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BMW swaps 30i and 40i models into 2017 2, 3, and 4 Series

BMW will continue its staggered rollout of new engines to many (but not all) of its products in 2017. The new modular engine architecture is the basis for three-, four-, and six-cylinder engines, some of which are already stuck in new Minis and a handful of BMWs. With those new engines come new (or in some cases resurrected) badges meant to connote the added power. They have the added benefit of further separating the last two numbers of the models from the actual displacement of the engines, which is always fun. BMW calls its latest 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine B48, and the new single-turbo six is the B58. The B48 cars get 30i suffixes and the B58s say 40i on the back. And if you really want to get down into code numerology: the B48 replaces the N20 four and the B58 supersedes the N55. Here's where they're headed next year: 2 Series: 230i and M240i For the small Bimmer, the 228i and M235i names are replaced by 230i and M240i models. In these applications, the four-cylinder makes 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and the M-ish six makes 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2 gets other updates for 2017 as well. 3 Series: 330i sedan/wagon/Gran Turismo and 340i Gran Turismo For 2016, BMW put the 335-hp B58 six in the 3 Series sedan only. That engine spreads to the 340i Gran Turismo for 2017, and the N20 in the 328i is replaced by the B48 for 330i models in all body styles. There's still no six-cylinder wagon, and the 320i sedan keeps its N20 engine. Diesel sedans and wagons keep both the 328d name and the 2.0-liter four they had before. Trivia: The 330i name is being recycled – it was used on the E90 most recently. 4 Series: 430i and 440i Every 4 Series – including coupe, Gran Coupe, and convertible models – gets a new engine for 2017. Woo! And both engines will again be available with or without xDrive all-wheel drive. Woo. And no, that's not an official BMW photo above. The rest? BMW hasn't shared information on its 2017 crossover lineup, but we expect the X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6 will get new engines where applicable. And then there are the 30i and 40i models that already existed and won't be getting these new engines. The 330e iPerformance plug-in hybrid sedan already has the B48 four-cylinder. And the 540i, 640i, and 740i continue with a version of BMW's last-gen six. Got that all straight? Yeah, neither do we. And expect updates once the details on the 2017 crossovers are shared.

BMW planning smaller Z2 roadster

It's been a few years since we heard about the BMW Z2, a compact, two-seat convertible that would slot in below the aging Z4 (shown above). Now, though, the crew at Car and Driver are back with details on the oft-rumored roadster.
The big shock for enthusiasts on this one is C/D's report that the Z2 will spin its front wheels, rather than its rears. A front-drive roadster is strange enough, but a front-drive BMW roadster? It's apparently true, though, as the new model would share its platform with the front-drive Mini and 2 Series Active Tourer rather than with the racier 228i or M235i coupes.
According to C/D, the rumored Z2 could be powered by a range of three- and four-cylinder, turbocharged engines, although it's more likely to be a four-only affair. Power should range from 160 to 230 ponies, while an M variant could arrive with 300 horsepower (that's a whole lot of power for front-wheel drive...).

BMW i Collection puts upscale treehugging in the palm of your hand

If BMW's new i sub-brand sounds more like it belongs to consumer electronics than it does to automobiles, that's probably no mistake. After all, electric vehicles bridge the gap between conventional automobile and electronic gadget - just ask our compatriots over at Engadget that report on them all the time. But to drive the point home even greener, BMW has, together with the new i3, launched a new collection of electronics accessories that make the Bavarian automaker as much a competitor with companies like Belkin or Griffin as it is with Audi or Mercedes-Benz.
The new BMW i Collection includes items like a solar charger for phones and MP3 players, a laptop bag made from felt-like recycled PET plastic and vegetable-tanned leather, and of course the requisite USB dongle. Other items include keyfobs, a shopping bag, notebook and ballpoint pen.
All the items, of course, are designed to extend the i3's upscale tree-hugging image to items you can hold and use while your EV is charging in the driveway. They go on sale starting next month with prices ranging from 15 euros ($20) for the pen or lanyard to 99 euros ($135) for the shopping bag. Details in the press release below and images of the whole collection in the gallery above.