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Thursday, 4 March 2010

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2010: the place to be for perfection and elegance

For anyone with a fondness for spring and an appreciation of the Italian way of life, Lake Como in April has always been hard to beat. And the world-famous Grand Hotel Villa d’Este is the perfect base for those looking to revel in the lakeside ambience rather than merely bed down for the night. Should the same people also share a love of fine cars, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will deliver the perfect weekend. All of which means that the dates 23 – 25 April are likely to have been among the first in any auto enthusiast’s diary.

This will be the 12th time that the automotive beauty contest has been held under the patronage of the BMW Group. “We are very proud that, working with the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, we have made the Concorso one of the world’s top classic car events,” said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic. Dr Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A., also underlined the importance of the event for his company: “The Concorso offers an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. The manufacturers focused on professionalism, flawlessness and elegance when it came to building their cars, and we’re following a similar blueprint with the Concorso.” 

BMW’s Italian job
The relationship between BMW and Italy is by no means limited to the Concorso. This year sees the 70th anniversary of one of the greatest moments in the history of BMW Motorsport: victory in the 1940 Mille Miglia. The hero of the day 70 years ago was the BMW 328. Just 464 examples of the Roadster were built over the four years from 1936 to 1940, but that was enough to put the wind up its rivals. A racing version of the 328 made its debut in the legendary Italian car race in 1938 – and filled the top four places in its class at the first attempt. BMW lined up for the final pre-war edition of the race two years later with a pair of 328 Coupés and three Roadster versions, for which a new and ultra-lightweight streamlined body had been developed. In the battle to shed the seconds, its head-turning contours successfully reduced aerodynamic drag and shaped the path of automotive design for decades to come. The BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé secured the brand its greatest triumph to date. Drivers Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Bäumer posted an average speed of 166.723 km/h on the way to securing overall victory in the race, and the coveted team prize also went to BMW. “Before we head to the Mille Miglia we will put all of our Mille Miglia cars on display to the public in a special exhibition at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. You could call it a team presentation,” said Karl Baumer, whetting the appetite for the planned BMW showcase at the Concorso.

As always, the BMW Group Classic cars will appear hors concours. The selecting committee has picked out 52 beautiful models from six decades of automotive history for the event on the banks of Lake Como. They will be entered in seven different classes. In his capacity as Selecting Adviser, Urs Paul Ramseier is responsible for choosing the cars that will take part in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. In Geneva, he offered a foretaste of some of the treasures in store among the elite field of entrants.

Jaguar XKC 120, 1952         
The Jaguar C-Type – C for Competition – was a two-seater sports car designed for racing. It was developed in 1951 around the improved Jaguar XK 120 engine, a 3,442 cc six-cylinder unit producing 200 bhp. That was enough to power the car to over 230 km/h. The C-Type celebrated victory on its race debut in May 1951, the pairing of Peter Walker/Peter Whitehead winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car which will be on display at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2010 is the first which was delivered to the United States in 1952 and it was driven by the Formula 1 world champion Phil Hill at different races. The Jaguar will be shown in Europe the first time after it left England almost fifty years ago.

Talbot-Lago, T150 C SS Goutte d’Eau, 1938
The takeover of the Talbot factory in 1935 by Italian Antony Lago marked the dawn of a new era. Indeed, it wasn’t long before the brand was attracting international attention, notably after its victory in the 1937 French Grand Prix. The new T150 C SS race chassis delivered exceptional performance and reportedly provided the basis for 14 teardrop-shaped bodies built by renowned Paris coachbuilders Figoni & Falaschi. The car which will be on display at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2010 was ordered by Duke Philippe de Massa in autumn 1938 with aluminium bodywork, a sunroof and a rear window which could be opened. In 1939 it was piloted by the driver pairing of Philippe de Massa and Norbert Mahé at Le Mans. Unfortunately the number 8 car was forced to retire on its 88th lap while running ninth. The current owner bought the Talbot-Lago at auction in the USA in 2006, and its appearance at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2010 will be the first time since restoration that it has gone on display in Europe.

BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster Series 1, 1937
After topping its class at Le Mans and the Mille Miglia in 1939, the BMW 328 roared to overall and team victory in the Mille Miglia a year later, securing its legendary status as an all-conquering racing car. One incarnation of the 328 was the series 1 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster. Also known as the “Trouser Crease” Roadster, it was built as a series production model in 1937 but wrapped up victory in its class at the 1938 Mille Miglia with only a handful of modifications carried out to the standard specification. In 1939 BMW decided to completely rebuild the car for the following year’s Mille Miglia. The chassis and frame were retained, but this time provided the basis for a totally new racing sports car body. The result was a racing concept which broke new ground with its aluminium body and aerodynamic form. The open-top racing car owes it nickname “Trouser Crease” to the distinctive ridge running over the top of its fenders. After the war, the Roadster found its way to Moscow and finally Latvia, before being acquired by a buyer in Germany in 2001.

Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Sport Pininfarina, 1965
Alfa Romeo presented the TZ (Tubolare Zagato) road-going racing car at the Turin Motor Show in 1962. A strict allegiance to lightweight design principles produced a tubular frame and aluminium body and brought the weight of the sports car – which borrowed the remainder of its technical make-up from the Giulia 1600 – down to well below 700 kg. Small-series production got under way in 1963 but came to an end in 1965 with only 102 Zagato-bodied examples made. Most TZ1s and TZ2s were subjected to a punishing and varied racing schedule, yet more often than not they finished well up the field. The car on show at the Concorso is a one-off example with a Pininfarina body which is based on the TZ2 like the Canguro by Bertone. This concept car was unveiled to the public for the first time at the 47th Turin Motor Show in 1965. Visitors will find this outstanding Alfa Romeo beautifully presented in its original condition and still with its original paintwork.

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2010
The weekend of 23 – 25 April 2010 will see the fabulous grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio once again offering an exquisite stage for the most alluring classics of the past and the boldest concept cars of the present. The first Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este was held here on the banks of Lake Como in 1929, and today no other event of its kind can match its heritage and tradition.


Vines BMW have branches in Gatwick, Redhill and Guildford. You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Vines on Twitter.

Vines BMW: http://twitter.com/VinesBMW
Vines MINI: http://twitter.com/VinesMINI
VinesBMWBikes: http://twitter.com/VinesBMWBikes


www.vinesbmwgroup.co.uk

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Wednesday, 27 January 2010

BMW Scoop seven awards

BMW Scoop seven awards in the Business Car Awards

It was announced today that BMW and MINI have shared seven awards between them in the Business Car Awards including the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year and the important Environment Award for BMW EfficientDynamics.

Uniquely these awards are not decided upon by a panel of judges, but by a secure online voting system and are highly regarded by the fleet community.



More details can be found on the Business Car website. Here are the categories in which BMW and MINI won:

Manufacturer of the Year: BMW
Environment Award: BMW EfficientDynamics
Supermini Award: MINI
Lower Medium Award: BMW 1-series
Upper Medium Award: BMW 3-Series
Executive Award: BMW 5-Series
Large 4x4 Award: BMW X5

Vines BMW have branches in Gatwick, Redhill and Guildford. You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Vines on Twitter.

Vines BMW: http://twitter.com/VinesBMW
Vines MINI: http://twitter.com/VinesMINI
VinesBMWBikes: http://twitter.com/VinesBMWBikes

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Wednesday, 19 August 2009

Experience Joy – 12 and 13 September



Experience Joy – 12 and 13 September

Visit any of our dealerships in Gatwick, Guildford or Redhill on Saturday 12 or Sunday 13 September and experience Joy for yourself.

This special weekend is dedicated to celebrating everything which we love about BMW – joy is the design, joy is EfficientDynamics, and joy is driving a BMW.

Throughout the weekend, at each of our dealerships we have something for everyone, especially for the younger members of the family.

At Gatwick and Redhill you will find a host of entertainment for all the family at our fun themed weekend, including bouncy castles, a penalty shoot out, or try your hand at hook-a-duck for a prize.

Everyone who purchases a new or Approved Used BMW during the weekend will go into a draw where one lucky winner will win a BMW Experience Day. We will also donate £5 to Macmillan Cancer Support for every test drive booked during the weekend.

At Guildford, you will be able to view a line up of some classic BMW cars as we will be joined by the BMW Car Club, you may even be taken for a spin in one or two. You will experience the joy of sport via our partners David Lloyd and Clandon Regis Golf Club, as well as viewing some of the finest tailoring from Room Ten, whilst children are amused with our children’s entertainer. Purchase an Approved Used car and you will receive our 24 month service package, Service Inclusive.

Plus, anyone who purchases a new car from any of our Vines dealerships during the weekend will receive a voucher for a made-to-measure shirt worth over £100 from tailors, Room Ten.

There will be a BBQ at each of our dealerships throughout the weekend.

In our eyes, joy is fun, joy is art, joy is sport, joy is fashion, joy is for the whole family.

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Book your M3 Experience at Vines



Book your M3 Experience at Vines

If you are looking for that perfect present, to treat yourself or a special someone, why not give them the ultimate BMW present – An M3 RaceMaster Driving Experience.

An M3 Experience will cost £162 per person.

An experience at Brands Hatch will include:

• Full briefing by a qualified instructor
• Instruction in a high performance BMW M3 Coupé
• Lapping session in a single seater
• High speed passenger ride with an instructor at the wheel
• Lap time analysis
With the help of expert instructors you will experience every inch of performance from this outstanding machine. As part of the RaceMaster package, thrill-seekers also get the chance to undertake some flying laps of the circuit in a Formula Brands single-seater race car.

These driving experiences are now available to book at Vines. Simply call Siobhan Smith on 01483 207000 or email marketing@vinesgroup.co.uk

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Thursday, 20 November 2008

10% OFF Genuine BMW Accessories or Lifestyle Collection

10% OFF
Genuine BMW Accessories or Lifestyle Collection when spending £50 or over.

To help you prepare for winter we would like to present you with this 10% discount
voucher, which is valid until the 31 January 2009 and can be redeemed against any
Genuine BMW Accessories or Lifestyle products.

Our Lifestyle Collection and Genuine BMW Accessories are developed using the highest
quality materials. From personal accessories and leather goods to travel equipment
and carcare, every item is unique and beautifully made.

To take advantage of this offer, please print out and produce the voucher below upon payment.

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Thursday, 13 November 2008

£10 OFF Voucher

£10 OFF
Genuine BMW Accessories or Lifestyle Collection when spending £50 or over.

To help you prepare for winter we would like to present you with this £10 discount
voucher, which is valid until the 31 January 2009 and can be redeemed against any
Genuine BMW Accessories or Lifestyle products.

Our Lifestyle Collection and Genuine BMW Accessories are developed using the highest
quality materials. From personal accessories and leather goods to travel equipment
and carcare, every item is unique and beautifully made.

To take advantage of this offer, please print out and produce the voucher below upon payment.

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Monday, 6 October 2008

The BMW Concept X1

The First Sports Activity Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment

Proudly presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is offering an outlook at the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment.

Through its design alone, this new concept model clearly expresses all the strengths and qualities of such a vehicle, the BMW Concept X1 exuding a strong touch of agility and versatility both in its driving qualities and practical use. And at the same time the Concept Car clearly reveals the stylish elegance of this five-door as well as its modern function. Creating this unique Concept Car, BMW is catering for the demands of a modern target group in search of an up-to-date automobile meeting both the challenges of everyday traffic and the personal needs of many purchasers for an active lifestyle and a versatile driving experience.

The BMW Concept X1 expresses that very special sheer driving pleasure so typical in this unique form of a BMW X model combined with a high standard of all-round functionality. So now these qualities are for the first time being carried over to a vehicle in the premium compact segment.

World debut of a concept BMW X model in the premium compact segment.

Authentic transition of the features and design language typical of a BMW X model into a new class of vehicles. A concept study offering a clear expression of modern style, agility, versatility and premium quality through its design alone.

As an innovative vehicle concept in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function.

The BMW Concept X1 offers ample room for spontaneous mobility in many different ways, clearly reflecting the lifestyle of a modern and active target group. Numerous details on the Concept Car provide a clear hint as to the actual production of an appropriate series model within one year.

Typical features of a BMW X model combined with elegant, sleek proportions. This alone gives the BMW Concept X1 unique character within the range of BMW X models as a whole.

The striking frontal view clearly expresses the robust and powerful character of the car by emphasising its sheer width. A floor protection element finished in a different colour gives additional emphasis to the wide track.

The BMW Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top in the typical style of the BMW brand, complete with a white-coloured horizontal cover at the top edge. The position of the headlights and foglamps brings back the three-eye face of other BMW X models.

Six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape define the surface design of the engine compartment lid emanating a strong feeling of dynamic performance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side.

Through its centre of gravity visibly positioned right in the middle, the small distance between the front axle and the steering wheel, and the almost square contours of the wheel cutouts, the side view of the BMW Concept X1 draws a clear parallel to other BMW X models. Black body surrounds made of a special, robust synthetic material highlight the clear orientation towards the wheels. The sturdy, silver-coloured roof railing extends far to the rear, determining the course of the roofline together with the spoiler at the back.

Characteristic rear end with L-shaped rear light clusters ensuring a homogeneous light effect thanks to LED light tubes. Raked to a low angle, the rear window gives the BMW Concept X1 a truly sporting touch, the horizontal lines emphasising the sheer width of the vehicle.

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Thursday, 11 September 2008

The new 3 Series

The new 3 Series is fast approaching (using less fuel and emitting less CO2)

Experience the Ultimate Driving Machine at our dealership open weekend – from Saturday 20th September.

It is the epitome of sporty flair in its segment and for years it has maintained the leading position as the mostly widely sold premium vehicle in the world.

Now the BMW 3 Series sets out to extend its lead even further. Specific design modifications, a further refined interior design, the new generation of the optional operating concept BMW iDrive, new services provided by BMW ConnectedDrive, a revised range of engines and innovations in the areas of drive technology, safety and comfort make both the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring more attractive than ever before. With rear-wheel drive, harmonious axle load distribution, outstanding steering precision and highly sophisticated chassis technology, the BMW 3 Series sets unsurpassed standards for driving dynamics in its segment. More than ever before, this unique driving pleasure can now be combined with an awareness of economy and minimised pollutant emissions. Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics the new BMW 3 Series achieves significantly lower fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels with each of the ten engine variations available than those of the relevant competitors in the premium segment.

The new features in the powertrain field include the further optimised electronically controlled all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This intelligent all-wheel drive system which variably distributes the drive force between front and rear wheels to enhance driving dynamics as well as ride stability and traction can now be combined with five engine types. The new BMW 320d xDrive is available as a Saloon and Touring model. Another new feature for both body versions: the BMW 318d – by far the most efficient vehicle of its category with an average fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres – is now also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Parallel to the market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring, a new 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch will be presented for the Coupé and the Convertible of the series. This allows further improved acceleration figures in the models BMW 335i Coupé and BMW 35i Convertible, and combines this added dynamic performance – as compared to the standard 6-speed manual transmission – with the comfort features of an automatic transmission. The 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch shifts without interrupting traction.

New design accentuations for a sporty, elegant appearance.
With striking design accentuations to the front section, the side perspective and the rear, the dynamic character of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon has been given additional emphasis, while the new BMW 3 Series Touring enhances its sporty, elegant profile with new visual features which are recognisable from all perspectives.

Front section with bold shapes and an emphasis of width.
The front view of the Saloon and Touring models of the new BMW 3 Series is characterised by a clear emphasis of vehicle width. The characteristic brand look of the double circular headlights is underscored by means of chrome tubes, and their corona rings can now also be used in the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the Touring model with optional bi-xenon headlamps as daytime running lights. The light sources of the direction indicators have a ribbed structure and LED direction indicator lights are installed in conjunction with the optional bi-xenon headlamps.

Side view with elegantly elongated lines.
Powerfully taut surfaces and striking character lines dominate the side view of the new BMW 3 Series. The contour edges of the side skirts have been set higher and modelled in a more distinctive fashion. Another new feature is the exterior mirrors with two distinctive character lines, echoing the interplay between the convex and concave shaping of the surfaces. The mirrors also offer an enlarged field of vision.

The rear: sporty and tight with a new lighting design.
Greater emphasis of the vehicle’s power and sporty character likewise characterises the rear view of the new BMW 3 Series. To achieve this effect, the rear bumpers, rear lights and luggage compartment handle have been completely redesigned. The dual section rear lights are now structured according to the characteristic BMW L shape. The two LED rear light clusters and the direction indicators in LED technology are designed to create a striking, high-quality appearance.The widened track of the new BMW 3 Series especially contributes to its powerful appearance. Depending on the model, the track of the rear axle has been widened by up to 24 millimetres by means of a new wheel carrier and other modified details.

High-quality materials and optimised ergonomics in the interior.
The modern, high-quality interior of the BMW 3 Series has been further enhanced by means of specific modifications in the selection of materials and surface design. Here the modern design concept is also applied, with its convex-concave surfaces, sporty elegance and technology-oriented aesthetic style.

Premiere for the new generation of the operating concept BMW iDrive.
The operating system BMW iDrive is optionally available in the new BMW 3 Series for the activation and control of entertainment, information, navigation and telecommunications functions, whether standard or optional. The new generation of iDrive is available in conjunction with the optional navigation system Professional. What is more, the new iDrive supports multi-mode operation by voice entry. With the new iDrive generation, BMW extends its lead over comparable systems made by other manufacturers in terms of display quality and intuitive operation. Using the four direct selection buttons grouped around the Controller, it is especially easy to switch spontaneously between CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions. The functional bookmarks are supplemented with three control buttons.

Control Display with high-resolution graphics and variable layout.
The new iDrive in the BMW 3 Series is presented with a 8.8 inch Control Display whose dimensions surpass all graphic displays available to date in the automobile field. With its high image resolution it offers significant improve-ment in the display of detailed graphics. The structure of the user menu also makes it easier to locate desired functions. All functions controllable by iDrive are listed in the starter menu.

Hard drive for audio files and navigation system.
The features of the navigation system Professional include a hard drive integrated in the vehicle. The storage medium with a capacity of 80 GB provides outstandingly fast access to digital maps for navigation purposes and can also be used for an extensive collection of music files. The system enables music files to be transferred to the hard drive from a CD, MP3 player or USB stick.

World premiere for unlimited internet use inside the vehicle.
BMW ConnectedDrive makes BMW the first automobile manufacturer in the world to enable unlimited use of the internet inside the vehicle when stationary. Internet access is available for the new BMW 3 Series as a special equipment option at attractive flat rate conditions. The transfer of data is based on EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which unlike UMTS offers full geographical coverage and is three to four times faster than the mobile phone standard GPRS. The basis for internet use in the vehicle is provided by the further developed functions of iDrive. By pushing the Controller in different directions, the mouse can be moved across the web page shown in the Control Display.

BMW ConnectedDrive with extended range.
As a dynamic concept, BMW ConnectedDrive offers the products BMW Assist, BMW Online, BMW TeleServices and BMW Tracking, depending on the country in question. At the same time BMW ConnectedDrive is designed for the ongoing further development of services to increase mobility and information convenience. The Enhanced Emergency Call with automatic positioning and remote control functions are examples of safety-related options which are already available, extending the lead of BMW ConnectedDrive over the competition.

The new BMW 3 Series: the engine of success for BMW EfficientDynamics.
With its further optimised engine range, the new BMW 3 Series further extends its leading position in the segment in terms of driving dynamics and economy. With all engine types, both the Saloon and the Touring model boast superior fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels than those of their competitors of comparable output.

Depending on the model-specific constellation, the new BMW 3 Series features the latest measures for increased efficiency. All petrol and diesel engines available for the new BMW 3 Series represent the state of the art in engine development. What is more, an extremely wide spectrum of efficiency-promoting measures has been applied within the engine environ-ment so as to further reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

This includes Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop Function, Shift Point Display, the needs-oriented control of auxiliary units, electro-mechanical power steering, tyres with reduced rolling resistance and Automatic Air Intake Flaps. With the comprehensive application of these technologies in what is the most successful BMW model series in terms of sales figures, the development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics achieves an especially broad impact.

New 6-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 330d.
In accordance with BMW EfficientDynamics, every new BMW offers increased driving dynamics in combination with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as compared to its respective predecessor model. An especially striking example of this is the BMW 330d. Its 3.0 litre all-aluminium engine has common rail injection of the third generation, whose piezo injectors operate at a pressure or up to 1,800 bar, and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The new diesel engine achieves its maximum output of 180 kW/245 bhp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 520 Nm is available from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. The new BMW 330d accelerates in 6.1 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, its maximum speed is electronically cut off at 250 km/h. The average fuel consumption of the new BMW 330d according to the EU test cycle is 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, its CO2 level is 152 grams per kilometre.

BMW BluePerformance technology: prepared for the exhaust gas norm EU 6.
The new BMW 330d is fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter and an oxidation catalytic converter. Thanks to the innovations applied to the new 6-cylinder engine, it significantly undercuts the thresholds set for the exhaust gas norm EU 5. In the oxidation catalytic converter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are converted to water and carbon dioxide. For further reduction of nitrogen oxides in exhaust emissions, a NOX-storage catalytic converter can be integrated in the exhaust gas treatment system of the new 6-cylinder diesel engine, in addition to the oxidation catalytic converter. In the optional configuration with BMW BluePerformance technology, the new BMW 330d even meets the requirements for classification according to the future exhaust gas norm EU 6. Like the new BMW 6-cylinder diesel engines, the engines of the models BMW 320d and BMW 318d also meet the requirements of the exhaust gas norm EU 5 as standard. Their 4-cylinder diesel engines have been modified in a number of details, and the further reduction of exhaust emission levels has been implemented so as to have no impact on fuel consumption and the acoustic properties of the engines.

Engine selection: the greatest variety and highest level of efficiency in the segment.
The ideal combination of driving fun and efficiency also characterises the other engines available for the new BMW 3 Series. Spontaneously responding, high-torque 6-cylinder and 4-cylinder diesel engines, powerful and high-revving 4-cylinder petrol engines and the 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine well-known for its unique refinement and dynamic power delivery form a portfolio which is unequalled in the segment of the BMW 3 Series.

With five petrol engines and five diesel engines, the new BMW 3 Series offers the most extensive range in its segment. When it comes to both petrol and diesel power units, customers have the choice of four 4-cylinder and three 6-cylinder engines. The output range extends from 105 kW/143 bhp in the 4-cylinder models BMW 318i and BMW 318d to a 225 kW/306 bhp in-line 6-cylinder engine in the BMW 335i. All engines are available for both the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the Touring model, and all are combined with the latest BMW EfficientDynamics measures in the environment of the engine, as suits the specific model configuration. Each of the ten engine types thus has a more favourable relationship between driving dynamics and economy as compared to competitor vehicles of similar output.

As one of a number of features which are unique within the competitive field, all petrol engines are fitted with High Precision Injection and all diesel engines combine an all-aluminium crankcase, turbo charging and common rail direct injection of the third generation. The BMW 335i is especially dynamic, accelerating in just 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h. The outright leader in terms of efficiency in the entire vehicle segment is the BMW 318d with an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emission level of 123 grams per kilometre.

Optimised all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive – now for the BMW 320d xDrive too.
The new BMW 3 Series also presents a further expanded selection of engine types for combination with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. For the first time it is possible to fit 4-cylinder models of this series with xDrive. The new BMW 320d xDrive combines outstanding efficiency with superior properties in terms of driving dynamics and traction. Both for the Saloon and the Touring of the new BMW 3 Series it is now possible to combine three petrol engines and two diesel engines with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. The models in question now bear the designations BMW 335i xDrive, BMW 330i xDrive, BMW 325i xDrive, BMW 330d xDrive and BMW 320d xDrive.

The electronically controlled permanent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive offers an incomparable level of comfort, traction and agility over all surfaces due to its flexible distribution of drive torque between the front and rear axles. In order to ensure especially precise control, the computer unit of the drive stability regulation system Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and that of xDrive are networked with each other in the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM). With these capabilities, xDrive supports driving dynamics because it identifies any tendency to oversteer or understeer early on and counteracts effectively.

Superior chassis technology, Active Steering as an option.
The new BMW 3 Series has the most sophisticated chassis technology in its segment. At the rear axle there is a five-link construction which is adapted to the needs of the especially high-power and high-torque engines. The front axle of the BMW 3 Series also reflects a unique standard of engineering. The dual-arm tension strut axle with stabiliser is largely made of aluminium. The standard equipment also includes an electro-mechanical steering system with integrated Servotronic function for speed-related steering support. Active Steering is also optionally available: here, steering transmission is adapted to road speed.

Optimised occupant protection with crash-active headrests.
The safety concept of the new BMW 3 Series is based on a solid body structure, the selective application of high-strength steel types and special deformation elements which divert and absorb impact energy. In addition there are six airbags, 3-point automatic belts and headrests on all seats to offer occupants optimum protection. What is more, ISOFIX children’s seat mounts on the rear seats are a standard feature. The front seats of the new BMW 3 Series are fitted as standard with crash-active headrests which significantly reduce the risk of injury to the cervical spine in the event of an impact. Controlled by the vehicle’s safety electronics system, this feature ensures that in the event of a rear-on collision the front section of the headrest is moved forward by up to 60 millimetres and upwards by as much as 40 millimetres. This reduces the distance between headrest and head, thus increasing the stabilising and securing function of the headrest.

A contribution to active safety is made by the new generation of adaptive headlight, optionally available in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps. It guarantees llumination of the road surface when taking a corner. Here the swivel direction of the headlamps is derived from the steering angle, the yaw rate and the road speed of the vehicle. At low speeds the turning light is activated. This function is performed by one of the two inside headlamps, depending on the direction. Before each turning manoeuvre, the light cone is turned specifically in the appropriate direction to illuminate the road ahead.

Best heating and climate comfort in the segment.
In the area of comfort fittings, too, the new BMW 3 Series has a range of optimised features to offer. The further developed heating and air conditioning technology ensures that the interior maintains the desired temperature throughout the year. The new BMW 3 Series has the most high-performance heating and cooling system in its category. Within one minute the entire interior air volume can be completely exchanged three times. In spite of the outstandingly high air through-flow rate, excellent acoustics are ensured by means of a flow optimisation function in the unit and its feed lines and by means of an air outlet positioned at the centre of the instrument panel. A 2-zone air conditioning system is optionally available with individual temperature controls for the driver and front passenger.

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Thursday, 24 July 2008

Clean BMW

BMW Group confirmed as the UK’s cleanest premium motor manufacturer.

BMW Group products are officially the cleanest premium cars following independent, industry-wide research into CO2 emissions. The data, compiled by www.cleangreencars.co.uk, also shows that, through its EfficientDynamics programme, the BMW brand has the most improved average CO2 emissions of any premium manufacturer.

A report into average total model range emissions for car manufacturers found that from the period January 2008 to June 2008, BMW recorded an average of 161.64g/km. By comparison the model range averages for Audi and Mercedes were 177.36g/km and 192.85g/km respectively. Even Lexus with its hybrid-based model line-up only managed an average of 194.85g/km, while Jaguar topped 200g/km and Porsche recorded 275.64g/km.

It’s a similar BMW success story when looking at the percentage improvements for premium manufacturers over the same time frame. BMW has improved its average emissions by 11.34 per cent – the greatest amount of any premium manufacturer. By contrast Audi improved its model range average by just 5.78 per cent and Mercedes by 4.13 per cent. Lexus and Jaguar only improved by 2.16 per cent and 2.04 per cent respectively, while Porsche actually increased its average model range emissions by 0.63 per cent.

Engineers at MINI have been equally successful in improving CO2 emissions, according to cleangreencars.co.uk, through the MINIMALISM programme – MINI’s take on EfficientDynamics. The MINI model range now has an average of 139.64g/km for the period January 2008 to June 2008. The figure for MINI has also improved by 9.44 per cent compared to a year ago – something that cements its position as one of the top three manufacturers with the lowest average CO2 emissions.

Jay Nagley, publisher of www.cleangreencars.co.uk, said: “The BMW and MINI model ranges have seen very significant improvements when it comes to CO2 emissions. The BMW Group should be praised for its leading stance in this area. It’s proof that driving dynamics can go hand-in-hand with a green conscience.”

The BMW Group will continue to reduce car emissions ahead of EU guidelines. NOx storage capability within a catalytic converter will be offered on certain models in the near future. Engineers are already finalising drivetrain configurations to meet the likely EU6 legislation due to come into effect in 2014.

The full details of the research can be read at www.cleangreencars.co.uk

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Monday, 12 May 2008

Efficient Dynamic Weekend - 31st May 1st June 2008

It’s been nearly a year since BMW launched its EfficientDynamics pledge to help cut CO2 emissions and improve the performance of the entire BMW range. Thanks to technological advances, such as the BMW Auto Start-Stop Function and Brake Energy Regeneration, the inclusion of new lightweight materials and active aerodynamics, EfficientDynamics has begun to make a real difference.

However, there is always more that can be done, which is why Vines would like to invite you to join us at our BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend on 31 May to 1 June. Each of our three BMW showrooms in Gatwick, Guildford and Redhill will dedicate an entire weekend to helping everyone to understand the significance and future of BMW EfficientDynamics, while showcasing the individual improvements and advances that have made your favourite BMW models more environmentally, and user-friendly.

Vines is passionate about preserving the environment and making sure that all of its customers understand the significance of BMW EfficientDynamics. Our dedicated team is always on hand to offer advice and support, to make sure your purchase is based on facts.

Whatever you drive, bring your car along to the BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend and it'll be given a free BMW Efficiency Check*. It won't take long, and our suggestions could help lower your car's emissions and running costs. And while your check's carried out, we invite you to experience the exhilaration, and economy of BMW EfficientDynamics, featured in the new BMW range.

Register for a free BMW Efficiency Check by clicking on your dealer below.

Gatwick

Guildford

Redhill

*BMW Efficiency check is subject to availability and can only be fully completed on cars registered after 2000.

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