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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.

Ruby celebrates 90 years of BMW Motorrad with special helmet collection

BMW isn't the only one celebrating its own 90th anniversary building motorbikes. So is Atelier Ruby, that French manufacturer of jewel-like motorcycle helmets.
Ruby has just released a capsule collection of helmets marking BMW Motorrad's 90th anniversary, and we want them almost as much as a Bimmer bike itself. The Munich 90 collection includes three new designs available in three helmet styles, including the signature blue and red stripes on a white background worn by BMWs of two wheels or four on the racing circuit.
Of course, these helmets, being made by Ruby as they are, won't come cheap, with jaw-dropping prices ranging from $980 to $1,450. Of course there are more cost-effective ways to protect your noggin, but few more stylish.

This BMW 2 Series ad has run afoul of Aussie ad watchdogs [w/poll]

A complaint by an Australian movie-goer has put the brakes on an extended in-theater ad campaign by BMW, and drawn the attention of the country's Advertising Standards Board. According to the anonymous complaint, the ad "portrays an unfavorable message, contrary to safe and sensible driving."
The ASB upheld the complaint, which said the ad for the new M235i showed driving "typical of hoon activity," thanks to the burnouts, dusty drifts and runs up to redline. It's that last one that seems to have gotten the spot in the most trouble, with the ASB acknowledging that even though the car wasn't shown breaking the speed limit, the ad was in violation of a voluntary code of conduct for automotive advertising, according to Australia's Go Auto.
BMW doesn't seem to agree, pointing out that the ad uses creative editing, aggressive camera angles and other filming tricks to "add visual impact."