Jalopnik: 3-series

2011 BMW 3-series GT

Wes Siler — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EDT

BMW is planning a 3-series GT to complement the hatch version of the 5-series. [Channel4]

Crazy Japanese Tuners Combine 3-Series With S2000, Rocks Our World

The Auto Insider — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST

Japanese chicks, E36 3-Series, cowboy hats, 9,500 RPM, 250 HP Honda S2000 engines, short skirts, race drivers. All of those things appear in this video.

After watching it, we’re inexplicably happy, but aren’t quite sure what just happened to us. Somehow, a tuned S2000 motor has found its way into a modified E36, which then found its way into the hands of a rubber-glove wearing driving god with a sexy sidekick. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the cameraman for combining our new favorite things — upskirt and massively over-revving tachometers — into the same shots. I think we’ve found our new heroes, the good men of Best Motoring.

[via Streetfire]

Google Search Coming To 2009 BMW 1- and 3-Series

Wes Siler — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Stateside buyers of BMW’s 1- and 3-Series vehicles will now have the option to add “BMW Search Powered By Google Maps” to their BMW Assist and Navigation system-equipped vehicles. Basically, this means they’ll be able to search for addresses and phone numbers directly from their navigation system using Google Maps. The advantages of such a system are obvious, allowing drivers a quick and easy method to find contact details and directions on the fly. But, as with all BMW options, BMW Search is actually way more complicated than that. The press release follows the jump; see if you can understand it.

BMW ADDS NEW “BMW SEARCH” SERVICE TO BMW ASSISTTM POWERED BY GOOGLE MAPS™.

Available in BMW Assist & Navigation-equipped 2009 BMW 1 & 3 Series Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – September 15, 2008… BMW introduces access to Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) search capability within the vehicle on 2009 BMW Assist and Navigation system - equipped 1 and 3 Series. For the first time, subscribers to the optional BMW Assist Convenience Plan can access “BMW Search” to quickly find a desired business with just a key word, benefiting from the world’s most famous online search engine. After finding what you want, you can immediately start route guidance or a hands-free call with your Bluetooth® -linked phone at just a simple push of a button.

Utilizing newly introduced hardware operating on the AT&T Mobility GSM network, this unique service identifies the current location and destination of the vehicle automatically and then displays the local results with details of address, phone number and distance. For example, you can look up business information like the names of restaurants, hotels, service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and public facilities such as schools or city halls, all by the simple use of a key word. You can also easily ask for a search at another location.

In a nutshell, “BMW Search” using Google search technology and intelligence saves time and reduces frustration with destination entry on today’s navigation systems. The information you look up is continuously updated by Google. “BMW Search” is the next logical and consequential development of the link between the automobile and the Internet.

To allow customers to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet directly to their BMW, Google and BMW began offering “MyInfo” with the introduction of the X6 back in April, now extended to all other 2009 BMWs except for X3. “BMW Search” now opens up access to the Internet directly from the vehicle, representing another building block in the BMW Assist services portfolio. About BMW Assist: BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® System is standard on all 5, 6 and 7 Series models, including the M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models. BMW includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain limitations.

The in-vehicle equipment integrates GPS technology and hands-free wireless communication functions to deliver emergency and other services, accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. The BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the vehicle occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and/or requested. A severe accident automatically activates the Automatic Collision Notification function.

The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the driver time and money. New to BMW Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet, directly to their BMW. TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service. A service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of BMW Assist concierge services; from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on flight arrival gates or times, as well as receiving directions, traffic and weather information. On most models produced September 2006 and later, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW Navigation system and the subscriber’s Bluetooth - linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. New for 2009 is BMW Search, which allows online access to the Google Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.

Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and phone connectivity with phonebook access and speech recognition for dialing by name or number via steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone. To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.

[via Bimmer File]

BMW Recalling 200,000 Vehicles Due To Airbag Non-Deployment Issues

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EDT

BMW announced today that it was recalling approximately 200,000 vehicles because a sensor issue might stop the front passenger airbag from deploying. The issue comes from small cracks that could develop within a seat detection mat, causing the airbag to be deactivated. Affected are MY 2006 3-series and MY 2004-2006 5-series cars and MY 2004-2006 X3 SUVs. Thankfully, no one has reported being hurt because of potential problem, and it doesn't seem to affect other airbags. We guess It's a good thing that BMW drivers are so unlikely to crash... [MSNBC]

Facelift On 2009 BMW 3-Series Officially Minor

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:20:00 EDT

We're struggled to spot the differences between the beaten-with-a-broom-handle good looks of the 2008 BMW 3-series sedan and wagon and the just-revealed facelift of the 2009 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon. We've actually been struggling since the first spy photos revealed tape over the changed body parts. Now, after an exhaustive morning of "Spot The Difference"-like game play, we think we found the changes.

On the exterior — changes to the head lights and tail lights, and umm — oh yeah, they changed the profile of the curves on the bumper.

Now that we have the exterior details differentiating the old from the new out of the way, let's talk about the interior. The dash gets extra buttons to further imbue i-Drive with irrelevance. Along with those new buttons you get a bigger, brighter 8.8" screen and an optional 80 GB entertainment-storing hard drive. No changes have been made to the powertrain, so these and any other changes you're able to spot to the baby Bimmer's beauty treatment, only go skin deep. [World Car Fans]

2009 BMW 3-Series Brochure Scanned, Leaked, Flame Surfaced

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

For those curious what the mild mid-cycle refresh of the 2009 BMW 3-Series is going to look like, the folks at Bimmer-File has gotten ahold of scans from a marketing brochure that appear to show the full monty.

Compared to the current crop there are some obvious changes to the front of the car, including revised lamps, fog lights and mirrors. They've also taken a lot of care to squeeze a few more lines into the hood.

Understandably, our biggest interest in the 2009 3-series is the possibility of all-but confirmed BMW 335d, which we hope will hit shores this fall. What do you all think? Going in the right direction or retreating from classic BMW style?

Diesel BMW 335 Spied, To Hit US Shores By Fall

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Hearing our pleas, we're being told BMW will be bringing the diesel 3-series to the US in the coming months. As proof, we've got shots from our spy friends at KGP of the oil-burning BMW doing some final testing on American soil as well shots of it at the green-handled pump. The 2009 BMW 335d should feature a slightly lower level of performance compared to the European turbodiesel, but that still means 265 HP and 425 lb-ft of torque. This should result in a 0-to-60 MPH time of around 6.2 seconds while getting a rumored 23 MPG city / 33 MPG highway. Full spy report below the jump.

Spy Report
BMW is in the midst of its final testing for the U.S.-spec 335d—the first diesel-powered Bimmer to be sold in North America. The introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of facelifted sheetmetal destined for the entire 3-series lineup.
Due to e-mission restrictions, the U.S. version of the 335d will reportedly be down on power from its European cousin (265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque vs. 282 hp and 428 lb-ft.), but even our U.S. numbers—especially the fat torque number—promise terrific performance that may well be enough convince people to make the move to diesel.

As with the 335i gasoline engine, BMW will use two turbochargers—a small, low-pressure turbo to aid low-end acceleration and a more potent turbo to help at higher engine speeds. Acceleration for the 335d is expected be around 6.2-seconds to sixty, while fuel consumption will likely yield 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

BMW's new diesel range is expected to launch under the banner: BMW Advance Diesel with BluePerformance (Blue denotes the use of AdBlue—the aqueous urea solution used to reduce the diesel's nitrogen oxide emissions). The 335d is expected to bow this fall.

Boulder-Size Chunk Of My Manhattan Apartment Building Falls On BMW 3-Series, Reminds Me To Make Sure Life Insurance Paid Up

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:06:11 EDT

So I'm prepared for anything when I leave the apartment building I call my New York home (as opposed to my Detroit home, which is in Royal Oak). I can deal with the rats of unusual sizes, cockroaches as big as my fist and even the occasional manhole explosion. But I'm beginning to have a problem with the random shit raining down from the heavens every few days in New York City. First it was just one crane. Sure, it took out an entire building, but whatever, accidents happen. Then it was a second crane — only two dead — that's not too bad. Now, it's a giant chunk of the building I live in falling down on top of a BMW 3-Series parked out front. Like I said, I can deal with a lot. But when the buildings start attacking defenseless cars outside my pad, it's time to start reevaluating the ability of a city to regulate itself and its construction business. Although they did leave a nice note on the car, we're still totally telling the board to never use East Coast Restoration again.

So, What About The Porcubimmer?

Murilee Martin — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:20:00 EDT

We followed the exploits of LTDScott and his Team Porcubimmer during the run-up to the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Altamont, and some of you are probably wondering how it went for the "Pricks Outside" guys when the real deal went down. Well, we have good news and bad news for you: the good news is that the car looked amazing (as did the coordinated team outfits), but the bad news is that a cascade of mechanical woes kept the Porcubimmer off the track for much of the weekend. Fuel system, clutch, you name it. When it was on the track, however, it was fast; for a glorious- if regrettably short- time on Saturday, the spiky 325e was in the #1 position. Take heart, Porcubimmer fans- we're pretty sure we haven't seen the last of this car's angry face! [Porcubimmer.com]

Want To See Where The BMW 3-Series Is Built?

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

Here's a nice piece of BMW propaganda touting its love of ideas and stuff by way of architecture. The voice over is a little overwrought, but the content is pretty cool. This looks like none of the plants we've ever worked in, which mostly were dirty, messy places that smell like sour cutting oil and failure. But we've only ever worked for the big three, so what do we know. BMW's Leipzig plant is the birthplace of all BMW's which carry the 3-series genome, and apparently they went all out for the assembly plant of their bread and butter Bimmer. Guess this is the kind of thing which explains why the cars are so darn expensive. [BMW Wesbite]

Turbo Diesel E30 BMWs Are Spooky

Mark Arnold — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST

The E30 BMW 3-series is a cult favorite, but most people think of the petrol-powered 325is or M3 versions when they think of performance. Well not these guys. This is evidence that a turbo diesel E30 can rock just as hard; when you do burnouts, you get tire smoke and black exhaust! The horror-flick style editing makes the boosted oil-burners seem downright scary. [YouTube]

The Difference Between a Porcupine And a BMW?

Murilee Martin — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST

Now, we love the Carpet Pissers' theme for their 24 Hours of LeMons race car, but even those marmot-stuffing micturators are going to have a tough time competing with Jalopnik tipster extraordinaire LTDScott's Team Porcubimmer for the coveted People's Choice Award. You know the old joke about BMWs, of course... well, Team Porcubimmer is turning a mid-80s 325e into a rolling porcupine! [Team Porcubimmer]

2009 BMW 3-Series To Undergo Plastic Surgery

Ray Wert — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST

Chief spy mistress Brenda Priddy's just sent out her latest batch of spy shots from her European ~~slave labor~~ photographers. It's looking like, based on these new photos anyway, as though the 2009 or 2010 BMW 3-Series will be getting a bit of a face-lift before the 3-Series gets a full refresh for the 2013 model year. That includes, as we saw in the last batch of shots, updated headlamps and taillights, plus what's being termed as a "tweaked" interior. Full spy report from Ms. Priddy below the jump and a high-resolution shot of the new look front-end here.

2009/2010 BMW 3 Series (facelift)
Although BMW will be debuting an all-new 3 Series for the 2013 model year, these pictures are evidence of a mid-cycle facelift - likely for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

Based on these photos, we're expecting a new front and rear fascia, including updated headlamps and taillights - as well as a tweaked interior. No word yet as to the powerplant, horsepower and fuel economy updates.

Custom Garmin BMW Receivers for 1, 3 Series

Travis Hudson — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

Garmin has struck a deal with BMW to begin producing customized Garmin units for the 1- and 3-series vehicles. The Nuvi 360 will be the model of choice for BMW owners and will come with the usual array of features, including Bluetooth, MP3 player, street pronunciation and more. Unfortunately, the BMW-ified 360 isn't all that exciting.

Besides a "special" location database based on BMW dealers, it includes the BMW logo and a mounting bracket designed specifically for 1- and 3-series. This is nice because it eliminates any kind of windshield suction cup action normally required for aftermarket GPS receivers. This should apeal to owners who have a BMW that lacks factory-GPS. The regular Garmin 360 sells to the average Joe for $360—no idea how much the BMW mark-up will be for this unit. [Navigadget]

M-Power! Five Things We Know About BMW's Dual Clutch Transmission

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 08:42:53 EST

Add another true automanual tranny to the growing list. Call it the M double-clutch transmission with DriveLogic. It's BMW's new 7-speed switchgear that's shipping with the new M3s, and likely will replace the divisive, largely poky and cumbersome — that is, without some serious futzing — M-Sequential (SMG / SMG II) automated manual. The SMG system uses a high-pressure hydraulic actuator to shift gears, with the latest version (i.e., SMG II) offering five automatic modes and six manual modes and shift times in around 80 miliseconds. In dual-clutch systems, like BMW's new system and VW/Audi's DSG, one clutch handles gears 1, 3, 5, 7 (and reverse) and the second handles 2, 4, 6 — they work alternately, engaging and disengaging in a complex dance that allows for uninterrupted upshifts at speeds of a few milliseconds. An algorithm takes into account throttle position, engine speed, road speed and shift mode in use when calculating shift management. What else do we know about the new M double-clutch transmission with DriveLogic? Click through.

1.) It offers the same collection of modes as SMG, allowing the driver to dial in a range of response patterns, from low-torque, second-gear starts on snow and ice, to comfort, to track day.

2.) It's the first dual-clutch box to be designed for engine speeds of up to 9,000 rpm, with a transmission fluid cooler to lengthen component life.

3.) Like the new Nissan GTR (but unlike the latest F1 cars), it has launch control. How does launch control work? Take it, BMW:

...all the driver has to do with the car at a standstill and in driving program S6 is move the sports shift lever to the front and hold it in this position. Then, as soon as the starter flag symbol comes on in the instrument cluster, the driver just presses down the gas pedal to automatically obtain the ideal starting speed on the engine. Pressing down the brake pedal lightly with his left foot, in turn, the driver can prevent the car from rolling forward, and by briefly tipping the cruise control lever he is able to finely adjust the desired starter speed. Then, after letting go the selector lever, the BMW M3 accelerates with optimum performance and with slip on the rear wheels controlled by the clutch — if the driver wishes, all the way to top speed.

4.) Low-speed assistant, gradient detection.

5.) It sounds like a whole lot more fun than SMG.

BMW Reveals M3 Convertible, Coming to Geneva

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:15:35 EST

Call it a nod to the power of an Internet leak, or a calculated buzz builder. Either way, BMW let fly with information on the next offshoot of its latest M3, after photos of the convertible showed up on forum sites earlier this week. According to the press text, the retractable hardtop switchgear adds 450 pounds to the platform. That'll likely put a bit of crimp in the car's performance figures, vis-à-vis its coupe sibling, which has a flyweight carbon-fiber roof. On the occasion of the convertible's live reveal in March at the Geneva motor show, BMW's also introducing its new M DCT dual-clutch transmission. That box replaces the SMG, a complex and often unwieldy cog swapper apparently created by Stephen Hawking to celebrate the triumph of spacetime over Euclidean space. (It's complicated, see). No details on the M DCT in the press release — and ditto for performance figures - so we'll have to wait for another missive.

Press Release:

BMW M3 Convertible
The BMW M3 model family is being upgraded by yet another fascinating player: The new BMW M3 Convertible, the third body version of BMW's high-performance sports car following the Coupé and Saloon, offers new possibilities to experience uncompromising driving dynamics.

Third body version of the new BMW M3; high-performance convertible from BMW M GmbH unique in its design and technical features; developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Convertible; consistent orientation to the high-performance character typical of BMW M, as with the BMW M3 Coupé and the BMW M3 Saloon. Car concept with a consistent, unique tradition: Fourth generation of both the BMW M3 Convertible and the BMW M3 Coupé.

Unique combination of outstanding driving dynamics with aesthetic looks, unparalleled experience of open-air motoring and superior everyday driving qualities in that special combination specific to BMW M. Electrohydraulically operated retractable hardtop ensuring supreme performance in the BMW M3 Convertible with nothing but the sky above.

Authentic BMW M design as the expression of superior drive power; aluminium engine lid with striking powerdome; characteristic front end with large air intakes; powerfully flared wheel arches; specific BMW M interpretation of the classic lines of a BMW Convertible with its dynamically stretched silhouette, low waistline and muscular, low-slung rear end; gill elements in the front side walls; M-specific side sills contoured even more specifically towards the rear of the car as a visual tribute to rear-wheel drive; rear air dam with diffuser optimising the flow of air beneath the car; dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.

Exclusive driving experience: The unique power and performance of a BMW M3 combined with an incomparably intense experience of the sun and wind unique to a BMW Convertible.

The BMW M3 Convertible is powered by BMW M's brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm; maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum muscle and thrust throughout the entire range of engine speed.

Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration; engine 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder power unit on the former model.

Overview

Third body version of the new BMW M3; high-performance convertible from BMW M GmbH unique in its design and technical features; developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Convertible; consistent orientation to the high-performance character typical of BMW M, as with the BMW M3 Coupé and the BMW M3 Saloon. Car concept with a consistent, unique tradition: Fourth generation of both the BMW M3 Convertible and the BMW M3 Coupé.

Unique combination of outstanding driving dynamics with aesthetic looks, unparalleled experience of open-air motoring and superior everyday driving qualities in that special combination specific to BMW M. Electrohydraulically operated retractable hardtop ensuring supreme performance in the BMW M3 Convertible with nothing but the sky above.

Authentic BMW M design as the expression of superior drive power; aluminium engine lid with striking powerdome; characteristic front end with large air intakes; powerfully flared wheel arches; specific BMW M interpretation of the classic lines of a BMW Convertible with its dynamically stretched silhouette, low waistline and muscular, low-slung rear end; gill elements in the front side walls; M-specific side sills contoured even more specifically towards the rear of the car as a visual tribute to rear-wheel drive; rear air dam with diffuser optimising the flow of air beneath the car; dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.

Exclusive driving experience: The unique power and performance of a BMW M3 combined with an incomparably intense experience of the sun and wind unique to a BMW Convertible.

The BMW M3 Convertible is powered by BMW M's brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm; maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum muscle and thrust throughout the entire range of engine speed.

Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration; engine 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder power unit on the former model. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (limited electronically), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12,9 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 21 mpg imp).

Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-controlled oil cooling; two-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia.

MDrive for setting and retrieving the driver's favourite engine control map, suspension and DSC set-up and Servotronic control map as an additional option.

Brand-new suspension with specific, convertible-based reinforcements in typical M configuration, weight-optimised components and M-specific axle kinematics for a highly dynamic driving experience; forged aluminium track control arms; compound high-performance brake system.

Optional EDC Electronic Damper Control with three selectable control maps; adaptive damper set-up responding to changes on the road surface and in the driver's style of motoring; EDC allowing appropriate adjustment to extremely dynamic driving conditions at any time, irrespective of the mode chosen.

Retractable hardtop in lightweight steel structure; three-piece roof structure with fully automatic opening and closing function; remote control of roof opening function featured as standard; opening time 22 seconds; optimum all-round visibility with hardtop closed thanks to large window areas.

Body structure with extremely high standard of torsional stiffness; all-round occupant protection by frontal and head/thorax airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters and central safety electronics for appropriate control of restraint systems including rollover protection with roll bars moving up automatically behind the rear seats; bi-xenon dual headlights featured as standard, Adaptive Headlights as an option.

Upgraded, high-class interior with a wide range of customisation options; innovative colour and materials concept; two rear seats with single seat contours; BMW Individual High End audio system with nine-channel amplifier and 16 high-output loudspeakers available as an option; M-specific paintwork and equipment variants.

EcoBoost is the New Turbo Boost? Prototype Taurus Drag Races BMW And Cadillac, Wins

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST

Oh man, has Ford figured out a way to get us to post a long and boring video about their plans for creating a sustainable business with environmentally sustainable technology. They drag race the Taurus above against a DTS and 3-series Bimmer and manage to win ~~(though, no word on what powerplants in either the BMW or DTS).~~ (we hear from Ford PR the Bimmer is powered by the 300 hp 3.0L twin turbo inline six and the Caddy has the 320 horsepower 4.6L Northstar V8.) This Taurus mule is fitted with an EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 3.5L engine, which is the future Ford technology that reduces emissions and increases power with lower displacement via turboboosting and direct gasoline injection.

This is the same engine that will be launched with the Lincoln MKS and should be good for 340 horsepower and 340 lb. ft of torque. If you don't want to sit through the lecture about EcoBoost fast forward to about 6:40 into the video.[YouTube via AutoBlog]

You Can't Stop the Pit Action

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST

You can only hope to document it. Hey, it's day 2 of an endurance race where you can't spend more than $500 on your race car. You know the pits are where the real action's at. Like the #56 car, which is most likely an '84 Bimmer. No one was really sure/too busy to talk to us. Here's what we know. The left rear wheel fell off. Looks like all four shafts failed from where they connected to the hub. In other words, pop! The wheel is still out on the track, but in the true spirit of the United Colors of Thunderhill, another BMW lent a wheel. Their head wrench is saying 30 minutes and they'll be back at it. The wheel loss is a shame, too, as #56 has been running hard the whole race, and probably left in sixth place.

$2.8 million Ivory-Carved Dragon BMW Speaks for Itself

Travis Hudson — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:15:00 EST

Some carved vehicles are okay, but this one by Folk artist Su Zhongyang, definitely isn't. You see, Su spends a lot of time carving dragons into ivory and yak bone. The carvings themselves doesn't look too bad, especially if you check out some of close-ups in the gallery below. However, it's what he did with the carvings that is truly horrifying. As if you can't already tell, the carvings are plastered all over this BMW 3-series that's already on the Tammy Faye-side of the gaudy meter, thanks to the excessive usage of gold and even diamonds. Surprisingly, the ivory rock only adds another 600 pounds or so to the vehicles curb weight, having a who-knows-what effect to the performance. The car's on display in Guangzhou's Zhenhai Tower, if anyone feels compelled to see this thing in person. [Born Rich]

Automobile Magazine All-Star Cars Revealed, Refuse To Hand Over The Crown

tingwall — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:00 EST

It's the time of the year when everyone and their grandmother hands out a "Best Car Ever...of the Year" award. Just over a week ago Motor Trend named their Car of the Year. We already showed you the Car & Driver top ten for '08 and now Automobile Magazine has released their category-less Automobile All-Stars list. However, Automobile's picks reveal that the 2008 model year might not have been an All-Star year for new cars. Seven of the ten cars are carryovers from last year (or was 2007 just that good?). Click through the jump to find out who the newcomers are and which seven titans kept their titles.

BMW 3-series
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Malibu
Infiniti G35/G37
Lotus Elise
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes-Benz S-class
Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Volkswagen GTI
Volvo C30
[Automobile Magazine]