January 2008 Archives

BMW estimates it will fit 30,000 cars with its Connected Drive safety
and navigation device this year.

The system works using an embedded navigation device, which knows the
exact location of the car at all times.

Depending on the level of information or help required, the driver can
use the system to contact the emergency services, BMW's breakdown
service or a BMW call centre for local information such as the
location of a restaurant or cinema.

If the car is involved in an accident where an airbag is deployed, the
system will automatically contact the emergency services. If the
emergency operator doesn't receive feedback from the car's occupants,
they will then be sent the car's exact location.

Drivers of cars fitted with Connected Drive can also use the system to
alert the emergency services if they see an accident, allowing them to
exactly pinpoint where it has happened.

In addition, the system allows drivers to browse Google maps at home
or work and send route information to the car's sat-nav via a
dedicated website. Owners can also use the website to set up RSS news
feeds that will be sent direct to their car.

Connected Drive will be supplied as standard with all BMWs equipped
with satellite-navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Marketplace

The diesel 6-Series is a take on the two-door, 2+2 luxury coupe that BMW expects to account for three-quarters of UK sales. It’s a significant car alright. It was launched in 2007, along with a facelift for the entire 6-Series range. Now the controversy over the car’s styling has worn off, it’s easy to appreciate what an aggressive, distinctive-looking machine it is. This visual impact is likely to appeal to younger buyers. The 635d is available in both coupe and convertible guise, with a choice of two trims - standard and Sport, the latter offering more focused suspension, larger wheels and delectable sports seats. There currently isn’t a premium two-door diesel rival, but Mercedes offers the four-door coupe CLS in diesel guise, and there are also oil-burning versions of the cheaper Audi A5. No Jaguar XK diesel yet, though.

Driving

The 635d has a straight-six twin-turbo 3.0-litre turbodiesel that’s hard to fault. It offers even more torque than the V10 M6, and there’s no arguing with 0-60mph in a mighty 5.7 seconds. On the road, it feels extremely fast, especially in kickdown. However, it’s the effortless nature with which it gains speed that really impresses, while the engine remains unruffled even when pushed hard. Through corners, the BMW continues to impress. There’s lots of grip, the steering has good feedback and it remains composed. However, this involvement does lead to a firm ride and a surprising amount of road noise. It’s not comfortable enough to be a true GT.

Owning

Like all BMW models, build quality is immaculate, but there are grips. There’s a lack of stowage, and the iDrive control system is fiddly - though eight programmable buttons do make things easier. The 635d is well suited to accommodating two people as well - the cabin is spacious up front and the electrically adjustable, figure-hugging seats of the Sport model offer excellent support and comfort. However, the two-door body means access to the rear is tricky, and the seats themselves are cramped. The BMW is also expensive, as are options - so it’s a good job retained values are rated at well over 50 per cent. It’s also economical, as you would expect from a diesel. Even during testing, it averaged over 30mpg, with 37mpg potential on a cruise.

Source page: autoexpress.co.uk

At first glance, the compact looks of the 1 Series Coupe deceive the eye because measuring 4360 mm long it’s larger than the sporty little BMW coupes of the 80s - notably the 325iS and 333i. Actually, those dimensions (1 748 mm wide and 1 423 mm high) are not far off those of many range-topping sports GTs - though in it’s own price bracket (an estimated R364 000 for the 135i) it remains to be seen whether or not a manufacturer can match the bang for buck offered by the flagship model.
The shape of the 135i - long bonnet, far-back driver seating and boot that appears to be mere notch in the rear are dynamics BMW has managed to pull successfully through the years. The kidney grille and quad headlamp (bi-xenon optional) designs are unmistakeable BMW attributes. Although the overall design is more understated than head-turningly audacious, the 1 Series Coupe is a looker with it’s sculpted wheel arches, wide front air dam, 18-inch light alloy rims (17-inch on the 120d Coupe), M Aerodynamics Package for the 135i and gurney flap with integrated brake light.
Two engines are primarily available - the award winning twin-turbo 3,0-litre straight six for the 135i Coupe and a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel with common-rail injection for the 120d Coupe. A 125i Coupe is also in the pipeline for introduction at a later stage.
The 135i develops 225 kW at 5 800 r/min and 400 N.m from 1 300 to 5 000 r/min, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds and goes on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. The 120d produces 125 kW at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque of 340 N.m at 1 750 r/min - 3 000 r/min. Acceleration to 100 km/h from standstill takes 7,7 seconds and the 120d is capable of a 225 km/h top speed, BMW claims. Both models make use of a six-speed transmission in manual or automatic (with optional steering-wheel paddle shifters for the 135i).
It's no secret that this is no conventional five-seater and BMW is marketing the 1 Series Coupe as a 2+2, with two individual seats behind that of the driver and passenger to maximise comfort for rear occupants and a storage box between the two for additional storage space. There is a choice of four upholstery options for the 1 Series Coupe - depending on exterior colour and driver preference - two cloth, one cloth/leather combination and a full leather option. These upholstery options include the choice of three colours and nine colour options for equipment and trim.
The list of standard features is as expected of an upmarket vehicle with daytime driving headlamps, two-stage LED brake lights, ISOFIX fastenings for child seat on both of the rear seats and iDrive to control all communication, entertainment and (optional) navigation functions. Features such as ABS, Automatic Stability Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering (optional), Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control are included in the 1 Coupe's safety specification.
Besides the high-strength steel structure and special deformation elements that feature in the construction of a 1 Series Coupe, the secondary safety features list offers six airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on crash-optimised seats (specially padded headrests and backrests) and pedals that collapse with the predetermined deformation (in the event of a head-on collision) of the footrest, BMW claims.
Sports-minded owners are also able to opt for the M Sports Package that is already found in part, in the 135i Coupe, as it comes standard with the specially designed M front and rear bumpers, special side sills and fog lamps. Other notable features of the M Sports Package include high-gloss satin chrome for the side windows, M light-alloy wheels in two designs (from 17-inch to 18-inch), M leather steering wheel, sports seats and trick M Sports Suspension.