Following the success of our BMW Z4 launch last month, our Guildford dealership is organising another unmissable event for all Z car owners.

The event, which is being held on Sunday 26 July, is open to anyone with a Z car, including the Z1, Z3, Z4, and Z8.

Starting the day at Vines of Guildford BMW, owners and their Z cars will set of in convoy to Wickham, exploring the back roads of Surrey and Hampshire on the way. The first stop on the Z cars convoy is the award-winning Wickham Vineyard, set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside and nationwide supplier of fine wines.

Here, Z car owners will experience the culinary delights of the Vatika Restaurant, run by Michelin star and celebrity chef, Atul Kochhar. Revered for his masterful use of spicing and renowned for creating modern Indian dishes with British influence, drivers can kick back and enjoy three courses of delectable dishes in magnificent el fresco dining.

A tour through the award-winning Wickham Vineyard after lunch will re-awaken the senses as Z car owners are treated to a group tour of the internationally recognised vineyard which is harvested, pruned and maintained all year round.

Before returning to the Vines BMW showroom there will be time to appreciate the tranquillity and scenery of the onsite nature reserve which plays host to a wealth of rich British Wildlife.

All the fresh air of the countryside and a relaxed drive back is bound to leave drivers feeling peckish, that’s why upon returning to Guildford, everyone will be treated to a BBQ’ at Vines. Decadent food, breath taking scenery, and fine engineering make this a day not to be missed.

The whole day costs £40 and includes everything but your petrol. Spaces are limited to 50 people, so drivers are urged to confirm their place as soon as possible by contacting Steve Hilson at Vines of Guildford on 01483 207000.

Labels: BMW Z1, BMW Z3, BMW Z4, BMW Z8

BMW named Which? Best Car Manufacturer 2009

BMW has been named Best Car Manufacturer in the prestigious Which? Awards 2009, at the British Museum in London.

The company was rated higher than its short listed rivals by the members of Which? who number more than a million. Which? is long established as a champion of the consumer and a trusted advisor to buyers of all manner of goods and services, lending particular weight to this award.

Chief Executive of Which?, Peter Vicary-Smith, said: “BMW drivers seem to love their cars with 87 per cent in our survey describing themselves as very satisfied with the ownership experience. The company’s vehicles always excel in our road tests, while BMW’s innovative EfficientDynamics measures mean some of the best cars to drive have also become incredibly fuel efficient.”

Accepting the award, BMW Group UK’s Managing Director, Tim Abbott, said: “We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award, particularly as it is our customers who have rated us so highly. We take great pains to ensure that the quality of service we offer both directly and through our dealers matches the excellence of our cars.”

The BMW Group is the most sustainable car company in the world – as the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) recently confirmed for the fourth year in succession. The company offers the most efficient cars in the premium segment courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies and the BMW 118d was named World Green Car of the Year 2008.

Labels: Green Car, New BMW, Which? Awards 2009

Goodwood Festival of Speed 3 - 5 July 2009

Once again, BMW are an official sponsor of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with its legendary hill climb showcasing several BMW vehicles including the new Z4, M3 GT 2 and a V12 Le Mans Racer.

Celebrating over 100 years of motor racing and car culture, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is known as the world's biggest and most diverse motorsport event, featuring a vast exhibit of vehicles from 19th Century carriages to 3000bhp dragsters, motorcycles, classic rally cars and modern Formula One cars.

The biggest names in motor racing also make an appearance at the Festival of Speed including Stirling Moss, Mario Andretti, Jenson Button, Emerson Fittipaldi, Fernando Alonso, Petter Solberg, John Surtees and the youngest F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Founder Lord March says: 'BMW was one of the first companies to support the Festival of Speed. The partnership is a good fit for us, with BMW having both a collection of historic cars and a range of high-performance cars.'

The theme of this years' Festival of Speed is True Grit - Epic Feats of Endurance, celebrating triumph over adversity and the determination to succeed, displayed by champions such as Jackie Stewart when he overcome rain, fog and a broken wrist to win the 1968 German Grand Prix and Mick Doohan, who returned to motorcycle racing in 1992 just eight weeks after a serious accident damaged his right leg, risking amputation.


BMW at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Visitors interested in the new BMW Z4, can sign up at Goodwood within the Supercar Paddock for more information and enter a prize draw to win one of 50 pairs of tickets to a MotorSport Vision BMW driving day.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed also offers an exclusive preview of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. One of the most innovative designs to originate from BMW, the Gran Turismo intelligently combines elegance, space, comfort and practicality and takes the best elements of the saloon, sports activity vehicle and touring body styles to create a car which can adapt to all lifestyle requirements.

To find out more about the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo please fill in and return an information card from a member of the BMW Events team, found within the main exhibition area. This will enter you into a prize draw to win a BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo for a weekend.

Entrance to the Goodwood Festival of Speed is by ticket only.

Contact the Ticket Hotline on +44 (0)1243 755055 or book online: www.goodwood.co.uk/fos

Labels: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW Events, New BMW Z4

To celebrate Father’s Day we will be at the Wyevale Old Barn Nursery and Garden Centre in Horsham all day on Sunday 21st June, where Wyevale will be putting on a host of added extras to make Father’s Day more interesting. Visit us alongside the Vines of Gatwick MINI dealership and other local businesses.

Old Barn Nursery and Garden Centre
A24 Dial Post
RH13 8NR

We look forward to seeing you there.

Labels: BMW Fathers Day, Vines BMW, Vines of Gatwick

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

Innovative new packaging features for a premium car

Range powered by all turbo-charged engine line-up with new eight-speed automatic transmission

BMW is pleased to announce the 5 Series Gran Turismo, a car which combines an understated coupé-like silhouette to the luxurious interior of a BMW 7 Series, while at the same time giving the functionality of a BMW 5 Series Touring or X5.

The 19th distinct model shape to be offered in the BMW portfolio has a vehicle length nearly on par with a BMW 7 Series to create a greater feeling of space for those inside. This translates into the second greatest amount of legroom offered by any BMW while headroom is equivalent to that of a BMW X5. Meanwhile, boot space can be enhanced from 440 litres up to 1,700 litres, only 50 litres behind the capacity of the BMW X5 and the second largest space compared to all current BMWs.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as either a four-seat Executive specification car for a luxurious, spacious feel or in a five-seat SE configuration for a blend of sophistication and practicality. But its truly innovative feature is a two-piece tailgate which is a first in the premium segment. Now an owner has the option to choose between two ways of opening the rear of the vehicle depending on the objects needed to be stowed.

A more conventional saloon style boot opening provides access for smaller objects. This allows the cabin area to remain warm and without noise intrusion. The hatch-style opening combined with a flexible partition comes into play should the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo owner wish to make full use of its load-lugging capacity. The rear seats can be moved 100mm fore or aft to either increase boot space or provide greater legroom for rear seat passengers. With the rear seats moved forwards, the seat backs folded virtually flat and the parcel shelf removed and stowed beneath the luggage compartment floor, much bulkier items can then be transported.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has been styled to represent its unique position in the market. The familiar BMW kidney grilles and large air intakes hint at the car’s performance potential, while a roof line that curves downwards towards the rear and the frameless doors both give a coupé feel.

Inside, and the seats are all set in a semi-command driving position for the best mix of forward vision yet comfortable access. One of the key features of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is the height of the seats.

Black Panel technology first shown on the BMW 7 Series features for an added touch of luxury. Black Panel technology is a signature piece of design that allows the displays of the centre console to double as a stylish trim. The electronic displays are visible through the Black Panel technology when needed, but are discreet enough to form a stylish black band across the interior. Control switches in galvanised metal are set into the centre console by way of contrast.

Class-leading drivetrains

Three class-leading engines power the three models available at launch. The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is offered as a 530d, a 535i and a 550i.

Model: BMW 530d GT
Power: Hp 245
Torque Nm: 540
Zero – 62mph Seconds 0 - 62: 6,9
Top Speed Mph: 149
Combined Mpg: 43.5
CO2 Emissions: g/km 173

Model: BMW 535i GT
Power Hp: 306
Torque Nm: 400
Zero – 62mph Seconds 0 - 62: 6.3
Top Speed Mph: 155*
Combined Mpg: 31.7
CO2 Emissions g/km: 209

Model: BMW 550i GT
Power Hp: 407
Torque Nm: 600
Zero – 62mph Seconds 0 - 62: 5.5
Top Speed Mph: 155*
Combined Mpg: 25.2
CO2 Emissions g/km: 263

BMW 530d GT 245 540 6.9 149 43.5 173
BMW 535i GT 306 400 6.3 155* 31.7 209
BMW 550i GT 407 600 5.5 155* 25.2 263
*Electronically-limited

The BMW 530d GT has a 2,993cc six-cylinder and features third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors for the best in diesel refinement and efficiency. Producing 245hp at 4,000rpm, the 530d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 149mph. The peak torque of 540Nm from just 1,750rpm provides smooth yet swift progress in any gear. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 173g/km.

Joining the diesel-powered car is the BMW 535i GT. This 2,979cc six-cylinder powerplant is the first ever to combine a single turbo with VALVETRONIC - BMW’s system that varies how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. This partnership ensures the car meets the latest stringent emission regulations while offering optimum performance. The 306hp BMW 535i GT also features High precision direct injection technology for added efficiency. The performance credentials of the car are underscored by a zero to 62mph time of 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption and emissions figures are impressive with 31.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 209g/km.

Topping the range is the BMW 550i GT. Powered by an acclaimed 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine with twin-turbo technology, the 550i GT offers near supercar performance with a zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. Its twin-turbochargers provide a near flat torque curve to provide relaxed yet rapid in-gear acceleration. Peak torque of 600Nm is on hand from 1,750rpm through to 4,500rpm. The BMW 550i GT records a combined consumption figure of 25.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 263g/km.

All cars come as standard with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The all-new transmission is six per cent per cent more fuel efficient than the previous six-speed automatic yet it is as compact and weighs the same.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs. Brake Energy Regeneration which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run is standard. On-demand control of the car’s ancillary units such as the electrical coolant pump and the powering steering pump can all be decoupled to save draining power from the engine. Active aerodynamics also plays a part in the range’s performance and efficiency by closing off flaps behind the kidney grilles to improve the aerodynamics of the car.

All cars come as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, a feature first showcased on the BMW 7 Series, that allows the driver to fine tune the chassis configuration to suit their needs. Drivers will be able to specify Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, with each setting changing the steering assistance, throttle response and gear change characteristics.

Double wishbone front suspension and an integral V rear axle with air suspension provide the occupants with a composed ride. The car is also available with Integral Active Steering instead of the standard hydraulic steering configuration with Servotronic assistance for enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.

Highest ever standard specification

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with a level of standard specification greater than previously offered on any 5 Series. Dakota leather upholstery, four-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and metallic paint are included. A USB audio interface, ambient lighting and heated front seats are also standard.

Features such as Reversing Assist Camera and Side View camera capability are available on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to add to the ownership experience. The Reversing Assist Camera works in conjunction with the Park Distance Control system to provide a 360 degree picture of the car when manoeuvring at slow speeds. The Side View camera option allows drivers to pull out of blind junctions with confidence. A host of additional optional equipment from Night Vision with pedestrian recognition and Head-up Display to Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go can be specified.

Key facts

• The long-wheelbase gives limousine levels of interior space and ride refinement.
• Rear seats that can be moved fore-and-aft by up to 100mm. BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo offers 7 Series legroom with seats in the extended position.
• Second largest luggage capacity after a BMW X5. Courtesy of an innovative luggage partition the boot capacity can be increased from 440-litres to 1,700-litres.
• A vehicle height of 1.56 metres means the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has a lower roofline than the BMW X5, yet still has the same headroom.
• Semi-command driving position for ease of entry and greater forward visibility.
• Dual tailgate for flexible storage options.
  

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo goes on sale in October, 2009. Confirmed prices will be announced at a later date, but the range is expected to start from approximately £40,000 for a BMW 530d SE GT.

Labels: BMW 5 Series GT, Buy New BMW, Used BMW

If you are thinking of selling your BMW, then we really want to hear from you.

We are currently looking for all used BMW and MINI models, so if you have a BMW or MINI, or know someone who is thinking of selling then please get in touch with us. We will organise a hassle free appraisal of your car with a price in minutes.

Our Group Buyer is available on 07753 817700.

Labels: Sell BMW, Used BMW Dealer

BMW Rentals – There When You Need Us

Whether you are looking for the perfect car for a wedding, need a car for a business trip or are simply looking to impress for a weekend away, our BMW rentals department are ready to help.

If you regularly wonder what present to buy for those special occasions, you can purchase a rental gift voucher to treat your loved ones.

To find out more about any of our rental services please call our rentals team based at Gatwick on 01293 611117 or Click here for mor information

Labels: BMW Gift Voucher, BMW Hire

Saturday Servicing – Making Life a Little Easier

We all need a little help sometimes and at Vines, we understand that taking your car in for a service during the week may not always be possible. To make life easier for you, we have recently extended our service department opening hours. Saturday servicing is now available until 4pm at each of our dealerships.

This service will be popular and early booking is advisable. For more information or to book your car in with us, please contact your nearest Vines dealership, and make life a little easier.

Call now to book your BMW Saturday Service: 0845 045 0971

Labels: BMW Service Centre, BMW Servicing

Keep a clear view: Glass Repair from BMW

Even if it is only small, damage to your windscreen can not only impair your vision, it can also jeopardise safety. So here at Vines we can save you time, money and the risk of further injury with our Glass Repair from BMW service.

Most stone-chip damage repairs can be carried out within half an hour and are usually covered under your comprehensive insurance policy. However, should your insurance policy not cover glass repair, we are here to help. Repairs are carried out by our Approved BMW Technicians and conforms to British Standards Institute guidelines.

If the damage can be repaired, we can usually give you an indication of how successful the repair will be. We will always attempt to repair a windscreen if we can and we will certainly attempt this if the damage is not directly in-line with the driver’s field of vision, less than the size of a £2 coin and more than 5cm away from the edge of the windscreen. Should the damage be beyond repair, we can replace the windscreen using Genuine BMW Parts covered by a two-year warranty.

For a damage assessment, please call our aftersales team at your nearest Vines dealership, or drop in to see us at any time.

Labels: BMW Glass Repair, BMW Window Screen Repair

The BMW Concept X1

BMW has long been at the forefront of automotive engineering, producing innovative designs and technologies with tomorrow’s driver in mind. In recent months, BMW has unveiled a number of concept vehicles, including the BMW Concept X1 and the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo.

Set to become the first Sports Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment, the new Concept X1 is a natural extension of the successful family of BMW X models. Combining a compact X model design with a spacious interior to accommodate passengers and luggage with ease, it’s perfect to tackle both the city and off-road. The Concept X1 offers a good indication of how the future production model will look. We are really looking forward to seeing this model in our showrooms in October this year.

You can find more about the BMW Concept X1 by visiting www.bmw-web.tv where Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Car Design, will guide you through the car’s key features.

Labels: Adrian Van Hooydonk, BMW Concept Cars, BMW Sports Car

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster – Unveiled

Thursday 7 May saw the unveiling of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster at a special preview evening at each of our dealerships. The evening was exciting for staff and customers, who have been eagerly awaiting the launch of this fully-automatic retractable hard top.



We were thrilled to see so much excitement for this model, which offers all the driving pleasure of a BMW Roadster with particularly refined and stylish flair. The evening was buzzing with lots of praise for the new model, and many customers keen to rev the engine and see the roof retract in 20 seconds. This was a real highlight. We thank all of our customers for giving up their time to share the occasion with us. Special thanks go to our partners Wineshare and Sarahs Secrets for the catering.



The celebrations extended to an Open Weekend at all three dealerships where visitors were treated to food and entertainment including a Nintendo Wii challenge, children’s drawing, a giant Connect 4 and a hugely popular giant scalextric. The activities kept children amused all weekend (and some adults too), allowing parents to get to grips with the new Z4 and other models within the range.

Plus, as the sun came out for the weekend, a massive 550 Mr Whippy ice creams were consumed by those visiting us.
The new BMW Z4 is the only vehicle in its segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop.

Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by; and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a Premium Sports Coupé. With this diversity and wide range of qualities, the new BMW Z4 represents the re-birth of the roadster.

Anyone who appreciates the open-air feeling characteristic of a BMW convertible can now look forward to test driving the new BMW Z4. To find out more and to book your test drive, call your nearest Vines dealership. We look forward to welcoming you.

Labels: BMW Z4 Offers, BMW Z4 Roadster, Buy New BMW

After seven years of service with Vines, our Guildford Service Reception Manager John Price has decided to take a well deserved break and is moving on to a very different venture.

Having been an instrumental part of the Guildford team for the last seven years, John has been praised for his excellence in customer service by both fellow employees and many customers.
Speaking about Vines, John said, “The people and the fantastic management structure are what makes Vines the exciting place it is today. This is the best company I have ever worked for and it has the best people.”

John is happy to pass the reign over to his successor Charlotte Cox, who takes over from John this month.

“The time is right for me to leave and to allow another member of staff to bring a new energy and drive to the role.”

John left on a high note, with our Guildford dealership being voted by BMW as number 1 for Aftersales in the UK in March.

“Being rated as the number 1 Aftersales department was the perfect way to end my career at Vines. I was delighted.”

John will be spending the next year taking some well deserved time out to renovate a 150 year old house, which has been standing derelict for over 20 years. We wish him well for the future and look forward to him visiting us soon.

Labels: Vines BMW

We always look to recognise and reward employees who have gone the extra mile, either for a customer or for each other. It is sometimes easy to complain, but saying well done and recognising achievements often goes unnoticed. Here at Vines, we are changing that thinking and rewarding employees with a Golden Moment thank you for their efforts. A Golden Moment is a monthly lucky dip for any employee with a variety of exciting prizes up for grabs. We regularly receive letters of praise from our customers and these are used to nominate employees for a Golden Moment Award.

We welcome feedback on your experience with Vines and if you would like to nominate any member of the Vines team for a future award please write, call, or e-mail us at goldenmomentnomination@vinesgroup.co.uk

Labels: BMW Customer Service, Vines BMW

As a group we welcome ideas and opportunities to assist our local community. In August 2008, design student Manmeet Auluck approached Vines for help with a 2nd year A level project, to design and build a model car showroom. Having been turned down by other dealerships, upholding the Vines values to be positive and supportive, coupled with a desire to promote creativity through BMW, we were really keen to assist Manmeet with his project.

Offering BMW Communications Identity guidance from HR Manager Sue White and Guildford Dealer Principal Mark Hollands, but allowing him artistic license Manmeet was able to create a bespoke showroom design (featured). Both Sue and Mark met with Manmeet on several occasions to review his process and see the progression of the project through from an ideas board and drawings, to the finished piece.

Since completion of the project this year, Manmeet has gained full marks and has hopes to study architecture at university later this year.

Congratulations go to Manmeet for doing such a great job.

Labels: BMW Car Showroom, Buy New BMW, Vines BMW

Last month, staff and customers from Vines, took part in the London Marathon to raise money for Shaftsbury Young People, a charity committed to improving the lives of children and young people in care and in need.

Together they raised just under £6,000 with £1,000 of that donated by local international shipping firm, James Cargo, as a thank you for the 100 motorcycle crates Vines gave them.

This was the fifth year Vines BMW has run the marathon for Shaftsbury Young People, led by Duncan Bell, Motorcycle Director, who is already drumming up volunteers for next year.

Interested volunteers should speak to Duncan on 01483 207000.

Labels: London Marathon, Vines BMW

BMW 3 Series Wins What Car - Crown for Fourth Year Running.

The BMW 3 Series has been awarded the ‘Best Compact Executive’ title by ‘What Car?’ magazine for the fourth consecutive year. Moreover, all three cars shortlisted for the 2009 award were BMW 3 Series models; while the 318i ES and 330d SE were nominated, the 320d ES took the crown.

A substantial revision of the 3 Series last September will surely have helped. In its awards report, ‘What Car?’ wrote: “Not only is (the 3 Series) awesomely talented in every area, but it’s also class-leading in most – by a mile.”

This latest honour follows a string of 2008 awards for the 3 Series, including:

‘Best Large Family Vehicle’ (Environmental Transport Association),

‘Best Compact Executive’ (Auto Express Used Car Honours)

‘Best Small Premium Car’ (BusinessCar).

Experience a multi-award winner for yourself, call us to arrange a test drive*.

To find out the latest BMW 3 Series offers to to arrange a test drive please call 0845 045 0971

Labels: BMW 3 Series, BMW Test Drive, Buy New BMW