Showing posts with label car accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car accessories. Show all posts

Monday, June 27, 2011

BMW M3 CRT.

Meet the new BMW M3 CRT. In this case, those letters do not mean cathode ray tube (think old-school computer monitors). According to BMW, CRT is short for Carbon Racing Technologies, and that's the kind of thing we can really get behind. That's especially true when the car being CRT-ized is the M3.
The BMW M3 CRT differs quite a bit from last year's M3 GTS, though both were conceived as lightweight versions of the E90-series car with more power, better brakes and upgraded suspension bits. For instance, unlike the GTS, the CRT comes fully loaded with navigation, a premium stereo system and is based on the four-door sedan with high-tech front and rear seats.
BMW is using the M3 CRT to debut its new carbon fiber production technique, which is used to good effect on both the front seats and a new hood that is as strong as a conventional steel unit with just one quarter the weight. More weight reduction comes from the titanium muffler, 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels and less sound deadening material. Even the brake calipers are made from a new lightweight compound.
A fresh set of adjustable coilovers work with a more rigid rear subframe and wide tires (245/35R19 front and 265/35R19 rear) to up the handling quotient. Power comes from a 4.4-liter version of BMW's well-known high-revving V8 engine, producing 450 horsepower (at 8,300 rpm) and 324 pound-feet of torque (at 3,750 rpm). Those ponies are routed to the rear wheels through the automaker's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Add it all up and you're left with a machine that's capable of terrorizing the race track every weekend while still serving as a perfectly lovely daily driver in between... one that can zip from 0 to 62 miles per hour in what we bet is a conservative 4.4 seconds. Want one? Get in line, as BMW only plans to build 67 units, each painted up in Frozen Polar Silver metallic with Melbourne Red accents and a black and orange interior. And there's no word on any of them making it Stateside, in case you were wondering.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of auto accessories for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. BMW lighting, custom grilles, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Monday, June 6, 2011

2011 BMW M3 Carbon Edition.

BMW has announced a new special edition M3, which will be available only in China.
2011 BMW M3 Carbon Edition will be limited to just 111 units, which will be sold at the biggest car market. The sports car features carbon fiber roof, BMW performance front GT splitters, hood inlets and a trunk mounted lip spoiler. Of course, all elements come in carbon fiber.
The special edition M3 is finished in white pearl metallic paint with black stripes. A Carbon Edition logo and huge 19” Style 220 M3 BMW wheels in matt black fitted with high performance tires complete the exterior look.
The interior received carbon fiber element, too. The “Carbon Edition” logo is present as well as white leather for the arm rest, door panels and center console. The final touch is the carbon fiber patterned material for the headrests.
The engine didn’t get any power boost, because it already has a lot of it – a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi revving V8 with 420PS and 400Nm of torque. It is mated to a Drivelogic 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.
2011 BMW M3 Carbon Edition is priced at 1.23 million yuan, which is around $189 000.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

2010 BMW 3-Series Overview.


The BMW 3-Series was last redesigned for 2007, with a handful of mild styling changes last year. A more thorough refresh is expected for 2011, but the 2010 3-Series still owns its segment: four-seat sports compacts. The extensive line includes the four-door sedan, a two-door coupe and convertible, and a station wagon. All-wheel-drive and a clean-diesel engine are optional on certain models. BMW's smooth inline-sixes, whether gasoline or diesel, provide excellent power; the diesel and even the smaller gasoline engine are surprisingly fuel-efficient. Styling is purposeful inside and out. At a base price of $34,025, the simplest 3-Series offers good value in a sports sedan. But start to tick off options or choose the more powerful 335i, and you could see the price soar toward $50,000.

BMW's 3-Series was thankfully spared the excesses of the make's larger models. For the volume car in the 2010 BMW portfolio, even the recently departed Chris Bangle had to go easy. The sedan is handsome and the coupe is beautiful from nose to tail, with an athletic but graceful stance. Subtle touches of the characteristic "flame surfacing" add interest and flair to the 3-Series, but they are thankfully restrained.

It's worth noting that no body panels are shared between the coupe and convertible two-doors and the sedan and station wagon four-door models. The "convertible" model actually uses a retractable hardtop, which folds neatly into the trunk (at the expense of luggage space). Inside, the 2010 BMW 3-Series is uber-traditional BMW: purposeful, elegant, and luxurious but restrained.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash.

You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of auto accessories for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, spoilers, wheels,
car floor mats, body kits,
custom tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The All-New BMW 3-Series.4.

BMW3-Series. The new 3 receives the latest advancements in safety technology. A new Head Protection System is standard, protecting both front- and rear-seat occupants. Front-seat side airbags are standard; however, BMW is no longer offering side airbags for rear passengers.

BMW 3 series Daylight (8)Image by SOCIALisBETTER via Flickr

BMW 3er FaceliftImage via Wikipedia

To quote from BMW's press materials, "With the new 3-Series, advances in side-impact safety are such that it is no longer necessary to offer rear side airbags

BMW 3 series Daylight (33)Image by SOCIALisBETTER via Flickr

. Those riding in the rear are appropriately separated from side impacts . . . ."
The next-generation of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is offered, as well as a number of new brake features.
Most unusual is the Brake Drying System. When the rain sensor (used for the automatic wipers) determines it is raining, the brake pads periodically move close to the rotors—just close enough to eliminate any film of water on the rotors without actually applying the brakes.
Another unique feature is the Brake Standby System, which moves the pads closer to the rotors when the accelerator gets released suddenly. This action is often followed by hard braking, so having the pads closer to the rotors allows the brakes to activate quicker in the event of an emergency stop.
On the Road (and Track).
The predecessor to the new 3-Series (the fourth generation) was a great car, and there are those who think it's the best 3-Series ever. Handling, power and comfort were all outstanding. But after spending a day in the new fifth-generation 3-Series, we were convinced that the best can get even better.
Our group of journalists drove on a wide variety of roads, from highway miles to twisting roads with less-than-ideal surfaces. We also spent a bit of time on the track at the new BeaveRun Motorsports complex in western Pennsylvania.

What impressives most about this car is its ability to handle all situations with aplomb.
On the highway, the new 3 accelerates strongly when needed, but is very comfortable and stable cruising at 75 mph. On winding roads it digs in and sticks to the pavement, even when the surface is less than ideal. The ride gets a bit bumpy, but never jarring. When many cars would skip across the road while cornering on uneven road surfaces, the new 3-Series just stays planted exactly where you expect it and goes exactly where you point it.
At the track this same car's limits are even more impressive. The 3-Series is extremely easy to control at high speeds, remaining stable even as the speedometer reaches triple digits.

When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash.
You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of auto accessories for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Billet grilles, spoilers, wheels, floor mats,
dash kits, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

The All-New BMW 3-Series.3.


BMW 3-Series (E90)Image via Wikipedia


One of the most noteworthy qualities about a BMW is the way it handles. Many sports sedans on the market sacrifice a comfortable ride to achieve better stability. The new 3-Series avoids this sacrifice, providing a smooth ride as well as impressive handling.

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AGImage via Wikipedia



Improvements in the 3-Series that help make this happen include a new 5-link rear suspension, a double-pivot front suspension, a more rigid body and chassis, and extensive use of aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight.

The now-standard run-flat tires did not intrude on the driving experience, which says a lot. Typically run-flats can provide a harsh, uncomfortable ride, but the suspension in the new 3 works so well with run-flats that there is no detectable difference between them and standard pneumatic tires.

The engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system continues essentially unchanged; however, the new suspension and sub-frame have actually sharpened the new 3's reaction to steering inputs. Steering feels very precise, with good feedback from the road. BMW's Active Steering is available for the first time on the 3-Series. With Active Steering, the steering ratio varies depending on speed and steering input.
New Look Inside and Out. Although immediately recognizable as a BMW 3-Series, the new car is quite a change from the outgoing generation. However, the change is not as extreme as it was with the new-generation 5-Series—a styling statement that many BMW loyalists still have not readily accepted. The front of the 3 is much bolder, with larger headlights better integrated into the overall design. BMW's Xenon Adaptive Headlights (optional on the 325i, standard on the 330i) feature distinctive light rings integrated into the headlights, which actually swivel to illuminate in the direction the car is turning. No longer part of the hood, the grille of the 3-Series also increases in size. Chrome slats differentiate the 330 from the 325, which has black slats.
The side view features a crease that intersects the door handles, creating a line angling down towards the headlights. This runs parallel to the beltline (at the base of the windows), which flows from the taillights all the way forward to the front of the car, giving the 3-Series a crisp, angled style and a feeling of forward motion. At the rear, taillights have the familiar L-shape, with Adaptive Brake Lights lighting an additional segment under heavy braking.

The interior features a new steering wheel, instrument panel and seats. Following the latest trend, a pushbutton starts the car rather than a key. However, at least for the time being, the key must be in the ignition. Eventually, BMW will offer "Keyless Go," which will recognize the proximity of the key to activate the start button.

Sirius Satellite radio is now available on the 3-Series line, as is the widely known, but not widely accepted, I-Drive. BMW's unique interface system uses a single knob to access navigation, communication, entertainment and other car settings. Previous versions have been quite complicated, resulting in mixed reviews. Standard in the 7-Series and 5-Series, the new 3-Series will be the first to offer I-Drive as an option. It is part of the $2,000 Navigation System package, and BMW reps expect about eight to ten percent of buyers to opt for this feature.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of
auto accessories for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Billet grills, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The All-New BMW 3-Series.2.

BMW 3-Series.
More Power.
Both the 325i and the 330i get fresh engines for 2006: a new-generation 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder. Designated N52, this smooth I6 has different output for the 325i and the 330i.

BMW 3er FaceliftImage via Wikipedia

In the 325i, horsepower is rated at 215 (vs. 184 in the previous generation), while the top-of-the-line 330i makes 255 horsepower (vs. 225 in the previous generation). Torque also increases and the engine now redlines at 7000 rpm—500 rpm higher than before.

The engine block is hewn from an innovative magnesium/aluminum composite, reducing weight by 22 lbs. In addition, the N52 features BMW's Valvetronic variable valve lift. Valvetronic has been featured in BMW V8s and V12s, but this is its first use in a BMW 6-cylinder engine. Valvetronic provides quicker engine response, better fuel economy, more power and a wider torque curve.


Fuel economy ratings have not been announced; however, while driving the 330i we observed an impressive average fuel economy in the mid-20s while driving quite aggressively. Projections for freeway economy could safely be in the 30 mpg range.

Both the 325i and 330i come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission; a 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is optional. A 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) will be available on the 330i later this year.
We didn't get a chance to try the automatic, but the 6-speed manual is very slick, with short shifts and smooth operation. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds, which may be conservative based on our driving experience. Surprisingly, cars equipped with the automatic transmission are only a few tenths slower.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of auto accessories for you to choose from.

Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Car grills, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Friday, February 5, 2010

The All-New BMW 3-Series.1.


Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AGImage via Wikipedia

BMW3-Series

Since that time the 3 has become the core of BMW's lineup with more than 10 million units sold worldwide (including the 2002), making it the company's most successful product.
In calendar 2002 BMW began redesigning its entire vehicle line, starting with the 7-Series that year and moving on to the 5-Series and 6-Series in 2004. For the 2006 model year, an all-new 3-Series rejoins the family with a new look, more powerful engines, more room and a host of improvements and added features.
Larger 3-Series:

The 2006 3-Series has grown in almost every dimension. The wheelbase increases by 1.4 inches, the overall length stretches 2.2 inches, and the car has widened 3 inches. This growth results in a slightly roomier cabin and an additional 1.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.
Front seats are supportive, with side bolsters that fit snugly but not uncomfortably. Up front occupants find plenty of legroom; however, the center console does not have a lot of storage space. Cupholders are positioned in the dash, sliding out near the front passenger. The right-side cupholder has very sharp corners, which were discovered the hard way—without going into details, let's just say one journalist we know has a painful memory of a jammed knee.

Unfortunately the increased size did not add any legroom in the rear seat where it was needed. Thus it remains a bit cramped back there, especially if you have more than two rear passengers or have plans for a long drive. The bump up in trunk space mentioned earlier is largely due to new, standard run-flat tires, so the spare tire and jack have gone away.

Although the 3-Series has grown in size, its weight has remained almost the same as its predecessor. With an automatic transmission, the 325i bulks up by just 44 pounds, while the 330i gains 88 pounds. Weight distribution front to back is almost exactly 50/50.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of auto accessories for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Billet grills, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Monday, February 1, 2010

BMW 3 Series. Fifth generation.


BMW E90Image via Wikipedia

BMW 3 Series (E46)Image via Wikipedia

The E90 is the currently available generation, which debuted as a sedan (E90) and wagon (E91) for the 2006 model year, coupe (E92) and cabriolet (E93) for the 2007 model year[citation needed]. It is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to engines, transmission, the passenger compartment, suspension technology, as well as the addition of a host of high-tech features and options. The coupé/cabriolet body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan (unlike its predecessors), and is slightly longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart. Major features include Comfort Access, bi-Xenon adaptive headlamps, Active Cruise Control, and Active Steering. The sedan and wagon received a mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year which comprised changes to the grille, headlights, tailights and trunk. The coupe and cabriolet are expected to be refreshed in the 2011 model year.

Currently, four engine options are offered, two being part of the new 'N' series of BMW inline engines featuring a host of new technologies. Technological innovations such as lightweight magnesium/aluminum construction, electric water pump, Valvetronic (steplessly variable valve lift), and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing contribute to produce a lighter and more powerful motor than its predecessor, but yield a 15% increase in fuel economy. The E90 also marks BMW's return to turbocharging with the introduction of the BMW 335. The N54 engine produces 306 PS (225 kW; 302 bhp) and 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) torque.

The E90 series also marks the return of —a retractable hardtop convertible, which last featured on BMW Individual models of the E36 M3. Sales of the E90 have been very strong in Britain. In 2007, a record total of more than 58,000 vehicles were sold and it was the seventh most popular car in Britain. Future models. The next full revision of the 3 Series is expected in for the 2012 model year, and will feature improved aerodynamics, lightweight materials and the option of smaller displacement engines. A hybrid version is still under consideration.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of auto accessories for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, rear spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Facelifted 3-Series

Facelifted 3-Series

BMW 3 series Daylight (38)Image by SOCIALisBETTER via Flickr

BMW M3 E92 coupe - press presentation in MarbellaImage via Wikipedia


Here’s one for facelift fetishists – the revamped 3-Series coupe and convertible. Get a good squint going, perhaps attach a monocle, and you’ll notice the changes.
Or if you can’t be bothered, allow us to summarise. The kidney grilles are slightly different. The lights now have ‘white LED corona rings and illuminated eyebrows’, or ‘severe eye infection’ as your optician would call it. And below all that there’s a gobbier air intake that makes the car look wider and lower so more people will get out of your way. Or get scooped up. The sideskirts have a new twist and the back bumper is also new. Underneath all that, BMW’s efficiency pixies have been working hard. The grunty 335i now emits 10 per cent less CO2 and consumes 8 per cent less petrol. And the 320d has now has more oomph – 0-62mph now takes 7.5 seconds rather than 7.9 – while managing a righteous 60mpg. The CoupĂ© starts at £27,845 for the 320i SE, rising to £52,730 for the full-fat and wonderful M3 (£32,905 to £56,740 for the Convertibles).
BMW is all about high-performance while staying true to its luxurious standards. Distinctive features, high-tech programming, and alarmingly smooth drivability are attributes that all BMW models share. Any incarnation of this famous family is a true pleasure from the sporty but fashionable 1 Series all the way to the executive and gallantly built M6. CARiD is excited to be able to share with you our complete inventory of perfect form-fitting
BMW Accessories that will enable your "Beemer" to establish an identity of its own with class as well as precision. Don't trust just anyone when it comes to top-quality BMW parts: it's too important.
Whatever your pleasure, CARiD is here to serve you right. Only the best quality and value for all BMW accessories from the manufacturers who specialize in knowing exactly what fits and what doesn't. Do not settle for false promises and second-rate upgrades. You deserve better than that.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more.
CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Billet grills, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

BMW 3-Series the best sport sedan.


BMW 3-Series Titan GreyImage by davipt via Flickr

The 2010 BMW 3-Series ranks 2 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 100 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 3-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Many in the automotive press consider the BMW 3-Series the best sport sedan built today. If you're interested in an entry-level luxury sedan that will serve as a family car day-to-day, and a corner-hugging sports car when a winding road presents itself, the 3-Series may be the best you'll find.

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AGImage via Wikipedia


The BMW 3-Series has won more awards that its trunk can hold. More than we can list. Put it this way - this car has been one of Car and Driver's "10Best" cars for 18 consecutive years. Nothing else has.

This car loves a curvy road. It offers balanced handling that is almost unparalleled, with near 50/50 weight distribution and suspension tuning biased more toward the sporty end of the scale than most similarly-priced cars. It also offers a selection of powerful engines, allowing buyers to decide how much to spend on speed. There is even a strong twin-turbo diesel that offers tremendous off-the-line torque with good fuel economy.

That sporty suspension, however, is what shoppers need to think hard about before parting with upwards of $30,000. The automotive press tends to fall in love with cars that perform well in track testing - which means cars that are firmly sprung. The result is a fast lap time and a car that will hold a hard turn while losing little momentum to body roll...but that can translate to a choppy ride in day-to-day driving. The 3-Series may not be the right car for those most interested in a luxurious ride. A softer-tuned alternative, like the Lexus ES, may make sense for buyers who don't actually like to drive hard.
Even those who do have alternatives. Reviewers now consider the Inifiniti G37 a viable alternative to BMW's car. The G's V6 offers more low-end grunt and feels a bit less refined that the BMW's base engine, but some say the Coupe version of the G37 actually outcorners the 3-Series coupe.

The 2010 BMW 3-Series is available as a sedan, a coupe, a wagon or a hardtop convertible. Coupe and sedan models come in rear-wheel drive 328i and 335i models, and all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive editions. 335 models feature twin turbochargers not available on the 328s.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Car grills, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Next-gen BMW 3-series.

The current E90 BMW 3-series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-series.

BMW 3 series Daylight (36)Image by SOCIALisBETTER via Flickr


BMW 3 series Daylight (38)Image by SOCIALisBETTER via Flickr

Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-series will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-series a step above the current car.
Aesthetically, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. The bonnet will likely sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Proportions will remain much the same as the current model but weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum and other advanced materials in its construction.
A huge change for the 2012 car could be the addition of three-cylinder engines to the lineup, according to Autocar. Though these wouldn't likely be seen in the U.S. during the first half of the next 3-series model life, they could eventually make their way across the pond if fuel efficiency and emissions regulations continue to tighten past 2016.


With a single turbo and 1.5L of displacement - effectively half of the current twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine - the cars would be good for anywhere from 150-170hp and 150-220lb-ft of torque, with the gasoline models weighing in lower on the torque scale than the diesel models. Paired with an ultra-efficient 8-speed transmission and more efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling, the next-gen 3-series is expected to deliver some seriously impressive economy. One of the new advanced EfficientDynamics technologies to make its way into the next 3-series will be a so-called 'air curtain'. Using a special series of ducts and vents, the system directs air in a manner such that it slips neatly over the wheels, which are normally an area of high turbulence, and therefore energy-sapping drag. In addition to making the car more efficient overall, BMW is looking to make the next 3-series less expensive to build and therefore to buy as it aims for larger volumes. Whether that will mean compromises in terms of total feature set or simply a lower-end range of models to entice entry-level luxury buyers is not clear, but pushing the 3-series so far down-market could step on the toes of the 1-series range and any future city cars coming from the Project i initiative.
Finally, as yet another measure to enhance efficiency while still delivering a BMW driving experience, expect to see the hybrid technology debuting on the X6 and 7-series to eventually make its way to the 3-series, albeit in somewhat reduced form. This technology will likely be especially targeted at U.S. buyers, since even by the car's mid-cycle revamp in 2016, there isn't likely to be widespread adoption of diesel-engined cars. Of course, all of these details are still speculative at this point, but it's clear that BMW is pushing its mainstream offerings in a more efficient direction while still trying to maintain their engaging, driver-focused character. It is a difficult balancing act, but one that enthusiasts will enjoy seeing played out over the years to come.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with auto accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Billet grilles, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Monday, January 4, 2010

2010 BMW 3-Series

The 2010 BMW 3-Series ranks 2 out of 16 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 100 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 3-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. Many in the automotive press consider the BMW 3-Series the best sport sedan built today. If you're interested in an entry-level luxury sedan that will serve as a family car day-to-day, and a corner-hugging sports car when a winding road presents itself, the 3-Series may be the best you'll find.

BMW 3-Series Auto TitanImage by davipt via Flickr

The BMW 3-Series has won more awards that its trunk can hold. More than we can list. Put it this way - this car has been one of Car and Driver's "10Best" cars for 18 consecutive years. Nothing else has. This car loves a curvy road. It offers balanced handling that is almost unparalleled, with near 50/50 weight distribution and suspension tuning biased more toward the sporty end of the scale than most similarly-priced cars. It also offers a selection of powerful engines, allowing buyers to decide how much to spend on speed. There is even a strong twin-turbo diesel that offers tremendous off-the-line torque with good fuel economy.
That sporty suspension, however, is what shoppers need to think hard about before parting with upwards of $30,000. The automotive press tends to fall in love with cars that perform well in track testing - which means cars that are firmly sprung.

BMW New 3-series Coupe Debut (8-20-2006)Image by jburns00 via Flickr

BMW New 3-series Coupe Debut (8-20-2006)Image by jburns00 via Flickr


The result is a fast lap time and a car that will hold a hard turn while losing little momentum to body roll...but that can translate to a choppy ride in day-to-day driving. The 3-Series may not be the right car for those most interested in a luxurious ride. A softer-tuned alternative, like the Lexus ES, may make sense for buyers who don't actually like to drive hard.
Even those who do have alternatives. Reviewers now consider the Inifiniti G37 a viable alternative to BMW's car. The G's V6 offers more low-end grunt and feels a bit less refined that the BMW's base engine, but some say the Coupe version of the G37 actually outcorners the 3-Series coupe. The 2010 BMW 3-Series is available as a sedan, a coupe, a wagon or a hardtop convertible. Coupe and sedan models come in rear-wheel drive 328i and 335i models, and all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive editions. 335 models feature twin turbochargers not available on the 328s.
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Car grills, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.