BMW Announces M Performance Parts For 3 and 5 Series

Coming soon to BMW of Santa Maria, the M Performance series parts, as the name belies, came by working closely with BMW’s M division (formerly known as BMW Motorsports).  These optional upgrades, available to the 2011-2012 3 series and 5 series sedans, are both mechanical and aesthetic, depending on the upgrade.

To make the BMW’s sportier, an optional 20 inch alloy wheel available, reported to weigh 2.4 lbs less than comparable 20 inch wheels.  These two-tone wheels, showing off ferric grey inner spokes, will house Pirelli P-Zero Run-Flat 225/35R20 tires on the front and 255/30R20 ones in the rear.  Also beefing up the performance of the 3 and 5 series, a Brembo brake kit with four-piston fixed calipers will don the front of the car while two-piston versions man the rear.  Finally, 335i and535i models have the option of including a stainless steel exhaust system, which reduces backpressure and enhances the sound of the turbocharged I-6 engines.

On the visual front, BMW rolls out a sport stripe paint package that make the sedans look as at home on the track as on the road, while carbon fiber spoilers and mirror caps reduce weight, add strength, and improve handling and aerodynamics.  Finally, the fronts of the cars now offer the option of high gloss black kidney grilles, which will absolutely make a statement on the road.

While pricing for the new parts has not been announced, all parts will be warranted for the duration of the original limited warranty, or two years from installation, whichever comes last.

Now Available: 2013 BMW X5

We are proud to announce that the first shipment of 2013 X5s have been delivered to our Santa Maria dealership and ready for a test drive.

The 2013 BMW X5 offers some impressive power with 300 horsepower, TwinPower Turbo technology, and a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, making the model year X5 one of the strongest competitors in the 4-wheel market. It features BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, and offers optional third-row seating that increases capacity to seven passengers.

Standard equipment on the 2013 X5 includes: a Panorama glass moonroof, 18-, 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels, run-flat tires, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery and HD radio. In addition, heated rear seats, satellite radio and a voice-activated hard drive-based navigation system, including 12 gigabytes of dedicated media storage and DVD video capability, are among the available options.

The X5 is available in five trim levels: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i. Currently, BMW of Santa Maria has the 35i, 35i Premium and 50i in stock.

BMW Reveals the 2012 London Olympics Fleet

LOCOG and BMW, Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this week revealed full details of the London 2012 fleet.

Making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time, across more than 30 venues in London and beyond, is a key role of the cars, motorcycles and bicycles which constitute the fleet. Media will be users of the fleet, as well as judges, event organisers, Games officials and staff, ranging from medical officers, IOC photographers and crew to official rights holders and technical delegates.

Richard George, Transport Director, LOCOG said: “From motorcycles to electric vehicles and 4x4s, the requirements of the 2012 fleet are hugely diverse. BMW and MINI have provided a variety of different cars, ideal both for city driving and long distance, to travel to Olympic and Paralympic venues around the country. It was vital that our partner in this field could deliver a one-stop shop solution and meet our sustainability targets. BMW has surpassed our requirements and we are delighted to be working with them.”

BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics and BMW X3 xDrive 20d

 

 

 

 

 

BMW X5 xDrive 30d and BMW 1 Series ActiveE

 

 

 

 

For more information on the BMW 2012 Olympic Fleet and for more photos, click here.

 

BMW’s Individual Frozen Paint Care and Maintenance Guide

Spring is in full swing, and that means we are all going to be out washing and waxing our vehicles so they give a great shine from the bright sun.

Matt Russell, BMW M Brand Manager, and a BMW Body and Paint Specialist, explains the paint guidelines behind the BMW’s “frozen” matte finishes. It seems that the care required for these paint jobs is much less then expected – only regular shampoo and insect remover is needed.

However, there are easy ways to damage the frozen matte paint if not careful. Check out the video and see what Matt Russell advises.

Spotted: First Monte Carlo Blue and Singapore Grey M6

Although the BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible have already made their public debut at auto shows, we have only seen the Sakhir Orange and Sane Marino Blue. Now, thanks to the people at BimmerPost, we have an up close look at the M6 Coupe in Monte Carlo Blue and the M6 Convertible in Singapore Grey.

The vehicles were photographed in Germany at the BMW M Studio at M Headquarters and the Monte Carlo Blue is a test vehicle spotted on the facilities of the M Studio.

Here are a few of the photos published on bimmerpost.com:

 

 

 

 

 

The 2012 M6 Convertible will be the first new M6 model to hit US showroom floors in June and the M6 Coupe to follow in September. BMW has announced that the 2013 M6 Coupe and the 2012 M6 Convertible will be priced at $106,995 and $113,995 respectively.

You can get more photos and and inside look at the Singapore M6 Convertible at BIMMERPOST.

BMW X1 Makes U.S. Debut

It’s fair to say that BMW vehicles always seem to attract a lot of attention, but this week at the 2012 New York Auto Show, BMW really took over the show. The highly anticipated 2013 BMW X1 made its U.S. debut with a huge audience camera-happy enthusiasts.

When the 2013 BMW X1 arrives in US dealerships this fall, it will be available in three trim levels – sDrive 28i, xDrive 28i and the xDrive 35i. The BMW X1 sDrive 28i and xDrive 28i are powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine featuring BMW’s TwinPower Turbo design, using a twin scroll turbocharger and direct injection to produce about 240 horsepower. The 2013 BMW X1 xDrive 35i is powered by a an inline six cylinder engine accompanied by the same TwinPower Turbo technology for a 300 horsepower.

In addition to the powerful performance, the BMW X1 lineup features a fresh new look with large grille openings, stretched headlights, and a longer hood surface. Enhanced openings along the bottom of the front end allow for better cooling. And on the inside, the X1 features  a familiar BMW luxury feel with a redesigned center console for the U.S. market and lots of chrome/satin silver accents throughout the cabin.

As mentioned previously, the 2013 BMW X1 plans to hit the U.S. showrooms by fall. So until then, you can see more photos of the BMW X1 and other NYIAS BMW cars on our Facebook Page.

2011 BMW M3 DINAN Upgrade

One of our good friends, customer, and marketing partner, has undergone a complete Dinan Performance Upgrade to his 2011 BMW e92 M3, and documented it along the way.

He had only three major requirements when he decided to look into the performance packages: Not to increase pollution output, Must offer a warranty, and the Parts Must be High Quality.

Since BMW of Santa Maria is a Dinan Certified Shop, it made his search much easier! :)

Dinan’s Website states their philosophy as the following: “To engineer the best handling, best performing cars on the market without sacrificing ride quality or reliability.” And from the article and pictures on BimmerPost, Dinan is true to their word.

After speaking with the Service Advisors at BMW of Santa Maria and the Dinan certified technicians, they were ready to start the project.

The following Dinan parts were installed:

  • Underdrive Pulley Kit
  • Performance Engine Software
  • High Flow Carbon Fiber Intake
  • Free Flow Exhaust (E92/3) M3 Coupe
  • Stage 3 Suspension System (EDC only)
  • Front Carbon Fiber Strut Tower Braces
After all the hard work, this M3 is performance ready with a  lower stance, more responsive throttle, more aggressiveness and that “power” sound that says it all!

For the full article and lots more photos, check out the M3 Post on BimmerPost.

BMW X6 Gets a Bright New Look for 2013

Already a popular head-turner, the BMW X6 gets a fresh new look for model year 2013.

Two TwinPower Turbo engines – a 300-horsepower inline six-cylinder in the X6 xDrive35i and a 400-horsepower V-8 in the X6 xDrive50i – pack even more power with the optional new M Performance Package.

When the sun falls and the darkness takes over, the X6 showcases more features – Adaptive LED headlights with Corona headlight-rings that illuminate the dark streets. This feature also includes Adaptive turning and Cornering Lights to lead the way around curves. The rear lights will now feature LED light bars as well.

Additional colors are also added for the 2013 model: Orion Silver, Midnight Blue, Marrakesh Brown, and Carbon Black.

Coming Soon to BMW Dealerships! BMW of Santa Maria.

BMW X1 Coming to US, Will Debut at New York Auto Show

The wait is finally over!

For a while, BMW has pondered if it should bring the X1 to the US market. Considering the popularity of the X3 and X5, it’s likely the BMW X1 will provide a large demand for BMW, and since the X1 is a top seller in Europe it would have been a shame not to capitalize in America.

According to Bimmerpost, an inside BMW source has revealed that the X1 will make its debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. However, it won’t just be the same vehicle seen in Europe, but a BMW X1 with a little facelift.

The engine range will likely focus on the new 2.0-liter turbo, which will have 245 hp for the X1 xDrive28i to play with. It’s also rumored the M Performance model will be launched – an M35i xDrive, powered by a six-cylinder turbo.

The BMW X1 is estimated to go on sale in the U.S. in early Fall as a xDrive28i model.

The X1’s debut to the U.S. market may be paving the path for the rumored X1 M35i, which would be the first M Performance Automobile for the North American market.

Check out BMW of Santa Maria’s selection of BMW X3 and X5s available now at our Santa Maria dealership.

BMW Rumor Mill: BMW i1 and i5

According to Automobile Magazine, BMW is preparing two additional models for the i sub-brand: BMW i1 and BMW i5.

The magazine says that the i1 will be a two-plus-two-seat, short-wheelbase city car coming in 2016. The i5 will be a high-roof, long-wheelbase five-seater wagon/MPV hybrid set for launch in 2015. This BMW i5 would compete in the marketplace with the upcoming Toyota Prius PHEV MPV.

Along with the other rumored details, it is said that the i1 and, i3, and i5 will be available in battery-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle forms. And the first of the BMW i vehicles will come to market in 2013, with the i3 and i8.

BMW of Santa Maria