Recall Alert: 2009 BMW X5 and X6

BMW has issued a recall for all 2009 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The vehicles are being recalled because the rear brake discs may not have been manufactured according to correct specifications. This could lead to reduced braking performance in the rear wheels, significantly increasing stopping distance and increasing the potential for a crash.

BMW hasn’t provided NHTSA with its remedy or notification schedule for the repair, but owners may contact BMW at 800-831-1117. They may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2009|BMW|X5

2009|BMW|X6

Recall Alert: 2008 BMW 1 Series, 3 Series

BMW has issued a recall notice for all 1 Series and 3 Series vehicles from the 2008 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall is due to incorrect crimp connectors used on the side airbag and belt tensioner wiring.

Insufficient contact between the crimp connector and the corresponding plug could lead to an increase in the electrical resistance of the connection, which could cause the airbag to fail to deploy during an accident. Obviously, an airbag failing to deploy could lead to more severe injury in the event of an accident.

BMW hasn’t provided NHTSA with its remedy or notification schedule for the repair, but owners may contact BMW at 800-831-1117. They may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2008|BMW|1 Series

BMW X1: First Look

During the Fourth of July holiday, BMW’s European arm — not shooting off fireworks — released information and oodles of images of its upcoming X1 crossover. Based on the 1 Series, this small, raised hatchback looks to compete with the Mini Cooper Clubman and Infiniti EX35.

The only U.S.-bound powertrain we can expect is the same six-cylinder found in the 128i, teamed with BMW’s all-wheel-drive system. Dubbed the BMW X1 xDrive 28i, it should be good for 258 hp.

Cargo capacity is 14.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expands to 47.3 cubic feet with them down. That’s obviously more than the Mini Clubman’s, but slightly less than the Infiniti EX35’s 18.6 cubic feet with the seats up. Prices for the 128i coupe start at $29,400, and we’d expect the X1 — with the added cost of all-wheel drive and the crossover body style — to be significantly more. The EX35 with all-wheel drive starts at $35,200.

Neither the Infiniti EX35 nor the BMW 128i coupe have been strong sellers in the U.S., and we’re not sure the premium compact SUV segment is one that will exactly heat up; Europe is obviously the main target here. If BMW can deliver something cost-competitive with an Infiniti, though, it could see better sales. No on sale date has been given.

Many more pictures are below, so you can judge for yourself if you think the new X1 is a winner.

2010 BMW 7 Series Gains AWD, M Sport Package

With Audi's A8 featuring Quattro and Mercedes-Benz's S550 available with 4Matic, BMW's 7 Series had been the lone all-wheel-drive holdout among full-size German luxury sedans. That will change for the 2010 model year, when xDrive all-wheel-drive editions of the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li join the current rear-drive lineup. All-wheel-drive models hit dealerships this fall. Pricing information hasn't been released.

BMW says xDrive, which is available on models like the 3 Series and 5 Series, gains improvements aimed at driving dynamics. The system can route up to 80% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and it can also selectively apply the rear brakes for the benefit of handling performance.

In addition, a new M Sport Package lifts certain features from BMW's M performance division, like an M steering wheel, and also adds performance features, like BMW's Active Roll Stabilization, on rear-drive models. Additional features include a special body kit and 19-inch wheels with performance tires. Twenty-inch wheels are optional.

2009|BMW|7 Series

2010|BMW|7 Series

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

Reader Review of the Week: 2009 BMW 550

“Car Guy” from Oakland, Calif., has a lot of experience with fast luxury cars, but the 2009 BMW 550i is one of his personal favorites. He needs more than two seats, but wants to sacrifice as little of his fun as possible. Check out why the 550i leaves him satisfied, even if BMW’s cupholders fail to meet his standards. After you’re done, post a review of your own vehicle here.

First Customer Receives Mini E Plug-In Electric Car

Peter Trepp, a venture capitalist from Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, became the first customer to get his hands on one of 500 Mini E plug-in electric vehicles being leased by BMW.

For roughly $850 a month, Trepp will be one of the chosen few who will act as real-world test subjects to see how the all-electric car handles in the real world. The E has a 600-pound lithium-ion battery, but no supplemental gas engine like the Chevy Volt. Its range ends after 156 miles.

Still, this is no problem for Trepp, who uses the vehicle mostly for his 15-mile roundtrip commute to Santa Monica. Trepp reports on his blog that he and his wife both want the keys, and that his neighbors have taken a great deal of interest in the car.

Trepp had a 240-volt outlet installed in his garage, and started his blog in order to entice BMW into choosing him for the E’s experimental lease. So far, he has been most surprised by the E’s acceleration, which — despite the vehicle’s dashboard “power meter” that shows drivers how to optimize energy use — has caused him to acquire a bit of a lead foot.

In case you're interested, here is another blog from a Mini E owner.

Meet the First Customer for BMW’s Mini E Plug-in Electric Car (OpenRoad)

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo: First Look

• Competes with: Infiniti FX, Acura MDX, Audi A6 Avant
• Looks like: A cross between an X5 and 5 Series Wagon
• Drivetrain: 400-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with eight-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Late 2009

BMW has been rapidly expanding its lineup as of late. No longer content with wagons and SUVs, the company adds its second hatchback in a year’s time, the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Following on the heels of the X6, which got a lukewarm reception, the 5 Series Gran Turismo promises a lot of power and a unique cargo area. We’re not sure if the combination will entice consumers.

Like the X6, the Gran Turismo comes with a twin-turbo V-8 engine good for 400 hp, however, this is the only option for the vehicle. Also unlike the X6, this is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, which means the 550i Gran Turismo will be more of a performance machine. A 535 xi Gran Turismo will be offered in Europe, but there's no mention of it coming to the U.S. Sales of the 550i GT might be the measuring stick for BMW to consider bringing over the twin-turbo six-cylinder.

Cars.com Mileage Challenge 4.5: Final Thoughts

In what’s become a mileage challenge tradition, we wrap up our spring series with some driving impressions of each car. After all, two editors and our editor in chief spent nearly seven hours in these luxury crossovers.

Cars.com Mileage Challenge 4.4: The Premium Problem

Yesterday we brought you results from Cars.com’s latest mileage challenge, a 300-plus-mile trip, mostly on highways. The BMW X3 came in first with 23.7 mpg. The Land Rover LR2 came in second with 22.8 mpg, while the Volvo XC60 brought up the rear with 21.0 mpg.

Case closed? Not quite. Premium cars often need premium gas, but these cars are a diverse bunch. BMW’s high-tech Valvetronic engines — like the one in the X3 — require premium fuel. For the LR2, Land Rover merely recommends premium; spokeswoman Kim Binder-Daniel said regular will do, though “performance will degrade.”