2008 Bmw 135i M Package "low Miles" on 2040-cars

Auto blog

BMW Competition Edition: 'ultimate version' of M5

BMW isn't waiting to see how much power the upcoming Mercedes-AMG E63 will have and is firmly placing itself at the top of the performance list with a new edition of the M5. BMW claims the M5 Competition Edition is the ultimate version of the sedan and will be limited to 200 models. BMW has confirmed that the vehicle will only be sold in Europe, which makes sense as the automaker just announced a US-only edition. The Competition Edition utilizes the same platform as the M5 with the Competition Package. The M5's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 receives an updated ECU and an increase in boost pressure for 40 more horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque. The special edition now puts out 600 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. With the M dual-clutch transmission as standard, the sedan takes 3.9 seconds to get to 62 mph from a standstill. The M5 Competition Edition also benefits from all of the go-fast goodies found in the Competition Package, which include: a recalibrated differential, special steering calibration, a reprogrammed M chassis control system, and an upgraded and lowered suspension. The limited-edition model will be finished in two body colors, Carbon Black and Mineral White, both of which are metallic, while the exterior is adorned with carbon fiber. The rear diffuser, spoiler, and mirror caps are all finished in carbon fiber, with the kidney grilles and side gills wear a "M5 Competition" badge. A unique set of black wheels wrapped in performance tires rounds out the exterior touches. On the inside, the M5 Competition Edition is finished in Merino Black leather with contrast stitching in Opal White. Even the floor mats, which are black, have Merino Opal White bordering. "///M5" is prominently embroidered on the performance seats' headrests, while the carbon-fiber interior trim bears a plaque (one to 200) to indicate the vehicle's limited quantity. All of the special editions will come with a Bang & Olufsen stereo system in addition to a host of high-tech features. The M5 Competition Edition is currently available for approximately $142,696 or roughly $42,000 over a M5 with the Competition Package. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 BMW M5 Competition Edition News Source: BMWImage Credit: BMW BMW Special and Limited Editions Performance Sedan limited edition

Trump turns his unpredictable ire towards German carmakers

President-elect Donald Trump likes to be unpredictable. During the election, he used the phrase in reference to foreign policy and dealing with terrorism. But he's using the same tactic with the automotive industry, making broad statements that send manufacturers into emergency-response mode. The latest salvo comes from an interview with Germany's Bild, where Trump threatened a 35-percent import tax on German manufacturers. ( Reuters covers the highlights in English here.) "If you want to build cars in the world, then I wish you all the best. You can build cars for the United States, but for every car that comes to the USA, you will pay 35 percent tax," Trump said. Trump's comments seem to be directed at manufacturing in Mexico, although it's unclear if the comments refer to any import from a German automaker or just those from south of the border. BMW is building a $1-billion plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, where it plans to assemble the 3 Series. Mercedes-Benz is joining up with Nissan to build a new facility in Aguascalientes near the Japanese company's existing factory. And Volkswagen recently expanded its massive footprint in Puebla to build the new Tiguan as well as a separate factory for the Audi Q5. Reuters states that Trump thinks there's not enough reciprocity between Germany and the United States, as Germans don't buy Chevrolets at the rate American buy Mercedes-Benz Vehicles. At present, only the Corvette and Camaro are sold in Germany. The German subsidiary of Chevrolet parent General Motors, Opel, is the fifth-ranked automaker in the European Union, ahead of FCA but trailing Ford, VW, and both French auto companies. In response to Trump, Germany's deputy chancellor (Chancellor Angela Merkel is shown above) and minister for the economy, Sigmar Gabriel, did not mince words. As reported by The Guardian, Gabriel said "The US car industry would have a bad awakening if all the supply parts that aren't being built in the US were to suddenly come with a 35% tariff. I believe it would make the US car industry weaker, worse and above all more expensive." Asked what it would take for Germans to buy more American vehicles, he said "Build better cars." Gabiel also noted that BMW's largest plant is already in the US. The Spartanburg, SC plant exports about 65 percent of its 400,000-unit annual production to foreign markets and directly employs 8,000 workers according to BMW.

Tier 1 suppliers call GM the worst OEM to work with

Among automakers with a big US presence, General Motors is the worst to work for, according to a new survey from Tier 1 automotive suppliers, conducted by Planning Perspectives, Inc.
The Detroit-based manufacturer, which has been under fire following the ignition switch recall and its accompanying scandal, finished behind six other automakers with big US manufacturing operations. Suppliers had issues with trust and communications, as well as intellectual property protection. GM was also the least likely to allow suppliers to raise their prices in the face of unexpected increases in material cost, all of which contributed to 55 percent of suppliers saying their relationship with GM was "poor to very poor."
GM's cross-town competitors didn't fare much better. Chrysler finished in fifth place, ahead of GM and behind Dearborn-based Ford, which was passed for third place this year by Nissan. Toyota took the top marks, while Honda captured second place.