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BMW recalls 7,200 units of 5 Series for child seat anchors

BMW will recall 7,162 examples of the 2016 5 Series sedan in the US because of a potential danger for involving child seat anchors. The campaign covers much of the model range including the 528i, 528i xDrive, 535d, 535d xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and M5. During a vehicle audit at the factory, BMW discovered a downward bend in the inboard lower anchor for child seats on the left rear seat, according to a chronology from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as a PDF). The issue made it very difficult or in some cases impossible for the seat to latch correctly, and the fault also ran afoul of federal rules in the US. However, the company says that it has no reports of accidents or injuries from this problem. The campaign to fix the issue will begin December 24. Dealers will inspect the anchor on these models and will repair any bent examples. RECALL Subject : Bent Left Rear Seat Inboard Anchor/FMVSS 225 Report Receipt Date: OCT 30, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V718000 Component(s): CHILD SEAT , SEATS Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,162 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) BMW 528I 2016 BMW 535D 2016 BMW 535I 2016 BMW 550I 2016 BMW M5 2016 Details Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." CONSEQUENCE: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 24, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BMW reveals R NineT Scrambler at EICMA [w/video]

BMW Motorrad has rolled into the EICMA motorcycle show in Italy with a new version of the R NineT. While the existing version has proven a fast favorite among customizers with its cafe-racer style, the new version takes the classic Scrambler approach that recalls off-road dirt bikes from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. And it looks at least as hot as the existing Roadster. The new R NineT Scrambler is powered by the same 1.17-liter boxer twin as the Roadster, good for 110 horsepower and 85 pound-feet of torque. What separates it from the Roadster is the rest of its feature set. The exhaust is positioned higher alongside the swingarm and 17-inch rear wheel, while the front features an over-sized 19-inch wheel with a longer-travel telescopic fork. The seating position is more upright than the Roadster as well, with higher handlebars and foot-pegs moved slightly down and back - all for a more relaxed ride. Up front there's a circular headlamp, with analog instruments. Four-piston calipers grip 320-millimeter discs up front, with 2-piston calipers on 265-mm discs at the back. The Scrambler comes in a matte silver finish with a brown saddle, but like the Roadster, it's designed to be customized. So the accessories catalog is filled with parts to make it your own, and the modular frame is meant to be disassembled and reconfigured to the rider's specifications. BMW R NineT Scrambler debuts this week at the Milan fair grounds alongside the new single-cylinder G 310 R and the eRR electric sport bike concept. The new BMW R nineT Scrambler – a down-to-earth character beyond established conventions. They were ridden by action heroes on the screen and scores of hobby racers entered mountain and beach races on them: the Scramblers. With deep-treaded tyres, a raised exhaust, somewhat extended spring travel and a relaxed seating position, Scramblers offered their riders in the 1950s to 1970s not just motorcycling fun on winding country roads but also great off-road capability and therefore an extended range of use. Like the motorcycles themselves, the people who rode Scramblers were not bound by established conventions. And they could be seen virtually everywhere: on winding country roads, stony mountain passes and - where it was allowed - even on sandy beaches. The history of BMW Motorrad is also rooted in the Scrambler concept.

Mercedes G63 vs. BMW i8: Our silly drag race between the past and future

You see, we were just trying to conserve resources. We had Milan Dragway rented for a test of the AMS Alpha 10 Audi R8, and there was some extra track time, so we brought these two along. That's called saving money. Or something. Aside from being German, the G63 and i8 couldn't really be much more different – one is a prehistoric military vehicle with a nutty twin-turbo V8, the other a vision of the near future of efficient sports cars. So what did we do? We lined them up against each other, editor-in-chief Michael Austin in the i8 and me in the G-Wagen. Though we had a good idea of the likely winner – note which car the boss is driving – the results were still surprising. Watch for yourself above. Green Humor BMW Mercedes-Benz Coupe SUV Hybrid Luxury Performance Videos Original Video drag race milan dragway

BMW M1 poised to set new records at auction

A rare BMW M1 with exceptionally low mileage is set to break records when it goes up for auction next month. The Bavarian supercar is one of just 450 examples made. It has only 424 miles on the clock after decades in storage, putting it in prime position to draw heavy bidding. The legendary M1 was the first vehicle made by the M division and brought together some of the biggest names in the business. The chassis was designed by Dallara, the body by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and development was carried out (at least initially) by Lamborghini. It was the first mid-engined supercar BMW made. The original idea was to homologate the M1 for racing. But when the FIA changed the rules, BMW started the Procar series that put F1 drivers behind the wheel of racing-spec versions of the M1 ahead of the European grands prix. That put BMW and its M division on the map, earning the M1 a special place in the history books. BMW only made 450 examples, of which 399 were road-going versions like the one you see here. And it's a gem, to be sure. Chassis number WBS59910004301426 was delivered new in Arctic white with black checkered upholstery to a dealer in Italy, which never sold it. A broker in Pennsylvania acquired it for baseball legend Pete Rose, who never took delivery. And so it sat in the dealer's warehouse for over three decades. A friend finally managed to convince that US dealer to part with it. And after replacing a handful of soft components (with only original parts, of course), the current owner is now putting it up for sale at RM Sotheby's upcoming auction in New York. Given the pristine condition of this particular example and its low mileage, the auctioneers expect it will fetch between $800,000 and $1 million. That could stand to make this the most expensive M1 ever sold. According to Sports Car Market, the current record for an M1 stands at $854,000 paid in 2011 for a racing-spec Procar with livery designed by Frank Stella. The most ever paid for a road-going example, however, rests at $605k. This example, then, stands not only to obliterate the M1 auction records, but elevate the iconic supercar into 507 (and even 328) territory among the most valuable BMWs ever made. It may, however, have a tough time getting the attention it deserves, considering some of the other machinery RM has lined up for the Driven By Disruption sale.

On Location in Mexico with the BMW 3 Series and X1

Back in October, I traveled to Mexico with BMW to drive the new X1 crossover and the updated 3 Series sedan, specifically the new 340i. I wasn't surprised to see freshly paved roads and beautiful scenery, both of which are staples of the new-car launch. What we don't usually find are car-sized boulders blocking entire lanes of travel, goats as surprise traffic obstacles, and roads that turn to dirt with little warning. In hindsight, maybe the boulders have something to do with the fresh pavement. All that made the drive from our hotel on the edge of Copper Canyon to a little town called Batopilas more interesting than the normal A-to-B. Getting to and from the hotel was its own adventurous challenge, requiring my first and second flights in a Cessna. I managed to escape with my life and some video of the experience, and it's all edited for you above. Enjoy. BMW Crossover Luxury Videos Original Video Sedan

BMW M6 GTLM already looking mean ahead of Daytona debut

BMW Motorsport is preparing to roll out the new M6 GTLM. And Americans will be the first to see it when it marks its debut during this week's IMSA test session at Daytona International Speedway. After that, two of the new competition machines will be campaigned by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Designed to compete at the top levels of sports car racing, the new M6 GTLM will be the successor to the Z4 GTLM and the M3 GT2 before it. And with its introduction, the quasi-works RLL outfit will have been there for all three. The team co-owned by Indy legend Bobby Rahal, talkshow host David Letterman, and industrial crane magnate Mike Lanigan, has won the IndyCar championship three times, the Indy 500 once, and has recorded dozens of race wins, poles, and podium finishes. RLL branched out into sports car racing in the American Le Mans series in 2009 and has won several titles since. The new M6 racer will have some heady competition to deal with in the IMSA's GT Le Mans class next season. Among the new machinery we can expect to see on the grid in the coming year will be the new Ford GT, Porsche 911 RSR, Corvette C7.R, and possibly the new Ferrari 488 GTE, as well. Another version of the BMW entry is being prepared for privateer teams competing in the GT Daytona class, where it will have to contend with the likes of the Audi R8 LMS, Dodge Viper GT3-R, and Lexus RC F GT3. We're looking forward to seeing what the Bavarians will have to throw at 'em when the M6 GTLM debuts at Daytona this week. In the meantime, you can scope the machine out in its primer coat while undergoing a shakedown at Sebring in the gallery above.Related Video: 2016 BMW M6 GTLM to Make US Public Debut at Nov. 17-18 IMSA Daytona Test Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – November 13, 2015... BMW Team RLL will participate in the Nov. 17-18 IMSA test at Daytona International Speedway marking the first public test of BMW's latest endurance racing challenger, the BMW M6 GTLM. As announced during last season's Petit Le Mans weekend, BMW Team RLL is expected to campaign two M6 GTLM race cars in the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The M6 GTLM recently completed its first US test at Sebring International Raceway in late October along with a M6 GT3 machine that will provide the foundation for BMW's worldwide customer racing program.

BMW wheels out single-cylinder G 310 R motorcycle

BMW makes a lot of motorcycles, including cruisers, enduros, off-roaders, sport bikes, and scooters. The one thing it hasn't done is a single-cylinder motorcycle with less than half a liter of displacement. But that all changes with the arrival of the G 310 R. Previewed by the Concept Stunt G 310 revealed last month in Brazil, the new G 310 R is BMW Motorrad's first sport bike with an engine smaller than 500cc. Though developed in Germany, the G 310 R is built in India around a new liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine displacing just 313 cc. That tiny cylinder does boast four valves, along with dual overhead camshafts and electronic fuel injection. It makes 34 horsepower and 21 pound-feet of torque. The engine is nestled into a compact tubular steel frame. It features a single headlamp up front, a molded fuel tank, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes with ABS, and aggressive styling. It all weighs just 350 pounds, with a seat that's less than 31 inches off the ground. Along with the G 310 R, BMW also revealed an electric motorcycle concept based on the S 1000 RR. That one you can check out on Autoblog Green. For a closer look at the G 310 R, you'll want to peruse the extensive image gallery above, and for further details, the press release below. BMW Motorrad G 310 R The new BMW G 310 R – the first BMW roadster under 500 cc. One cylinder, low weight, powerful dynamic performance – the BMW G 310 R embodies the pure essence of a BMW roadster: it has neither too little nor too much of anything. Pragmatic in the best sense of the word, it offers precisely what is needed – for dynamic performance and comfort, both in town and out in the country. The BMW G 310 R takes these essential qualities into a capacity segment that is new to BMW Motorrad. As a genuine BMW roadster it masters a range of disciplines: it is just as happy winding its way nimbly and flexibly through the narrow streets of a city as it is travelling supremely and powerfully along country roads. And thanks to its exceptionally low level of fuel consumption and a relaxed, comfortable seating position, it offers the welcome capability of being able to cover a long distance at a time. At home on the roads of the world. Newly conceived from scratch, the G 310 R represents everything BMW Motorrad stands for: innovation, quality and of course many years of carefree partnership with its owner.

Karma Automotive partners with BMW for powertrains

Now in the process of rising from the ashes of Fisker, the newly renamed Karma Automotive has announced a powertrain supply deal with BMW. Only instead of Karma providing BMW with technologies (as Tesla has for Daimler and Toyota), this deal goes the other way around. It is BMW that will be providing Karma with its powertrain components moving forward. Little in the way of specifics was disclosed regarding precisely what the supply deal will entail. However according to the statement below, it will include "high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems." BMW has demonstrated its competence in developing and manufacturing such components with vehicles like the i3 and i8, and ActiveHybrid versions of the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series sedans. Karma Automotive is what Chinese component manufacturer Wanxiang renamed the company formerly known as Fisker Automotive once it acquired the rights to the company and the Fisker Karma which it previously produced. The brand name, however, remained the property of Henrik Fisker's coachbuilding operation. The original Fisker Karma was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four supplied by General Motors, with a lithium-ion battery pack from A123 systems. Karma Automotive Signs Supply Agreement With BMW COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Karma Automotive announced today that BMW has agreed to be a supplier in ensuring their vehicles are built with the highest quality automotive parts. BMW will supply Karma Automotive with their latest powertrain components, including high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems. Throughout automotive history, BMW has been globally recognized for engineering and manufacturing world-class products. They are a proven technology leader and renowned for conceiving and delivering groundbreaking innovations. Karma Automotive will integrate the first BMW components into its plug-in hybrid flagship vehicle, which will re-launch in 2016. The next generation of vehicles already in development will utilize more of BMW's powertrain technology. "The Wanxiang Group is giving Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future," said Karma's CEO Tom Corcoran.

BMW Motorrad showcases Konzept eRR electric sport bike

At one end of the BMW spectrum are its electric vehicles like the i3 and i8. At the other, the motorcycles from BMW Motorrad. Now the Bavarian manufacturer is bringing those two areas of competence together in one vehicle. And it only has two weels. It's called the eRR, and it's an experimental electric motorcycle created in conjunction with the Technical University of Munich. It's based on the frame of the S 1000 RR sport bike, but ditches the 199-horsepower four-cylinder liter engine for an all-electric powertrain. Unfortunately, the company has yet to release any technical details, but promises it will do so at a later date. It's not the first time BMW Motorrad has tinkered with electric power. We've already seen the C Evolution electric scooter. But this is the first time it has packaged an electric motor into a sport bike this aggressive. If BMW were actually to build this thing, the eRR could prove a suitable foil to the Brammo/Victory Empulse, not to mention any other electric motorcycle that may find its way onto market in the coming years. BMW Motorrad presents the experimental vehicle eRR. Supersport dynamism and zero emission thanks to electric power. Munich. BMW Motorrad has a long tradition in pointing out new ways and thoughts for the topic „mobility on two wheels". For that, again and again many studies were presented in the past giving views to the future. The experimental vehicle eRR, created as a project with the Technical University of Munich, embodies an idea of an electric powered supersport motorcycle made by BMW Motorrad. Already a couple of years ago, BMW i showed the BMW Group's visionary and sustainable approach with the vehicles BMW i3 and i8 and their revolutionary design principles (aluminum chassis and passenger cabin made from carbon fibre) and BMW Motorrad's C evolution proved, that zero emission, riding fun and practicability do not exclude themselves. With presenting the experimental vehicle eRR BMW Motorrad goes one step forward and shows the possibilities of an all-electric drive in a supersport motorcycle. Regarding design and chassis technology the eRR leans on the supersport motorcycle S 1000 RR, however using an all-electric drive. Stephan Schaller, Head of BMW Motorrad, emphasizes: „Since their market launch, the RR is giving the creeps to motorsport athletes. If acceleration, handling or topspeed – the RR is setting standards.

BMW X2 spied looking swirly

Generally, automakers really hate spy photos. They go to great lengths to disguise their cars, while engineers will do their damnedest to get away from spy shooters (or, you know, they just give them the bird). BMW, though, just doesn't seem to care about spies. That's the only reason to explain why our spy photographers were able to capture yet another X2 crossover undergoing testing on the sunny, autumnal German roads. Judging by the number plates, this is a different vehicle than the last couple of X2s we've spied, although it's camouflaged almost identically to last month's X2. This car does appear to have larger, sportier wheels than that blue prototype, although the similar bumpers has us thinking it's merely an optional wheel rather than the an M Sport model. Beyond that, though, there's not a lot to differentiate this X2 from previous sightings. Our spies continue to report that the X2 will echo the powertrain/drivetrain arrangement of the upcoming X1. It'll ride on that car's front-drive architecture, although like the X1, all-wheel drive will be optional in Europe and standard here in the US. The engine lineup, meanwhile, should include turbocharged triples, fours, and sixes, in both gas and diesel varieties. Here in the US, we'd expect the 28i and its 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, at the very least. Considering the lifestyle angle of the X2, a more powerful 35i model would likely be a natural here in the US, but that's just conjecture. Have a look at the spy shots up at the top of the page. Related Video: