2012 Black 28i! on 2040-cars

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BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe caught without cladding

Like it or not, the majority of BMW 3 Series variants are on their way out, and the 4 Series models are hotly embroiled in the testing needed to replace them. We've now driven the basic 4 Series, seen spy photographs of the 4 Series Convertible and both versions of the M4 and today we get a better-than-ever look at the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
And, mostly dependent on your personal disposition towards four-dour coupes, that look should be a pleasant thing. The long, swooping Gran Coupe may be roughly similar in size to the related 3 Series GT, but it has been sculpted with beauty in mind rather than crossover function. We expect that those details still hidden by the body cladding here, mostly front and rear, can be filled in by simply remembering what the standard 4 Series looks like and squinting your eyes a bit. Subtlety is thy name, BMW variants.
As for the mechanicals, well, we expect to have the very same greasy bits under the hood and beneath the car that are found in the 4 Series lineup, too.

More German automakers may be afoul of US emission standards

Volkswagen has plenty of smoke to share, and that may mean fire for other German automakers that make diesel vehicles, says Automotive News. Earlier this month, European Federation for Transport and Environment said that BMW, Daimler's Mercedes-Benz and General Motor's Opel division are among other automakers that may have equipped their vehicles' diesel engines with similar software as VW's. That software was found to reduce emissions while a car is being tested for emissions and shuts down emissions-control systems during normal use. The European environmental group used data from the International Council on Clean Transportation. Automotive News notes that the European environmental group put out its own report earlier this month, before the VW scandal broke loose, but the report was pretty much overlooked. Now, VW is under fire after it was discovered that 2.0-liter diesel engines in the VW Jetta and Golf, and Audi A3, may be programmed to game the emissions system. VW sold almost a half-million diesel vehicles in the US during the past six years. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz told Automotive News that the issue that befell VW doesn't apply to their diesel vehicles. Earlier this week, Volkswagen admitted its car ran the sneaky software, while the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started a probe on the company. VW is setting aside more than $7 billion to pay for the alleged violations. Meanwhile, US taxpayers may have spent as much as $51 million a year to pay for subsidies related to VW's diesel vehicle sales in 2009 alone, according to the Los Angeles Times.

BMW recalls 840,000 vehicles to replace Takata airbags

The Basics: BMW will recall about 840,000 vehicles in the US, and they include: 2008–2013 1 Series Coupe (incl. 1M) 2008–2013 1 Series Convertible 2008–2013 3 Series Sedan (incl. M3) 2009–2011 335d Sedan 2006–2012 3 Series Sports Wagon 2007–2013 3 Series Coupe (incl. M3) 2007–2013 3 Series Convertible (incl. M3) 2013–2015 X1 2007–2010 X3 2007–2013 X5 (incl. X5 M) 2009–2013 X5 xDrive35d 2008–2014 X6 (incl. X6 M) 2010–2011 X6 ActiveHybrid The full list, which includes approximate volumes and production dates, is in BMW's statement, below. The Problem: The vehicles have Takata's PSDI-5 driver side airbag inflators, and the parts could rupture in a crash. Injuries/Deaths: None reported in this population of vehicles. The Fix: BMW will replace the driver airbag on these vehicles. If You Own One: BMW will send owners a letter advising them about the recall, and people will receive a second letter when the parts are available for the repairs More Information: This recall stems from Takata and NHTSA's announcement in late January that automakers need to repair about five million vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Mazda, and Honda have already announced recalls due to this expansion. Related Video: BMW statement BMW has notified NHTSA of its intention to recall approximately 840,000 cars and Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with Takata PSDI-5 driver-side front air bags to have the driver-side front airbag replaced. These vehicles, covering model years 2006-2015 have not been part of earlier Takata-related air bag recalls. Owners of potentially affected BMW vehicles will be contacted by first-class mail advising them of the recall. When replacement parts are available, owners will receive another letter with instructions for having the recall completed. Owners with questions can contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or e-mail CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com. Model Model Years Approx. Vol. Production Dates 1 Series Coupe (incl. 1M) 2008 – 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 – Oct 2013 1 Series Convertible 2008 – 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 – Oct 2013 3 Series Sedan (incl. M3) 2006 – 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 – Dec 2011 335d Sedan 2009 – 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 – Aug 2011 3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 – 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 – May 2012 3 Series Coupe (incl. M3) 2007 – 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 – Jun 2013 3 Series Convertible (incl.