Thursday, December 29, 2011

BMW X3 takes game to new level

The new BMW X3 has more cargo and passenger space than ever before!

The BMW X3's fuel economy, performance, practicality and pricing make it the best vehicle in the hottest segment of the luxury market -- small crossover SUVs.

After years as an also-ran to hotshots like the Audi Q5 and the Cadillac SRX, BMW took its game to another level with the new X3 this year. Its clean new design and scalloped sides give the SUV attention-grabbing looks to match the performance of BMW's magnificent 3.0-liter straight-six engine.

The new X3 offers more room and cargo capacity than its predecessor. The X3 xDrive 3.5i model combines 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque with a very good 26-m.p.g. EPA highway fuel economy rating. A performance-tuned all-wheel drive system, eight-speed automatic transmission, supple suspension and precise steering make this a crossover for enthusiasts, while the comfortable interior provides plenty of space for people and cargo. BMW's iDrive control system keeps improving. The X3's voice-recognition works well with hands-free phones, though less so with the navigation system.

With prices starting at $37,100, plenty of standard equipment and a long list of available features, the X3 is also that rarity: A BMW that can cost less than comparably equipped competitors.

Source: freep.com

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Take your BMW to the Spa today!

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Get the underhood, trunk, interior/exterior, leather, mats/carpets, and windows sparkling clean! Plus, get your shine on with a complimentary wax. Hurry in, this offer is only good till December 31st!  To print, simply visit our coupons tab on our Facebook page.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

BMW i8 breaks out of Mission: Impossible and into the real world

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If you went to the movies over the holiday, chances are pretty good you saw the latest box-office-topping Tom Cruise vehicle. We're not talking about the globetrotting explosion-fest it came wrapped up in, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol; we're speaking of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car that featured heavily in the movie (along with seemingly every other model in Munich's arsenal).

But the Vision EfficientDynamics coupe isn't just a flight of fancy for the world's auto show circuit or for Cruise's Ethan Hunt character – it's set for production sooner than you think, albeit carrying the i8 moniker. Snapped undergoing testing through a fence, the extended-range plug-in supercar looks ready for the street, if only we could peel away the Van Gogh camouflage. This BMW 2+2 is widely expected to deliver a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and we're expecting the lightweight flyer to lose the unique lower glass door panels of the 2009 show car (a design change hinted at by this prototype's swirly coverup).

Speaking of the doors, they also look to be more conventional in size and possibly operation – the concept car featured elongated butterfly doors that afforded accesses to both the front and rear seats. The prototype seen here would appear to have more conventionally sized apertures. We're guessing that mundane real-world considerations like crash-worthiness and ease of operation had something to do with the transition. Another likely concession to the realities of production auto-making appear to be a pair of rather ungainly bumper-level nacelles in the rear fascia that weren't present on the show car. We're not sure if these are merely reflectors, actual taillights or if they're simply clever camouflage, but we're hoping for the latter.

While the concept was powered by both an electric drivetrain and a small diesel generator, our spies suggest that the production car may switch over to a more conventional turbocharged four-cylinder range-extender. Whether it burns gas or oil, however, the i8 is sure to be one of the most radical cars on the road... and it's likely to carry an exotic price tag to match.

Source: autoblog.com

We would like to thank the author of this great review!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe - Sneak Preview

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Just the Facts:

  • BMW's head of exterior design, Karim Habib, says the 6 Series Gran Coupe is the "most extreme statement of BMW design."
  • It is 4.4 inches longer than the two-door coupe.
  • There is genuine space for four but the fifth seat is compromised.
  • U.K. prices are in line with the 7 Series, with U.S. prices to be announced nearer the summer 2012 on-sale date.
  •  

LONDON — According to BMW's head of exterior design, Karim Habib, the new 6 Series Gran Coupe is the "most extreme statement of BMW's sporty, elegant design." Habib revealed BMW's first ever four-door coupe at a press dinner in London, attended by Inside Line.

The car was being shown for the first time ahead of its debut at next month's 2012 Detroit Auto Show. So secretive was the presentation that we were only able to view the car on the proviso that we didn't take photographs. What we can reveal, though, is that the car looks even better in the metal than it does in photographs. Some 4.4 inches longer than the two-door, the four-door's proportions actually look more harmonious. Fears that the Gran Coupe would look uncomfortably "stretched" can be allayed.

It is also much more practical than the standard coupe. While the rear of the two-door is a tight squeeze for anyone post-adolescence, the Gran Coupe can seat a quartet of 6-footers with comparative ease. The fifth occupant will suffer, though. The extension of the center console to meet the rear seat means that the central passenger must pose as if riding a horse. It'll be fine for short trips, but no more.

BMW is keen to present the car as the boutique option, no doubt to counter the similarly priced 7 Series' greater practicality. Among the niceties on display in London were LED front headlights and a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system, which makes an art form of the speakers. This car is not short of desirability.

The Gran Coupe goes on sale next summer and the price list for the U.S. has yet to be announced. European prices have been revealed, though, and make interesting reading. In the U.K., the 640i will cost £61,380 ($96,270), which is just £1,815 ($2,847) more than the equivalent Coupe and, intriguingly, £155 ($243) more than a 740i. It also places the Gran Coupe at a significant premium compared with the both the Mercedes CLS (from £50,500 ($79K)) and the Audi A7 (from £45,240 ($71K)). Habib will be hoping that the "extreme elegance" of the Gran Coupe will be enough to encourage luxury car buyers to dig a little deeper into their pockets.

Source: insideline.com

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Time is dwindling away on our amazing December offers!

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Like this unmatched 2011 BMW 335i for only $44,049! With such a great deal on th
e best entry-level luxury sedan you can buy, Santa Claus has got nothing on us! 
Click here to print this offer and to see our other specials.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Stop in now through the end of December and receive the 2011 BMW X6 at an amazing holiday price!

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Stop in now through the end of December and receive the 2011 BMW X6 at an amazing holiday price! With a powerful, fuel-efficient and wickedly fast V8 engine; anyone will enjoy being in the drivers seat of this beautiful car!

To learn more about this special and to view our other specials, click here.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

BMW to Introduce Scooters to U.S.

BMW plans to bring their first scooters to the United States. At the International Motorcycle Shows event in Long Beach, the company says it plans to introduce next year to their U.S. lineup the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT.

  For LA Times, BMW Motorrad USA vice president Pieter de Waal said these scooters are a “step in the dark” for the company that has produced motorcycles since 1923. He said BMW expects 70 percent of its scooter sales to come from Italy, France, and Spain, where BMW has garnered “overwhelming support” from the market to produce the two-wheelers. 

Pricing hasn’t yet been announced either, but De Waal estimates that the scooters will cost about $10,000 when they enter the U.S. market next fall, most likely as a 2013 model.

The two scooters share the same 647 cubic-centimeter two-cylinder engine. The 2-cylinder inline engine of the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT is an all new development by BMW Motorrad with a displacement of 647 cc. In both models, its rated power output is 44 kW (60 hp) at 7500 rpm, and its max torque of 66 Nm is available at 6000 rpm. The power is transferred via a directly integrated CVT, or continuously variable transmission.

They’re capable of reaching a top speed of 100 mph. By comparison, the most powerful Vespa you can buy has an engine less than half as large and makes just 22 horsepower.

The differing characteristics of the concepts behind these two maxi scooters appeal to a wide target group: the C 600 Sport for the riders with sports ambitions, and the C 650 GT for customers attaching greater importance to comfort and touring ability.

The BMW C 600 Sport has a taller seat, flatter handlebars, and sportier styling. The C 650 GT will differ by having a larger saddle, higher handlebars, and adjustable backrests.

How they’ll do in the U.S. is “a step in the dark,” said Pieter de Waal, vice president of BMW Motorrad USA. Scooters aren’t nearly as commonplace in the U.S. as they are in Europe, and their sales are correlated with gas prices.

Source: bmwblog.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Plaza BMW has a holiday gift for you - The amazing 2011 BMW X5

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Amazing power and timeless style - the 2011 BMW X5 has held drivers' admiration for decades. Now through the end of December, this amazing vehicle can be yours for only $49,479! With an offer this good, how could you say no?  Learn more about this special.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Joining the four-door coupe trend pioneered by the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550, BMW adds rear doors to its 6-series, calling it a Gran Coupe

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At first glance, the 6-series Gran Coupe seems an odd overlap with the 7-series. BMW says the Gran Coupe fills a niche, being a car for buyers who want the sporty look of the 6-series, but also want a usable rear seat.

Normal rear doors give access to the rear seat, which will only hold two adults comfortably. BMW calls the seating configuration 4+1, as the hump in the middle of the rear bench is too prominent for long term comfort. Unlike the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera, the new Gran Coupe employs a conventional trunk lid rather than a hatchback.

Rather than using the 6-series Gran Coupe to showcase new technologies, BMW fits it with its latest engines, cabin electronics, and driver assistance systems. The base model, and the first to go on sale, will be the 640i Gran Coupe, using BMW's excellent direct injection and turbocharged 3-liter inline six cylinder engine. With tweaked power and an eight speed automatic transmission, BMW says this version hits 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Following will be rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive V-8 versions, using the 650i designation. With its 445 horsepower, that version of the Gran Coupe will get to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. These engine configurations follow those of BMW's large cars.

BMW offered a laundry list of driver assistance features for the Gran Coupe, including night vision with pedestrian detection, its new full color head-up display, and LED headlights with adaptive cornering. The navigation system and cabin electronics will also be of the current generation from BMW, which includes integrated Google local search and app integration through iPhone.

As the production version of the Gran Coupe goes on sale next year, we expect to see it at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.

Thank you Tracy for sharing your experience with us; we absolutely love hearing from our customers!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Prepare to relearn everything you thought you knew about performance cars!

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This BMW 335d delivers a special mix of sporting performance and clean fuel-efficient transportation, making it a great choice for your next vehicle! Stop in between now and the end of December and get an amazing discount on this beautiful vehicle!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Car and Driver: 2012 10 Best Cars – BMW 3 Series and M3

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U.S. magazine Car and Driver names, for 21 consecutive years, the BMW 3 Series and M3 as one of the 10 Best cars in 2012.The competition was represented by the new Audi A6 and A7.

Here is what the magazine had to say about the popular bimmers:

“The competition should have figured out a way to beat the BMW 3-series by now. It’s not for lack of trying: Every so often, another carmaker will pitch a worthy competitor into the mix, but none has been able to knock the 3-series from its pedestal or even maintain its consistent brilliance.

After 21 consecutive years on the 10Best list, BMW continues to evolve the 3-series toward some platonic ideal of sportiness. You don’t notice the seats, the steering, the suspension, or the brakes because everything feels natural. Everything feels right. And how has no other automaker matched the silkiness of BMW’s inline-six engines?

Don’t forget the M3, either, which remains magnificent in the twilight of a celebrated life, thanks largely to that lusty 414-hp, 8300-rpm V-8. The 3-series sedan is on hiatus until a new model drops in February. In other words, even as the entire current 3-series lineup is on the way out the door, it still roasts the competition. The biggest threat to its dominance is not from another carmaker but from BMW itself. An increased focus on gizmology has robbed a couple of recently introduced BMWs of the athletic, connected feeling that made the old Ultimate Driving Machine tag line ring so true. Here’s to hoping BMW doesn’t screw up the best one.”

Source: caranddriver.com

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Protect the beauty of your BMW by giving it the Spa Treatment

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Protect the beauty of your BMW by giving it the Spa Treatment this holiday season. Simply print the coupon located in our Facebook coupons tab and make an appointment between now and the end of December. What a great way to start the new year!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Experience the better way to buy before this offer self-destructs!

Rethink the Impossible

019-1111-PBM_07.wmv Watch on Posterous

e-Mobility, a BMW sustainability initiative for 2012

The BMW Group announced three major sustainability initiatives at the BMW Group Sustainable Future Conference held in Durban, South Africa. The conference was held as a side event to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

BMW South Africa MD, Bodo Donauer, announced three major initiatives of taking local action for a global goal in terms of climate change. "The BMW Group will reinforce its position as the world's most sustainable automaker by becoming the first manufacturer to bring e-mobility to South African roads," Donauer said. "We will give our customers the opportunity to experience the Mini E at a series of countrywide road shows in the first half of 2012," he continued.

Not only will these road shows provide the BMW Group with important information about local customer's e-mobility requirements, but they will also highlight some of the infrastructural hurdles South Africa needs to overcome to adopt e-mobility as a viable means of reducing CO2 emissions.

Dr. Rainer Feurer, BMW vice president of corporate strategy, planning and environment said: "Sustainability throughout the entire value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to resource conservation go hand in hand with the success of the BMW Group. We are acting in a sustainable and responsible way in all areas - worldwide and also here in South Africa."

Rosslyn plant to use renewable energy

In South Africa, the company has almost halved energy usage and emissions at their plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, saving more than R50-million in energy costs since 2006. "However, we believe we can do more and have conducted a Renewable Energy Project investigating the technical and economic feasibility of supplying the Rosslyn plant solely by means of renewable energy, or in combination with the existing power supply," announced Donauer. "We will take further steps in this regard by partnering with the City of Tshwane on a waste-to-energy project next year."

The project is similar to a landfill gas programme which is responsible for providing the BMW Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA with around half of its energy requirements. Methane gas - converted from unusable organic waste at a landfill site in Onderstepoort - will be piped approximately 8km to Rosslyn. Depending on the quantity supplied, the gas will be used to either produce electricity via gas generators or supplement the usage of natural gas in the production process, a resource which contributes approximately 50% to the company's energy consumption.

BMW reaches out to schools

The conference continued by focusing on all three aspects of sustainability - economic, environmental and social - when it announced a major corporate social responsibility engagement in KwaZulu-Natal. The company's successful BMW Maths, Science and Technology Excellence Project will be implemented in two high- and three primary schools in the Nyavini district south of Durban.

These schools will also be incorporated into the BMW SEED (School Environmental Educational Development) Programme, which teaches learners about a sustainable lifestyle including farming techniques, taking care of their surroundings and entrepreneurial skills. As a positive side-effect, produce from the SEED gardens will ensure learners receive at least one nutritious meal each day.

Finally, in a public-private partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, BMW will construct an HIV and AIDS clinic in the Nyavini district. The clinic will also provide basic health care to the community, which is situated some 50km from the nearest hospital.

Source: bizcommunity.com

Monday, December 5, 2011

The All-New BMW Electric Vehicle: Are you EV ready?

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They're fast. They're electric. And they will reshape your entire perception of mobility. Are you EV ready? Click here and see if the BMW Electric Vehicle is right for you!

We would like to thank John for this amazing review on our dealership. We truly appreciate it!

"I just purchased my second BMW (the first from Suntrup West County) on 11/29/2011 from Jason Catlin at Plaza BMW.

I've come to Plaza for all of my maintenance and repairs throughout the life of my car. Originally, I dealt with Lee Day in Service and then most recently Shawn Chambless. Without the service I received from Lee Day since moving back to St. Louis I would have never even come back for a repair, much less a new car. Shawn is just as honest and decent to work with. If you need maintenance or a repair, I highly recommend Shawn as the person to deal with as you won't get hosed.

In regards to the car buying experience at Plaza, I wasn't even looking to buy a car for a few more months but had some issues with mine (almost 150k miles) and figured the time was now.

Jason Catlin was my sales person and instead of talking or over selling, he listened and took the time to figure out what I needed. He's a class act and aside from feeling like I got a decent price on my vehicle, can assure you that everyone who buys from him probably walks away feeling good about their decision.

My car buying experience at Suntrup West County BMW a few years back made me never want to buy a BMW again. After receiving my survey and giving them good scores, I never got the small ding taken out of the roof as promised. They just blew me off. Horrible service from that point and beyond. There was a small scratch they never took care of too.

Plaza BMW is a well run dealership with class folks." - John K.

We would like to thank Jennifer for this kind review on our dealership.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The BMW 6 Series Wins A 12th Annual Auto Style Award!

eCityofStyle proudly presents the 12th annual Auto Style Awards, in which we pick the five most stylish autos for the current model year. Finalists are selected after several qualities are evaluated and compared, such as exterior and interior style, fun-to-drive factor, exclusivity, and the all-important head-turning quotient. Nothing sums up “auto style” more than the public’s reaction to seeing these cars in person.

Walking up to the 6, our eye was immediately drawn to the convertible’s wide stance and sleek, swoopy lines. Like the Z3, we were pleasantly surprised by its overt shark-like features. In relative sizes, the Z3 is a Tiger shark to the 6 Series Great White. It’s a massive car with an intimidating demeanor.

Despite the aggressive look, the 6 is decidedly elegant and poised on the road. The V8 engine emits a refined symphony of muscularity rather than a confrontational one. If you need perfect silence, merely slow down to 25mph and raise the power top. No need to pull over like some kind of plebian convertible. Heavens no!

Inside, the 6 features rich surfaces and textures, such as Nappa leather-finished seats and dash, befitting pampered sensibilities like ours. The center console is dominated by a large, netbook-sized screen that, shockingly, was still easy to read with the top down and the sun directly overhead.

Source: ecityofstyle.com

A big thank you to the author of this great 5-star review! We appreciate your kind words.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

BMW recommends the Brake Fluid be replaced every 2 years

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BMW recommends the Brake Fluid be replaced every 2 years regardless of the mileage on your vehicle. So, stop in today a treat your car with our Brake Fluid Flush Special. Simply print the coupon here and stop in anytime between now and the end of December. Trust me, your car will be happy you did!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

BMW and Toyota Are to Work On Electric Car Batteries

German carmaker BMW and Japanese rival Toyota Motor are planning to cooperate on research into lithium-ion batteries for electric cars, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Tuesday.

 

It was also reported over the weekend that the two were in talks for a partnership on 'green' vehicles, with BMW set to provide the Japanese firm with diesel engines.

The two companies are expected to announce the cooperation at a joint press conference at 0700 GMT on Thursday in Tokyo, the source said.

BMW and Toyota both declined to comment.

Under Akio Toyoda, who became chief executive in mid-2009, Toyota has forged partnerships with a string of companies including Tesla, Microsoft, Salesforce.com and Ford Motor Co to co-develop hybrid trucks.

Senior sources at Toyota said they believed BMW was a good match as a partner, with corporate cultures that could work well together.

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Toyota earlier on Tuesday unveiled a plug-in Prius hybrid car with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, touting it as the world's most practical green car.

A tie-up between Toyota and BMW comes at a time when rivals Nissan Motor Co, Renault SA and Daimler AG are working on various joint projects, sharing engines and other technologies to save on R&D costs that are ballooning with the need to meet stricter environmental regulations.

Since an electric car often costs twice as much to buy as a conventional car powered by a combustion engine, researchers are searching for a way to make the lithium-ion lighter and less expensive.

Toyota has said it was willing to share its hybrid technology with rivals and also has plans to supply Mazda Motor Corp. It is not new to working with other brands on engines either, co-developing many of its sports car engines with motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor, in which it has a small equity stake.

Source: reuters.com

Monday, November 28, 2011

Wouldn't you like to see this beauty under your Christmas tree?

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This 2012 BMW 6 Series continues its evolution as a world-class grand touring coupe and convertible because of it's powerful engine, adept large-car handling and superbly crafted interior.
Learn more about this vehicle.  

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

ATTENTION to all Businesses: Tax Code 179 will change at the end of 2011.

ATTENTION: To all Businesses, Tax Code 179 will change at the end of 2011. This will be the last year to claim 100% of all of your equipment and vehicle purchases on taxes. Next year, 2012, it changes to 50%. Consult your CPA for details!

BMW rocks the present and looks to the future

Amid this difficult economic environment, sales of import luxury cars in the U.S. have actually improved. One manufacturer in particular stands out -- not just for its performance today but also for its development of future strategies. That company is BMW Group. Instead of merely indulging in its prosperity, it is investing in new structural technologies and venturing ever further into the post-oil world.

First, a look the present. BMW brand sales in the U.S. for the first ten months of 2011 were up 13%, even though production of its two best-selling models, the 3-series and 1-series, is winding down in anticipation of model changeovers. With unit sales of 199,552, BMW is closing in on Mercedes-Benz for luxury car sales leadership.

BMW's Mini brand isn't doing badly either. With the addition of the Countryman SUV, its sales have climbed this year to 47,050 from 38,538. The only group laggard is Rolls-Royce, which is selling in the low double digits. BMW's performance in the U.S. paled in comparison to China, now the world's largest car market. Sales there jumped 21% in the third quarter, and BMW is confident it can maintain the momentum even as the Chinese economy cools.

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These robust sales have supercharged financial results. BMW's third-quarter earnings before interest and taxes rose by 44% year over year, while profit before tax went up 21%. The operating profit on autos was 11.9%, dwarfing Mercedes and causing one analyst to crow that BMW was simply "out-executing" its longtime competitor. An understandably ebullient chairman Norbert Reithofer said "We have recorded the best third quarter in the company's history. During this period, we achieved new records for sales volume, revenues, and earnings."

Car of the Year: Early picks

The opinion of analysts is almost unanimous: BMW remains one of the best-managed and best- positioned OEMs globally, with a great brand. It should continue to benefit from an improving model range, cost-restructuring, and growth in China.

BMW is also making an aggressive effort to reduce development and piece costs. Analysts say it will save 7% to 9% on parts costs for both the 1 and the 3. Many parts and components have been purchased at fixed prices for the lifetime of the new model. BMW has also lowered vehicle-testing costs by 30%.

With this remarkable performance in hand, BMW's best days lie ahead of it. The new 1-Series, its lowest-priced line, was unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September and is now being rolled out across Europe. The new 3-series, the model line that accounts for more than half of BMW's U.S. sales, will reach dealers in 2012. Early reviews are inconclusive, but its engineers have achieved the remarkable feat of making the 3 larger while still reducing its weight by 90 pounds.

BMW cars will be getting even lighter in the future. Last week, the company announced it has bought a 5% stake in SGL Carbon SE, a company that makes carbon fiber -- the advanced lightweight material used in building the Boeing (BA, Fortune 500) 787 Dreamliner. The purchase represents a change in strategy for BMW, which heretofore has shunned financial ties with suppliers and points to its increased use in future BMWs. But carbon fiber, which is used only sparingly now because of its cost and complexity, is understudying for a larger role.

BMW demonstrated just how large a role at the Los Angeles auto show earlier this month. For starters, it unveiled the i3, a battery-powered car with a carbon fiber body affixed to an aluminum frame that weighs just 80% as much as a typical 3-series. In all-electric mode, the i3 is designed to achieve a range of 80 miles per charge, which should be enough for most uses. For those who feel nervous, a second model will be available with a smaller engine. The i3 is designed as a commuter car and features carriage doors that maximize access to the rear seat. It can wear the BMW blue-and-white spinning propeller with pride: It scoots to 60 miles per hour in less than eight seconds. Models go on sale in 2013; figure on a price around $40,000.

Far more exotic is a carbon fiber sports car, the i8 plug-in hybrid. Performance is eye-popping: The i8 screams to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and is capable of getting to a top speed of 155 mph. More pertinently, the i8 can travel around 20 miles on pure electric power before switching over to gasoline. Another 2+2 like the i3, the i8 concept was equipped with impractical butterfly doors for the show that are unlikely to show up on the production version. It is due to go on sale in 2014, and you can expect to pay in excess of $100,000.

BMW has been an unheralded pioneer in electric cars. While General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) and Nissan have been jousting over bagging rights, BMW has been field-testing 500 Mini Coopers whose back seats have been replaced by a pack of lithium ion batteries. Under idea conditions, the Mini E is said to be capable of a range of 156 miles.

The tests have produced some valuable findings. In May 2011 the Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle (PH&EV) Research Center at the University of California, Davis published the results of a consumer study of the U.S. Mini E field trial. The study showed that households adapted their driving around the capabilities of the electric car, and respondents said the Mini E met 90% of their daily driving needs. Another study in the U.K. found that one week was all that was needed for customers to adapt to the characteristics and peculiarities of driving an EV, such as charging, range, regenerative braking, and low noise.

Whether or not a car like the Mini E ever makes it into production, BMW clearly has its eye on the future -- and is developing a coherent storyline about how to get there. It has found that its highly-focused reputation for producing driving machines, which many analysts believed would be a drag, is actually turning out to be an asset in getting ready for the post-oil 21st century. 

Source: cnn.com

Monday, November 21, 2011

Free Tire Rotation and Nitrogen Fill With Purchase and Installation of Four Tires

Receive a nitrogen fill and free lifetime tire rotation with the purchase and installation of four tires at Plaza BMW. Offer good through the end of the year.

Click here to print your coupon.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

BMW debuts i8 plug-in hybrid and i3 all-electric cars

There's a lot of redefining going on at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, particularly among performance- and luxury-oriented auto makers as they fold fuel efficiency and sustainability into their designs.

The new direction BMW showcased yesterday with the North American debut of its i8 plug-in hybrid and i3 all-electric concept cars combines the efficiency of a ho-hum commuter with the exhilaration of a sports car.

Both concepts will be going into production. The i3 will have the distinction of being the first premium electric vehicle to come to market in 2013. The i8 is scheduled to follow one year later.

Both cars use something called LifeDrive architecture, which divides the car into two so-called modules. One piece is the aluminum chassis, or Drive module, which holds the battery, drive system and crash devices in a lightweight, high-strength compartment. Packaging the heaviest part of the car -- the battery -- as part the vehicle's structure helps lower the car's center of gravity and improve handling.

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The second piece of the puzzle is the Life module made from lightweight and strong carbon fiber, which holds the driver and passengers. Carbon fiber is as strong as steel but 50% lighter.

The all-wheel-drive i8, a version of which can be seen speeding and skidding in the new "Mission Impossible" film,  is skinned in carbon fiber. A twin-turbocharged, 3-cylinder 220-horsepower gas engine is positioned over the front axle and coupled with a 170-horsepower electric motor in the rear. The car can travel about 20 miles on electric power alone. Together, the engine and motor can reach a top speed of 155 miles per hour and make 390 horsepower. BMW anticipates the car will get 78 miles per gallon.

The i3, also wrapped in carbon fiber, uses a drivetrain that's currently being proved in BMW's soon-to-be-available-for-lease Active E electric car. The i3 will be able to travel up to 100 miles on a charge and reaches a top speed of 93 miles per hour. Its electric motor is positioned above the rear axle and makes 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

BMW will make both cars at its plant in Leipzig, Germany, which is powered with renewable energy, the company says.

Source: latimes.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

BMW Plans To Show Future Electric Cars in Los Angeles

BMW’s electric and plug-in hybrid prototype cars from its BMW i brand will make their North American debuts at this week’s Los Angeles International Auto Show. The car make will present the pure-electric powered i3 compact city car and the hybrid i8 sports car this Wednesday at 4:10 p.m. PST.

The company says the i3 and i8, which it first revealed in Frankfurt last summer, represent the first purpose-built electric and hybrid cars made mainly of carbon fiber. The i3 is slated to go on sale in 2013 with the i8 to follow in 2014.  

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The BMW i8 Concept — which is also the successor to the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics car featured in the coming film “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” – is low-slung and exotic-looking, with doors that flip upward. The i3, previously known as the “megacity vehicle,” has a small footprint designed for driving in congested city traffic. Its large glass doors are hinged at the rear for easier entry and exit.

BMW said it will also show its 560-horsepower M5 sport sedan in Los Angeles. The hotrod luxury car is designed to combine three attributes rarely found in one car: sports-car performance, long-distance comfort and fuel efficiency.

Source: wsj.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Get your BMW ready for anything!

See what our Parts Department can do to get your BMW ready for anything! Stop in today and receive 20% off all in stock accessories with this coupon.
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Friday, November 11, 2011

Veterans, please stop in Plaza BMW today and receive employee pricing on vehicles!

Happy Veterans Day!
Veterans, please stop in Plaza BMW today and receive employee pricing on vehicles purchased as well as parts and service. We appreciate everything you have done for our country!

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

BMW Stands For the Future Of Urban Mobility: BMW Scooters

BMW Motorrad enters a new level in mobility. This is the world-premiere of the first BMW scooters. You can see them at the EICMA 2011. The Maxi-Scooters BMW C 600 Sport and C 650 GT will be available from spring 2012.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

2008 BMW 528i: By Far One Of the Most Satisfying Midsize Luxury Sedans to Drive

Among all the midsize luxury sedans out there, this 2008 BMW 5 Series is by far one of the most satisfying to drive! Equipped with exceptional ride and handling dynamics, a smooth yet vigorous engine, premium cabin furnishings and a strong resale value; you can't go wrong when choosing this BMW 528i as your next car.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

J.D. Power Names the BMW 5 Series “Most Appealing Midsize Premium Car”

J.D. Power and Associates, best known for its customer satisfaction research on new-car quality and long-term dependability, names the new BMW 5 Series the “Most Appealing Midsize Premium Car.”

The F10 5 Series Sedan scored the highest points in the following categories: Overall Performance and Design, Performance, Comfort, Features and Instrument Panel and Style.

In the Initial Quality assessment,  the ratings for the 5 Series varied from three to four and a half stars, lowest scored was registered in the Powertrain Quality Mechanical and Powertrain Quality Design categories.

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With a new, fresh and safe design, the F10 5 Series has already exceeded the company’s sales expectations and remains a strong product around the world.

In the United States, BMW offers three models, the entry-level 528i with a four-cylinder engine that just went on sale, the more powerful 535i with a twin-scroll turbocharged six cylinder engine and the top model 550i with its V8 twin-turbo powerplant.

With the introduction of the new four-cylinder engine, we expect the sales for the 528i model to overpass the other models and become one of the most sought midsize premium sedans.

The 2.0-liter produces 240 hp at 5000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque from 1250 rpm. That matches the horsepower figure for the old six and surpasses it in the torque department with 30 additional lb-ft, peaking 1350 rpm earlier. A ZF eight-speed automatic will be the only transmission available, although the 2012 528i will see the addition of xDrive all-wheel drive as an option. BMW estimates a fuel consumption of 24/34 mpg city/highway.

Souce: bmwblog.com

Monday, November 7, 2011

Thank you jtbrunts for your kind words, we appreciate it!

"I had a very positive interaction with everyone at Plaza BMW, and I will recommend to anyone who has any interest in buying or leasing a BMW vehicle." - jtbrunts

Thursday, November 3, 2011

BMW to Unveil the BMW i3 and BMW i8 Concept Vehicles for the First Time in North America

Special Sneak Preview Event on Wednesday, November 9th in New York City

The Fully-Electric BMW i3 and Hybrid-Electric BMW i8 are the First Purpose-Built Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles to be Made Primarily of Carbon Fiber.

BMW will host a special sneak-preview event to unveil for the first time in North America what it considers to be the cars of the future – the BMW i3 and BMW i8 concept vehicles.  These concepts represent the first purpose-built electric and electric-hybrid vehicles to be made primarily of carbon fiber when they become available in 2013 and 2014, respectively.  The unveiling will take place in New York City on Wednesday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. EST at Center 548 (548 West 22nd Street between 10th & 11th Avenues).

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The BMW i8 Concept, which is also the successor to the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics car featured in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol starring Tom Cruise to be released in December, is a sleek, low-slung, silver and bright blue sports car with flip-up doors.  The BMW i3 Concept, previously known as the “megacity vehicle,” is more compact for congested city driving and features the same color scheme with large glass doors that open “coach” style, i.e. the rear doors opening in the opposite direction from the front.

 Both vehicles will make their official North American debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th and 17th, but will be featured at this special sneak-preview event which will also include a presentation on the BMW i brand, a walk-around of both vehicles by their exterior designer, Richard Kim, and presentation by BMW Manager of Electric Vehicle Operations & Strategy, Rich Steinberg.

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Because of its light weight, carbon fiber technology is expected to fundamentally change the car industry, allowing automakers to create lighter, more efficient and sustainable vehicles with reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

 In 2025, 8 billion people will live on the planet; 4.5 billion will live in cities. There will be 1.8 billion cars on the roads.  In order to address the personal mobility needs of people living within the world’s most densely populated urban city centers, BMW created BMW i – the sustainable new sub-brand whose mission is to develop visionary vehicles and mobility services.

Source; beachcarolina.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Help Us Win the Battle Aganist Hunger!

Donate 5 cans to our canned food drive and feed a starving family.
You will also receive a $25 gift certificate for your donation.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

BMW Head-Up Display in Color

BMW was the first European manufacturer to offer a head-up display in 2004 when it became available as an integral part of BMW ConnectedDrive for the 5-Series. Initially head-up displays only showed a car’s speed but nowadays they are used to deliver a lot more information, including navigation directions.

A Head-Up Display is now offered for most BMW models and it has improved considerably over the years as it can display information in full-color, which makes it even easier on a driver.

Research shows that it takes a full second for a normal driver to read the speedo or to glance at a navigation display. While the driver is distracted, without his or her eyes on the road, the vehicle covers a distance of around 14 yards when traveling in urban areas at a speed of 30 mph – and a lot can happen suddenly in that time.

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With a head-up display, the time required by the driver to assimilate information is reduced by more than a half, according to BMW, making for safer driving. The virtual image projected onto the windscreen is perceived as “hovering“ at eye level above the hood and is visible only to the driver. Additionally, research shows that this form of display is less tiring as the eye does not have to constantly change between close-range and remote vision.

BMW brags that its new full color Head-Up Display is even better than the monochrome head-up display technology in many jet fighters. Perhaps BMW should license their technology to jet fighter manufacturers.

Source: roadandtrack.com

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Find a BMW that fits in your budget with out Payment Calculator

In the market for a BMW and curious if the vehicle you want fits your financial budget? Please use our payment calculators to determine what you can afford and what your monthly payment will be. After you've calculated an acceptable amount you can search our inventory for vehicles matching this price, all with the click of a button!
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BMW Claims Sales Victory Over Mercedes-Benz and Lexus

BMW is not only claiming sales victory among luxury vehicles in the U.S. for 2011, it's looking to maintain supremacy well into 2012.

"We have a window to stay No. 1 in the first quarter," says Ludwig Willisch, who just took over BMW's North American operations in an interview with Bloomberg News. "Our model lineup is broad. We have a lot of opportunities to get there."

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With Lexus on the ropes due to lower sales in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been rushing to get to the top of the luxury heap. Now BMW is hoping to get an edge going into next year with its redesigned 3 Series, recently unveiled in Germany.

As of the end of last month, BMW was leading with 219,569 compared to Mercedes' 186,300, according to Autodata.

Source: usatoday.com

Monday, October 24, 2011

This 2012 7 Series Will Impress You!

This 7 Series will impress you with its ability to sweep around tight corners, even in standard rear-wheel-drive form, it twists sharper and surer than many midsize luxury sedans. With it's smooth and powerful engine, standout handling, supreme long-distance capability and sublime seats, you can't go wrong. Get behind the wheel of one today!


Thursday, October 20, 2011

Stress-Free On The Freeway: BMW's Latest Self-Driving Tech

We Love Self-Driving Cars

It's not that we don't like driving ourselves as there's nothing better than having the open road to yourself, but even in the comfiest of cars some traffic conditions make us wish we could simply teleport place to place.

Several carmakers and computing companies are developing the technology to a stage where it now really works.

To prove it, BMW has equipped a 5-Series sedan with its very latest autonomous technology, allowing it to travel along a freeway, controlling everything from braking and accelerating to passing other vehicles, all by itself.

It can even account for vehicles merging onto the motorway from a slip road, either easing off the gas or changing lanes depending on the space it decides the other vehicle requires. All of this is possible at speeds of up to just over 80 mph.

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The technology controlling these theoretically simple maneuvers is quite complicated. The car needs to pinpoint its own position within a lane on the road, and it must also recognize all other vehicles and objects in the vicinity. It does so using radar, lidar (similar in principal to radar, but using laser imaging), ultra sound and video cameras. At least two of these systems must be used in every direction before a decision is made, weaknesses in any one area compensated for by another system. If you were in any doubt as to the technology's viability, the self-driving 5-Series has logged more than 3,000 miles on its own, with very little driver involvement.

Precise GPS also helps the car determine its whereabouts, and also builds a view of the route ahead - so the car will never pull out to overtake another vehicle if the overtaking lane is about to close.

The autonomous technology builds on many of BMW's current systems such as Emergency Stop Assistant and Stop&Go. As ever, BMW does stress that the technology doesn't completely absolve the driver from his or her responsibility to concentrate on the road ahead, so don't think it'll allow you to take a nap on the way to work...

We speculated earlier this month that the 2014 BMW i3 will almost bring entirely autonomous urban driving to the market. Now, it looks like your BMW of the future can handle the roads out of town, too.

Source: www.allcartech.com

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

BMW Will Introduce Laser Lighting Within 2-3 Years

Just the Facts:

  • BMW is set to introduce laser lighting technology within the next 2-3 years.
  • Laser lighting tech replaces LEDs and is more efficient.
  • The technology offers greater freedom of design.
  • It uses a photonic process to create white light.
BMW is set to introduce laser lighting technology within the next 2-3 years. Hanafi Abdul, BMW's optical systems designer, told Inside Line the technology is ready for production and that it is waiting for the correct application.

The technology made its first public appearance on the i8 supercar concept, but Abdul admitted it might debut before the production i8 appears in 2013.

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Laser lighting offers a number of key advantages over LEDs. BMW claims its system, developed with Nichia in Japan, is 1,000 times brighter and 100 times smaller than the traditional square cells used in LED lighting. With no need for traditional headlights, this could have a dramatic impact on the styling of future BMWs.

The second benefit is efficiency. Abdul says a laser is twice as efficient as an equivalent LED system, which would have a significant impact on fuel consumption.

The technology uses a photonic process. Gallium nitride (GaN) is employed to create a blue light, which is turned into white light with the aid of a phosphor disc. It is already used in medical and military applications, and Abdul says there are no safety or legislative concerns providing a Class 1 laser is used. The system has a life of 10,000 hours.

Source: insideline.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

This is BMW Driving Experience at Its Purest

This is BMW driving experience at its purest, powerful and efficient engines, sports car performance with coupe practicality, high-quality interior, convertible's sun-reflective leather.

Learn more about this vehicle.

Friday, October 14, 2011

BMW Unveils it's Newest 3 Series Today, Live on Facebook!

Today BMW will unveil the latest and newest 3 Series: the F30 3 Series Sedan!! The debut in Munich is shaping up to be a glorious event for BMW.
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To celebrate its world unveiling, BMW plans to engage fans all around the world by broadcasting it Livestream on Facebook! To watch the live unveiling yourself, simply click here.