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BMW recalling nearly 570,000 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models over electrical issue

BMW is recalling roughly 570,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada due to faulty battery cable connectors that can fail, causing the engines in these cars to stall. Of the nearly 570,000 affected vehicles, just over 504,000 are here in the US.
The affected vehicles include 1 Series coupes and convertibles (both 128i and 135i) from the 2008 to 2011 model years; 3 Series sedans, coupes, convertibles and sport wagons (both 328i and 335i) from the 2007 to 2011 model years; and Z4 roadsters from the 2009 to 2011 model years.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time," which can eventually lead to a break in the electrical connection and a loss of power in the vehicle. If the car loses power, the engine can stall, which could possibly lead to a crash. The Detroit News reports that BMW knows of one minor collision in Canada as a result of this problem, but no injuries.

BMW 330e iPerformance brings new name to $44,695 PHEV

BMW is getting almost as much mileage out of the little letter 'i' as Apple does. After rethinking what electric vehicles could be like with the i3 and the i8 - both part of the BMWi brand - the Bavarians announced that the other plug-in vehicles in their line-up would soon get "iPerformance" branding. And so here we have the new BMW 330e iPerformance, which is just a new name for the 330e Plug-In Hybrid. With the name change, we also learn that the PHEV will go on sale in the use this summer starting at $44,695. All that dough will get you a plug-in 3 Series that has an electric range of up to 14 miles thanks to a 7.6-kWh li-ion battery. You can read more details about the 330e iPerformance in the press release below or, for more on how it drives, in our review. Related Video: The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance. 22.03.2016 Press Release Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: March, 2016... The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance adds another highly innovative variant to the BMW 3 Series line-up with its advanced plug-in hybrid drive system. For the first time, cutting-edge BMW i technologies have been integrated into the world's most successful premium model. The BMW 3 Series Sedan has already set standards for sports performance and fuel economy in its segment using conventional combustion engines. Key ingredients are its intelligent lightweight design, outstanding aerodynamics for its class and the extensive use of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard. The all new BMW 330e iPerformance will be available in summer 2016 at dealers starting at $44,695 including Destination and Handling. Everyday usability, paired with efficiency and driving dynamics. Featuring technology transferred from BMW i. 14 miles in all electric mode. Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: March , 2016... The all-new BMW 330e iPerformance adds another highly innovative variant to the BMW 3 Series line-up with its advanced plug-in hybrid drive system. For the first time, cutting-edge BMW i technologies have been integrated into the world's most successful premium model. The BMW 3 Series Sedan has already set standards for sports performance and fuel economy in its segment using conventional combustion engines. Key ingredients are its intelligent lightweight design, outstanding aerodynamics for its class and the extensive use of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard.

BMW, Mini to offer Amazon Alexa in all models beginning next year

Voice recognition has been available in cars for years now, but the technology has improved, and found its way into our pockets and our homes. With applications like Siri and gadgets like the Amazon Echo essentially acting as digital personal assistants, the ways we interact with technology through our voice have advanced significantly in recent years. BMW plans to take advantage of the evolved voice technology, and will offer Amazon Alexa in every BMW and Mini model beginning in the middle of 2018. Drivers will be able to use the usual Alexa features (or "skills" in Amazon speak) to get the latest news and weather, provide entertainment, or remotely control their smart home gadgets. Alexa will also perform car-specific duties, such as navigation or locating nearby businesses. Users can also check on movie times, request specific playlists or even order products from Amazon through Alexa. View 5 Photos It's the logical next step for BMW, which has allowed owners to check the status or control features of their car through Alexa's BMW Connected skill since last year. Users won't need to bring their smartphone along for the Alexa to work, as BMW and Mini models will be equipped with their own SIM cards. Alexa will be available in cars in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. As our friends at Engadget point out, the timing is important, as Amazon risked being left behind by the likes of Apple and Google, which offer their technology in vehicles via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Amazon would do well to expand access beyond the three markets in-car Alexa will launch in, for exactly the same reason. Check out the video above for how BMW envisions users interacting with Alexa. We really hope some lucky M4 owner does, in fact, actually order a pizza while drifting on the deck of an aircraft carrier. That's a future we want to live in. News Source: BMW, Engadget Auto News BMW MINI Technology Videos Amazon Amazon Alexa alexa