World Debut for Unrestricted Use of the Internet BMW ConnectedDrive Brings the World Wide Web to the Car Display in a BMW

Munich. Sheer driving pleasure and the joy of surfing. BMW combines the thrill of mobility and unrestricted use of the internet. As the world’s first car maker, BMW allows unrestricted access to the World Wide Web in the car’s display.

Offering this outstanding innovation, BMW ConnectedDrive gives the driver and his passengers the option to surf the internet while travelling, calling up any random internet site either by entering the URL address through the iDrive control system or via a personalised list of favourites, and then presenting the website on the central display in the instrument panel.

This system developed in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive is the consistent enhancement of the intelligent network connecting the driver, the car and their surroundings. Following the highly beneficial features already offered by BMW Online and the option presented in summer 2007 to use the Google online search machine and its various categories in the car, BMW ConnectedDrive now for the first time offers genuine internet in a BMW

As in the case of BMW Online with direct access to Google, BMW is now once again taking on the leading role in providing online services in the car. Again, therefore, the world’s largest manufacturer of premium automobiles is proving its competence in the area of vehicle electronics.

As a special offer by BMW ConnectedDrive, internet surfing in the car will be available as an optional extra in BMW’s production models straight from the factory in the course of 2008. The version presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show is a prototype very close to series production

Also when using the internet: maximum convenience thanks to BMW iDrive

BMW ConnectedDrive brings the complete World Wide Web into the car on the display, offering more functions all in one go than the driver will usually enjoy on the internet in his office or on his PC at home. This is made possible by the unique BMW iDrive control system activating and masterminding all telecommunication, entertainment, navigation and air conditioning functions via the Controller on the centre console and the centre display in the dashboard.

In using the internet, the BMW iDrive Controller acts in the same way as a conventional computer mouse: Moving the Controller in various directions, the user is able to move the mouse on the internet site shown in the display. Then, pressing the Controller, the user clicks the mouse on the PC to select links or specific items in the menu. By turning the Controller, finally, the user scrolls up and down to the appropriate internet site.

The display presents internet sites in high resolution, an additional function serving to enlarge specific sections on the display by a factor of 1.5 or 2.

The presentation of internet sites on the display is only possible for safety reasons with the car at a standstill. As with the configuration of TV and/or DVD functions available as an option on cars with BMW iDrive, the internet site disappears as soon as the vehicle exceeds a speed of 5 km/h. But on models equipped with an optional DVD system in the rear, the internet function might also be added, allowing passengers on the rear seats to surf the net also when driving at higher speeds above 5 km/h.

High-resolution presentation, fast data transfer

Apart from high-resolution presentation of web contents on the display, fast transfer of data is also guaranteed, with data transfer based on EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which, unlike third-generation telephony, is already available on a broad scale and is three to four times faster than GPRS mobile connections.

A special BMW server quickly transfers internet sites into the car and ensures optimum presentation on the display. It also optimises flash animations and other so-called applets with extremely high data volume, which might otherwise slow down the fast transmission rate required. In this way, therefore, BMW ConnectedDrive ensures improved data transfer for comfortable surfing within the car.

A further option is to receive and send e-mails straight from the car, with additional applications such as online banking also being conceivable in full in future.

Using the existing BMW Online portal in the internet, BMW is already the first car maker to offer, through BMW ConnectedDrive, the option to transmit navigation destinations generated by Google Maps into the car from any PC. Then the address data may be used directly in the car as navigation and telephone dial destinations. In the near future, therefore, the BMW Online portal in the internet will allow the configuration of web addresses shown in the car as favourites on the car’s internet starting page.

Over and above the activation of links on the internet sites shown in the display and the choice of web addresses as favourites, BMW also allows the direct selection of new contents simply by entering a URL. To do this, all the user has to do is enter the URL in the browser’s address field, also using other entry fields on internet sites. The entries are made via a selection of letters which, in their function, correspond to the entry of addresses in BMW navigation systems, with convenience and ease of operation being optimised once again.

Whenever the car is used by several drivers one after the other, personalised starting pages may be installed without problems. In that case each driver is able to retrieve the starting page he requires by making his personal registration in the system.

Surfing the internet in the car’s display will be available before the end of this year as a new offer from BMW ConnectedDrive installed directly at the factory and provided together with an unlimited data flatrate.

Labels: BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW World Wide Web, Internet

The new BMW 1 Series Convertible
At its launch in 2004 the new BMW 1 Series five-door hatchback was unique. It was the only rear-wheel-drive car in the compact segment of the modern era. Its focus? Uncompromised driving dynamics that remain unsurpassed for a brand new customer. The range has since expanded to include a three-door hatchback and a two-door Coupé. On 5 April 2008, the 1 Series family will be completed with the launch of the first premium compact convertible by BMW for three decades.

The BMW 1 Series range is also the perfect showcase for BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology and the new convertible continues that theme. Blending BMW’s renowned driving dynamics and performance with class-leading economy and emissions, the BMW 1 Series Convertible delivers driver enjoyment and low running costs in equal measure.

The range is initially available as BMW 120i and 125i Convertible models, but will be joined a few weeks later by three other engine derivatives, the 118i, 120d and 135i. Two Hams Hall derived four-cylinder powerplants (118i and 120i) offer an affordable way into BMW 1 Series Convertible ownership, while the 120d four-cylinder diesel engine is the most economical in the range. Two six-cylinder engines, powering the 125i and 135i, balance performance and refinement to offer the best in open-air driving dynamics. The 218hp engine in the 125i Convertible is a first for the 1 Series model range. The 306hp engine in the 135i is the current International Engine of the Year holder and powers the range flagship.

BMW’s smallest four-seat convertible might be compact in dimensions, but it features the same technology as some of the marque’s larger luxury models. One such key feature of the 1 Series Convertible is that all leather-upholstered cars come as standard with BMW’s innovative SunReflective leather technology. This helps keep the surface temperature of the upholstery on a hot day up to 20 degrees centigrade lower than a normally upholstered leather seat. The BMW 1 Series is also ahead of the competition as, unlike some competitors, it has a completely electric-powered roof that can be raised or lowered at speeds in excess of 30mph.

Key Facts

* BMW’s first compact executive convertible model for more than 30 years.

* Range flagship powered by world’s most powerful production six-cylinder engine and current International Engine of the Year.

* New 218hp six-cylinder engine debuts in 1 Series range.

* Four-cylinder diesel offering more than 55mpg and just 134g/km.

* Best in segment for acceleration and economy.

* Class-leading residual values.

* Full-electric fabric soft-top that can be opened or closed up to 31mph.

* SunReflective leather technology debuts on 1 Series.

Labels: BMW 1 Series, BMW 1 Series Convertible, BMW Convertible

Five millionth 5th generation 5 Series produced
The five millionth 5 Series has rolled off the production line at Dingolfing, Germany. The 530d Saloon in Carbon Black marks a significant milestone in the story of a BMW Series that first started life as a concept car in 1972.

The first production car was a four-cylinder E12 520 Saloon with 115hp that was produced at a brand new Dingolfing manufacturing plant. By the time the successful model was replaced in 1981 nearly 700,000 first generation vehicles had been produced. Subsequent versions of the 5 Series were equally popular – in the UK the 5 Series has won its class in the prestigious annual What Car? awards in 12 of the past 14 years. It remains the only car ever to receive a What Car? Lifetime Achievement Award.

More than one million of the current E60/61 5 Series have been sold so far. In contrast to the first generation 5 Series, the latest 520d with its EfficientDynamics technologies delivers 54 per cent more power and achieves a combined fuel consumption figure of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 136g/km.

Labels: BMW 5 Series, CO2 Emissions, Dingolfing, Germany

$750 million investment in Spartanburg announced
BMW will invest an additional $750 million in its Spartanburg plant in a move that will lead to the creation of 500 new jobs and a 50 per cent increase in production capacity. A three-year construction project at the South Carolina-situated facility will see a new 1.2 million square foot assembly facility built north of the current plant to accommodate the production of the next generation BMW X3 model. In addition, the existing Paint Shop will be expanded by 80 per cent and the Body Shops renovated.

After the work is complete, the Spartanburg plant will produce all BMW X3, X5 and X6 models, and production capacity will have increased from 160,000 units to 240,000 units annually.

Frank Peter Arndt, BMW Board Member for Production, said: “Centralising our know-how for BMW X models in Spartanburg will enable us to work more efficiently, thus supporting our long-range corporate strategy. In addition, it was a logical step for the BMW Group, as a global player, to increase production capacity in its largest market.”

Labels: BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW X6, Spartanburg

BMW becomes biggest seller of premium four-wheel-drive vehicles in Europe
BMW is now the leading manufacturer of four-wheel-drive vehicles in Europe in the premium car segment. In 2007 BMW sold 320,900 vehicles with its innovative xDrive system – 4,500 vehicles more than the second best premium manufacturer.

In the UK, BMW sold 4,888 X3s and 7,202 X5 models, which together represent 10 per cent of total sales. The launch of the BMW X6 on 31 May will cement BMW’s market-leading position

Labels: BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW X6, Four Wheel Drive

Further environmental awards for budget-busting BMWs
BMW has been honoured again for its widespread introduction of EfficientDynamics technologies that increase engine output, reduce emissions and improve fuel consumption. BMW Group was presented with the Environmental Award by staff at renowned industry publication Fleet News.

Fleet News also presented awards to the BMW Group for offering the Best Small Car (MINI), Best Small Premium Car (1 Series) and the Best Large Premium Car (3 Series). The BMW 5 Series and the BMW X5 won the respective categories of Best Executive Car and Best Sports Utility Vehicle to crown a successful awards ceremony for the company.

The announcement comes swiftly after BMW received recognition for EfficientDynamics by winning similar ‘green’ awards in the UK and abroad. What Car? and CAR magazine ‘Green Awards’ were presented in the UK, and a host of other European publications and organisations, including the coveted Auto 1 Innovation Award presented during the Geneva Motor Show last week, have also been bestowed on BMW.

Chris Brownridge, Corporate Operations Manager at BMW UK, said: “The Fleet News Awards are a great reward for the lead BMW Group is taking in its environmental programme. EfficientDynamics technologies are standard across the majority of the range and, with improved performance and cleaner driving, supports both retail and corporate customers.

“2008 has seen a strong start for corporate sales with more than 5,500 orders placed through our new Directs Sales Network. EfficientDynamics is a key driver in the direct sales success.”

News of the honours comes as nearly half of new BMW buyers are set to benefit from the recent tax changes announced by the Government in its Budget for 2008. Following a nominal increase in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for 2008-09, buyers of the 22 BMW models that all record sub-140g/km figures will pay less VED in 2009-10. The new VED rate tiers combined with the low level of CO2 output of EfficientDynamics-equipped models means approximately 44 per cent* of future BMW owners in the UK will be financially better off.

*Note: Figure based on all sub-140g/km BMW models sold in the UK as a proportion of total 2007 sales.

Labels: BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X5, Car Magazine, EfficientDynamics, Environmental Awards, What Car?