BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

Over the years we’ve reviewed a handful of MINI competitors in an effort to bring you the best of the automotive world through the eyes of a MINI owner. Today we have another. However now that we have BimmerFile as our BMW outlet, we’re going to move all of our BMW related content (even cars we would call MINI competitors) over to the new sister site. And that starts with this review.
So with that said, we bring you our first review of the new BMW 135i - a car more than a few MINI owners have an eye on. You can check it out at BimmerFile.
+ BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i
Written By: Gabe

Source: BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

BMW and MINI customers beat new Emissions Congestion Charge in London

MINI UK Press Release: BMW and MINI’s market positions as the number one premium cars within their segments in London were strengthened today with the Mayor of London’s announcement of a new charging structure for entering the capital in a car.
New legislation that comes into effect in October means drivers of vehicles emitting less than 120g/km will be Congestion Charge exempt. Drivers of cars emitting between 120g/km and 225g/km will continue to pay the standard £8 a day fee, while those driving vehicles that record more than 225g/km will pay an increased daily charge of £25.
The change in charging structure means BMW and MINI owners will be financially better off than owners of other prestige cars. All MINIs and most BMWs will remain within the £8 threshold, but there was further good news for many BMW and MINI owners. The new BMW 118d, the MINI Cooper D and the MINI Clubman D all fall into the new sub 120g/km Congestion Charge free bracket. This means that from October 2008 an owner of one of these models will save £2,040 a year driving in the capital compared to owners of non-exempt rival products.
BMW 118d three- and five-door, MINI Cooper D and MINI Clubman D exempt from Congestion Charge: Four of BMW Group’s most fuel efficient production cars of modern times have set a new benchmark courtesy of advanced engineering. The three- and five-door BMW 118d now record an impressive 62.8mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 119g/km - putting it into the Band B category for Vehicle Excise Duty. The BMW 118d now costs just £35 a year to tax.
The 110hp MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper D Clubman both better these impressive figures. The MINI Cooper D is currently BMW Group’s most fuel-efficient car recording 72.4mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 104g/km. The MINI Cooper D Clubman nearly matches these statistics recording 68.9mpg and 109g/km. Both cars are Band B in relation to Vehicle Excise Duty tiers and cost just £35 a year to tax.
All four vehicles employ technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop and Electric Power Steering under the EfficientDynamics banner to help cut fuel bills and emissions. An optimum gearshift change indicator is included to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to high-precision direct injection engines on some models that further aid engine performance.
Jim O’Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: “While other manufacturers might claim to be environmentally-friendly, it is BMW who has followed through on its promise to lower CO2 emissions. Instead of producing one-off models or the odd concept car BMW has introduced EfficientDynamics across almost all of its range in 2007.
“No other manufacturer comes close to BMW in terms of combining the benefits of good fuel economy and low emissions while at the same time offering improvements in output and performance. This position was backed up recently in Autocar, who stated that BMW and MINI combined cut CO2 emissions in 2007 by nearly as much as all other manufacturers combined. Quite an achievement.”
Diesel-powered BMW X5 and X6 owners celebrate and save £4,335 a year: The BMW X5 3.0d and 3.0sd are now the only conventionally-powered vehicles in the segment with automatic transmissions as standard with CO2 emission figures that fall below the 225g/km band for Congestion Charging. The X5 3.0d has a CO2 emission figure of 214g/km, while the sportier twin-turbo X5 3.0sd posts a 216g/km figure.
The introduction of new legislation means the owner of a new diesel-powered X5 will save £4,335 a year in Congestion Charge fees compared with rival, non-hybrid Sports Activity and Sports Utility Vehicles. The low emissions rating for the X5 3.0d and 3.0sd also qualify it for Band F instead of Band G Vehicle Excise Duty, saving owners a further £95 a year. This benefit is set to increase to £190 a year from 1 April 2008 when the VED charge for Band G cars increases. The cost savings for X5 owners are considerable as diesel-powered models account for 95 per cent of annual UK sales.
The BMW X6, the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé, is another model from the BMW line-up to slip under the 225g/km threshold for Emissions Related Congestion Charging in London. The BMW X6 xDrive30d and the X6 XDrive35d have CO2 emissions figures of 217g/km and 220g/km respectively. Despite boasting rakish looks and on-paper specification & handling akin to a sports car, BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology ensures that these exciting high-performance diesels remain in the £8-a-day charging tier.
Cleaner than a London black cab: By comparison the latest diesel-powered BMW X5s emit less CO2 than the Mayor of London’s preferred means of transport, the black cab. While the X5 3.0d and X5 3.0sd emit 214g/km and 216g/km respectively, the very latest LTI Vehicles TX4 2.5 produces 233g/km. By contrast the biggest selling BMW X3, the 2.0d automatic, produces just 178g/km.
It’s a similar story with regard to fuel consumption. On the combined cycle the X5 3.0d achieves 34.9mpg compared to a black cab’s 32mpg. The X3 2.0d trumps this by recording 42.2mpg. The X5 covers 9% more miles per gallon and emits 8.2% less CO2 than the black cab while the X3 covers 32% more miles per gallon and emits 23.6% less CO2. The average owner of a BMW X5 will do less than 10,000 miles a year, while the average London black cab will cover considerably more.
BMW Group cuts car CO2 emissions more than any other manufacturer: Independent research* has revealed that BMW is the manufacturer which cut its UK new car CO2 emissions the most between 2006 and 2007. Figures show that BMW and MINI together managed to slash CO2 emissions by 48,496 tonnes in a 12-month period following the widespread introduction of EfficientDynamics measures on its cars.
To calculate the figures researchers took the average CO2 of each manufacturers’ models offered between 2006 and 2007 then multiplied that number by the number of cars sold. The resulting figure was then multiplied by an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles per car to calculate the overall CO2 figures and the savings.
In stark contrast to the efforts of the BMW Group some rival manufacturers actually increased their CO2 output during the same period. *Autocar, 6th February, 2008

Pics Aplenty: New official shots of the BMW 135i

If you’re still frothing at the mouth for anything having to do with the new BMW 1-Series coupe, some new photos have found their way onto the internet. It’s still a 3-series that was left in the dryer too long, but the new shots show the car off in its best possible light. There’s been a lot of talk about the 135 being a return to the roots of what propelled BMW to such greatness, with alphanumerics like E30 M3 and 2002tii flying about. The 135i certainly holds its own stylistically, even if it is not possessed of the same delicacy of line as its forebears. The 135i appears hefty, like a block of dense marble carved by a skilled artisan, and when you get right down to it, that’s what it is. We’ve babbled enough, check out the gallery. Thanks for the tip, Horatiu!

Spied: 2009 BMW Z4

Swedish website sportbilen has caught the 2009 BMW Z4 on tape at a petrol station. The car was completely disguised and the photo quality isn’t good. Little can be seen but the long hood/short deck profile is evident. Synthetic body panels cover the length and breadth of the car which might mean the car has grown by an inch or two? Confusion continues as we look at the roof-hard top or soft top? BMW might give it the 3.0-liter straight sixes under the hood along with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. BMW’s twin-clutch gearbox may also find itself a spot on the new Z4. But one thing is certain-BMW haven’t looked beyond the existing Z4 for developing the next one.

Eibach Sport Kit for BMW 1-Series Coupe

Suspension specialist Eibach has introduced a new sports kit for the BMW 1-Series Coupe. The Pro-Kit performance springs set promises to enhance the bimmer’s handling by lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity by approx. 1.2″ (30 mm) without making it a less practical and comfortable daily run-around -or at least that’s what the company supports. Eibach also offers the Pro-Spacer Aluminum-Wheel-Spacers which in turn promises to furthermore optimise the car’s overall impression and handling. -Continued

Eibach Press Details:
Pro-Kit

• top-performance handling
• lower
• progressive spring design
• excellent ride quality
• part of the Eibach Pro-System

Pro-Spacer

• made from high-tensile-strength aluminum alloy
• significant weight advantage compared to wheel-spacers made from steel
• exact fitment by using minimal production tolerances, resulting in exceptional wheel balance
• high-grade corrosion protection through a special coating process(salt spray test acc. to DIN 50021)
• all applications tested in rigid durability- and fatigue tests
• available for most popular car models
  

Mercedes & Audi Warn U.S. Dealers to Stop Exports

No thanks to the weak dollar, the U.S. car market has become a very attractive market for overseas buyers looking to take advantage of the current exchange rates that favour several currencies including the Euro.
According to a report from Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz & Audi USA have discovered a significant number of cars designated for the U.S. ending up in the hands of overseas buyers. Neither company knows the exact number of exported vehicles –at least that’s what they support. While the two German luxury carmakers say that they won’t take immediate actions, they did warn their dealers that in doing this, they could be violating their franchise agreement.

By presenting the Q7 at the IAA in September 2005, Audi extended its product range with a luxurious and sporty SUV model. It was only a short while after its market launch that PPI Automotive Design presented an enhanced version of the 7-seater entry-level model, namely the PPI PS Q7. PPI is now presenting the technically and visually further advanced PPI ICE®.
More dynamic, more luxurious and even more exclusive than its predecessor. Certainly no impostor, but rather a car to satisfy the highest requirements when it comes to driving pleasure and active safety. This bold car makes you feel like you own the road.
Impressive design packagePerfect surface quality and precision-fitting workmanship are the defining features of the lift-reducing PPI bodyshell design. By adding the wide bodykit, the PPI ICE® becomes a real head-turner both on- and off-road. One component of the striking front end is a far sportier front apron with enlarged cooling air inlets. An extra lightweight, carbon-fibre-reinforced bonnet allows additional fresh air to be supplied to the front engine through its ventilation ducts. The side wheel arch extensions lend the PPI ICE® a unique touch. Complemented by the side sills, they widen the production bodyshell by 110 mm and convey a sense of sheer power even when stationary. The PPI rear apron with an integral diffuser accommodates the four tailpipes of the sports exhaust system and blends seamlessly into the overall package. The carbon fibre roof spoiler creates additional downforce and enhances the stability of the car at high speeds. Additional carbon fibre trim components, such as the door mirror housing and door handle trims are available with the option of a polished or matte finish as well as in an aluminium look.

More torque for enhanced driving pleasureThe impressive appearance of the PPI ICE® is supported by a range of performance kits. The first stage for all diesel and petrol engines is a kit comprising a sports exhaust system, sports air filter and an optimised engine management system. This produces a power increase of up to 35 kW/47 bhp and an additional 45 Nm torque compared with the standard production version. The top engine is a turbo-charged version of the 4.2L V8 engine. 600 bhp / 442 kW and a top speed of 295 km/h being the outcome of the PPI development. A further requirement from the design brief of the PPI development crew specifying that the car should accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds was satisfied in impressive style by the engine technicians. At 5.9 seconds, the PPI ICE® performs this sprint 1.5 seconds faster than its production counterpart. And what is more, it is acoustically accentuated by the powerful, sonorous sound of the PPI sports exhaust system with its 4 tailpipes.
Stop & GoThe generously dimensioned sports braking system is perfected to ensure the outstanding braking performance of the PPI ICE®. Brake discs in the dimensions 405 x 34 mm (front) and 380 x 28 mm (rear) are applied by the front six-piston and rear four-piston brake callipers. The brake force is transferred to the road by means of a special wheel and tyre combination. Equipped with single-piece 10Jx22 PPI Formula alloy wheels and Michelin 4×4 Diamaris size 295/30 ZR 22 XL tyres. This tyre was jointly developed with Michelin specifically for this car and is authorised for speeds of up to 315 km/h. For cars with air suspension, there is the option of fitting the PPI sports module. Compared with the production function, this increases the road clearance by 70 mm and can also lower the car by 40 mm as an option.

PPI-Identity design. Interiors without limitsOne highlight of the interior is the newly designed – in terms of its ergonomics – PPI “Identity” sports steering wheel. An absolute must for all technology fans is the special PPI console for the iPhone, Treo and Blackberry. Whether customers are looking for a stylish or sporty finish, such as the new PPI “Identity” interior, PPI offers the perfect design to suit every taste in interiors. Custom made for you, and integrated into your car by expert hands. Upon request, PPI’s own saddler’s workshop can offer everything to the heart beating, from a set of personalised floor mats through to full leather upholsteries – and everything is precision hand-crafted.

Aerodynamic kit for Audi A3 by RDX RACEDESIGN

A new aerodynamic body-styling kit for the Audi A3 8L is being put on the market as from today by the tuning specialist RDX RACEDESIGN Automotive, Germany. It brushes up the first-generation A3 with rejuvenating body-styling at the same time giving it a really sporty appearance.
The aerodynamic kit comprises a front bumper spoiler (299.- euros), intended for use with a single-frame grille. It can be combined with the original Audi grille for the A3/8P Sportback as well es with various other single-frame grilles* supplied by RDX RACEDESIGN. In addition it can also be used on vehicles with or without headlight washing systems. The final detail, so-to-speak the “crowning” detail, is the chance to have Audi S6 day lights fitted, which can be ordered from Audi dealers.Optical lowering and more side “muscles” are provided by a side skirt set (129.95 euros), which shows off the sporty air scoops on each side The new appearance is finished off by a new RDX RACEDESIGN rear apron fitted with an attractive design fold for 255.00 euros. The rear part is supplied without openings for the exhaust unit. They can be cut out to size as required.
The kit is available as a set for 615.56 euros. A price advantage of around 70 euros!

All RDX RACEDESIGN components display excellent custom-fitting, good paintability qualities and are of course TÜV tested and certified. The front part is supplied with TÜV parts approved certificate, the side skirt and rear with TÜV clearance.
For further information on the wide range RDX RACEDESIGN tuning programme please call 09176/ 99 55 90 or refer to the homepage www.rdx-racedesign-de.

Alfa Romeo Spider by Novitec

Kudos to Novitec for creating one heck of a sleek looking bodykit and a cool set of alloy-wheels for the Alfa Romeo Spider. The tasteful and non intrusive bodykit consists of a new front bumper and rear diffuser cfombined with a new set of oval tailpipes and 20-inch alloy rims wrapped in Pirelli 255/30 R20 tires. Buyers can also opt for a lower-suspension kit to complete the roadster’s looks. Isn’t it a damn shame that Alfa Romeo didn’t use a rear-wheel-drive layout for this gorgeous looking car? –More pics after the jump

First Drive: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C

Alfa Romeo doesn’t resonate on many Americans’ lust radar, largely because the Italian manufacturer has not sold cars here for more than a decade. That’s changing next summer, though, when Alfa Romeo reenters the U.S. market with the $250,000 8C Competizione, with more models promised to follow in 2009.

Alfa Romeo's CEO, Antonio Baravalle, has announced that he will step down from the position. Baravalle, 42, has been with Fiat — Alfa Romeo's parent company — since 1999 and will now become CEO of of Einaudi, the publishing house of Italy's Mondadori media group.
Fiat has yet to comment on situation, but Automotive News Europe is reporting that Baravalle left on his own accord.
Fiat is expected to pick an internal candidate to take over the position.
The Fiat Group Automobiles doesn't report its brands financial standings, but it is believed that Alfa Romeo is its biggest money loser.

Nissan GT-R will make its European debut in Geneva

The 2009 Nissan GT-R will make its European debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. Next to it, Nissan will also display the 2009 Murano and the Pivo 2 Concept. European sales for the GT-R will begin in March 2009 and pricing will be announced later.

The 2009 GT-R represents Nissan’s passion for cars and driving, providing exceptional performance thanks to its all-new 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine, producing 353kW (480PS) and 588Nm, which is transmitted to its four wheels through one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems ever developed, via a transaxle mounted dual-clutch, paddle-shift operated gearbox.

The 2009 Murano is powered by Nissan’s familiar 3.5-litre VQ engine which has been revised to offer improved performance. Now developing 265PS and 325Nm (240Ib ft) of torque, the 24 valve twin cam V6 provides better performance against the stop watch… and at the fuel pumps.

2009 Acura RL Facelift

One of Acura’s main goals for the 2009 RL was to enhance its styling as many people found its design rather bland. Having seen the new RL up close in Chicago, we must say that Acura’s designers didn’t achieve much as the revised model looks no more interesting than its predecessor.
Design aside, the 2009 Acura RL gets an all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine generating 300 HP and 271 lb-ft of torque that’s combined with a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the RL’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system has been revised for 2009 as it’s now quicker responding and better performing. Sales of the 2009 Acura RL will start this spring

2012 Mazda RX-9, real or fake?

Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Mazda

The only car brochure we ever held on to was for a 1993 Mazda RX-7. It was the baddest car of the time — the 300Z was four years old, the 911 had gone soft, Ferrari had that hideous 348, the C4 Corvette never really did it for us, and the lunar lander Supra hadn’t landed yet. The low, tiny twin-turbo monster was it as far as we were concerned.
Which is why we are always happy to read about the next coming of the RX-7. Just Put has renderings of an RX-9 concept that it says would have a Wankel powerplant of somewhere around 1.8 liters, and be more oil and fuel efficient than the current generation. Power would make it to an unidentified number of wheels via a dual-clutch 6-speed transmission and limited-slip diff.
We have no idea from where these two renderings have come. They could be official images that were leaked. Their slightly low resolution supports that theory, as often leaked images are small and enlarged beyond their resolution later. Or it could be a nicely done photochop by a fanboy. Either way, we think it lacks aggression and the rear looks highly derivative. The front end’s nicely complex features doesn’t seem to match the simple buttocks, another reason why it might not be the real deal. But hey, first let’s get verification that an RX-something-fast really is on the way, and we can sort out the styling later.

2009 Mazda3 / Axela Facelift Debuts In Japan

The Mazda Axela, or as Europeans, Americans and others now it, the Mazda3, has been subtlety (we’re talking about really subtlety…) updated for the Japanese market. Exterior design modifications include chrome door handles, a new roof spoiler, expanded use of black mouldings on the rear bumper and new alloy-wheel options.
Inside, Mazda has enhanced the interior quality with the addition of piano black parts on the centre panel, power window switch bezels and other areas, and chrome parts for some levers and buttons, while reduced cabin noise and higher comfort levels have been achieved through the increased use of sound absorbent materials. -Continued after the jump
The Japanese carmaker also presented two new special edition versions of the Axela Sport, the 23HS and 20HS. Both come with extended sports equipment including 17-inch reflective aluminum wheels, aluminum pedals, a larger rear roof spoiler and a BOSE sound system. These models also come with black Alcantara and leather combination seat covers and Alcantara door trim.

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