1999 Bmw M3 on 2040-cars

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Xcar checks if BMW's i8 offers moves as electrifying as its looks

If you were to plot the general opinion about hybrids since their introduction among auto enthusiasts, the resulting graph would likely be shaped somewhat like a "V." In the beginning interest was high, simply due the novelty of these new powertrains, then the line would gradually fall as the models got the stereotype of being boring commuters. Today, though, things might be back on the upswing. Vehicles like the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 and BMW i8 are showing that a hybrid doesn't have to be synonymous for dull. In its latest video, Xcar Films aims to find out if BMW's electrified sports coupe actually earns the brand's old moniker as the ultimate driving machine.
While the focus here is on what the i8 is like behind the wheel, one of the main highlights for the viewer is the interesting ways that Xcar shoots the BMW. It's not necessarily a beautiful vehicle, but seeing it in motion reveals all sorts of little intricacies that still photos don't pick up. For example, our eye catches the flying buttresses and little crevices scooped out of the corners when we get a look at the rear. It's just a fun car to look at.
With its 1.5-liter, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine and electric motor, the i8 positions itself as the future of automotive performance. But its intriguing looks and cutting-edge use of carbon fiber would be wasted if the coupe didn't drive well. We won't spoil the final verdict, though, you'll have to watch the video above.

First Ride: 2015 BMW M3 and M4

Getting Our Butts In The Seats
Both the non-M BMW 3 Series sedan and 4 Series coupe have so far brought much pleasure to us at Autoblog. The terrific four-cylinder 328i trim has become our favorite of the 3 Series line, while we have yet to get a chance at the 428i coupe. That said, the 35i trim powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine is not exactly to be sniffed at.
We all know the ones you're really waiting for, though. The F80 fifth-generation M3 sedan and the supremely sexy F82 M4 coupe. Rumors have been buzzing for a couple of years now that the engine would be another V8, only turbocharged this time, or else a tri-turbo six. Well, today BMW confirmed that the mill under the hood's power bulge is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo of the biturbo variety, referred to internally as "S55B30 variant."

BMW halts delivery of several M cars for rear differential problem

BMW issued a stop-delivery order on 202 cars this week. The affected vehicles include the M2, M3, M4, M5, and 5 and 6 Series models. They were produced between May 12 and July 4, 2016. According to a service bulletin by BMW, which was published on Bimmerpost, the affected vehicles will need a new rear differential. The bulletin doesn't state what's wrong with the rear differentials, and a BMW spokesman did not have immediate comment on the issue. BMW will update the bulletin with more details on warranty information and repair instructions as they become available. Owners can contact BMW to find out if they're affected. BMW has issued several recalls this year. Just last month, the automaker recalled more than 200,000 SUVs for lower child-seat anchor bars, as well as potential damage and failure to the universal join on the front driveshaft. In February, BMW recalled 840,000 vehicles to replace faulty Takata airbags, while 6,110 units of the 2016 7 Series were added to the same recall in April. Related Video: News Source: BimmerpostImage Credit: BMW Recalls BMW Coupe Performance Sedan bmw m4 bmw m2 service bulletin