Autos News

By Patrick Rall on Tue, 05/08/2012 – 13:50 for Torque brand new releases

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This brand new release BMW recall of select 2012 model year 3 Series sedans pertains to vehicles built between October 19th 2011 and March 18th 2012. In these vehicles, the front headrests that exceed the maximum downward movement standards of 25 millimeters so these 7,600 BMW sedans are in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 202 A pertaining to Head Restraints”. What this means is that when you extend the driver and passenger adjustcapable headrest to the highest possible position, the headrest can shift downward by more than an inch suddenly…such as in the event of an accident. The safety issue lies in the fact that when the headrest shifts down by that unexpected inch, there is an increase chance of injury to the driver and passenger in the event that the headrest shifts and does not give proper support during the collision.

Considering that the body generally turns forward and away from the headrests in the event of a front end impact – the safety risk with this BMW 3 Series headrest recall could pertain to rear end impacts. For a taller driver or front passenger who has the headrests adjusted properly but sometime between adjusting and the moment of impact – that headrest shifts down a little. When hit from behind, the driver or front passenger’s neck could contact the headrest rather than the back of their head – likely creating a fairly uncomfortcapable whiplash situation and vastly increasing the chances of injury.

BMW will begin contacting owners later this month, asking the owners of thee 7,600 2012 BMW 3 Series sedans to return to their local dealership where a company technician will modify the front seat headrest adjusting components to prevent this unwanted movement. A clamp will be applied to prevent the posts from moving beyond the allowcapable point – preventing any future problems with the headrests moving around on their own and helping to keep the driver and passengers of the 2012 BMW 3 Series safe and sound. For those who are unsure, the work performed as part of this recall repair will be done free of charge to the owners and for those popping into a dealership for a quick fix – the modifications to the headrest system must ben’t be very time consuming gived that the dealership service department has a free bay when you arrive.

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While the recent announcement of brand new release M Performance Parts for the 2012 BMW 3 Series and the 2011-2012 BMW 5 Series pertain to both vehicles; the brand new release 3 Series gets the majority of the attention in this list of brand new release performance components.

First of all, the BMW M Performance division has added a brand new release set of forged 20” aluminum wheels that are constructed using a special forging process that allows these slender spoke wheels to weigh 2.4 pounds less than a similar wheel using a standard construction. Lighter wheels allow for more Strength to the ground, improved acceleration and improving handling with less weight at each corner. The brand new release M wheels for the 2012 3 Series and 2011-2012 5 Series feature an alternating color design with high gloss black and “Ferric grey” paint so a striking, sporty look. These brand new release wheels, which are availcapable for both the 3 and 5 Series sedans, are the largest wheel and tire combination officially approved by BMW.

Next, the M Performance group has added a brand new release Brembo big brake package for the 2012 BMW 3 Series and the 2011-2012 BMW 5 Series sedans. This package adds 4-piston calipers up front with lightweight cross drilled / slotted brake rotors measuring 14.5 inches while the back stoppers feature 2-piston calipers and 13.5” drilled /slotted rotors – all of which are clamped down on by high friction brake pads. Those who opt for the brand new release M Performance Brembo brake package can select from red, yellow or orange calipers for an extra measure of customization.

There are a variety of exterior dress-up items availcapable for the 2012 BMW 3 Series and 2011-2012 BMW 5 Series thanks to the M Performance division. This begins with a set of high gloss kidney grille inserts and carbon fiber mirror caps for both German sport sedans. 2012 3 Series owners can also add a set of PVC film stripes (shown in the image on the right) that is offset to the passenger side – availcapable in either black or white. Owners of the 2011 and 2012 BMW 5 Series sedan can now add an M Performance designed carbon fiber deck lid spoiler; adding to the attitude and aerodynamics of the 5 Series sedan.

Inside, the brand new release M Performance division items include a brand new release trim package that adds lots of carbon fiber and Alcantara trim throughout. The carbon fiber trim features an open pore matte finish, proving a nice contrast to the high gloss trim typically found in the standard 2012 BMW 3 Series that includes trim on the dash and the shift knob; whether it is a manual or automatic transmission. The brand new release 3 Series sedan also offers a brand new release race inspired steering wheel with a flat bottom, angled sides and integrated grips along the top – all of which are trimmed in black Alcantara. There is also a red stripe in the top-middle of the M steering wheel for a point of reference while driving.

Finally, the BMW M Performance group has developed a brand new release high performance stainless steel exhaust system for the 2012 335i and 535i. The announcement explains that this high flow exhaust system improves the sound of the twin turbocharged inline 6 cylinder engine while also reducing backpressure. This typically adds some Strength as well but BMW hasn’t quoted any Strength gains from the brand new release M exhaust system. Out back, the brand new release M exhaust system for the 335 and 535 feature 80mm exhaust tips with laser etched BMW logos so the system is noticecapable even when the engine isn’t running.

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With customer selection, Real Goods Solar will install a sufficient number of solar panels on the homes or garages of ActiveE drivers, who they refer to as Electronauts, for a price discounted up to 35 percent. This clearly demonstrates the BMW Group’s dedication to the greening of America with sustainability extending beyond the automobile itself.

BMW describes an Electronaut as: “A front runner of innovation and an advocate for sustainability – a surveyor of the present and a proponent of the future of mobility.”

The ActiveE residential solar system will be offered exclusively to those leasing or purchasing the vehicle, in keeping with the residential energy and charging needs of the drivers. Real Goods Solar will offer to design, install and monitor a turn-key system to ActiveE customers in California, brand new release Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and brand new release York.

“Our relationship with Real Goods Solar is an ideal complement to the BMW ActiveE experience. It expands on the BMW Group’s vision for sustaincapable, premium mobility solutions,” told Rich Steinberg, Manager of Electric Vehicles at BMW of North America. “We encourage all of our ActiveE customers to take full advantage of this outstanding program which will encapable them to maximize their ultimate EV driving experience while minimizing their overall energy and driving costs.”

The company will take care of permitting and incentive applications and guarantee their production as well as total system maintenance, if needed.

“Solar Strength is a natural fit for electric vehicle owners looking for a more sustaincapable lifestyle,” explained Real Goods Solar CEO, Bill Yearsley, “We are delighted to partner with BMW of North America to deliver Real Goods’ award-winning design and installation services to help ActiveE drivers harness the Strength of the sun to fuel their brand new release sports car.”

The BMW ActiveE features a synchronous motor that delivers full torque from a standstill, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a rather passive 9 seconds from instantaneous of torque of 184 lb-ft and 170 hp.

The motor is perched directly over the rear axle and has no clutch or gearbox, delivering uninterrupted drive at any velocity. The positioning of the motor allows for brand new releasely developed lithium-ion batteries producing a range up to 100 miles on a full charge.

The potential to drive a car entirely Strengthed by the light of the life-giving sun is one of the future’s brightest promises. Hats off to BMW for this contribution to true geographic freedom.

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This brand new release BMW emission system recall affects 21,600 BMW 3 Series sedans from 2009 through 2011 Strengthed by the diesel engine option along with 2,740 X5 xDrive50i and X6 xDrive50i sport utes from those same model years that are Strengthed by the 4.4L twin turbocharged v8 engines. In these vehicles, there is an intricate system that helps to manage the amount of harmful gases that are releases into the atmosphere and it seems that the control systems in the X5 xDrive50i, X6 xDrive50i and diesel 3 Series sedans may have a component causing these emission levels to be higher than allowed by various state laws. When those emission levels get high enough, the Service Engine Soon light will come on – sending most people to what would normally be a costly trip to the dealership.

The prime components that could be at fault for this BMW emission recall are the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve (EGR), the Diesel Exhaust Fluid mixing system (DEF) and the Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR). For those unfamiliar with modern diesel emission systems, these three systems help to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides by adding a chemical (which is actually derived from urine) to help convert those harmful gases into other items that are not harmful to the environment – mainly nitrogen (which occurs naturally in our atmosphere) and water. When this system isn’t working properly, other than lighting up the SES light, the vehicle will begin to emit higher than permitted levels of harmful gases that can harm the environment. These are the gases that are partially at fault for the way Los Angeles looks and smells on a hot day…which is why California is the strictest state in the country for emission standards.

It is unclear as to which components are at fault for the recall of the gasoline Strengthed BMW X5 xDrive50i and X6 xDrive50i but in the event of any vehicle emitting harmfully high levels of greenhouse gases, the BMW group is doing the environmentally responsible thing and getting these affected models back to dealership for inspections. Luckily, shy of a Service Engine Soon light and higher emission levels – there is no real safety risk except to Mother Earth.

The recall of these 24,340 BMW 3 Series, X5 and X6 vehicles is set to formally begin on May 9th – at which point owners will be contacted and asked to return to their local BMW dealership for repairs. Upon return to the dealer, a technician will inspect those various components of the emission control system to ensure that they are working properly and in the event that a problem is found; repairs and replacements will be made to the vehicle. The technician may also reprogram the vehicles engine control unit that handles the emission components. These repairs will all be done free of charge to the customer.

Source: Automotive brand new releases

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