed that the 2014 M3 would see a tri-turbo, straight-six engine, but now a BMW insider is claiming that a 3.0L, twin-turbo V6 is in the works. In a way it makes sense, considering BMW is outfitting its M5 and M6 models with 4.4L, twin-turbo V8 engine.

Either way, one thing is for sure: the next-generation M3 won’t be seeing a naturally aspirated powerplant which it has had for the past 26 years. Natural improvements on the next-generation M3 include lighter weight components, helping it shave a few more pounds, and a possibility of electric power steering. Transmission options should remain six-speed manual with an updated seven-speed dual-clutch option.

Rumor has it that for the first time, the new BMW M3 sedan will surface first with the coupe following afterwards.

[Source: Inside Line]

The popular Xbox racing simulator Forza Motorsport 4 has had monthly add-ons ever since it came out in October 2011. For April though they’ve released another car-pack featuring 10 very different and very interesting cars to play with.

The Aplinestars Pack features a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, fully decked out in racing livery. Gamers should be happy to note that 9 other interesting vehicles are included in the pack. For 560 Microsoft Points (about $7) you’ll get access to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz #35 Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3, 2011 Aston Martin #009 Aston Martin Racing AMR One, 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, 1995 BMW M5, 2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, 2012 Scion tC and 1997 Volvo 850 R.

Turn10 studio, the company behind Forza Motorsport 4 has provided a cool trailer for the upcoming add-on, which will be available April 3. Check it out below.

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From the Porsche European Delivery Program to the Master Italian Lifestyle Maserati Driving Experience, European automakers go the extra mile to make customers feel special.

BMW enjoys sharing its enthusiasm for automobiles also but best of all, you don’t even have to own a Bimmer to experience its passion.

Its headquarters feature a unique principal visitors center called “BMW Welt” (German for “world”), a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility that has attracted 2 million visitors annually since opening in 2007. As the term “multi-functional” suggests, BMW Welt is made up of the BMW Museum as well as the BMW Munich Plant, effectively bridging the company, the brand and its products to visitors fans. In fact, the company believes that BMW Welt effectively allows people to experience the company’s past, present and future as a whole.

Inside, BMW Welt is an event center equipped with state-of the-art technology for concerts, conferences, broadcasts, more. BMW’s Junior Campus allows the younger guests to explore the automotive world creatively. It’s also a delivery area where more than 100 customers receive their cars each day.

Located beside the BMW Group Headquarters, the concept behind the museum is arranged in linear fashion as 120 exhibits through 25 exhibition areas snake across the complex, guiding visitors through more than 90 years of brand history. Among those exhibits there are historic cars, motorcycles, racing and aircraft engines and hints at future designs.

The BMW Munich Plant is the original plant of the Bavarian automaker. Building thousands of vehicles a day thanks to a workforce of approximately 9,000 people, the BMW Welt experience provides visitors with insight thanks to a “window into the world of BMW production.” Individual tours are available as well.

Car enthusiasts who are planning on taking a trip to Europe in the near future may visit the BMW Welt website to learn more.

GALLERY: BMW Welt

After announcing an initial green car partnership at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, BMW and Toyota have now signed a collaborative research agreement to develop the next-generation of lithium-ion battery cells.

The plan by both automakers is to focus on improving the performance and capacity of lithium-ion battery cells, using new materials for cathodes, anodes and electrolytes. With Toyota’s long-standing focus on hybrids and BMW’s push into the green car game with its “i” brand of alternative powertrain vehicles, the fruits of this project are expected to trickle down into a new generation of models by both automakers. In particular, Toyota announced at this year’s Detroit Auto Show that its new NS4 Concept (above) would feature a next-generation hybrid powertrain.

In addition to this recent development, BMW Group has agreed to supply 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe for use in small cars starting in 2014.

It’s too bad that even though David Beckham could make enough money to purchase a fine collection of luxury and sports cars, he could never find the time to enjoy them.

Feeling a bit disappointed that his collection sits around in the UK collecting dust, Beckham’s loss can be someone’s gain as the 36 year old star soccer player (or is it football?) for the LA Galaxy has decided to sell his two Bentleys, a BMW 645i Convertible, a Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lamborghini Gallardo. Beckham may also sell his three Harley Davidson motorcycles.

“David’s collection is amazing and each of these vehicles is worth a fortune,” says a friend of David Beckham. “They are hardly used and are kept in prize condition — but David sees little point in them just mothballing in the UK and it’s not practical to ship them to America.”

Beckham’s pal adds, “Their value easily exceeds half a million but their real worth will be the association with Becks.”

David Beckham has sold several cars in the past including a BMW M3 that he bought in 1997 for 44,000 pounds. Beckham sold his BMW M3 in 2005 for £90,000.

GALLERY: David Beckham’s Cars

[Source: The Sun]

The all-new BMW M6 convertible is one gorgeous machine and is now scheduled to make its first in-flesh appearance at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

While we’ve seen photos of the new M6 convertible floating around the Internet, this will be the first time the vehicle has made a physical appearance. The company decided to debut the car on American soil, where convertible models tend to be more popular.

Powering the M6 convertible will be the same engine in its coupe counterpart, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The same powerplant is also seen in the M5 sedan. Mated to a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission, the M6 convertible will undoubtedly be one of the sportiest drop-tops to hit the market.

Read our full coverage of the 2012 New York Auto Show here.

BMW is issuing a recall for all 5 and 6 Series models that were built between 2003 and 2010, approximately 1.3 million vehicles worldwide. 

The issue is a battery cable cover located in the trunk which may be incorrectly mounted. This can result in an electrical system malfunction, which may lead to charring and possibly fire.

BMW says that there have been no accidents or injuries reported to date, due to this problem.

Still, the automaker is issuing written notice to all owners as soon as possible. The company claims that the repair will take 30 minutes at any authorized BMW dealership or mechanic and will be free of charge to the customer.

Update: The recall affects 367,000 vehicles in the U.S. and 290,000 in Germany, according to BMW.

BMW has finally made it official: the redesigned X1 Sport Activity Vehicle will be in U.S. showrooms by summer 2012. The redesigned X1 will make its American debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

The X1 has been long awaited to make its American debut since the German automaker announced its delay, due to high demand in the European market. Confirmed is the new TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine powering the BMW X1 with 245-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. We are still hoping that BMW will bring its X1 M35i xDrive to America.

Along with the X1 making its world debut at the New York Auto Show, will be the new M6 convertible. New York will also play host to the American debuts of the updated X6 M and 640i Gran Coupe.

The third generation M6 is powered by a new M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with 560-hp with a seven-speed M-DCT transmission. The 6 Series Gran Coupe will also arrive early this summer to American dealerships.

GALLERY: BMW X1 xDrive28i

The 2013 BMW M5 will compete in this year’s One Lap of America, driving 3,300 miles in the eight day event while competing in several motorsports events.

The M5 will compete in the Luxury Sedan class for top honors in the new “Showroom Stock” class. It’s the perfect event for the German automaker to show off just how perfect its new M5 sedan is in terms of performance, drivability, and all-around functionality. Piloting the 2013 M5 starting on May 4th, 2012 will be instructors from the BMW Performance Center, that is home to BMW’s Performance Driving School.

The new-generation M5 features a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 powerplant with 552-hp and 502 lb-ft of torque mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission. It should be one of the strongest contenders in the Luxury Sedan class, even without a single modification and stock tires. It was already unofficially crowned the World’s Fastest Sedan with a 7:55 Nurburgring lap time.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW M5

The BMW i8 is looking closer and closer to production form and now we have some more detailed specifications on the German automaker’s upcoming electric supercar.

The plug-in hybrid will reportedly weigh in at 3,197 lbs with a 2+2 seating configuration and pop-up door design. Powering the i8 will be a 170-hp electric motor driving the front wheels, while a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder powers the rear wheels with 223-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Despite earlier rumors that a non-hybrid, M-variant of the i8 would be in production, ideas of a V8- or V10-powered i8 has been tossed out the window. That’s no real surprise as BMW really wishes to push the future of its technology with their i-model lineup.

And speaking of that technology, the new i8 can be front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive thanks to a clever black box. Fully charged, the BMW i8 can cover 20 miles in full-electric mode. 0-62 mph is in a mere 4.9 seconds when all 393-hp and 406 lb-ft of torque is in effect. The i8 will feature a four-speed transmission and in the European driving cycle it’s reporting 104.2-mpg.

As with most plug-in hybrids, recharge time depends on which voltage you are able to get. Standard charging time will be around six hours with high voltage allowing it to be done in less than an hour.

The German automaker anticipates the i8 to sell around 10,000 units a year and pricing will be over $130,000 (€100,000).

The production model of the BMW i8 is scheduled to make its official debut in 2014.

GALLERY: BMW i8 Spy Shots

[Source: CAR Magazine]

BMW unveiled its specially decorated 3- and 5-series cars bound for the 2012 London Summer Olympics today. 

More than 40 examples of the specially dressed fleet cars have already been delivered to the Olympic Park where they will serve to ferry people during the competition. The fleet will eventually consist of a wide variety of BMW vehicles including diesels, hybrids motorcycles, electric cars and even bicycles. Those already delivered include the 520d EfficientDynamics and the 320d EfficientDynamics sedans.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) outlined emissions parameters for the Game’s event, which was a challenge BMW met with its variety of vehicles.

BMW has issued out a statement that its 2012 328i automatic now has a rated highway fuel rating of 33-mpg as opposed to the originally announced 36-mpg.

The EPA reserves the right to validate the fuel economy figures that automakers submit through their own testing and reporting. Most of the time, the discrepancy is negligible – maybe a 1-mpg difference – but this time the EPA fuel economy figures has the new 3-Series automatic at 3-mpg (highway) less than BMW’s reported figures. City mileage also drops one tick to 23 mpg.

Of course this comes as a shock to BMW (surprise, surprise) and the German automaker is currently working to determine how it was possible. Unfortunately for them, the EPA doesn’t allow for re-testing this year, so BMW has done their due diligence in updating all of its 2012 3-Series automatic information to reflect the 33-mpg highway rating.

Even though it’s quite the hit to its numbers, the BMW 3-Series’ 33-mpg highway rating still bests all its rivals within the segment.

Those who opt for the six-speed manual will see fuel economy unchanged at 23/34.

After an announced delay the BMW X1 will arrive in the U.S. shortly, making its debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Complete details are scarce, but it appears that the X1 xDrive28i will make its way to Stateside sporting BMW’s new TwinPower Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 245-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The X1 has been a hot seller out in Europe, which was the reason for its initial delay over to America. The German automaker wanted to ensure that its supply would match demand before bringing the X1 over to another market.

If all goes well, the X1 xDrive28i could pave the way to our first M Performance Automobile here in America, in the form of the X1 M35i xDrive.

GALLERY: BMW X1 xDrive28i

Weighing one model against another can be a hassle for people mulling over a new car purchase. As if it wasn’t difficult enough, those shopping for luxury cars also have to weigh the incentives being offered.

“What we see with the beginning of the fourth quarter is that the pressure on the pricing front has increased. When it will end is, at the moment, not clear,” BMW CFO Friedrich Eichiner said in reference to the array of incentives luxury car makers are offering customers. The list of enticements, sweet as they may be, can be a little overwhelming.

Audi for example, is offering current owners a $3,000 loyalty incentive or will extend a $2,500 discount to anyone trading in a luxury car towards a 2012 A8. Mercedes-Benz is offering an extra $2,000 discount on buying a 2012 E-Class if you’re already financing or leasing another Mercedes through its financing division. Fina;;y, BMW is offering a $1,000 rebate on a 2012 BMW M3 coupe or convertible, or a $2,500 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive on a 2011 335i or 328i. It’s worth mentioning that the $2,500 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive might not even come up if you don’t ask the dealer.

It isn’t just the German automakers jumping into the discount battle, Infiniti and Lexus are both offering incentives. Current Jaguar or Land Rover owners can also save up to $5,500 in total rebates on a 2011 Range Rover. Both Cadillac and Lincoln are offering rebates and discounts, with Cadillac offering a ridiculous $7,000 in manufacturer-to-dealer rebates on any left over 2011 DTS models.

[Source: Left Lane News]

The original BMW 7-series made its debut in 1977 and has since been the top luxury model in the Bavarian company’s fleet.

The fifth-generation model, internally known as the F01 came out in 2009 and much to everyone’s delight, was a lot more pleasing to the eye than the outgoing E65 model.

However, just because something looks good, doesn’t mean the company should just leave it alone and not bother updating it; and BMW knows that all to well. So rumor has it that BMW will be launching an updated version of the 7-series later this year as a 2013 model.

BMW is staying tight lipped about any styling and mechanical upgrades at the moment, but expect a nip and tuck on its exterior, while under the skin it will benefit from all the newest engines and gearboxes the company has to offer.

Rumors also suggest that the ActiveHybrid 7 will be tuned to be more efficient, rather than be a greener and faster version like the current model. If BMW adopts a version of the ActiveHybrid 5, that’ll mean the big Beemer will swap its V8-hybrid powertrain in favor of a six-cylinder hybrid engine to further improve its fuel economy.

Along with the hybrid version, expect the revisions to be carried out on the rest of the range, which include the 740i, 750i and 760i. The new Alpina version, called the B7 will also likely be launched next year, based on the new, improved model.

Exact information is scarce, but expect BMW to drop some more details on the new 7-series at an upcoming motor show.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Not that it seems like something most people would dream of spontaneously, but if the idea of tossing the engine from a Toyota Supra into an E30 BMW tickles you, this video is up your alley.

There isn’t a lot more to say about it — 535 horsepower to the rear wheels in a small car like that means a lot of noise and tire rubber spread over parkinglot pavement like peanut butter.

The almost-three-minute video features the one car floating around cones while snarling in what some YouTube viewers said sounded like an AK-47 or helicopter.

Watch below and decide for yourself.

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In the latest update of what has already been a two-year class action lawsuit against BMW, the law office carrying out the suit is insisting that victory is not enough. 

The dispute, which centered around faulty high-pressure fuel pumps and waste gates in an estimated 200,000 BMWs with twin turbos, came to an unsuccessful settlement.  BMW offered to pay between $50 and $400 or to offer up to $800 in BMW vouchers to each customer and to fix the defect free of charge, a paltry sum that failed to satisfy the Law Offices of Hovanes Margarian, which said the offer asks class members to waive their legal rights without being properly informed.

Instead Margarian is insisting on increasing the penalty paid out by BMW to $1.14 billion, a $72 million increase. The firm is also insisting that the case be reviewed and sub-divided so that affected parties in states with lemon laws call for significant if not total remuneration may enjoy the benefits those laws entail, as well as class members who qualify for larger compensation and those who qualify for smaller awards.

The objection to BMW’s offer is scheduled for March 16.

Click back to AutoGuide for ongoing coverage.