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BMW revisits its 8 Series

So why would BMW choose July 2 to release a retrospective on the 8 Series? Could it have something to do with the recent unveiling of the Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe concept, another sleek, B-pillarless V12 two-door, at this year's Villa d'Este? We have no idea, but the timing is likely coincidental.
This three-minute look at the 8 Series talks to Niels Hamann, who was smitten with the long-hooded coupe when it appeared in 1989 and finally bought one in 2004. Hamann also happens to be a project manager at BMW, and that came in handy when he wrote a book detailing every aspect of what was BMW's flagship for ten years but to the chagrin of many only managed one generation.
While we wait for the next clue about the Gran Lusso - 8 Series connection, check out the video below.

More stick shift models added to MINI's 2024 lineup

While automotive journalists have called in recent years for their industry and consumers to “save the manuals," their campaigns for manual transmissions have fallen mostly on deaf ears. Except at MINI. No surprise. The take rate for a stick shift in a Mini is said to be 18% to 20%, and in John Cooper Works models, it's more like 40%. The figure for the auto industry in general is 1.4%, meaning that driving stick is all but a lost art — unless you're driving a Mini, or say, a VW GTI or Golf R. In a presentation this week detailing the changes and specifications of MINIs for the 2024 model year, one revelation stands out: additional hardtop and convertible models that can be ordered with stick shifts. Specifically, the list includes MINI Cooper convertible, the Cooper S ragtop, the Cooper four-door hardtop and four-door Cooper S. Production of those cars is scheduled to begin in March. In November, MINI USA, which is part of the BMW organization, announced the return of manuals in its Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works 2-door hardtops. Here's a pricing breakdown: Regarding other updates announced, MINI will continue to offer “special” editions — Untamed, Untold and Resolute — that launched a year ago and received additional enhancements in November that included new body colors, interior upholsteries, and engine variants. These three editions can be had on the respective models equipped with the Iconic Trim. MINI also says it will reintroduce the base Classic Trim to all Hardtop, Clubman, and Countryman models, and the Signature Trim will feature MINI Navigation as included equipment, with Advanced Real Time Traffic Information built in. In December, the company introduced a pair of tricked-out convertibles named the "Seaside Edition" that can be optioned in Nanuq White or Caribbean Aqua colors. Those models should be hitting dealers right about now, MINI says. 

2016 BMW M3 and M4 recalled for driveshaft problem

The Basics: BMW is recalling 42 examples of the 2015-2016 M3 built from May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015; the 2016 M4 Coupe made from July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015; and the 2015-2016 M4 Convertible manufactured from May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The Problem: The company might not have filled a driveshaft slip joint with grease, and the part can potentially fail over time. If this happens, the vehicles could lose power to the rear axle. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: BMW dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it as necessary. If You Own One: BMW will begin the recall on January 8, 2016. An FAQ (as a PDF) says the vehicles are still safe to drive. More Information: BMW issued two other recalls for similar models this year. An airbag problem prompted a campaign for 2,067 examples of the 4 Series Convertible in March. A fuel pump issue in April also forced repairs to the 3 and 4 Series, in addition to the 2 Series. RECALL Subject : Driveshaft Slip-Joint may not have been Greased Report Receipt Date: NOV 23, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V782000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 42 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) BMW M3 2015-2016 BMW M4 2015-2016 Details Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time. CONSEQUENCE: If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2016. 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.