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Comments
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
As I understand it, the 3 Series and Zs are assembled in SC, the X3 is assemble in Austria, and the remaining are assembled in Germany. I believe I am right here... please, someone correct me if I am wrong! :confuse:
TM
BMW's future use of SC will be primarily for SUV/CUVs.
PRESS RELEASE
GROUND BREAKING NEW SEVEN-SPEED DSG GEARBOX SET TO DEBUT IN GOLF
The latest evolution of Volkswagen's pioneering DSG twin-clutch gearbox, now featuring seven gears, greater efficiency and a more compact design is set to make its debut in the new year.
The new transversely mounted seven-speed DSG gearbox is revolutionary. It distances itself from the existing six-speed DSG gearbox, which uses a pair of clutches immersed in oil, by adopting a pair of dry clutches. This not only saves considerable weight and improves the efficiency of the system but also makes the new gearbox more compact.
Available in addition to, rather than replacing, the existing DSG gearbox the new seven-speed DSG system is designed to operate under moderate power and torque loadings. From launch the new gearbox will be available linked to the new 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS engine.
In the Golf hatchback, compared with the six-speed manual version, the new seven-speed DSG brings a 10 g/km CO2 saving (down from 149 g/km in the manual to 139) and a fuel economy improvement of over 3 mpg (combined 44.8 mpg for manual and 47.9 for seven-speed DSG). It is also possible to combine this gearbox with the 1.9-litre TDI diesel unit with Diesel Particulate Filter.
My hunch is that BMW will become more weight conscious in the future due to very severe new EU CO2 regulations. This would be a win-win situation. The lighter a car the better it will performs and handle, it will consume less fuel and emit less emissions in order to satisfy new CO2 regulations. Heavy BMW CUVs will be made in America because of its more lenient carbon regulations and the wide-held American notion that bigger must somehow mean better. In Europe small luxury performance cars have been considered high status cars for several decades now. I knwo many here on this side of the Ocean have difficulty understanding how anyone can spend so much on a Audi A3.
Gosh, I've got my eye on that car... so I don't want to think negatively about it. I read that the recent comparisons to the old 2002 model are unrealistic due to the heavier weight of the 1-series, but that compared to the 3-series, it is indeed lighter by enough pounds to make it significantly quicker.
TagMan
The 1 series will perform/handle better than the 3 series. But by how much?
Many auto mags achieved 60MPH with the 335i in about 4.8 seconds. I will have to wait and see what the 1 series can accomplish. Also I would like to read some details on how it handles compared to a 335i.
I am not trying to shoot the 1 series before it gets out of the gate. BUT I do think BMW should start focusing on building BMWs that are far more lighter. That will be tough to do with all the new safety features in cars but new lighter materials may help BMW accomplish that objective.
Pardon the negativity on my last post and if you already read it try to forget it as fast you can (according to Houdini that will be easy if your andrenelin is low). I tend to be negative about all cars except with regards to my perfect BMW 335i and my wife's 530xi Touring ofcourse.
Car & Driver previously tested the 335i at 4.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, and they also have a nice preview of the 135i in their January '08 issue as well as does Automobile Mag.
From what I am reading so far, the 135i should be a hair quicker than the 335i, but with its understeer, I doubt it will be a much better dancer... although it might feel more nimble due to its smaller size. Automobile Mag said that the "steering feel is fantastic... and ....offers better feedback than any other current BMW"!!!!!!!
For some reason, I keep wrestling with the convertible idea. Out here, a convertible can be used much of the year, and the 135i makes a nice-looking ragtop. Even today, my son and I went for a ride in the Porsche with the top down, as we dropped off a few Christmas gifts to some friends... So, I'll have to give the ragtop option some serious thought. It's a tough choice. It would change things significantly, and the availability would be later in the year for the 135i convertible... as I understand it, only the 128i convertible will come initially.
TagMan
Dewey, this European feeling comes from three mainstreams, in my opinion. One, the different wealth that America and Europe developed along the 20th. Century. Two, the perception of big and empty spaces, both in the countryside and towns, would have lead you, Americans, to love bigger cars, which makes sense. Last but not least, the fuel price that we Europeans must pay to entertain our cars. There is a Spanish saying: Eres más tonto que Abundio, que vendió el coche para comprar gasolina ('You are sillier than Abundio, who sold his car to buy petrol').
Louis, you may see I am still here, glued to internet. I will leave this afternoon, heading for relatives & friends, snowshoes and, most of the time, alpine skiing. May be I will still have time for a poster or two. :shades:
Regards,
Jose
Building BMWs in America
Welcome to BMW Manufacturing Co., the birthplace of every X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, Z4 Roadster, M Roadster, Z4 Coupe and M Coupe and soon-to-be X6 and X3. Here, at the only BMW factory in the US, we transform dreams into machines. This is where engineering perfection is set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Where cooperation is found in the work of teams and individuality flourishes in the creation of ideas. A place where the philosophy of BMW thrives and the Ultimate Driving Machine is built.
I'm off to be with my wife's family for Christmas and New Years for two weeks (pray for me... lol), but our wireless mobile world should keep me connected to everyone here often. I'll be reading the car rags on the plane, and thinking about that XF (or S6) that Lexusguy might buy, the hybrid that Dewey is waiting for, the fastest Audi ever made for esf, the impulse car for Houdini w/ adrenaline required, and the 135i for myself... maybe. I know Blkhemi surely doesn't need a new car although his wife will get a new SUV one of these days soon, and Jose (jlbl) will probably get the first drive in a 1-series after his trip... I can't wait to hear about it. I'm not sure what tx_buzzard or madmanmoo are going to get next, but I'm sure we'll find out when it happens. Lou, good luck over the Holidays, and Bristol2 do not buy that Jag unless you are really sure about it!.
I don't know where our Mr. H. (hpowders) slipped off to recently, maybe an overdose of rum cake, but I'll be thinking of him also. I hope our hosts, Pat and Karen S have a nice break (out there in Virginia?), and I'll still be thinking of merc1, ljflx, designman, oac, syswei, doc, carnaught, nvbanker, and some of the others that I haven't heard from here in a while. I miss their posts and it would be a geniune treat to hear from them. To all the rest of those on this forum, have a joyous Holiday season.
TagMan
P.S. Tag, don't let your wife's relatives find you out. Keep 'em guessing!!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
TM
I will be as well. Happy Holidays tag, and to everyone else on the board.
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-moo
I'm in Virginia, yes, where the beaches are that you remember, only they aren't like that anymore because they are overrun with tourists - I forgot to answer you on that question, I'm sorry.
KarenS hosts parts of sedans, but not here, this one's mine. She's not in Virginia. She's somewhere where it snows. She also thinks I'm crazy for wanting it to snow here.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone here. This is a terrific discussion and I enjoy it immensely. Thanks to all of you for making that be so!
Pat
Unfortunately it wont arrive with a red bow this Christmas since I have no desire with the current selection of hybrids.
Christmas 2010? Maybe.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to everyone here.
She also thinks I'm crazy for wanting it to snow here
Well at least here in Toronto our beaches during December are not over-run by tourists. I guess there are some advantages of having ice and snow here.
How does BMW describe a auto plant in South Carolina?
A place where BMW transform dreams into machines by building Ultimate Driving Machines.
How does BMW view their engineering?
As engineering perfection and nothing less than perfection (at least Lexus is humble enough to pursue perfection).
I love BMW cars but I cant stand their boisterous marketing. :lemon:
Cheap energy in North America is what I believe to be the main reason for this difference. Cheap energy is also the reason why there are far more energy consuming McMansions in this continent than yours. As energy is becoming more expensive in USA this Bigger is better notion may be re-evaluated
BLUETEC VS. HYBRID! THIS IS WAR!
...or how about a little of both? Mercedes-Benz S400 Bluetec Hybrid, 40MPG...
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Hmm, that sounds a lot like me.
I keep seeing S Audis (S4, S6 and S8 today), and they are quite stunning. That S6 is much hotter than the pictures would lead you to believe. Those 19" razor blade rims and LEDs take the stigma out of a midsized sedan for me
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
That's interesting. With the A3, it shows you your exact mileage to the SECOND. One moment, I may be getting close to 60MPG, and the next it could drop to 15. I look at the mileage for each tank to get an overall impression, and it's getting about what you get, ~25MPG.
I, too, drive like a maniac, but that's assumed, isn't it?
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
I think she knows, in the back of her mind, that I'm never going to crash, though. :shades:
BTW, we're loving the X5! I find a new toy to play with every day! Last week, I realized the brilliance of the heated steering wheel, and this week we found out that it actually has functioning rain-sensing windshield wipers.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
TM
TM
And to the rest of the Bimmer Lovers, I wish you too a very warm, safe and Happy Holidays.
Jose- enjoy the skiing!
As for the Jag- there's always next year...
So here's a link for the few Grinches who are not at Whoville singing Christmas Carols.
Porsche-VW
Another thing that caught my attention is that Porsche sales slipped 10% in NA and they sold vehicles that were intended for North America to Russia and China.
Hey, one more thing. VW stock doubled. Remember last year no one wanted to touch it with a 10-foot pole?
In other news it was warm here yesterday and rained quite a bit, washing away snow and salt. I went for a nice drive in the Boxster earlier. Might wash it tomorrow.
Cheers and greetings to all once again. Everytime I come here it seems good ol' Tagman does something to make me jealous. Sheese, him and those vacations. Maybe I'll take one myself early in the New Year. Been very busy.
Have a happy one of whatever you're celebrating.
It's been mostly pleasant reading what you lot have had to say this year, and I'm expecting much of the same next year.
All the best.
OK, who got what car for Christmas?
I got a V1 radar detector, very cool. And, for the first time in my driving life, snow tires (a gift to myself, thanks TL! TL was my Christmas present '04)! End of an FWD/All-season tire era, the snows are mounted on Friday... Thanks to this investment, I imagine it shant snow again in New England...
Please regale us of tales of XKR, Gran Turismo, S8, S550, DB9, 911 etc. in the driveway with big red bows! Speaking of which:
Anybody catch the Lexus commercial where Dad and Son phone Mom from the driveway? Mom's new RX w/requisite big red bow is parked thereon. Dad tells Mom on the phone that he can't pick up Junior, he's stuck at the office. Mom gets somewhat miffed and hangs up on Dad. Comes out to driveway and there is loving family and new RX. 'Twas I she hung up on, I would've grabbed Junior, jumped in the new RX and headed out for some kind of amusement before she got out the front door...!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I seem to be in the grip of a used car speculation frenzy. Last week it was a 2 year old XJ8.
Now there is a more than 50/50 chance that it will be a 3.5 year old 6 speed manual 525i. At $27, 599, it just seems too good to be true..
Then buy a used something for the winter (maybe a Saaburu!).
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Almost $28K seems awfully high to me for a lowly 525i. Around here thats easily enough for a 530 sport. Though personally I'd rather have an A6.
Yeah I do remember. And I remember saying the stocks of German auto makers were good buys more than a year ago. VW and Daimler doubled but BMW kind of got stuck. Oh well two out of three aint bad.
The Cayenne is the hottest model for Porsche due to growing Russian and Chinese demand? Eeeechhh :sick:
And I thought the Chinese and Russians would have better taste than us North Americans. :surprise:
BMW has at least been making an effort to burnish its environmental credentials. As well as reducing the weight of its cars, it is now extending across its range a package of fuel-saving tricks called “Efficient Dynamics”. This brings together the latest engine technologies with energy-saving auxiliary units, such as alternators and coolant pumps, automatic start-stop (to shut the engine down in stationary traffic) and regenerative braking. As a sign of what can be achieved, the 2-litre diesel in its new 3-series cars produces a healthy 177 brake horsepower (bhp) with emissions of just 128g/km. In 2006 BMW was one of the fastest-improving European carmakers, and Efficient Dynamics may push it to the top of the league in 2008.
By contrast, Mercedes still seems to be in a state of denial. It has heavily promoted its BlueTec technology, but that is primarily designed to deal with clean-air regulations in America (which have limited the sales of diesel cars), not to meet European CO2 rules. Along with BMW, General Motors and Chrysler, it has developed a new hybrid system called Two-Mode. But this is an expensive option that is likely to find its way only slowly into the firm's sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and bigger saloons.
ECONOMIST
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I think MB has the most to worry. VW has the least to worry even with Audi and Porsche since both those high C02 luxury marques makes up a small percentage of their volumes.
Hey Dewey, still bearish on VW, or are you starting to see the light?
TagMan
With a VW Touareg Cabrio what is there to be bullish about?
Here's more info about the new topless VW SUV.
link title
OK this whole thing is a joke
Just like Cadillac does not belong in the same sentence as a lowly BMW or Audi, that is what Buick takes care of at the moment. buick has more clout than Mercedes nowadays, at least GM can build a car that doesn't put its owner in the poor farm!
Source:Cadillac Standard of the World
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
A man gives a waitress a $50K tip and a Buick. Definitely a nice tip, but the car is another matter all together.
Here's the CNN Video:
CNN