BMW Group supports 500 refugees with social and professional intergration

Anette Farrenkopf, CEO of the Jobcenter in Munich; Milagros Caiña-Andree, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG; Manfred Schoch, Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW AG and Dr Markus Schmitz, CEO Regional Directorate Bavaria Federal Employment Agency with WORK HERE participants und their BMW mentors. (11/2015)

BMW has something called a refugee initiative. They have something called 'WORK HERE!'. This is a nine week practical work programme to help qualified refugees with social and professional integration over in Germany. It is organised by BMW in conjunction with the Federal Employment Agency of Germany. The BMW Group’s “WORK HERE!” training programme teaches skills that will give refugees better prospects in Germany and help them start a new life. The goal is for around 500 refugees to participate in practical work training and entry qualification.

Anyway, the point being made here is that large companies can help society achieve greatness. If a country's government allows refugees from say, Syria, you need a plan on what these people are allowed to do in that country. This is a good initiative where the displaced people can contribute to their newly adopted country. 

Now the Government of Malaysia has supposedly stated that they will allow in 2000 Syrian refugees in the near future. Is there a game plan like this initiative by BMW? Whatever the case is, this story by BMW deserves a pat on the back. Kudos to BMW for this corporate social responsibility action.

PRESS RELEASE

BMW Group supports 500 refugees with social and professional intergration

20.11.2015

Munich. Culture, language, work: Understanding Germany in all its complexity is the aim of the BMW Group refugee initiative “WORK HERE!” The nine-week practical work programme to help qualified refugees with social and professional integration organised in conjunction with the Federal Employment Agency Munich and the Jobcenter Munich got underway on 16 November 2015. The project started out with 40 refugees at the Munich location and will be expanded to other BMW sites in 2016. The BMW Group is also expanding its six-month programme of entry qualification for production mechanics. An additional 20 places in Munich will be offered to refugees under the age of 25 from January 2016, while the number of places will also be increased at other BMW Group locations. The goal is for around 500 refugees to participate in practical work training and entry qualification.

Intercultural training programme

The BMW Group’s “WORK HERE!” training programme teaches skills that will give refugees better prospects in Germany and help them start a new life. The programme comprises two practice-based project phases: Throughout the three-week orientation phase and subsequent six-week practical training, participants are mentored by BMW Group employees. For up to six hours a day, refugees learn about work processes in different departments, including development, sales and marketing, human resources, finance, production and IT. This is supplemented by a daily language class and a specially-developed training programme to teach essential intercultural and social skills.

Participants are also provided with lunch and are trained according to their individual needs, such as attending computer courses. At the end of the nine weeks, each participant receives a certificate documenting the qualifications gained.

Milagros Caiña-Andree, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Human Resources: “It is only natural for us to help integrate people who were forced to leave their home and come here. People from more than 100 different countries work together very successfully every day at the BMW Group in Germany alone. For us, integrating people from different cultures is something we do every day, and an important concern that we promote both inside and outside the company. The same applies to solid vocational and professional training, which is one of the cornerstones of our success. I am particularly happy that we are able to put several of our core competences to use to offer people better prospects.”  

Expansion to other locations with a total of 500 participants

In early 2016, the programme will be expanded to other BMW plant sites and branches across Germany. Four sessions per location per year are currently planned. By the end of 2016, the initiative will therefore have supported the social and professional integration of around 500 refugees in total.

Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW AG Manfred Schoch explained: “Cooperation and collegiality between different nationalities and cultures is a matter of course for our employees. I am delighted to see that helping others is also natural for many of them. I am proud that so many of our employees have committed themselves as mentors and, on top of their job, are helping create prospects for those who had none and who left their homes for that reason.”

Expansion of the entry qualification programme

In addition to practical work training, the BMW Group is also enabling refugees under the age of 25 to participate in a six-month programme to earn a vocational entry qualification (EQ). Starting in January 2016, the programme for commercial and technical apprenticeships will be expanded at the Munich location, and an additional trainer assigned. This means that up to 40 young people without an apprenticeship – instead of 18 previously – will be able to earn an entry qualification at the Munich location next year. The number of places will also be increased at other BMW Group sites. EQ participants with the necessary technical and personal aptitude will then have the opportunity to apply for a vocational training course. The aim of the entry qualification – which was developed by businesses and is supported by the Federal Employment Agency – is to provide the technical foundation necessary to qualify for an apprenticeship.

Dr Markus Schmitz, CEO, Regional Directorate Bavaria Federal Employment Agency (GE), confirmed: “A key element of social participation is professional integration into our world of work. That is why it is so important to integrate displaced people with previous professional experience who are likely to remain in the country into training and labour markets as quickly as possible. Many refugees arrive here without their diplomas and are unable to document their professional skills on paper. It is crucial that these people are able to demonstrate their skills in conditions that are as close to reality as possible. We believe that the combination of learning the language, skill assessment, qualification and all-round support is the key to success. All of these components come together in the “WORK HERE!” project. We are particularly delighted to realise a project like this with the BMW Group. This approach may not create the specialists of tomorrow, but perhaps those of the near future. It is a long process that requires staying power.”

Anette Farrenkopf, CEO of the Jobcenter in Munich: “Opportunities for refugees are being created by courageous employers willing to chart new territory. The “WORK HERE!” project is a tremendous opportunity for many refugees who are Jobcenter clients. They can gain professional experience, test themselves and receive a certificate for the professional skills they already have – which is a huge advantage when looking for a job. We hope that other employers follow the BMW Group’s example and open their doors to refugees.”

BMW Group initiatives at a glance

The BMW Group has been involved in a large number of long-term initiatives to promote intercultural exchange and integration into everyday working life for many years. For example, the Germany-wide “Joblinge” initiative launched by the BMW Group’s Eberhard von Kuenheim Foundation and The Boston Consulting Group in 2007 helps unemployed youth find their first job. The company has responded to recent developments by expanding the programme to young refugees from January 2016. Since February 2015, the one-year programme “Lifetalk” has provided young people in Munich from a migrant background with a platform for exchange and learning important social skills. Through visits to the company, young people gain initial insights into everyday working life at the BMW Group. The company’s Intercultural Innovation Award has also contributed to intercultural integration at international level since 2011: Together with the UN Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), the BMW Group pays tribute to innovative initiatives worldwide to promote intercultural understanding.

The BMW Group employs more than 121,000 people worldwide, including 86,000 in Germany. People from 108 countries work together on a daily basis at the company’s German locations alone. Intercultural understanding and social integration are therefore among the BMW Group’s core competences.

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BMW previews the Concept Compact Sedan - the upcoming BMW 1 Series Sedan ????

This folks, could be the upcoming BMW 1 series sedan. It will be previewed at the Auto Guangzhou 2015, China in concept car format for the moment. Read on for more details in the press release which I have put below. The thing about concept cars is that even though they are nearly production ready, they don't really interest me to the extent that I need to put some extra energy into writing something that the manufacturer has done so nicely. If the car was a production model I'd be interested. As I might get to drive the darn thing. So read on, about what the future 1 Series sedan may look like....

PRESS RELEASE

Munich/Guangzhou. The BMW Group has chosen Auto Guangzhou 2015, one of the largest international motor shows in China, to present a very special new development to the global public: the company’s vision of a four-door sedan for the compact segment. “The BMW Concept Compact Sedan reveals the potential we see in a compact sedan,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It not only gives the driver and passengers generous amounts of space within a compact area but does so while providing the sporting ability you’d expect from BMW and an elegance otherwise only available in large BMW sedans. The quality and intrinsic value of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan are clear signals of our premium intentions for the car.”

The car for a new generation. As great growth potential can be seen in the Chinese premium compact market, BMW has conducted in-depth observation and research for the segment’s development trends and target customers. The BMW Concept Compact Sedan represents the approach to life of a generation of youth in China. These potential customers are confident, dynamic and extremely quality-conscious and have a feel for aesthetics. “The characterful design of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan embodies the driving pleasure offered by a sporting car with minimised exterior dimensions. It is as distinctive as it is essential – and, as such, it injects new life into the compact segment. This four-door sedan stands for everything that sets BMW apart,” explains Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles.

Fitting the BMW template from every angle – the exterior design.
The compact and agile exterior of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan creates a familiar sedan silhouette based around a striking three-box design. Hallmark BMW proportions imbue the car with a dynamic allure unrivalled in its segment. Its sweeping bonnet and long wheelbase stretch the car visually, while the slightly set-back greenhouse further underlines its sporting nature. The clever use of time-honoured BMW elements, such as a long, prominent swage line, dynamic Hofmeister kink and surfaces moulded with impressive depth, ensures the car cuts an athletic figure from the side and highlights its relationship with other BMW vehicles. The four doors are integrated harmoniously into its proportions and allow easy entry for the driver and all passengers. Discreet soft-touch handles below the swage line open the doors as soon as a finger touches their metal surface.

Powerful interplay of surfaces.
Precise edges and contours form dynamically chiselled surfaces, reflecting an assured interplay between light and shade that lends sculptural depth to the flanks of the car and conjures images of tensed muscles. The flared wheel arches rise out clearly from the body as it tapers in towards the road and further strengthen the impression of athletic intent. The exclusive exterior paint shade Liquid Metal Bronze adheres to the surfaces of the body like cast metal. The fine pigments in the paint shift between light and dark depending on the incidence of light, showcasing the car’s attention-grabbing design language to maximum effect. The window surrounds and the weather strip-style exterior mirror stalks in polished aluminium are a classy flourish, while the exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels in intricate double-spoke design form a visual highlight with their bi-colour design and set the seal on the side view.

Front and rear ends exude undiluted dynamic allure.The designers have emphasised the width of the slim front end and ensured it picks up the sporting baton from the car’s flanks. Its signature kidney grille and eye-catching twin circular headlights instantly identify the BMW Concept Compact Sedan as a BMW. The familiar form of the kidneys and their size convey the car’s distinctive character: a seamless fusion of agility, sportiness and elegance. The hexagonal, dynamically “sawn-off” twin circular LED headlights on either side point inwards towards the kidney grille, creating a visual link between the kidneys and headlights that lends the car a purposeful look. The V-shaped central air intake is the starting point for a pervading design theme which splits the lower section of the front end into three sections and gives it a broader appearance. Surfaces merging into one another and stacked in different layers, and the interplay of those levels, lend extra depth and dynamism to the design.

Like the front end, the horizontally structured rear also makes a clear sporting statement. Lateral lines and a vibrant interplay of horizontal light and shadowed surfaces accentuate the width of the rear end and at the same time make the car look lower. The slim, elongated string of rear lights, with their prominent L shape, take this process a step further. An LED light element in the shape of an “L” inside the lights makes the characteristic light contours visible at night as well. The confidently sculpted rear apron reduces the gap between road and rear end, while a chrome insert that widens towards the outer edges of the rear apron adds a classy accent.

Sporty lightness and modern exclusivity – the interior. Glance into the interior of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan and its BMW family ties are immediately evident. The cockpit radiates a clear driver focus: all the lines, forms and controls are geared towards the person behind the wheel and their needs. This is highlighted by the prominent lines that converge in the direction of travel either side of the steering wheel. The resultant “cone of vision” sets the tone for the driver’s area as a whole. The form of the horizontal, nozzle-shaped air vents and their internal structure continue the theme. The “cone of vision” tapers into a Head-Up Display with combiner screen, which projects all the relevant information into the driver’s direct field of view.

Elongated horizontal lines and surfaces creating a generous feeling of space provide a counterpoint to the cabin’s driver focus and sporty styling. For example, the instrument panel on the front passenger side extends into the doors in an elegant, horizontal movement, creating an inviting ambience for passengers. Exclusive Nappa leather, open-pored wood and brushed aluminium form an attractive triad of materials spreading across the whole of the instrument panel, whose leather-covered top surface with contrast stitching is a feature normally the preserve of luxury sedans. An unbroken insert in polished aluminium provides for a classy surround for the instrument panel, while orange-coloured contour lighting further accentuates its character-defining contours at night.

The doors’ design picks up the instrument panel’s horizontal lines and extends them into the flanks of the car in a dynamic sweep. The front door, for example, extends visually into the B-pillar and makes the interior feel bigger. Indeed, the cabin offers an unaccustomed level of space and openness for a car in this class. The sporty seats, which in the rear suggest two individual seats, further enhance this impression. Covered in naturally soft Nappa leather in warm Ivory and Grey Brown, as well as Muted Brown, they offer unbeatable comfort. Accents in Velocity Tulip – a snug shade of orange – underline the sporting geometry of the seats, which take their cue from racing buckets and accentuate the sporty character of the vehicle while at the same time meeting the comfort requirements of a premium vehicle. Beyond this, the large panoramic roof floods the interior with natural light and extends the space above the passengers’ heads to underline the generous feeling of roominess.

Technical aesthetics. All the technical features of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan are integrated into its interior design with polish and refinement. Mechanical operating elements modelled to flawless ergonomic effect – such as the climate system controls, gearshift lever and iDrive system – extend from the super-smooth surfaces. All the other functions on the steering wheel, centre stack, centre console and door openers are operated using backlit touch-sensitive surfaces, whose high-gloss black surfaces provide a highly exclusive interior ambience when switched off. In addition, a “combiner” Head-Up Display and 8.8-inch screen in the central information display contain all the information required at any one time.

Generously-sized rear compartment.
The rear compartment of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan vividly reflects the importance attached to passenger comfort. Despite the car’s compact dimensions, the rear – which is designed to accommodate two people – welcomes its passengers with a bright and expansive feeling of space. Its exclusive materials, high-quality workmanship and warm Ivory and Muted Brown tones, backed up by accents in Velocity Tulip, create an inviting ambience. Visually, the rear bench suggests two individual seats and offers passengers ample space in which to spread out. At the same time, its form sees the sporting flavour of the front seats spilling over into the rear. The panoramic roof, which extends a long way back, and the ivory-coloured roof liner ensure the second row of seats is likewise bathed in a light and almost airy sensation of space. At night, the contour lighting extending into the doors accentuates the function islands of touch-control door openers, touch-sensitive window controls and loudspeakers. A separate climate control unit in the rear-facing surface of the centre console adds the finishing touches to the high-comfort rear accommodation.

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BMW Malaysia launches the 3 Series Facelift

Newly launched this evening is the BMW 3 Series Facelift. In a nutshell you get this - 

BMW 318i Luxury Line: RM208,800  - Effectively replacing the 316i but with one cylinder less. But with better equipment inside. It gets luxury spec instead of normal spec.  3 cylinder turbocharged 1.5liter - 136 hp / 220 Nm  torque 0-60mph 8.9secs. You can now tell your friends you bought a BMW with a Perodua Axia type of engine (3 cylinders). That three cylinder thrum would make it a different sounding BMW. Tell your friends this is half a BMW M3 (the M3 has a 3.0liter engine with turbos so do the math 3.0 divided by 2 = 1.5. Yay!!!! But heck, RM208,000 for a engine relation of the Perodua Viva clad in a larger body and more luxury clothing. Of course, road tax would be cheap. Under RM90 per year. 

BMW 320i Sport LIne: RM238,800 -  4 cylinder 2.0liter - 190hp /290Nm torque 0-60mph 7.2secs. The one that most will strive to buy.

BMW 320i M Sport: RM258,800 - same stuff as the 320i Sport line but with a macho bodykit (compare the above with the opening photo) with the same amount of power but you can tell your friends that you bought a sporty car that cannot outrun the normal car in which is RM20,000 cheaper. You are all flashy.

BMW 320d M Sport: RM268,800 - 4 cylinder 2.0diesel 180hp /380nm torque 0-60mph in 7.2secs but should sound like a taxi. Trust me. Most BMW diesels sound like taxis. From 1985. Powerful they may be but they sound like taxis.

BMW 330i M Sport: RM308,800 - This is essentially the pre-facelift 328i. So you get the same 4 cylinder 2.0liter engine as the 320i but with a retune so that it makes 252hp / 350nm torque 0-60mph in 5.8secs

Bad new aside from the fact that if you desperately want a BMW 3 Series but only have RM210,000 to spend it would be a Perodua Kelisa engine with 500cc more and a turbocharger plonked in is the fact that there are no official 6 cylinder BMW 3 Series on sale (There is a 340i with a 3.0liter turbocharged engine elsehwhere). Unless you opt for the BMW M3. That is great. If not for the fact that it is more than double the price of the 330i M Sport. So you get three cylinders four cylinders but no six cylinders UNLESS it is expensive. 

There. Short and sweet. 

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The New BMW M2 - Slightly less than a BMW M4?

BMW just previewed details and pics about its new M series car. It is based on the BMW 2 Series coupe and isn't that much smaller than the BMW M3/M4. Isn't that much slower than the M3/M4 as it basically runs a detuned M3/M4 engine. It also has the same optional DCT gearbox as the M3/M4. It has a lot of M3/M4 parts inside it.  I think you get what I am trying to say by now.

However, I find this model to be an overlap of sorts. Slightly less powerful but not by much. Slightly smaller but not by much. Slightly cheaper but not by much. But since its a smaller platform it could be the sweeter car to buy.  So why bother buying a M4 after this? 

PRESS KIT DETAILS 

THE NEW BMW M2

A compact high-performance BMW sports car was already causing heads to turn and hearts to flutter over 40 years ago. Indeed, the BMW 2002 turbo perfectly encapsulated BMW’s resolution to deliver outstanding dynamics, exceptional agility and optimum car control. As if to demonstrate in similarly resounding style that this commitment is alive and well, BMW M GmbH can now unveil the new BMW M2. With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe has all the ingredients to deliver the last word in driving pleasure.

Characteristic M design.
A single glance is all it takes to pick the new BMW M2 Coupe out as a member of the BMW M family, with its styling also keen to advertise its dynamic attributes. Inspired by models from the history of BMW in motor racing, the new M2 Coupe makes no secret of its extraordinary performance potential. The low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with characteristic M gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust system all play impressive roles here. The time-honoured character of BMW M cars is also present and correct in the design of the interior. The Alcantara of the door cards and centre console together with porous carbon fibre creates an ambience of rare quality and heady sporting ambition further underlined by blue contrast stitching and M embossing on selected details. Sports seats, an M sports steering wheel and an M gearshift lever ensure BMW M2 drivers are in perfect command of their car it at all times.

Explosive performance.

The newly developed, three-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW M2 deploys cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272 kW/370 hp at 6,500 rpm (fuel consumption combined: 8.5 l/100 km [33.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 199 g/km)* and, in so doing, lays down a marker in the high-performance compact sports car segment. The same applies to power delivery. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) can be increased to as much as 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in short bursts under overboost. All of which enables the new BMW M2 Coupe with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Yet, with its M DCT transmission, fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres* per 100 km (35.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of just 185 g/km*, the car is also keen to emphasise its outstanding efficiency.

Motor sport expertise. 
With the lightweight aluminium front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4 models, forged 19-inch aluminium wheels with mixed-size tyres, M Servotronic steering with two settings and suitably effective M compound brakes, the new BMW M2 Coupe has raised the bar once again in the compact high-performance sports car segment when it comes to driving dynamics. The electronically controlled Active M Differential, which optimises traction and directional stability, also plays a significant role here. And even greater driving pleasure is on the cards when the Dynamic Stability Control system’s M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is activated. MDM allows wheel slip and therefore moderate, controlled drifts on the track.

Intelligent connectivity when you want it. 

The new BMW M2 Coupe comes with an extensive list of standard equipment in keeping with its performance-focused set-up. The seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic, available as an option, changes gears with extraordinary speed but no interruption in the flow of power. A wide selection of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive is also available. The ConnectedDrive Services provide the basis for extensive vehicle connectivity, and this option also enables the use of innovative apps, which are integrated seamlessly into the car using BMW ConnectedDrive technology. For example, the GoPro app allows the driver to record fast laps of the track with a dashboard-mounted action camera, using the iDrive Controller and Control Display. Meanwhile, the driver’s individual style at the wheel can be analysed as desired with the M Laptimer app. Information on speeds and braking points can be shared easily via e-mail or Facebook.

From powerful stock.
The new BMW M2 Coupe is not only the direct heir to the successful BMW 1 Series M Coupe, but also – in its underlying philosophy – a descendant of the original E30 BMW M3 and the BMW 2002 turbo. The latter caused a sensation over 40 years ago, embodying the commitment of what is now BMW M GmbH to outstanding dynamics, unbeatable agility and optimal car control.

* Fuel consumption figures based on the EU test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified. .

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Sunday Lite: The BMW Seven Hundred and Fifty by Q Branch

Q: It's the insurance damage waiver for your beautiful new car. Now, will you need collision coverage?
Bond: Yes.
Q: Fire?
Bond: Probably.
Q: Personal Injury?
Bond: I hope not, but accidents do happen.
Q: They frequently do with you.
Bond: Well, that takes care of the normal wear and tear. I there any other protection I need?
Q: Only from me, 007, unless you bring that car back in pristine order.

The AVIS rent-a-car BMW 750i E38 - Ballistic armored body panels, bulletproof and impact-proof glass all round (but not gerenade launcher proof to an extent), security system which electrocutes intruders through the door handles (can be disarmed via 007's mobile phone), security compartments hidden behind section of dashboard where airbag is located, can be driven and controlled remotely by 007's Ericsson mobile phone, retractable cable-cutter in the front BMW logo, tear gas dispensers, roof mounted rockets and a rear-mounted caltrop (triangular spikes) dispenser. In other words, the usual extras. 

I still want one. IF I could afford the road tax on this sucker here in Malaysia that is.

If I was driving this car from the back seat via my phone  I'd be happy as heck....

And here's how you return it back to the rental company after a job well done. 

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The new BMW M4 GTS - Do you want one? I do.

BMW has a new GTS model. The BMW M4 GTS is a 700 unit limited edition that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3 (Essentially the M4 is a two door M3 as BMW names its two door coupes in even numbers). 

The BMW M4 GTS uses the multi-award-winning six-cylinder in-line turbo engine from the BMW M3/M4, but adds innovative water injection technology to give the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost. The water injection system raises the engine’s output significantly – to 368 kW/500 hp – and increases torque to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), yet still keeps fuel economy and CO2 emissions at the level of the BMW M4 Coupe (8.3 litres per 100 km* [34 mpg imp], 194 g/km*). This makes the BMW M4 GTS the most agile, radical and dynamically potent model in the range. It races from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph).

Aside from the engine mods, the M4 GTS gets a whole lot of carbon fiber addenda. That wing. That rollcage inside. Because ... racecar. Yes?

PRESS KIT DETAILS

The new BMW M4 GTS.

The BMW M4 GTS gives BMW M GmbH a new and exclusive technological showpiece which elevates the potential of the BMW M4 Coupe to another impressive new level. With its powerful, motor sport-inspired looks and high-performance technology, the BMW M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the race track. A lap time of 7.28 minutes around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the world’s most exacting race circuit, is a clear statement of this special-edition model’s exceptional abilities. At the same time, the sharpest BMW M4 of all – like its BMW M stablemates – can also hold its own on public roads. BMW M GmbH is launching the BMW M4 GTS in a special edition limited to 700 units to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3, which has been in production since 1986. In so doing, it is highlighting the innovative flair of the BMW M engineers in developing trailblazing M technologies on the powertrain, chassis and lightweight construction front. The first high-performance special edition in the M3/M4 model range will also be available for the first time in the important North American market.

“Special-edition models like the BMW M3 GT, BMW M3 CSL, BMW M3 GTS and BMW M3 CRT have a decades-long tradition in our mid-size line-up – and that continues with the BMW M4,” says Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “They sharpen the character of the BMW M brand and embody an emotionally rich and exclusive driving experience. We’ve taken a radical route with the set-up of the BMW M4 GTS to create a sports machine for the race track that delivers top-end dynamics and inspirational performance. It allows us to demonstrate what is possible today with a road-legal car. Owners can drive their BMW M4 GTS to circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring or Laguna Seca – for clubsport events, for example – and then set lap times there that raise the bar to extremely high levels for road-legal cars.”

Performance boost courtesy of innovative water injection. 
At the heart of each and every BMW M model is its engine. The BMW M4 GTS uses the multi-award-winning six-cylinder in-line turbo engine from the BMW M3/M4, but adds innovative water injection technology to give the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost. The water injection system raises the engine’s output significantly – to 368 kW/500 hp – and increases torque to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), yet still keeps fuel economy and CO2 emissions at the level of the BMW M4 Coupe (8.3 litres per 100 km* [34 mpg imp], 194 g/km*). This makes the BMW M4 GTS the most agile, radical and dynamically potent model in the range. It races from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph).

Lightweight design extends into the details. 

Intelligent lightweight construction allows the BMW M engineers to limit the car’s DIN kerb weight to 1,510 kilograms (ECE kerb weight: 1,585 kg). Its outstanding weight-to-power ratio of 3.0 kg/hp provides the perfect platform for a highly dynamic driving experience. The rigorous weight-saving measures extend through both the interior and exterior of the car. Inside, carbon-fibre bucket seats, a lightweight centre console, the lightweight construction of the rear seat panelling and boot area partition, and special lightweight door and side panel trim, including door pull loops in place of solid door handles, are clearly visible indications of the designers’ commitment to weight-saving. The rigorous application of lightweight design can also be seen in details that are out of view. The instrument panel bracing tube is made from lightweight carbon fibre. And on the outside of the car, the newly designed bonnet, roof and adjustable front splitter are also constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The adjustable rear wing, too, is cut from this light but extremely durable high-tech material. It rests on intricate, CNC-machined aluminium mounts fixed to the CFRP boot lid which likewise demonstrate how every detail, no matter how small, has been honed to minimise weight. Teaming up with the diffuser – again, made from carbon fibre – below the rear bumper, the rear wing optimises the flow of air and reduces lift at the rear axle. The exhaust system has a titanium muffler, which allows a weight saving of 20 per cent. Its emotionally rich soundtrack fits the M profile perfectly and envelops the inside and outside of the car in the ambience of the race track.

Performance-maximising equipment features. 

The standard-fitted seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) selects the optimum ratio for every driving situation with no interruption in the flow of power as it makes its way to the rear wheels. The driver can also select gears manually using either shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever. The Drivelogic shift programs and Launch Control have been retuned to the engine’s increased output. The weight-minimised, exclusive M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are forged and polished, and come in Acid Orange. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (front: 265/35 R19, rear: 285/30 R20) which are adapted specifically to the BMW M4 GTS and therefore play a role in the car’s outstanding mechanical traction and feedback through corners.

The three-way M coilover suspension specially tuned for the BMW M4 GTS can be adjusted to individual tastes and therefore also to the demands of different race circuits. The lightweight M carbon ceramic brakes offer a well-defined pressure point and ensure outstanding deceleration even under sustained heavy loads, such as at the limit on the race track.

World-exclusive OLED technology, brilliant LED light. 

The familiar two sets of twin circular headlights with four corona rings ensure the best possible illumination of the road surface. They combine cutting-edge LED (light-emitting diode) technology with BMW Selective Beam (dazzle-free high beam assistant) and Adaptive Headlights.

The L-shaped rear lights are just as distinctive as the design of the headlights. Indeed, innovative OLED rear lights will make their series-production debut in the BMW M4 GTS. OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) are a new kind of light source that light up over their full surface with a very homogeneous effect – unlike LED units, which emit their light in the form of points. The flat design of OLEDs (they measure just 1.4 millimetres in height) and the ability to trigger individual light modules separately open up fresh possibilities for lighting concepts and exudes the presence of exceptional precision. As such, the tail lights underline the width of the rear end, lend the car an even more eye-catching and powerful appearance and ensure it cuts a stand-out figure in both the light and dark.

The interior – focused, exclusive and committed to motor sport.
The carbon-fibre M bucket seats for the driver and passenger stick firmly with the lightweight construction theme inside the pure-bred, exclusive interior. They weigh around 50 per cent less than the sports seats in the BMW M4 Coupe, enable an ideal seating position and offer compelling long-distance comfort to go with their unbeatable levels of support. The exclusive Alcantara/Merino leather seat covering along with M stripes in the backrests, three-point seat belts and door pull loops highlight the profile of the BMW M4 GTS as a high-performance sports machine as well as the car’s standalone character. The M4 GTS is fitted with different bucket-style M sports seats (including lightweight backrests with cut-outs) for the North American market, in line with local registration requirements.

The exclusive material Alcantara is also used for the M sports steering wheel, whose “12 o’clock” marker underlines the racing character of the BMW M4 GTS. In place of a rear seat bench, the BMW M4 GTS features a glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) shelf and a rear panel in carbon-fibre sandwich construction. Both are covered in Alcantara, and together they enable a weight saving of around 40 per cent.

The optional Clubsport Package can further enhance the affinity of the BMW M4 GTS with the race track. It includes a roll bar in Acid Orange behind the front seats, a race-specification six-point harness** and a fire extinguisher.

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Spotted for Sale: 1995 BMW M3 E36

This is something nice to dream about. A 1995 BMW M3 E36. This was the first six cylinder M3 and it had a 3.0liter straight-six engine that made about 280bhp. This was something everyone who loved cars dreamt about owning in the 1990s. So this could be a dream come true for some of you out there. This blue car has the 3.0liter engine with the 5 speed manual gearbox. A purist's spec. But those days, most of these performance BMWs had a manual gearbox.

Of course, these days 280bhp is nothing to shout about. It is fast, but not ballistically fast like the M3 of today. 0-100kmh was in about 5.4seconds and it had a top speed of 250kmh or thereabouts. But this car is all about proper rear wheel drive entertainment. Its handling was properly sorted out by the BWM M Division and everyone I know at the time it first appeared on Malaysian shores was at awe with it. Including Yours Truly. And that 'M3' badging of course. It put the M3 miles above the usual 318i (four cylinders...pah!), 320i (kayuh lah...tak pi mana pun), 325i (getting better, in fact the engine durable that the 328i) and the 328i (200bhp made it the best non-M3 choice of the time but in the long run a bit more costly to maintain).

So this advertisment on mudah.my has made me go slightly nostalgic. For RM68,800 you can try get your hands on one. And since its the first of the six cylinder M3s it came with the smaller 3.0liter instead of the larger post 1995 3.2liter. This means an annual road tax of under RM2,200. Try bargaining a lot more than the asking price (RM10k off at least especially at an economic downturn like this). Say that whilst everything is original the alloy wheels aren't the original ones - it would be fantastic if it came with the original BMW five spoke or multi-spoke wheel that had the words MOTORSPORT stamped on them. It still is a cash purchase as you can never get a bank loan on such an old car.

View the original ad while it lasts here or read on down below:

Seller Says

Original E36 M3
Original spec
Original Ac sport rim
Original interior
Accident free
Seldom use
5 speed manual
Race in market
Value for collection
price negotiable

For more information pls contact
Chong 0164403262
Lucas 0164173262

Make

BMW

Model

M3

Type

Sports

Transmission

Manual

Engine Capacity

3000 cc

Mileage

65 000 - 69 999

Mfg. Year

1995

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Tech: BMW Motorrad introduces Dynamic Brake Light systems for the EU/ECE - They should go global with this A.S.A.P

I do not usually write about motorcycles per se. Not a big fan of them but I do acknowledge their existence on the road and their purpose for being there. Maybe the larger bikes, but not the mosquito-like (read: irritating) kapchais on the road today. 

Anyway, this piece of news from BMW Motorrad is interesting. They have introduced dynamic brake light systems for some of their bikes -  R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and S 1000 XR. The K 1600 GT, GTL and GTL Exclusive luxury tourers. Limited to the European Union and ECE areas for the moment, the dynamic brake light can warn drivers of vehicles following the bikes in a very clear and precise manner. 

There are two stages in the Dynamic Brake Light system. When the motorcycle in front brakes hard or makes an emergency braking manoeuvre. Stage one is activated when the motorcycle decelerates from speeds above 50 km/h. In this case the brake light flashes with a frequency of 5 Hz. As the motorcycle approaches standstill (< 14 km/h), the hazard warning flashers are also turned on in the second stage. These remain turned on until the motorcycle accelerates again to a minimum speed of 20 km/h.

A simple yet innovative function that would alert other road users following the bikes. Hopefully BMW Motorrad will standardise this system globally. It makes a lot of sense. It also would save more lives.

PRESS RELEASE

BMW Motorrad introduces dynamic brake light.Achieving an even higher level of safety by improving brake light warning function. ABS Pro incl. dynamic brake light available for six models from model year 2016.

Munich. Braking and being seen by the traffic behind is of essential importance for motorcycle riders. That is why BMW Motorrad has developed the dynamic brake light as a component of the Strategy “Safety 360°”. It can warn drivers of following vehicles even better about when the motorcycle in front of them is braking.

This additional brake light function, which is still limited to the EU / ECE area, warns following traffic in two stages when the motorcycle in front brakes hard or makes an emergency braking manoeuvre. Stage one is activated when the motorcycle decelerates from speeds above 50 km/h. In this case the brake light flashes with a frequency of 5 Hz. As the motorcycle approaches standstill (< 14 km/h), the hazard warning flashers are also turned on in the second stage. These remain turned on until the motorcycle accelerates again to a minimum speed of 20 km/h.

ABS Pro incl. dynamic brake light available for six models from model year 2016.

The dynamic brake light is available as an option ex works in conjunction with ABS Pro (in conjunction with the option “Ride Modes Pro”) from model year 2016 for the models R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and S 1000 XR. The K 1600 GT, GTL and GTL Exclusive luxury tourers will feature this safety feature as standard from model year 2016 - as the ideal supplement to ABS Pro.

Compared to conventional ABS, ABS Pro goes a step further offering increased safety when braking in bends by allowing ABS-supported braking when banking. Here, ABS Pro prevents the wheels from locking even when the brakes are applied quickly; this reduces abrupt changes in steering force on shock-braking manoeuvres and stops the motorcycle from rearing up unintentionally. The benefits of ABS Pro to the rider are a sensitive response and a high level of brake and ride stability together with the best possible deceleration on bends.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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