BMW’s highlights in 2011

Any Googling or reading of motoring journals regarding efficiency and overall product development and refinements tends to reveal one brand as the ubiquitous prominent player – BMW. Never shy of revealing new options, design tweaks, engine variants and trim levels, albeit sometimes to the annoyance of owners battling to keep up with the onslaught, BMW have remained at the top of the pile regarding engine power and efficiency developments, as well as refreshed design and available options lists. Here’s some of BMW’s highlights in 2011.

The popular 1-series coupe and convertible has received some selected design modifications, optimised aerodynamics and attractive equipment features. A restyled front apron now sports a central under-bumper air intake with large black trim strip, centred between integrated fog lamps and the new vertical air intakes, which are mounted well to the outside of the apron. These vertical slits aren’t just for show, channelling air into the wheel arches to create an “air curtain” across the face of the front wheels, which significantly reduces drag in this area. This development is another component of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, joined by others in the new 1-series by Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, a gear shift indicator and on-demand control of auxiliary units, improving fuel consumption and emissions figures.

The 1’s headlights now feature LED daytime running lights and an accent strip across the top of the Xenon powered headlamps. The L-shaped rear light cluster also now features LED implants and an all-red housing. Bodywork colour options now include bright metallic Vermilion Red and Marrakesh Brown. New 17- and 18-inch

alloy wheel designs are available too, and the entry level 118i Convertible will now run on 16-inch V-spoke alloy wheels as standard.

On the interior side of things, the range of seat upholstery and decorative trim features has been extensively revised. A new “Network” fabric upholstery is available in Magma Brown, while Oyster or Savanna Beige “Boston” leather is also offered. Other new interior options are a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles and an “M” leather steering wheel, also with shift paddles. Small accents such as chrome edging on the light control and climate control panel in the centre console also add a finishing touch to the new spec 1-Series, complimented by a newly available “Alpine White” interior trim strip option.

BMW’s 2.0-litre diesel powerplant is widely regarded as the most efficient and rewarding engine package available in the mid-level luxury sedan market, and with the recent launch of their EfficientDynamics edition in the popular 320d (delivering 4.1-litres/100km and a carbon rating of 109g/km), it is quite unsurpassed in terms of power coupled with frugal consumption. Now, these have found their way into the BMW 320d Touring, due for launch in autumn 2011 as an EfficientDynamics edition.

The BMW 320d Touring ED edition has a low-slung chassis and special aero-rims in the turbine wheel design, which along with other aerodynamic improvements deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.275, coupled to their 120kW/380Nm 2.0-litre engine which now requires just 4.3-litres/100km of diesel (114g/km). The powerplant is BMW’s latest all aluminium, common-rail direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder diesel which sends the 320d Touring ED edition from 0 to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds, on to a top speed of 223 km/h; all of this while lugging

about 1 385 litres of luggage space and various driver assistance systems, plus BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services.

Various other EfficientDynamics components are also incorporated, such as automatic Stop-Start, Brake Energy Regeneration, and an optimum gear shift indicator. Both the air conditioning compressor with decoupling facility and the electromechanical hydraulic steering system offer needs-based control, and even the active air intake flap control helps reduce aerodynamic resistance to increase efficiency. The 320d Touring ED edition is also fitted with a diesel particulate filter placed near the engine and fulfils the EU5 exhaust emissions standard.

In order to ensure smooth, vibration-free running even at low engine speeds, the power unit of the BMW 320d ED edition is fitted with a centrifugal force pendulum which effectively compensates for the irregular rotations usually occurring at low engine speeds. This new component is integrated in the engine’s dual-mass flywheel where it eliminates vibrations released for engine load requirements, thereby ensuring a comfortable and acoustically optimised power delivery from low engine speeds.

BMW claim that the competitor with the closest fuel consumption figures in the Touring’s segment requires almost 5 seconds more for acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h, and that other comparable vehicles in this category have a level of carbon emissions up to 30g/km higher than theirs.

A new spec X3, set for local release midway 2011, looks set to continue the success of its predecessor and will acquire two more six-cylinder engine options upon release. The new X3 xDrive30d will be powered by a revised

190 kW/560Nm six-cylinder diesel unit to offer the best balance between performance and fuel consumption in its power class, propelling the 30d from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, on to 230km/h. The injection system feeds the fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 1,800 bar, for cleaner, more efficient combustion, while the turbocharger is thermodynamically optimised for instant response and impressive low-end torque. All this, along with stop-start control, regenerative braking and many other EfficientDynamics wizardry delivers a thirst of only 6-litres/100km (159g/km).

Also new is the X3 xDrive28i, whose 3.0-litre naturally aspirated engine offers the same 190kW as its diesel sibling, and 310Nm. Various efficiency innovations on the diesel have also been incorporated into the petrol model as part of the standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics package, including Brake Energy Regeneration and needs-based Electric Power Steering, which consumes less energy because it only operates when steering assistance is actually required. Average fuel consumption of 9.0-litres/100km and carbon emissions of 210g/km reflect the high efficiency of the new six-cylinder petrol model.

The 2011 X3 models will also be available with the “M” Sports package option to provide an even more intensive driving experience and aerodynamic, sporty look. The M Sports package comprises a range of high-end interior options such as sport seats in exclusive leather upholstery, paddle shift steering controls, brushed aluminium trim and anthracite roof lining, while on the outside the double chrome tailpipes, unique body-coloured component coordinates and shadowline window trim, along with exclusive alloy wheels and Carbon Black metallic paintwork allow the M to stand out from its standard siblings. The M Sports package should be available for all engine versions of the new BMW X3 from spring 2011.

xDrive all-wheel-drive will join the BMW 5 Series as well in 2011. The new 535i xDrive Sedan, 530d xDrive Sedan and 530d xDrive Touring versions are specified as standard with 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and the Auto Start-Stop function. From spring 2011 the 5-Series will also be offering two new BMW Individual paint colours (Champagne Quartz metallic and Amazonite Silver metallic), the extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim and special BMW Individual interior trim strips. Also new in the BMW Individual range for the BMW 5-Series are 19-inch V-spoke alloy wheels.

As an alternative to the 8-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 530d will also be available with a 6-speed manual transmission and low-emission BMW Diesel BluePerformance technology with adsorber catalyst – this version of the BMW 530d already complies with the future EU6 emissions standards.

For the first time, BMW Group is now also offering selected iPhone applications in a BMW for integrated use in the vehicle. This new capability enhances the already extensive BMW ConnectedDrive package of features and improves the integration of the Apple iPhone in the vehicle. This option will be available in 2011 in conjunction with the launch of the new BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible. This interface allows features such as Facebook, web radio and Twitter to be shown on the vehicle display and accessed using the iDrive Controller.

- Kevin Willemse