BMW is about to recall over 1.300.000 units of its 5-series and 6-series models produced between 2003 and 2010 because of an issue affecting the battery cables, which could potentially lead to the malfunctioning of the whole electronics of the vehicle.

Apparently, the problem could eventually block the ignition or even start up a fire (even though the latter is quite a remote possibility), and in order to prevent all this the Bavarian carmaker has decided to recall all those models and get it fixed. However, BMW points out that no serious problems due to this issue have occurred.

The owners of the cars subjected to this campaign will soon be contacted by the BMW staff and asked to bring their vehicles to the nearest BMW workshop, where the problem will get sorted on the spot in about 30 minutes, obviously free of charge.

via | Autoblog.it

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As reported a few posts back, BMW has just revealed their new 6-Series Gran Coupe by releasing a massive photo gallery starring the new model. Now the German carmaker has unleashed on the internet four videos of its latest creation, which you can check out by clicking on the ‘Countinue Reading’ link below.

The Gran Coupe takes its styling from the 6-series Coupe and Convertible, and also shares the same engine range with them: a 3.0-litre twin turbo 6-cylinder diesel unit for the 640d, a turbocharged 3.0-litre twin turbo 6-cylinder in-line petrol for the 640i and an upgraded version of the 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 for the 650i, with an output of 450 hp and 650 Nm of maximum torque.

All models are rear-wheel drive although a four-wheel drive option (”xDrive”) will be made available for the 650i. Moreover, an ‘M-Sport’ package specially developed for the Gran Coupe will be made available from launch. The new 6-Series Gran Coupe will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012 and then presented to the North America public at the New York Auto Show, in April.

View the full BMW Serie 6 Gran Coupè photo gallery

Continue reading: BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe: four official video released

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BMW has officially revealed the new 6-series Gran Coupe, a new athletic 4-door model that BMW describes as a “4+1″, meaning that it has five seatbelts but is basically designed to accommodate four occupants. With a lenght of 5,007 mm and a wheel base of 2,968 mm, the new Gran Coupe turns out to be 11.1 cm longer than the 3-door version it derives from, resulting in more space and comfort in the cabin, especially for the passengers on the rear seats. The car also measures 1,894 mm in width and 1,392 mm in height, making it 10.2 cm longer, 3.4 cm wider and with a roof line 7.2 cm lower than BMW 5-series, while boot capacity is at 460 litres, 60 litres less than the 5-series sedan.

The Gran Coupe is obviously developed on the same platform used by the ‘regular’ 6-series models, also sharing the lightweight aluminum double wishbone(front)-multilink(rear) suspension setup with the rest of the 6-series family. All engines are coupled with a 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, five different driving modes (Comfort, Comfort+, Sport, Sport+ and ECO PRO), start-stop system and KERS, and all have top speed restricted to 250 km/h (155 mph). The optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with the standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adjust compression and rebound settings continuously and independently, adapting them to road surface and driver’s style to perfectly control the car’s body behavior. Also worth mentioning is the Integral Active Steering, which combines steering angle movements of both axles to create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle’s wheelbase, enhancing maneuverability.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models: the 640d is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel unit that delivers an output of 308 hp at 4,400 rpm with 630 Nm of peak torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Its 0-100 km/h (62 mph) run is listed at 5.4 seconds, with a fuel consumption rating of 5.5 l/100km. The 640i is equipped with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharging, direct injection and Valvetronic, producing 320 hp between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm of peak torque. This engine pushes the “640i Gran Coupe” from 0 to 100 km/h n just 5.4 seconds, with average fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100 km. Finally, sitting at the top of the range, there is the upgraded 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 of the 650i - now with Valvetronic system - delivering 450 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and no less than 650 Nm of peak torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds. This last engine is also the only one that will be available with the four-wheel drive “xDrive” system: in that configuration the “650i xDrive Gran Coupe” goes from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Click on the ‘Continue Reading’ link below the thumbnails to find out more.

View the full BMW Serie 6 Gran Coupè photo gallery

Continue reading: BMW reveals the 6-Series Gran Coupe

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