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Check out the trick way you access the tire valve on this BMW Alpina B6

The wheels are one of the first things you notice when checking out the 2015 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe. The 20-inch aluminum alloy rollers have 21 spokes that spray out from their hubs, creating one of Alpina's signature design features. But there's also plenty of function to go along with the stylistic form of this hotted-up BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
By rotating the Alpina roundel and unlocking the center hub, you gain access to the tire valve and bolts, which are hidden inside. They're literally kept under lock and key, and they protect your Alpina's wheels from the elements and theft. This unique center-fill system employing a hollow spoke isn't a new setup for the favored BMW tuner, but since Autoblog had one in our offices this week, we thought we'd take the opportunity to show the unique mechanism in case you haven't seen it before. Check it out in our brief video below.

China probing German automakers over spare parts

The Chinese market has proven to be a boon to German luxury automakers. However, the way that the companies have allegedly been controlling their supply of spare parts has begun to draw the ire of the nation's government. According to insiders speaking to Bloomberg, officials from the country's economic planning organization have opened a probe into Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and some Japanese carmakers over claimed price inflation and limiting supply.
Specifically, the investigation centers around two aspects of how the companies do business, according to Bloomberg. Investigators want to know whether the original equipment component makers are able to sell spare parts only to automaker-authorized dealers or if they are also available to independent shops. There is also the issue of whether the price markup on replacement pieces is too high. The tight controls could be partially explained by China's reputation for producing counterfeit parts.
Evidently, the investigators haven't checked parts prices at car dealers elsewhere in the world. At least in the US, paying more at the dealer for factory components just goes along with owning a vehicle. If evidence of price fixing is found, the companies could face fines the equivalent of millions of dollars, according to Bloomberg.

BMW revises X1 to tide it over until replacement

It's been over five years since BMW first introduced the X1 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a bit over a year since it brought the compact crossover to these shores. Soon the Bavarian automaker will replace the X1 with a new model based on the company's new front-drive architecture, but not before it gives it a few updates to keep it fresh.
Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month alongside the Z4 Pure Fusion Design and the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe, the enhanced X1 benefits from some new exterior accents, a spruced-up interior and new technology packed inside.
New air intakes in the bumper and integrated daytime driving lights distinguish the front end, with new wheel and color options available. Inside, certain versions get a new dashboard treatment, among other minor trim updates, and BMW has installed its latest ConnectedDrive suite to keep it up with the times. Scroll down for the full details.