BMW 1 Series M Sport

BMW  has announced some new models for 2012, which include an eagerly awaited BMW 116d EfficientDynamics model. March 2012 will see the introduction of three new engines for the popular BMW 1 Series 5-door Hatch – the 116d EfficientDynamics, 125d and 125i – completing the range’s powertrain line-up.

BMW 116d EfficientDynamics

The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics is powered by a 116hp, four-cylinder 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel engine which propels the car from zero to 62mph in 10.5 seconds. This super fuel-efficient BMW  emits just 99g/km CO₂ and returns 74.3mpg.  These impressive economy figures are helped by a longer final drive ratio, Optimum Shift Indicators, lower suspension and reduced rolling resistance tyres.

The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics is based on the current SE specification and comes with 16-inch light alloy V-spoke wheels, Bluetooth hands-free with USB audio interface, front foglights, multifunction leather steering wheel and BMW Professional Radio with freestanding 6.5-inch Display and iDrive controller. 

New 125d and 125i engines for BMW 1 Series 5-door hatch

Two new engines will be available on the new BMW 1 Series 5-door Hatch from March 2012.  The 125i and 125d, only available in M Sport guise. Both feature ventilated front and rear brake discs and dual chrome exhaust tailpipes as standard kit.

The BMW 125d features a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, with two-stage twin turbo.  This powertrain develops 218hp and it launches the car from 0 to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds.  This power doesn’t hamper the car’s fuel economy, with it returning 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 129g/km CO_2.

The BMW 125i introduces BMW’s latest 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with TwinScroll turbo.  This model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds, produces 218hp, while still managing to return 44.1mpg and emit CO₂ emissions of just 152g/km.

New M Sport for BMW 1 Series

Again from from March 2012, the BMW 1 Series 5-door Hatch will now be available in M Sport.  In addition to the SE specification the BMW 1 Series M Sport will include M aerodynamic bodystyling, 18-inch M Star-spoke light alloy wheels, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and kidney grille with extra-wide high-gloss black vertical slats. 

The interior of the new car also gets the M Sport treatment with Sports seats in exclusive Anthracite Hexagon cloth and Alcantara upholstery, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with Estoril Blue trim finishers, Anthracite headlining, M designation door sill finishers, M Sport multifunction steering wheel and an M Sport short-shift gear lever.  M Sport suspension, lowering the car by 10mm, completes the specification package.

BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible Exclusive and Sport Plus Edition

Thre are also two new special editions offering enhanced standard equipment for the BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible.

The Sport Plus Edition builds on the M Sport trim and is enhanced by 18-inch M double-spoke light alloy wheels, Chrome kidney grille with black vertical slats, Dark Line rear lights and Black mirror casings.  Inside exclusive Boston upholstery lines the seats while a Bluetooth handsfree facility with USB audio interface are both included as standard.

The BMW 1 Series Exclusive Edition builds on the Coupé and Convertible ES specification. This adds 17-inch Star-spoke light alloy wheels, Chromeline exterior trim, Oxide Silver mirror casings, Chrome kidney grille and Chrome exhaust tailpipes.  The interior adds bespoke Boston leather upholstery, Brushed Aluminium trim, BWM Edition door sill finishers and BMW Professional radio with single CD player, with MP3 playback capability. 

BMW Z4 gets new folding roof

The BMW Z4 Roadster gets a revised folding hard-top and the elegant two-piece folding roof with reinforced hydraulic system can now be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph.  Previously the roof could not be lowered while on the move so this is a great addition if you are driving, it starts raining and there is nowhere to stop. 

BMW 3 Series updates engine line-up

The BMW 3 Series Saloon range gets three new entry-level engines. The new BMW 316d and 318d Saloons feature a BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine which combines with a single turbocharger with variable vane technology. Both of these new diesel engines can come with the optional 8-speed automatic transmission if required.

Joining the two new diesel engines is the BMW TwinPower engine with High Precision Direct Injection four-cylinder powerplant for the 320i Saloon.

Details of of new BMW 3 Series engines

*Electronically limited.

BMW Blue Performance in the UK

Finally, for the first time in the UK the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, the BMW 120d Hatch, BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon, BMW 520d Saloon and Touring plus the BMW 530d Saloon and Touring will also be available with the option of BluePerformance technology for £995.  This will provide a storage catalytic converter which reduces the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of the vehicle. This new addition provides compatibility with the strict EU6 emission standards which are due for introduction in September 2014.

The new EU6 emission standards will reduce the cap on NOx emissions by over 50 per cent, compared with current EU5 regulations, to 80mg/km. Combined emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides are also capped at 170mg/km. This will continue to drive down the average CO2 emissions of new cars as manufacturers strive to ensure their vehicles are compliant.

BMW X1

BMW has released some details about some new model line-ups and other news items of interest. The first announcement is that the smallest member of the BMW family, the BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle, will now be available in M Sport specification.

This will now see standard 17-inch star spoke M alloy wheels, chrome plated door sill finishers with M designation, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim for the window surrounds, M Sport multi-function steering wheel, Sports seats and anthracite headlining added.

BMW X1 M Sport

BMW – new turbocharged engine

There will be a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine teamed to BMW’s single-turbocharged technology, that should be launched in the autumn of this year.

This 1997cc capacity engine produces 245hp yet still manages a 35.7 combined mpg, however CO2 emissions are set at 186g/km. This new four-cylinder unit will also be made available in models like the BMW z4 and 5 Series models in due course.

BMW 6 Series Convertible pricing confirmed

The exciting new BMW 6 Series Convertible will go on sale from the 26th March with on-the-road prices for the 640i SE starting from £65,680 and the 650i SE from £73,430. This high performance luxury convertible will come with an enhanced standard specification including an eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission, Dakota leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment with memory, BMW Professionsal Multimedia Navigation System and LED front foglights.

New BMW 318i Coupe

A new BMW 318i Coupe will also be added to the popular 3-Series Coupe range. The new 318i Coupe will be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine developing 143hp which provides you with a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds, 146g/km of CO2 emissions and a combined mpg of 44.8. This new model will be available in both SE or Sport trim.

BMW Digital Media website launched

For all the latest official images,videos and information, you can now visit the  BMW Digital Media website. There in no login required and you can download media, embed videos and also link to independent reviews of each BMW model. BMW contract hire on all current models is available now and on the new BMW models in due course.

BMW 320d

BMW has celebrated again by winning the What Car? Award’s 2010 ”Best Compact Executive” car for the fifth year in a row. The BMW 320d saw off tough competition from other members of the 3 Series range, the 316d ES, 320d SE and 330d Saloons, all winning their own price category, to win the overall title.

The EfficientDynamics package on the 3 Series range, makes this one of the most economical cars in its class, however it was the smoothness and refinement of the car that won over the judges at What Car?. Leo Wilkinson, road tester at What Car? said,” I love the driving position of the 3 Series – the controls and seat are spot-on. It’s one of the few cars I can get out of after driving a long journey without any aches and pains”.

The BMW Z4 was also praised for its all round abilities and took the title of What Car? Open-top car. Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? commented,”It’s not cheap but the Z4 looks more expensive than it actually is. I love the slick folding roof and the interior puts those of most supercars to shame. It’s a worthy winner”. BMW car leasing on every model is available now off the site.

BMW availability

The following list will provide you an update on BMW car availability, courtesy of Inchcape Retail, one of the UK’s largest dealership groups. If you are looking for a new BMW then you may find you have to wait quite a few weeks before your new car arrives, unless you are flexible on your vehicle specification, so it is always best to order early and specify your future delivery date.

BMW stock availability and factory order lead times

BMW 1 Series Convertible and Coupe – low stock with 10 weeks factory order.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback, 3 Series Saloon, 3  Series Coupe, 3 Series Convertible , 3 Series Touring and all 5 Series – low stock availability with an 8 week factory order lead time.

BMW 6 Series- average stock and 8 weeks factory order.

BMW 7 Series- high stock and 10 weeks factory order.

BMW X1 – low stock and 12 weeks factory order.

BMW X3 - high stock and 8 weeks factory order.

BMW X5 – high stock and 12 weeks factory order.

BMW X6 and BMW Z4 – high stock and 10 weeks factory order.