BimmerCast Archives - BimmerFile

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We ‘re back with a quick recap and news and then a look ahead. The Geneva show is hours away and it serves as the perfect backdrop to talk about what BMW will be up to for the rest of the year. Here ‘s a quick look at the topics of BimmerCast #69.

– BMW i3 with range extender detailed
– The M3/M4 and what to expect (plus when to expect it)
— But more importantly we get into the debate that will drive enthusiasts for years to come – will the F80 equal the special-ness of the E90 V8 M3?
– M235i and how it ‘s what the 135i should have been all along
– The 3 Series GT and why we can ‘t quite wrap are heads around it
– The X5 leak – it ‘s real and why we ‘re a little disappointed
– The new 328d in the US. What to expect from BMWNA ‘s new efficiency leader.
– A quick recap of the latest BMW news and what to expect for 2013

The post BimmerCast #69: M235i & the Future of the M3 – Can Either Live up to the E90? appeared first on BimmerFile.

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While at NAIAS we caught up with Victor Lelue, BMW 3 Series and Z4 Product Manager for the US. We used this opportunity to chat about everything you can imagine 3 Series. Starting with the 320i and why it exists without much if any improved MPG figures. We then moved onto the new 3 Series wagon and what we should expect with it. And yes that means only xDrive and 8 Speed auto.

But the big subject we tackled regarding the 3er is of course the new diesels. We learned from Victor that the new 3 Series diesel will be powered by a 2.0L four cylinder (as expected) with around 180 hp and 300 ft lbs of torque. And MPG? BMW is expecting 40 pus MPG on the highway.

The new 3er diesel (likely called the 328d) will be all about efficiency where the 335d was marketed mostly with performance in mind.

Yet the Z4 had a big day at NAIAS with the world debut of its LCI. Victor gives us some insight into why the LCI was so subtle (hint – it ‘s already pretty good looking). Additionally we asked Victor about the lack of a M Performance Line Z4 considering the 35is is basically just that. And what about that N54 sticking around? You ‘ll have to listen to find out the official answer.

The post BimmerCast #68: BMWUSA 3 Series & Z4 Product Manager Interviewed appeared first on BimmerFile.

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It ‘s time for our annual look back at the year that was with a look ahead to what ‘s coming. As we ‘ve mentioned previously 2012 was a huge year for BMW. We look back and ahead at the following:

– The BMW ActiveHybrids (5 and 3 Series) and why they sell in small numbers
– F30 3 Series – the biggest launch of 2012
– The proliferation of xDrive
– M5 and M6 finally launched in the US
– M6 Gran Coupe – the best looking BMW made?
– M135i – a look ahead at the M235i
– Driving the M3 CRT and why it may be the best M3 ever
– The classic beauty that is the Z4 and why there ‘s no MZ435i
– BMWi launch and how it will change the brand
– Six Diesels in the US for 2013
– M325i – coming sooner than you may think
– The final production form of the 4 Series

Jam packed to say the least. Also please note that to record this show in time for the new year it was recorded “on the road ” so to speak. So the quality isn ‘t as good as the last few shows.

The post BimmerCast #66: 2012 Reviewed & 2013 Previewed (Diesels in the US, M Performance) appeared first on BimmerFile.

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We ‘re back for the November episode of the BimmerCast with a full plate of BMW news to discuss. Here ‘s a quick run-down on what we cover:

– The M550d – Michael talks about his time in the diesel barn burner and how it might just be the perfect car.
– The Manual M5 – likely the last manual M5 ever. Does it still make sense in the land of monster power and dual-clutch transmissions?
– Diesel in the US – it ‘s come in six different models. We break them down.
– BMWNA Sales and why this year has been up and down.
– What ‘s wrong with the F10 5 Series and why isn ‘t it selling?
– Finally some healthy debate on our recent JCW GP review.

As always if you have comments or suggestions for future shows let us know in the comment section below.

The post BimmerCast #65: M550d, Manual M5, Diesels in the US & the JCW GP appeared first on BimmerFile.

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The BimmerCast returns from summer vacation with a huge show... over an hour. Here ‘s a quick run-down on what we cover:

– First on the list; the introduction of the X1 to the US market. It ‘s the cheapest new BMW in the US and appears to be moving off lots quickly based on our sources. But what ‘s behind the X1 ‘s success in the US and worldwide? And is it the first BMW hatch-back in the US since the 318ti?
– The M135i; We ‘ve driven it and we give you a quick read what it ‘s like behind the wheel and how it compares to the 1M
– The F80 M3; So many rumors and so many secrets. We do our best to decode as much as possible and give you a glimpse on what could be a revolutionary M car.
– The M5 and M6; heavy weights that somehow defy physics. We ‘re just back from Laguna Seca and putting both cars through the cork-screw. We ‘ve got lots to cover and lots to dissect – especially on the highly improved M6.
– BMWNA Sales are down and we have some theories. Less deals (especially vs the competition), more bundled options and higher prices. Lots to discuss.

As always if you have comments or suggestions for future shows let us know in the comment section below.

The post BimmerCast #64: X1, M135i, F80 M3, M5, M6 & BMWNA\’s Sales Problems appeared first on BimmerFile.