BMW reportedly catches ring of workers stealing up to $4 million in parts

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

BMW Badge

According to reports, a ring of 18 workers at BMW’s plant in Munich have been stealing from the German automaker for years. It seems the individuals would stop the lines for fake quality control checks and make off with the goods to be sold on the open market. The most lucrative business reportedly centered around reselling seats through internet auctions.

BMW’s own internal investigators discovered the thievery – but not until €3 million in goods ($4 million) was stolen – and reported the matter to local authorities. At least three ex-employees are currently in custody. Thanks for the tip, Gregg!

[Source: The Local | Photo: Drew Phillips/AOL]

BMW reportedly catches ring of workers stealing up to $4 million in parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?!

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Manifest

The rumor furnaces are cooking at full tilt when it comes to what will be lurking under the hood of the upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The sleuths at 1addicts.com have managed to lay their hands on a clandestine manifest that supposedly outlines all of the new models set to flow forth the Bavarian automaker. Nestled among the more common 1 Series metal is a vehicle that appears to be code named “1 M Pyrat” that will supposedly pack a 340 horsepower N54 engine in European trim. That’ll send your eyebrows to your hairline, sure, but it’s not nearly as shocking as the U.S.-spec model just a bit further down the list.

According to the enthusiast site, BMW is planning a 451 horsepower version of the 1 Series M Coupe just for American consumption. Now, we hate to the little black rain cloud that rains on everyone’s parade, but this seems more than a little unlikely. After all, the big daddy M3 rolls with 414 horsepower right now, and even if BMW is planning a substantial bump in power in the near future, it seems unlikely that the baby 1 would be given the chops to pass its bigger brother.

Still, it doesn’t hurt us one bit to dream this little dream until BMW says otherwise. Head over to 1addicts to have a closer look at the manifest.

Gallery: BMW 1M Coupe teasers

[Source: 1addicts]

Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

BMW 3 Series spy shots

BMW 3 Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about BMW’s plans to expand its model line with more niche models like the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. We’ve heard talks of a new X4 crossover, a 3 Series GT and even a hatchback M3. It’s all a bit maddening, yes, but never fear – BMW has not forgotten about its core models, especially the all-important 3 Series sedan. After all, the four-door 3er is quite possibly the most important benchmark vehicle in the automotive marketplace. We do talk about it quite a bit.

BMW 3 Series interior spy shotOur sneaky spy photographers have just snapped this 3 Series prototype out testing on public roads, and while the exterior hasn’t been altered too much from other development cars we’ve seen, our photogs managed to snap the 3er’s reworked interior for the first time. Breathe easy, folks – it isn’t too far removed from what we’ve come to know in the current E90 car. The dash has more sculpted lines, the steering wheel is beefier and has some more functional buttons and the center console features BMW’s new remote-sized shifter.

We’re still unsure as to what BMW has lurking under the hood, but we can expect the usual host of six-cylinder powertrains, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a four-cylinder option, too. Until we get the official word, we’ll hug our current E90s and wait patiently. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shotsBMW 3 Series spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 650i Convertible a no-show in LA

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW 650i Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW wanted to get in on the LA Auto Show festivities, so it dropped most of the details on the 2012 650i convertible without trotting the drop-top onto the show floor. We say “most” of the details, because pricing, options and EPA numbers are still MIA.

What we do know is the new Sixer’s sheetmetal is inspired by the 6 Series Coupe Concept from Paris and is the same model we spied back in October. If you’re up on BMW’s nonsensical numerological nomenclature the 650i is packing the automaker’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 sending 400 horsepower (peaking at 6,400 rpm) and 450 pound-feet of torque (from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm) through an eight speed automatic or six-speed manual. Naturally, power is sent to the rear wheels, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and the de rigueur electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

As expected, BMW has stuck with a traditional cloth top which can be opened in 19 seconds and closed in a claimed 24 seconds up to speeds of 25 mph. A new optional full-color heads-up display complete with 3D graphics and the new iDrive 10.2-inch screen are part of the package. Sales are set to begin this spring and full details are available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible

[Source: BMW]

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2012 BMW 650i Convertible a no-show in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive

Filed under: Classics, Technology, BMW

BMW celebrates 25 years of AWD

BMW celebrates 25 years of AWD – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW says that after 25 years, one in four of the company’s vehicles is sold with xDrive all-wheel drive. The German carmaker currently sells a total of 45 models that put power to all four tires, and it says that figure may rise in the near future. In order to celebrate just how far the company’s all-wheel drive system has come over the past quarter decade, BMW has rolled out a quick stroll down memory lane. The first BMW to wear an X on its trunk debuted in 1985 and offered buyers a vehicle that was as capable when the road turned slippery as it was when the tarmac grew twisty.

Since then, BMW says that it has worked to give all of its all-wheel-drive vehicles the same rear-wheel bias as the rest of its products to maintain the now classic BMW driving feel. Hit the jump to see the full press release for yourself, and be sure to check out the gallery full of vintage BMW goodies.

Gallery: 25 Years of BMW AWD

[Source: BMW]

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BMW celebrates 25 years of all-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW planning rear-wheel drive 2 Series?

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M2 RenderingConsider our fingers crossed. With all of the talk of front-wheel-drive BMW models coming down the pike, we simply assumed that the future of small German hatchbacks with roundels on the hood would be littered with soulless heaps. According to the sleuths over at Car and Driver, however, that’s not the case. After discovering that BMW had filed for U.S. patents for the names 228, 230 and 235, someone at BMW let it slip that the new 2 Series would, in fact, send its power to the aft. But hold onto your teacups, kids, it gets better.

BMW has also filed for a patent for the M2 moniker.

Now, we know as well as anyone that a patent doth not a production vehicle make, but it’s still exciting to know that BMW isn’t walking away from the notion of a smallish, fun-to-drive model anytime soon. Supposedly the company is planning a rash of models positioned below the current 1 Series to help decrease its corporate average fuel economy, but the news of a rear-wheel drive model with an M badge on the back goes a long way toward salving any ails inflicted by the thought of a front-wheel-drive Bimmer.

[Source: Car and Driver]

BMW planning rear-wheel drive 2 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rossin-Bertin Vorax guns for entry into supercar club with BMW V10 power

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, South America

Rossin-Bertin Vorax

Rossin-Bertin Vorax – Click above for image gallery

Wiesmann may have been forced to switch from V10 power to the new twin-turbo V8 for their top-of-the-line MF5, but a Brazilian upstart apparently thinks it can secure an adequate supply of ten-cylinder BMW engines even after they’re discontinued. That’s what’s powering the vehicle you see here.

The Rossin-Bertin Vorax is set to debut at the São Paulo Auto Show later this month. It features a carbon fiber body over an aluminum chassis, cradling the Bavarian ten-pot in two states of trim: naturally aspirated with 570 horsepower, or supercharged with 750. The former is said to be good for a 3.8-second 0-62 mph time and a 205 mph top end. The latter marginally improves the acceleration time to 3.6 despite its 180-horse boost, but supposedly raises the top end to 231 mph. Of course, those figures are likely theoretical, as the vehicle appears to exist only in renderings at the moment.

Bankrolled by meat industry scion Natolino Bertin, Jr. and realized by former General Motors designer Fharys Rossin, the Vorax coupe is targeted to hit the market late 2011 or early 2012. A convertible version is slated to follow a year later, with overall production targeted at 500-1000 units in all and prices hovering around $400k.

Gallery: Rossin-Bertin Vorax

[Sources: Argentina Auto Blog, Carscoop]

Rossin-Bertin Vorax guns for entry into supercar club with BMW V10 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: BMW drivers are UK’s angriest motorists

Filed under: Audi, BMW, Ford, Land Rover, UK

bmw badgeGreat Britain is a relatively small island with a lot of people and therefore a lot of cars. So it’s fairly important that motorists on crowded roads are as civilized as possible… Naturally, though, not all Brits are pleasant drivers. Gocompare.com decided to poll 3,000 motorists to see, by vehicle make, which drivers are the meanest of the bunch.

In the UK there is a phenomenon called “white van drivers,” which consists of mostly self-employed males who use vans for everything from delivery to carpentry work – pretty much how Americans use pickup trucks. In short, the Brits can’t stand these drivers because they’re always in a hurry and don’t want anyone in their way. The “white van” finished second overall, showing just how despised number one really is. That distinction goes to BMW owners, who were deemed the most likely to tailgate, speed or flip the bird on public roads, lending some credence to Audi’s hillarious “Meet the Beckers” commercials of a while back. Of course Audi drivers didn’t fare much better, landing at number three on the list of ticked off drivers. Ford managed a number four ranking, followed by Land Rover owners.

Other fascinating data from the survey includes the fact that nearly one in 10 British drivers claim that they’ve had an accident as a result of road rage. And of all the bad driving habits of others, the thing Brits hate most is tailgating, as 58 percent call the practice frightening. 37 percent find the practice of flashing one’s lights as a gesture for the driver in front of them to get out of the way offensive, and 32 percent have been flipped the bird. For more on the survey, including the rest of the makes that managed to make the top 10, head over to the Telegraph.

[Source: Telegraph]

Study: BMW drivers are UK’s angriest motorists originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1995 BMW M3 CSL Lightweight is ultra rare, ultra tasty

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, BMW, Racing

1995 BMW M3 CSL Lightweight

1995 BMW M3 CLS Lightweight – Click above for high-res image gallery

We know we already ran an eBay Find of the Day, but since you couldn’t actually drive that one, we thought it only fair to bring you another. File this one under “D” for “Don’t see that every day.” For a Buy It Now price of $49,000, you can lay your loving mitts on a genuine 1995 BMW M3 CSL Lightweight. According to the seller, the vehicle has never been raced or abused, and the photos make the factory-built racer look like a slice of cherry pie. There are a scant 36,619 miles on the clock, and the ad makes it clear that this particular example needs nothing but a driver behind the wheel. A driver with a flush bank account, that is.

If you’re wondering why we’ve gone all drooling ape over this car, you should probably know that this is one of the rarer M3 models out there. The seller notes that there were just 100 of these particular racers imported to the States, each with weight-adding bits like the spare tire sent to the dumpster in an attempt to keep weight as low as possible. Reports vary as to exactly how many pounds BMW managed to shed from the standard car, but estimates say that the models hit the scales at around 200-300 lbs less than their regular counterparts. Throw in even stiff springs and a host of go-fast parts that were user-installable for a little extra track dominance and you’ve got the beast you see above.

Did we mention this sucker is street legal? Head over to eBay Motors for a closer look. Thanks for the tip, Sid!

Gallery: 1995 BMW M3 CSL Lightweight

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1995 BMW M3 CSL Lightweight is ultra rare, ultra tasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW returning to DTM in 2012

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Racing

BMW in the DTM

BMW is returning to the DTM – Click above for high-res image

BMW has announced that it will once again knock fenders in the DTM. The company has said that it will make its way back to the race series for the 2012 season after a lengthy 18-year absence. The German automaker is in the process of restructuring its involvement in motorsport, and DTM is going to play a key part in that effort.

According to the company’s press release, BMW has been in talks with DTM organizers for some time about future regulations and technical requirements. After it began to look like the brand would in fact be welcome in the series once again, BMW broke the news to fans at the DTM race weekend at Hockenheimring.

So far, it looks like the M3 will be the bruiser of choice for going toe-to-toe with the rest of the field, but as of right now, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be behind the tiller when the green flag drops on the company team. Stay tuned and hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

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BMW returning to DTM in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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