2012 BMW Lineup: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, BMW has made iPod/USB integration virtually standard across its lineup. It used to be a pesky $400 option on most models. Also, BMW has reduced the cost of most of its transmissions, and in some cases, you can get either a manual or automatic at the same price. The new BMW Applications system, which is a $250 option across all models, adds Twitter, Facebook and internet radio support.

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Cars.com Podcast: 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Lincoln MKX, 2011 BMW 535

Our 80th podcast tackles three new models for three very different buyers. The all-new Hyundai Elantra wowed Mike Hanley, who explains how the little things — and great mileage — make the compact sedan the one to beat in the segment. Also find out what didn’t wow our editors about the Lincoln MKX and what did in the BMW 535.
 
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Cars.com Reviews the 2011 BMW 535

For the 2011 model year, BMW has completely redesigned its 5 Series sedan. On the outside, the sedan loses many of its awkward styling cues, giving the new vehicle a more aggressive look overall, according to Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder. The new powertrain provides sufficient oomph and great fuel economy due to a new Brake Energy Regeneration system. Unfortunately, the new brakes result in an uneven, nonlinear braking feel. On the inside, BMW keeps things simple and understated in a good way, Joe says, but there are many features that aren’t standard in this $50,000-plus car. Is the BMW worth the price premium? Continue reading to find out.

2011 BMW 535 Review

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Cars.com Podcast: 2011 BMW 535, 2011 Hyundai Azera, 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

It’s an eclectic mix of new cars taking center stage on our latest podcast. Luxury sedan stalwart, the BMW 5 Series, received a redesign last year and now the 535 variant gets our attention. Hyundai’s oft-forgotten Azera and Porsche’s latest limited edition roadster also get talked up by editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder.

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BMW Recalls 130,000 Cars after ABC News Report

BMW has just issued a recall of 130,000 cars featuring its twin-turbo six-cylinder engine because of a faulty fuel pump that can fail when the cars are driving at high speeds. The company and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received complaints about the cars going into a reduced-power or “limp home” mode, which allows drivers to safely pull off the road. It will also illuminate the “Service Engine Soon” light on the instrument panel.

Vehicles included in the recall include:

• 2007–2010 335i
• 2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i sports activity coupes
• 2009–2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i

ABC News reported the problem this morning along with harrowing reports from concerned drivers. There have been no accidents or injuries due to the malfunctioning pump, BMW says. Many owners report having the part replaced numerous times.

BMW Takes Cash Off Hood, Financing Deals Remain

 
If you’re looking to buy a BMW in the past month but didn’t get around to it, you missed out on some decent cash-back offers on popular 3 Series models and the Z4 Roadster, among others. Not to fear, though, because the German automaker is still offering sweetened financing deals.

Right now you can get 0.9% APR financing for 24 months on all models. That’s right: all models. This includes the all-new 7 Series (not to mention the buzz-generating 550 GT that Cars.com senior editor David Thomas is testing out right now).

If you’re thinking about buying, get on the ball this time. The offer expires June 30.

2011 BMW 5 Series: First Look

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Infiniti M
• Looks like: The 5 Series and 3 Series are finally playing for the same team
• Drivetrain: 240-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder (528i); 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder (535i); or 400-hp, twin-turbo V-8 (550i) with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions; rear- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: 2010

Redesigned versions of the 7 Series sedan and Z4 roadster have left the 5 Series as one of the last relics of BMW’s chiseled, avant-garde styling. (OK, the 6 Series soldiers on, but that one came out of the oven better to start with.) The polarizing styling didn’t stop the 5 from topping its segment in sales — or at least sharing the perch with its perennial archrival, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is selling at a breakneck pace after a recent redesign of its own.
 
There’s no reason to doubt that the new 5 has similar potential. It’s more aerodynamic than its eyebrow-adorned predecessor — effectively taking on a lot of the styling themes from the 3 Series and 7 Series. Frankly, we’re glad BMW went with this face instead of the 550i Gran Turismo hatchback’s stubby mug.
 
BMW says the 5 and 7 share the same platform. That’s apparent on the inside where the two cars have similar dashboard contours, complete with a massive 10.2-inch navigation display and the backlit Black Panel gauges BMW has adopted of late. Alas, the automatic transmission still uses BMW’s less-than-ergonomic electronic shifter.

2009 BMW 535i xDrive Review

Luxury station wagons make up a peculiar segment, and Cars.com reviewer David Thomas doesn’t see a lot of people eschewing crossovers and SUVs to make any of them a big winner. Having said that, he fell hard for the 2009 BMW 535i luxury wagon. The combination of luxury, utility and performance (not to mention a long list of standard features) gave him every reason to be impressed. What could stop a car buyer from doing the same? Read his full review to find out.

2009 BMW 535 Review

2009 BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon Video

Don’t let that mouthful of a model name fool you: The BMW 535 xDrive Sports Wagon is pretty much the crème de la crème when it comes to wagons. Cars.com reviewer David Thomas shows you why in this video review by taking a look at its performance and comfort, plus tech features galore. The one drawback? Wait until he tells you the price.