Audi BMW

Correction: Yahoo Autos just published their Top 10 Most Noteworth Vehicles of the Decade and the BMW 3 Series makes the top.

The highest volume seller 3 Series has one again been praised for its “powerful six-cylinder engines, agile handling and excellent refinement” and for, surprise to some of us, its exceptional build quality and driver-focused oriented interior design.

Great achievement for BMW and a great recognition for one of the most iconic vehicles in the automotive industry.

1. BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has had a target on its back for well over a decade. Still, despite the fact that every luxury carmaker has set its sights on taking it down, it’s managed to retain its crown as the best entry-level luxury sedan money can buy. The credit goes to its smooth and powerful six-cylinder engines, agile handling and excellent refinement — and let’s not forget about its exceptional build quality and wonderful, driver-focused interior. Without a doubt, this capable Bimmer deserves kudos for being the benchmark by which others in this segment are judged.

Another iconic vehicle in the BMW brand, the MINI Cooper, is also featured in this Top 10.

8. Mini Cooper

While Americans still view hatchbacks as lame, the Mini has somehow managed to buck that trend, opening the door for cars like the Ford Fiesta to potentially thrive. Thanks to the retro-cool Mini, you no longer had to spend a king’s ransom to get a premium-made, highly customizable car with gobs of character. You could credit the Mini’s continued popularity to smart marketing and the decision to redesign so quickly, but we’d argue that its continued success has as much to do with its practical nature. It carries plenty of stuff relative its size, offers loads of space for two people and four in an emergency, is wickedly fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. Other retro, trendy cars like the New Beetle and Thunderbird couldn’t fall back on such practical virtues and eventually consumers abandoned them. Not so the Mini, which thrived throughout the decade and is bound to continue to do so into the next.

The big winner in this Top 10 is Ford Motors with three models sneaking in between the 3 Series and MINI Cooper: F-150, GT and Mustang.

Toyota, Honda, Pontiac, Chrysler and Hyundai get one mention.

[Source: Yahoo Autos ]

Updated: The top 10 cars were listed in alphabetical order

Last month, BMW has unveiled the BMW 3 Series Coupe facelift, the last update to the popular model before its design refresh in 2012.

Today, we return with a new set of wallpapers that could potentially end up on some of your desktops. But before that, let’s recap some of the important elements of this life cycle impulse.

Just to highlight the exterior enhancements that are easy to see; the front, lower fascia is now presented with subtle winglets on the air-dam, but more than that, the actual area for air flow is slightly larger than the outgoing design, also allowing for larger splitters at each end of the fascia.

One more styling difference from the previous design iteration; the corona rings, or halos, as some like to call them, are now bright LED units, with the updated E90 3-Series headlights making a coupe appearance.

The rear-lights are also modified LED look and finish. Though they were LED lights before, BMW added their new ‘L’ shaped design theme to an all new, almost E46 LED taillight, underneath the Ls. Holding the exhaust ports is an all-new bumper with a horizontal expressive line that shows the wide back end.

While the new exterior features and functions are a nice touch for all of us who love the 3-Series, the real news is the N55 inline-6 engine that first appeared on the new 5-Series GT. It features a single turbo with twin-scroll technology, direct-fuel injection and Valvetronic variable intake technology, along with being all aluminum. The engine still makes 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque with a 7,000 rpm redline.

However, the engine now builds peak torque at 1,200 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm, where the N54 builds peak torque at 1,400 rpm. Peak horsepower is still produced at 5,800 rpm. So not much has really changed, just BMW making more torque available from startup, which is great. Also expect a slight increase in gas mileage due in part to valvetronic. The N55 weighs roughly 427lbs, according to BMW. The 328i’s N52 inline-6 goes unchanged with its 230hp and 200lb-ft of torque.

Juliane Blasi, the BMW Z4 exterior designer, led this LCI design effort.

In the U.S., the 328i Coupe and 335i Coupe start at $37,075 and $43,525, respectively, including $875 Destination & Handling. The all-wheel drive models 328i xDrive Coupe and 335i xDrive Coupe start at $38,975 and $45,425 respectively.

With a debut set later this year at the Paris Auto Show, the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is barely a mystery to anyone. Most of the design cues can already be seen on the F10 5 Series Sedan and the only point of interest for us revolves around the taillights design.

The Aussies folks at The Motor Report took their shot at rendering the upcoming Touring model. As we mentioned before, the new BMW 5 Series Touring, codename F11, has a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the current generation E60 5 Series, offering more interior room and also cargo space. As this rendering illustrates also, the new 5 Series Touring has grown in size and the rear-end sports a more coupeish-like roof.

5 Series Touring is considerably lower and sleeker than the 5 Gran Turismo model, but without sacrificing that sportiness much needed by the BMW buyers. While the new 5 Series Touring will continue to play an important role in Europe, the question remains whether BMW will phase them out in the U.S.

Design wise, the 2011 BMW 5 Series F11 is positioning itself as being one the most balanced and elegant looking BMW Touring ever built and it remains a crucial vehicle in BMW’s lineup, especially in the European market.

The engine line-up will be similar to the sedan offerings, a wide range of petrol and diesel engines.

The first official photos of the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring will be revealed this summer and sales will begin in 2011.

]Photo source: TheMotorReport.com.au]

Chris Paukert over at Autoblog spent some time behind the wheel of the 2011 BMW 335is, the latest high-performance 3 Series coming out of the Munich factory and only available exclusively for the U.S. market.

Since most of the technical information are well known  by now, we will take a moment to focus on the driving experience, as reported by Autoblog:

“More important than raw numbers is the way the 335is feels and behaves, and in this regard, we’ve only whetted our appetites with a limited amount of laps at Estoril with both the DCT and manual (these prototypes were sadly not plated for street use). Even given our limited time and closed course conditions, we can tell you that we like what we see so far.

The 3 Series has always had exemplary balance, and the 335is is no exception, only now it has significantly more power to lunge from the apexes. Out on the circuit, the surplus torque offered by the temporary overboost function allows one to gloss over most track virgin mistakes – braking too early (or too late), or taking a bad line through a corner, and even if you get it spot-on, you’ll get there that much more rapidly thanks to the extra power.

We’re pleased to report that the DCT seems particularly well-suited to the 3 Series’ character, and it’s similarly fine work on the track, being quicker than the (still excellent) tripedalist setup, especially as it allows for both hands on the wheel at all times.

Full review at Autoblog

2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe
BMW has substantially updated the 3 Series Coupe for model year 2011. Headlining the changes are new headlights and tail lights, a new hood and kidney grille, new side skirts, new wheels, and new front and rear fascias. Under the skin, the 335i Coupe has been fitted with the new “N55” twin scroll turbocharged inline-6 engine, and may be coupled to the standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the new Vermillion Red and Deep Sea Blue exterior colors, Mineral White Metallic exterior paint will be available on the Coupe starting in June. On all 3 Series models, the optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System replaces BMW’s HiFi Professional System. Also, as part of the update, BMW has made new Bamboo Anthracite Wood trim available on the interior.

Perhaps the biggest news for enthusiast coupe drivers is the arrival of the BMW 335is Coupe. This high-performance model features BMW’s award-winning twin-turbocharged inline-6 (N54), with output of 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. A special overboost function permits a temporary torque increase to 370 lb-ft. Cooling the extra heat generated by the increased power is a standard oil cooler and an extra water cooler (radiator), as well as the enormous front air ducts included with the standard M Sport upgrades. An emotionally charged sport exhaust system has been fitted to perfectly capture the serious driving intentions of the 335is. Black kidney grilles, mirror caps, and Shadowline exterior trim lead the eyes to the rear where a rear diffuser with a body-color and black insert is located. Inside, the 335is Coupe receives a full M Sport enhancement with unique trim and badges.  Those enthusiasts who prefer not to have it will appreciate the ability to delete the standard glass moonroof.  For the first time on the 3 Series (excluding M3) the Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available on the 335is as a $1,575 option.

The 328i Coupe and 335i Coupe start at $37,075 and $43,525, respectively, including $875 Destination & Handling. The all-wheel drive models 328i xDrive Coupe and 335i xDrive Coupe start at $38,975 and $45,425 respectively. The high-performance 335is Coupe will go on sale in June at an MSRP of $50,525.

2011 BMW 3 Series Convertible
Like the 3 Series Coupe, BMW has substantially updated the 3 Series Convertible for model year 2011. Headlining the changes are new headlights and tail lights, a new hood and kidney grille, new side skirts, new wheels, and new front and rear fascias. Under the skin, the 335i Convertible has been fitted with the new “N55” twin-scroll turbocharged inline-6 engine, and may be coupled to the standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the new Vermillion Red and Deep Sea Blue exterior colors, Mineral White Metallic exterior paint will be available on the Convertible starting in June. On all 3 Series models, the optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System replaces BMW’s HiFi Professional System. Also, as part of the update, BMW has made new Bamboo Anthracite Wood trim available on the interior.

Convertible drivers with a love for dynamic performance will be excited to learn of the new BMW 335is Convertible. This high-performance model features BMW’s award-winning twin-turbocharged inline-6 (N54), with output of 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. A special overboost function permits a temporary torque increase to 370 lb-ft. Cooling the extra heat generated by the increased power is a standard oil cooler and an extra water cooler (radiator), as well as front air ducts included with the standard M Sport upgrades. Sport suspension and a sport exhaust system have been fitted to properly enhance the driving experience. Black kidney grilles, mirror caps, and Shadowline exterior trim lead the eyes to the rear where a rear diffuser with a body-color and black insert is located. Inside, the 335is Convertible receives a full M Sport enhancement with unique trim and badges. For the first time on the 3 Series (excluding M3) the Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available on the 335is as a $1,575 option.

The 328i Convertible and 335i Convertible start at $45,875 and $52,075, respectively, including $875 Destination & Handling. The 335is Convertible goes on sale in April and will start at $59,075 including Destination & Handling.

BMW just released some new videos of their latest gimmick: BMW 335is. The car was unveiled last week at the Estoril track in Portugal and it was just the beginning of a new wave of car comparisons. While many of you might have already compared it to its competitors in the market, mostly from Mercedes and Audi, we believe their main competitor comes within the company.

Just days ago, we debated the pros and cons of the 335is when compared to the respectable M3 and the choice can be quite difficult and the following quote may describe how many some of us feel: “The 335is has been “tuned” by ///M. The M3 was handmade by ///M”

The 335is comes equipped with a great engine – enhanced inline-6 3.0-liter twin-turbo 320hp at 5,900 rpm and 332lb-ft of torque from 1,500-5,000 rpm – sport suspension and fabulous brakes as well as a good number of M cosmetic pieces. But the M3 has that wonderful siren song of a V8 exhaust and the stratospheric 8,400 RPM redline as well as the brilliant chassis.

The M3 has an LSD and a naturally aspirated engine and may be better suited for track days than touring, while the fat, flat torque curve of the 335is is ideal for mountain roads and two lane highways.

Tough choice, isn’t it? Well, before you get to your local dealership and face the dilemma, let’s have a look at what the 335is can REALLY do.

……And now the “looks”

Here we go…..comparisons between the BMW 335is and the M3 models are starting to pile up. We’ve started yesterday with our own comparison, but written in a funny, entertaining way. Now, Autospies takes it to a more serious level and gives us a closer look at the BMW 335is and the differences from the standard model.

With the new 335i, BMW brings a lot of visual updates to the standard 335i. At the front fascia, the 335is sports a wider mouth to feed more air, the fog lamps have been removed on the Coupe model, but will remain on the convertible. To use the extra air properly, BMW has fitted an additional radiator behind the left-front air intake, along with a more powerful electric cooling fan. An oil cooling pan has been added opposite of the second radiator, as well. The engine mounts that hold the 335i in place well enough are gone for even stronger units on the 335is, to ensure maximum performance under the heavier loads and conditions that the ‘is’ can cope with.

All of the updates that we reported for the E92 and E93 335i, like the LED taillights, corona lights along with the redesigned hood and kidney grill are standard, as you would expect, on the 335is models.

BMW is outfitting the 335is with M aerodynamics, meaning new front and rear fascia and sideskirts. Uniquely, there is a new rear diffuser that has air strakes that control air flow and help reduce lift at the rear-end, along with 335is badging on the side fenders, just under the side turn signals, and the rear of decklid. High gloss black surrounds the kidney grill and the wing mirrors, as well as black Shadowline window trim. 18″ ferric grey alloy wheels are standard, with 19″ M alloy wheels being optional.

To keep with the 335is’ unique status, the interior has been modified to include, an M Sport steering wheel, sport seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver’s footrest, M gearshift knob, and stainless steel sport pedals. The instrument cluster features dials in dark grey with a 335is badge on the tachometer. The passenger side dashboard also features a 335is badge on the standard aluminum glacier silver dark trim.

Let’s take a closer look at the BMW 335is Coupe.

[Source: Autospies ]

We’ve been having an internal debate here at BMWBLOG as to which car represents the greater value, the 335is or the M3. After the dust settled we decided to consult with our resident expert, the good Dr Oetker.

But before we jump into the interview, allow us to leave with you this memorable quote:

The 335is has been “tuned” by ///M. The M3 was handmade by ///M

Dr. Oetker, can you help us with a little question we’re having deciding on which car represents the best value, the 335is or the M3?

What do you intend to do with this car? Make ice cream runs?

Well that’s just it we haven’t decided exactly how we’ll be using the car. There’s some talk about lap times, track days, and optimal slip angles, and other discussion about high altitude passes in the Rockies and two lane twisties?

All that just to get ice cream?

Well not just ice cream. I mean the 335is has a great engine, sport suspension and fabulous brakes as well as a good number of M cosmetic pieces. But the M3 has that wonderful siren song of a V8 exhaust and the stratospheric 8400 RPM redline as well as the brilliant chassis. It’s a difficult decision.

I still don’t understand where the ice cream comes in to this picture.

Well maybe if we looked at the value of the car, for instance the 335is has a base price of $50,525, while the M3 Coupe has a base price of $58,400, a difference of $7,875 . . .

That’s a lot of ice cream!

Some of the staff believe that you can mod the 335is to beyond M3 specs with that price differential. But others warn that modding leads to warranty issues.

And less ice cream, I might add.

The M3 has an LSD and a naturally aspirated engine and may be better suited for track days than touring, while the fat, flat torque curve of the 335is is ideal for mountain roads and two lane highways. I imagine it all gets down to what you want to use it for.

That’s right, now let’s go get some ice cream!

Thank you Dr. Oetker, I think . . .

So, after the good Dr. has weighed in, what do you, gentle readers, think. M3 or 335is?

Pros and cons please – and as always, Marquis de Queensbury rules apply.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

We’ve been having an internal debate here at BMWBLOG as to which car represents the greater value, the 335is or the M3. After the dust settled we decided to consult with our resident expert, the good Dr Oetker.

Dr. Oetker, can you help us with a little question we’re having deciding on which car represents the best value, the 335is or the M3?

What do you intend to do with this car? Make ice cream runs?

Well that’s just it we haven’t decided exactly how we’ll be using the car. There’s some talk about lap times, track days, and optimal slip angles, and other discussion about high altitude passes in the Rockies and two lane twisties?

All that just to get ice cream?

Well not just ice cream. I mean the 335is has a great engine, sport suspension and fabulous brakes as well as a good number of M cosmetic pieces. But the M3 has that wonderful siren song of a V8 exhaust and the stratospheric 8400 RPM redline as well as the brilliant chassis. It’s a difficult decision.

I still don’t understand where the ice cream comes in to this picture.

Well maybe if we looked at the value of the car, for instance the 335is has a base price of $50,525, while the M3 Coupe has a base price of $58,400, a difference of $7,875 . . .

That’s a lot of ice cream!

Some of the staff believe that you can mod the 335is to beyond M3 specs with that price differential. But others warn that modding leads to warranty issues.

And less ice cream, I might add.

The M3 has an LSD and a naturally aspirated engine and may be better suited for track days than touring, while the fat, flat torque curve of the 335is is ideal for mountain roads and two lane highways. I imagine it all gets down to what you want to use it for.

That’s right, now let’s go get some ice cream!

Thank you Dr. Oetker, I think . . .

So, after the good Dr. has weighed in, what do you, gentle readers, think. M3 or 335is?

Pros and cons please – and as always, Marquis de Queensbury rules apply.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

BMW launched earlier today one of the most awaited cars in the last few weeks: their 2011 BMW 335is. The 2011 BMW 335is is powered by the same award winning N54 inline-6 3.0-liter twin-turbo motor that comes standard in the 335i, although the motor is now enhanced.

It comes packing 320hp at 5,900 rpm and 332lb-ft of torque is available from 1,500-5,000 rpm. The engineers have tweaked the twin-turbo 3-liter motor to have an overboost function that increases torque to 370lb-ft. The overboost function comes into play at higher engine speeds and gears. BMW has also fitted a sport exhaust system that has a deeper “rumble” at low speeds and rpm.

The 335is will come with BMW’s heralded 7-speed double-clutch transmission, or DCT, with launch control, as an option over the standard 6-speed manual transmission. BMW claims a 5.0 second time to 60 with the optional DCT and launch control, while the manual coupe will take 5.1 seconds. The E93 is not far behind, with a 5.2 second 0-60 time with the DCT or the 6-speed manual.

BMW has updated the front fascia of the 335is with a wider mouth to feed more air, but also they’ve moved the fog lamps more to the sides to add more openings to feed lots more air into the engine. To use the extra air properly, BMW has fitted an additional radiator behind the left-front air intake, along with a more powerful electric cooling fan. An oil cooling pan has been added opposite of the second radiator, as well.

All of the updates that we reported for the E92 and E93 335i, like the LED taillights, corona lights along with the redesigned hood and kidney grill are standard, as you would expect, on the 335is models.

BMW is outfitting the 335is with M aerodynamics, meaning new front and rear fascia and sideskirts. Uniquely, there is a new rear diffuser that controls air flow and help reduce lift at the rear-end.

High gloss black surrounds the kidney grill and the wing mirrors, as well as black Shadowline window trim. 18″ ferric grey alloy wheels are standard, with 19″ M alloy wheels being optional.

The BMW 335is will debut at the New York International Auto Show and arrive at BMW Centers later in the spring. Pricing will begin at $50,525 including Destination for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 including Destination for the Convertible.

First video 2011 BMW 335is