The all new BMW M6

The BMW M6 is the most sophisticated and powerful BMW 6 Series Coupe ever. Under the lightweight body of this luxurious 2+2 lurks a thoroughbred super sports car boasting a V10, 507bhp power unit, providing 520Nm of torque. A seven-speed sequential manual gearbox and a superior chassis and suspension compliment its engine.

The all-new M6 features weight-saving technologies such as a carbon-fiber roof and 19-inch forged aluminium wheels that are almost four pounds lighter than regular cast wheels. With almost 500 horsepower available, BMW claims the M6 will hit 60 mph in under 4.6 seconds, and it will run to 20 5mph without the traditional 155-mph speed limiter.

The suspension, though similar to that of the M5, is specially tuned to take advantage of the M6’s shorter wheelbase and lower centre of gravity. Massive cross-drilled brakes enable the M6 to pull up from 60 mph in less than 118 feet. The new M6 also uses BMW’s new third-generation seven speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with Drivelogic. Drivelogic offers the choice of 11 different change patterns, depending on the speed of change required.

The new SMG gearbox also offers safety benefits when downshifting on slippery surfaces. If it detects the rear wheels locking up, the clutch opens for a fraction of a second to ensure traction is maintained. In automatic mode, the SMG gearbox recognizes that the car is travelling on an incline and holds gears uphill to maintain acceleration and selects lower gears when progressing downhill to make the most of the available engine braking.

The BMW M6 has deeper front valance with air intakes for the engine and brakes, more contoured sills and rear valance that includes a diffuser to increase aerodynamic efficiency. If you want to maintain the superior performance of your BMW, then StephenJames is the store for you. StephenJames is the leading supplier of BMW discount- priced finest quality BMW Auto Parts. For your performance demands, StephenJames offers electrical parts, exhaust, catalytic converters, grille, head panel, engine parts, spoiler, radiator support, rear body panel, turn signal lights and a whole lot more.

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Telematics Says BMW Leader In High-Tech Features

The Telematics Research Group (TRG), through its Automotive Technology Index, had recently announced to the whole automotive public that it is the BMW brand that is still topping lists on having the best high technology features in all of their vehicles. This is according to a study that the group has conducted for all vehicle brands that are offered in the United States and the rest of North America.

The Automotive Technology Index, that was created and done by the Telematics Research Group, has been done through actions like measuring the availability of key telematics. It also included other criteria like driver assistance as well as infotainment technologies. They did check all there criteria on various brands line up of vehicles that are offered to the market. And the conclusion came out that BMW took the top score, hence claiming the spot as the leader in the aspect of high technology features in vehicles.

Phil Magney is the principal analyst for the group who conducted the study. He comments, BMW has been a technology leader for many years, as it is part of the brands positioning. And this has been proven by the brand through the various that it has been sending to the automobile market.

A whole package of features. This is what BMW has been offering the market for each of their vehicles. The list of high technology features includes the integrated navigations systems with iDrive and Voice Command, the BMW Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control, Head Up Display, as well as Park Distance Control. For entertainment, high technology is certainly reflected in the Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio, rear seat entertainment, and iPod integration. There also is the BMW Assist system and services. You can also call without using your hands through the Bluetooth hands free calling with speed recognition which is part of the BMW Assist system.

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW

Innovative Design For Those Who Are Driven: The 2006 BMW 3 Series

BMW will tell you it isnt so, but the new 3 Series is the start of a softening of Chris Bangles most angular design language. The car you see is not an evolution of an existing car but a ground up model, an energetic attempt to re-invent the most popular BMW model with unarguably good looks that match its top class driving dynamics.

The first thing you notice is that the car has dropped the current teardrop headlamps and done away with the aircraft carrier trunk lid. Next to go are the cut lines and the aggressive mix of concave and convex panels. Its still recognizably a BMW though. The big news underneath is the new multitude independent suspension (borrowed from the 5 series) is designed to combine unrivalled ride comfort, with taut handling. On top of that you can expect Dynamic Drive (thats adjustable anti-roll bars), Active Steering, and a four wheel drive system as options. The fifth generation BMW 3 Series superstar shines brighter than the predecessor with a torque loving, direct injection, and environmentally conscious engine. (Dont rule out a hybrid just yet by 2009 BMWs partnership with DaimlerChrysler and GM will have born a fruit, enabling the Germans to catch up with Lexus.) Additionally, the new 3 Series features increased passenger room and enhanced safety features.

Step inside the cabin of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, youll find the interior has an instinctive feel to it; every switch and readout is ergonomically placed for a reason, where you will look for it. The surrounding materials are made from high quality wood, leather and plastics enhancing the appeal of this sports machine. The seats offer ample support to the lower back and thigh while enhancing the bodys disposition for spirited driving. And the intuitively placed center display rewards the enthusiast spirit by enabling the driver to easily read every dial and be in touch with the engine.

Turn the key and put the car in gear, youll find the car engineered to move. The smooth delivery of speed is exhilarating. The engine pulls like a conditioned sprinter all the way up to its 6800 redline. The real joy is experiencing the sound of the engine. The loud, visceral scream is clean and mechanical, distinct from any muffler or aftermarket accessory. Additionally, the optional Active Steering reduces steering inputs at high speed and increases inputs at low speeds, enhancing the overall tactile responsiveness of the car. The 2006 BMW 3 Series features the first magnesium block engine to reduce engine weight. The new inline six-cylinder produces 215 horsepower in the 325; and 255 horsepower in the 330i. Linear velocity is smooth due to BMWs revolutionary Valvetronic system that helps the engine breathe more efficiently even at low RPMs. To experience more fully, simply find an open road and press the accelerator.

In terms of handling and cornering, the 2006 BMW 3 Series also features a perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution, making it extremely responsive in turns and at the limits. The rear wheels provide the thrust while the front steers the vehicle with exceptional feedback. The new suspension with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear is borrowed from the larger 5 Series. Additionally, the new 3 Series also features BMWs most sophisticated Dynamic Stability Control with more sensors to monitor and enhance the ride.

For those of you who prefer the stick shift, the 2006 BMW 3 Series transmission and gears have also been refined; a six speed manual, an optional six speed automatic, or the six speed electro-hydraulic Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) are three very promising choices. The SMG is a manual with no clutch pedal, a welcome relief for the enthusiast drivers who prefers sporty shifting but dislikes using the clutch in toe-to toe traffic.

Additionally, the 2006 3 Series builds on BMWs lineage on passive and active safety by adding advanced, intelligent safety systems. The passive safety begins with BMWs rigid safety cage that surrounds the occupant with deformable energy absorbing tubes. In case of an extreme crash, impact energy is absorbed and routed around the passenger cabin. Sensors throughout the car measure crash severity and deploy airbags as needed. Six airbags are on hand to shield occupants from harm, two in front and the rest as part of the side curtain that protects from the A-pillar in front to the C-pillar at rear. All BMW 3s are also equipped with Dynamic Brake Control which is designed to help you stop more quickly during emergency braking. Brake sensors determine how forcefully you step on the brake pedal and apply maximum braking power to stop the car if needed.

As BMWs most successful model, the 3 Series was first introduced in 1977, and now accounts for 40 percent of all sales worldwide. Gradually, the car has formed a loyal following. To meet enthusiast drivers individualistic needs, the 2006 3 Series is available in nine iterations: 325i sedan, 325xi sedan, 325Ci coupe, 325Ci convertible, 325xi sports wagon, 330i sedan, 330xi sedan, 330Ci coupe and the 330Ci convertible, with MSRP ranging from $30,900 to $44,900. Although not available as a Hybrid yet, the 2006 BMW 3 Series averages 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway to successfully reinvent a top automotive performer.

Your Mechanic Can Be a Valuable Asset When Purchasing A

Your Mechanic Can Be a Valuable Asset When Purchasing A Used Car

Car dealers are not particularly well liked, and knowing as many of them as I do, I can understand why that might be the case. I run an import shop in Florida that specializes in late model luxury imports. I’ve been in business for quite some time, and I have heard plenty of horror stories from customers regarding other dealerships. In my opinion, I think the majority of car dealerships one will encounter are reputable, by and large. I say “by and large” because some dealers I know use nickel and dime methods to maximize their profits, which I disagree with. Personally, I would rather give the customer a quality auto at a fair price and consequently gain a lifetime customer, but that’s a topic for another article.

One of the more recent horror stories I heard involved someone who had purchased a vehicle that was leaking oil. For those of you that know anything about cars, you know that this is nothing to be taken lightly. The customer was assured by the dealership that this older, yet low mileage used car was in pristine condition. Here’s where it gets interesting… Before the sale, the customer asked if she could have the car inspected by her mechanic. The dealership did everything they possibly could to keep that from happening, and succeeded. They told her that they would have their own mechanics do a “twenty point inspection” which would save her the time and expense of having her mechanic take a look. Unbelievable! Since the customer parked her car on a busy street where there were already several oil spots, she never noticed the leaking until after her ridiculously short thirty day warranty was up.

Her mechanic would have spotted an oil leak the minute he had the car up on the rack. As disheartening as this story is, there is a valuable lesson to be learned here. Car buyers, unless they are dealing with a dealer they are familiar with and whom they trust, should seriously consider having a mechanic check out any used car they are interested in (preferrably the local certified manufacturer dealer of the automobile make they are considering). I have had several first time customers ask me if they can have the car independently inspected and I am always happy to oblige. Take my word for it, the only dealers who would frown upon independent inspections are those who have something to hide.