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DC fast charging standard on 2015 BMW i3 EV

The BMW i3 is about to get a lot cooler. No, wait, a lot warmer. That's because there will a few new standard features in the i3 plug-in vehicles sold in the US, including seat heaters and satellite radio. Oh, and DC fast charging. The department head of BMW i USA, Jacob Harb, told BMW Blog that the company is, "now confident enough that in 2015 we will have the right infrastructure for DC fast charging, so it makes to include it standard in the MY2015." We can expect more details at the Detroit Auto Show in January and Harb told BMW Blog that, "you will be pleasantly surprised" by the announcement. There are a few other potential changes in store for the i3, including a configurable keyfob (like European i3 drivers get) and a heated steering wheel. It's unlikely that a sunroof or Lane Departure Warning will be offered, but Harb said BMW is always open to suggestions.

Buy this Munro report, get a free BMW i3

Here's an offer we've never heard of: if you buy the Master- or OEM-level version of a detailed production and cost report on the BMW i3, the engineering firm that produced the report will give you a 'free' i3. Munro & Associates is the company behind the study and the offer, its comprehensive breakdown of the production realities involved in the i3 including a video of the disassembly process of the range-extended hybrid and a detailed analysis of every part therein - everything from fuse boxes to crossbar beams, headlights and the battery pack. You've only got a day to take advantage, though - the report has to be purchased by the time CEO Sandy Munro gives his talk, "Deconstructing the BMW I3: Groundbreaking Technology and the Composite Car," in Detroit Wednesday morning. The price of said report? That's "TBD," so head to the Munro site if you're tempted by the idea of a new car that comes with a trunk full of paperwork. We just hope they're not selling the i3 that they tear down. The press release below has more information. Munro to Give Away 2014 BMW i3 with Every Purchase of the Consulting Firm's Master Teardown Report When Purchased at Two Upcoming Detroit Events DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) during Preview Week often go home with a lot of swag and trinkets, but how about a $50,000 BMW i3? This year, a local engineering firm, Munro & Associates, is giving away a BMW i3 electric car with every purchase of the Master-/OEM-level version of its benchmarking study of this unique vehicle when purchased during NAIAS or the Plastics in Automotive Conference. The study, the most extensive of its kind, details the production and costs of every system in this carbon-fiber electric vehicle, which CEO Sandy Munro calls the most advanced vehicle on the planet. WHO: Munro & Associates, the global leader in manufacturing, costing and benchmarking. Using its proprietary advanced design, quality and costing software, Munro developed comprehensive reports on key vehicle systems and – for the first time – will offer the reports for general distribution. WHAT: A FREE 2014 BMW i3 for anyone who purchases the Master-/OEM-level report during Preview Week of NAIAS or during Sandy Munro's presentation at the Plastics in Automotive Conference.

BMW GoPro integration now works with your iPhone

Coming this summer an upgrade to BMW's GoPro integration will combine the camera's feed with the M Laptimer app. This will let Bimmer drivers get a look at both lap telemetry and video replay at the same time. Despite the upgrades, BMW's setup lacks some of the features of the impressive Performance Data Recorder found on the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. BMW already let drivers control a GoPro through iDrive, but this improvement makes the functionality a lot more for track use. As soon as someone activates the M Laptimer app, the GoPro automatically starts recording. The video still saves in the camera's memory, but a low-res version also goes to the connected iPhone to sync with the app's data. Drivers can then see driving data on top of the phone's screen and the clip on the bottom (right). The M Laptimer monitors details like throttle input, speed, braking, steering angle, engine revs, fuel level, and g-force. Plus, the system records top speed, number of laps, best lap time, and the ambient temperature. We wish this system were as neatly integrated as the GM's Performance Data Recorder. For this system to work, a driver needs a GoPro HERO3 or later camera, the BMW M Laptimer app on their iPhone (4S or newer), a BMW model capable of running BMW Apps, and the phone must be connected to the infotainment system. Anything that can help shave a few tenths off a lap and then share the video of that accomplishment with buddies is a welcome improvement, though. Related Video: GOPRO INTEGRATION FOR BMW M LAPTIMER APP Two of BMW enthusiasts' favorite app integrations team up to offer an unparalleled way to capture and share their on-track experience Mountain View, CA/Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 14, 2016 The BMW Group Technology Office USA and GoPro announced today that beginning summer 2016 the BMW M Laptimer app, a favorite app integration among driving enthusiasts, will include the ability to control a GoPro camera on iOS devices, using BMW's state-of-the-art iDrive controller and high-resolution screen. With this enhancement, when BMW drivers start and stop the BMW M Laptimer they simultaneously start and stop the recording of the connected GoPro camera. In addition to the video stored on the GoPro camera, a low-res version is saved on the phone so that it can be played back next to the map view on the BMW M Laptimer app. "The BMW M Laptimer and GoPro integrations have both proven to be incredibly popular with driving enthusiasts.