Recall Alert: More Than 500,000 BMW Cars

BMW is recalling 504,545 vehicles due to a problem in the electrical system that could cause unexpected stalling, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The affected cars include model-year 2008-12 1 Series coupes and convertibles manufactured between December 2007 and July 2011; 2007-11 3 Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through July 2011; 2007-11 3 Series sedans manufactured between March 2007 and October 2011; 2007-11 3 Series wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-11 Z4 roadsters manufactured between March 2009 and June 2011. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. The high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may break the connection, resulting in a loss of electrical power. This could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

BMW will begin notifying owners in March, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method for free. Owners with questions can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com. For more info, owners can call NHTSA's traffic safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.

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2014 BMW Z4: What's Changed

• Most significant changes: New orange package, expanded multimedia features
• Price change: TBD
• On sale: Spring 2013
• Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? Minimal changes mean go for the 2013.

How quickly time flies. The current BMW Z4 will enter its sixth model year next spring, and BMW is giving the folding-hardtop roadster a few minor updates for 2014.

The center air vents and optional navigation display have glossier frames; new optional wood trim, restyled 18-inch alloy wheels and updates to BMW's ConnectedDrive multimedia program are also in the mix. A new Hyper Orange Package includes Valencia Orange metallic paint, orange Alcantara door-panel trim and orange-colored contrast stitching with an orange and white center stripe down the seats. It replaces last year's Citrus Yellow Package.

Recall Alert: 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 ActiveE

BMW is recalling 162 model-year 2012 versions of the Z4 convertible and ActiveE electric car due to problems with the power-steering system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the affected vehicles, variations in electrical current could cause the power-steering system to stop working, requiring increased effort from the driver to control the car. This could lead to an increased risk of accident.

BMW will notify owners starting later this month and dealers will replace the affected parts free of charge. Owners can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

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BMW Zagato Coupe Concept: Photo Gallery

BMW has always been more aggressive with its roadsters' styling; check out the avant-garde 2003-08 BMW Z4 for an example. For folks who think the aggressive look of the current BMW Z4 is just too conventional, feast your eyes on the BMW Zagato Coupé Concept. Co-developed with automotive design consultancy Zagato, this one-off design could point toward a more radical-looking Z4 in the coming years. Continue below for more photos.

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Reader Review of the Week: 2011 BMW Z4

"Rparmar” of Winchester, Va., recently purchased a new 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is, a new trim for the model year. This reader has a lot to say about the Bimmer, which sports a new twin-turbo six-cylinder. He enjoys the car’s perfect balance and fast speed, as well as how it looks with the top down and up. Continue reading the full review below. Once you’re done, share your comments about your own car here.

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.

Continue reading below for more details:

2012 BMW Z4 to Offer Four-Cylinder Powertrain

A few months ago, BMW announced that a four-cylinder will re-enter the U.S. market, without mentioning the vehicles that will get the powertrain. Today, the automaker confirmed that its Z4 roadster will be the first convert to the inline-four.

The new Z4 trim is called sDrive28i, and it replaces the 2011 sDrive30i. BMW didn’t confirm whether the sDrive35i and sDrive35is will still be available with their turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder or if they will be discontinued. But we'd assume they will remain the top trim levels.

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.

Cars.com Reviews 2011 BMW Z4

The 2011 BMW Z4 lives up to the automaker’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” ethos, delivering great handling with an able transmission and powertrain that both sound good when doing their jobs, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. Not much was lost, either, when BMW got rid of the soft-top/coupe body styles, Hanley says; the hardtop convertible fulfills both roles quite well. But the 2011 Z4 is pricier than its predecessor, costing nearly as much as a Porsche Boxster S. Can the BMW really compete with a Porsche? Read the full review to find out.

2011 BMW Z4

2011|BMW|Z4

Cars.com Podcast: 2011 BMW Z4, Subaru Outback, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

It’s a good week for talking about cars. Editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder discuss what they liked about performance cars like the 2011 BMW Z4 and the awe-inspiring Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. They also tackle the more pedestrian — but still strong-selling — Subaru Outback. Hey,at least this Outback has the six-cylinder in it.

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