Developing a car, normally takes place in secret. BMW is one of the first car manufactures, who’s granting backstage access to the developement of the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Watch the third step: Testing under extreme conditions and presenting the car for the first time.

I was trying to check the engine level of my BMW but couldn’t open the cover. I tried pulling up, twisting then pulling up, and then finally tried to pull up harder. Not one of them worked!

How do I actually open it?

See some very impressive slow-motion pictures of the BMW M3 GTS. At this test-drive you can see the power of this street-legal race car. More pictures of the BMW M3 GTS at www.m-power.com

I own a BMW 325i, made in 1989, and I want to make it go faster. The problem is that I know very little about cars. I know I’m going to need a manual transmission but that’s all I know at the moment. If I could acquire a list of potential parts that would improve the performance of the car it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

What All BMW Dealers Won’t Tell You

You probably have had an experience like this.

You get the itch for a new or pre-owned BMW. The first thing you do is look in your local newspaper for the model you want hoping to find a great deal. So you pack up the family and go from dealership to dealership searching for the perfect BMW with the financing that meets your needs.

When you finally decide on the car you want, then the real struggle begins.

Let’s say that you want to buy a pre-owned 2006 BMW X5. And this little baby has it all: Black Leather Interior, Self-Leveling Suspension, Navigation System, Cold Weather Package, Heated Steering Wheel, 8 Cylinder 4.8 Liter Engine and on and on. The minute you saw this Imola Red honey you fell instantly in love. Now the last thing you want is a hassle over the price and the financing.

As you know, car salesmen are notorious for being aggressive and abrasive.

My experience when buying any car has always been like this. During the test drive all the salesman does is talk talk talk. He or she keeps pointing out features of the car even before they ask me what is most important to me when I buy my next car. All you want to do at this point is just get a “good feel” for the car to see if you really like it and want to buy it. That’s all you want to do at this point—-right?

Even after the test drive is over, the agony continues for you.

Most likely you will spend between two and three hours at the dealership. From haggling over the price, going back and forth between you and the sales manager,

and doing all the other paperwork—it’s a hassle. No question about it.

But here’s what your local BMW dealer won’t tell you.

There is a whole other world out there you should know about when buying a new or pre-owned BMW. There is a way where you can find exactly the BMW that you want and at a price acceptable to you. You spend no money on gas going from dealer to dealer. You don’t have to talk to any “salesman”. And you don’t have to spend hours of your valuable time putting the deal together. Sounds like a dream come true right?

Online Auctions.

That’s right. There are many websites where you can benefit from seeing thousands of new and pre-owned BMWs. You can check out the 3 Series, 5 Series, Roadsters, M Series, X Series and any other model or year made by BMW. Online auctions are probably the most overlooked source for car buyers. It doesn’t matter if you are looking to spend $8,000 or $100,000 for your BMW. Online auctions provide you with the benefits of buying safely, securely, professionally and without all the hassles.

The most popular auction site usually has from 2100 to 2500 BMWs for sale on any given day. For example, let’s take that 2006 Imora Red BMW X5 mentioned above.

On a well known auction site, here is how the listing appeared.

There were 30 detailed pictures of the cars from every angle, front, back , sides, interior, dashboard close-up, steering wheel close-up, driver seat controls, passenger A/C system, sunroof, engine, etc. In addition the potential buyers could see the VIN number, mileage, vehicle location, warranties, status of the title, plus the 88 features and options with this particular BMW X5.

Not only is nothing hidden from the potential buyers, but the buyer also gets options to order online a “Vehicle History Report” and an “Independent Inspection”. Both of these will give you peace of mind before you decide to close the deal and buy the car. In many ways an online auction is better than buying in person because it gives you more time to do your research and make a decision.

And here is a tremendous benefit to you when buying your BMW at an online auction. You get to decide exactly what price you will pay based upon your needs and the other bids offered. There is no pressure for you to pay more than you should. Plus, if you need to have your BMW shipped to you, that can also be arranged at the time of purchase.

Now you know “What All BMW Dealers Won’t Tell You”. Online auctions just might be for you.

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At A Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

BMW and NASA. What’s This About?

The time was August 2007. The place is Cape Canaveral Florida.

An historic event took place on this date and time. The problem is that very few people realize that it even happened. And fewer people still understand the importance of this meeting of the minds between NASA engineers and the engineers at BMW.

But one day you will benefit from this union.

As NASA engineers were preparing to launch the Space Shuttle Endeavour, BMW of North America and NASA announced that together they had successfully completed an eight week test for the BMW Hydrogen 7 Luxury Sedan. And because this was the first hydrogen powered luxury sedan, their joint success brought a smile even to the faces of normally non-emotional engineers.

This was like getting s smile out of Mr. Spock on Star Trek. It was that important.

Both BMW and NASA are committed to hydrogen technologies research, innovative transportation systems and alternate energy sources. Fortunately, this program was made possible under a Space Act Agreement between NASA and BMW. I don’t know about you, but for me, I could feel the excitement of our tax dollars at work. Both you and I will someday benefit from this cutting edge research.

In simple terms, this is why BMW and NASA worked together. Because of the high density of liquid hydrogen the space shuttle is propelled at high speeds into space. This same concept is used by BMW to power the BMW Hydrogen 7. So BMW and NASA working together on this project was a perfect match. Also, this project is BMW’s way of showing that hydrogen drive vehicles are a viable option for your future and mine.

This test project was a huge success for BMW.

Not only did this prove that BMW could make a dual combustion engine that can switch from gasoline to liquid hydrogen seamlessly, but also as a far reaching model vehicle for the future. But the major drawback right now is that there are very few places where a driver can stop and fuel up on liquid hydrogen. But that isn’t going to stop BMW from pushing ahead with development of the Hydrogen 7.

So what’s the answer to all driver’s question, “Where do I get the liquid hydrogen?”

Another goal of this joint project was to make the public more aware of the great possibilities offered by a hydrogen driven car. And just as importantly, BMW is helping to stimulate the demand for a workable hydrogen infrastructure—that is—building hydrogen filling stations for your car and mine. This will one day make hydrogen for cars readily available and affordable.

For those of you looking just for the “specs” of the BMW Hydrogen 7, here is a little taste just to keep you going until you can get your hands on one at your local dealership. It’s being developed from the BMW 760Li , 260 horsepower V12 cylinder engine. Top speed for this baby is 143 mph as it quietly accelerates from 0 to 60 in 9.2 seconds.

One hundred of the Hydrogen 7 models have been build and are being tested in various markets around the world. In fact, the cars have already completed over 1.3 million miles during this testing phase.

Don’t expect to see Captain James T. Kirk from the Starship Enterprise driving one of these any time soon in your neighborhood. But, it sure would be a great promo for BMW and NASA.

Don’t you agree?

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At The Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

• ISBN13: 9780760333150
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
BMW began its life in aero-engineering–as anyone who’s ever ridden one of its motorcycles might guess.  These are bikes as close to airborne as any get.  And what’s more, fifty percent of all the motorcycles BMW has manufactured are still flying down the world’s roads.  These are the best, and in this book, the best of the best get their due, with brilliant, full-color photographs of BMW’s classic models and detailed descriptions of their features, all l… More >>

The Art of BMW: 85 Years of Motorcycling Excellence

5 Things You Don’t Know About BMW

Most people think that they know everything they need to know about BMW when they go to the dealership, read about BMW in Consumer Reports or Car & Driver magazine or go online and do some “research”. You can’t go wrong by doing any of those things.

But the truth is my friend, there is so much more to the BMW experience than just the usual brochures and information.

When you own a BMW you’re not just buying a luxury car. You’re buying a tradition of quality and excellence. And to show you what I mean, let me tell you about some “little known” insider information about BMW. This is going to be like a trip through your family tree. And just like you are the way you are because of all members of your family that came before you, the same is true of BMW.

Why should you care about any of this?

First, just like you, every BMW has its own special personality that started almost a century ago in 1913. Even then the obsessive need to create great mechanical machines was born. And like most true stories of “greatness”, BMW has its roots in failure. Karl Rapp started the company as an aircraft engine manufacturer. With a gleam in his eye and a dream in his heart, his watched as his aircraft engines struggled to overcome vibration problems.

But all would not end well for Karl.In about three years the dreams of Karl Rapp were dead.

The financial problems of the company were just like a bullet through his heart. And there was no way he could survive this massive trauma. So in 1916 he sells out to Franz -Josef Popp and Max Fritz. For the next four years the company does well with the aircraft engine business. But it was not enough.

As the old saying goes, the only thing that stays the same is “change”.

Secondly, BMW started building motorcycles in 1921. And the reason this is important to you dear reader is because this was another turning point for the company. During the next six years the company has great success with its R32 and R37 motorcycles. In fact from 1924 to 1929 all German championships in the 500 ccm category were won by BMW. Can the vehicle you drive today boast of such an inspiring heritage?

1928 was a very good year. This was the year in which all descendants of every BMW model in existence today began to take shape. For like all visionaries, the owners of the company knew they had to find other markets for their engines because the world economy was changing. And they needed to change with it.

Why is the factory at Eisenach/Thuringia important to you?

Because, and this is the third thing you don’t know about BMW, this was the first factory the company owned that was licensed to build small cars. It’s sort of like saying what hospital you were born in and on what date. Do you feel the connection?

The fourth thing you don’t know about BMW is that 1932 was the first year the company entirely developed the first model BMW called the AM4. With this car BMW wins the Concours d’Elegance in Baden-Baden. Not a bad start for a car that would become a legend—-right?

And finally, the fifth thing you don’t know about BMW is that in 1933 BMW introduced the 303 saloon. This was the first inline-six cylinder engine produced by the company. This configuration is still in use in many more recent models.

Now you can no longer say that there are, “5 Things You Don’t Know About BMW”.

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At A Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

Why The History Of BMW Motorcycles Means Adventure For You

If you love the BMW brand like I do, your enjoyment of the company isn’t complete without a brief history of their motorcycles. Over the years I have found that only a handful of people are even aware that BMW made motorcycles. Being so totally captivated by the current BMW car models, motorcycles by BMW have sort of become the “redheaded stepchild” of the business.

But, I plan to change that image right now.

Between 1920 and 1922 the Bavarian Motor Work made their first two-stroke three port motorcycle engine. At only 148 cc, this engine was affectionately called the Flink. With the engine mounted just in front of the foot pedals, this first model looked more like just a bicycle.

BMW had to start somewhere with its design and this was as good a place as any.

In the beginning, the Chief Design Engineer for BMW was Max Friz. Known for being demanding and not being satisfied with things as they are, Max introduced the new model BMW R32 at the Paris Motor Show in 1932. This model became famous for their blue and white paint.

Such developments as the pressed steel frame, telescopic fork, tubular frame and telescopic rear suspension all were important advances from 1935 to 1939. Can you imagine how different the ride must have felt back in the “old days” without modern tires and suspensions? Ouch.

1955 was really the next milestone for the BMW Motorcycle. Production models for the RS racing bike with the all pivot frame was introduced.

Do you know what the “slash five” was in BMW history?

Probably one of the most important upgrades to BMW motorcycles took place in 1970 with the development of the “slash five” series. The R50/5, R60/5 and R75/5 all have the same stroke engines only with different displacements. In addition, all these models had point ignitions. In 1979 these models were laid to rest and discontinued.

A new age begins for the BMW Motorcycle in 1980.

If you listen closely to the sounds of history, you might hear cheering fans as they applauded the latest improvements such as, updated suspensions, strengthened frames and electronic ignition replaced the points. High performance Brembo brakes and elimination of the heavy flywheel in favor of a stamped steel clutch carrier, were major advances at this time

.

Why were these changes made to BMW motorcycles?

It all comes down to money. If BMW wanted to continue in the motorcycle business it was mandatory that they make changes in order to be more competitive with the Japanese and European bikes. In fact, the 1981 model was so much better than previous versions that the market for used BMW motorcycle was totally destroyed.

The fact is, everything BMW is about excitement and adventure.

You can prove this for yourself just by this little study of BMW history. The GS series motorcycle was introduced in 1981 and instantly labeled the “Adventure Touring Bike” . The whole concept of the “Adventure Tour Market” started with the BMW R80G/S. And what an adventure it has been ever since.

From 1985 to the present, much advancement has been made. Unfortunately, that story will have to wait and be the subject of one of my future articles.

So for now my friend, are you up for the adventure of a BMW motorcycle?

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At The Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

Looking at a BMW, your heart starts jumping for Joy. But sometimes it’s not just the heart. Watch some amazing ways to take a seat in a BMW, but don’t try this at home.