BMW models uncovered
At the moment, BMW produces the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, as well as SUVs (letter X) and two-seater roadsters (letter Z). These designations refer to the first number or letter of the name – for example, the 518, 520i and 530i are all part of the 5 Series. As the Series numbers go up, the cars get both larger in size and more expensive. So what are the differences between the different series?
To begin with, the 1 Series are small, relatively inexpensive cars, designed to compete with the VW Golf and similar cars They’re sensible rear wheel drives, soon to be in hatchback too.
The 3 Series, on the other hand, are luxury cars, although they are the lowest-priced, smallest ones. Before the introduction of the 1 Series, the intention of the 3 Series was to make BMWs accessible to young professionals who wanted a Beemer but couldn’t afford a full-size one. Most of the BMWs you see on the road today are 3 Series.
In the middle of the range is the 5 Series – the kind of car you might expect a junior executive to drive. Many BMW drives prefer the 5 Series, feeling that it offers the best value for money and that having their car any bigger is just annoying.
7 Series BMWs are often considered to be the ‘real deal’ – the cars that the company is famous for. People buying in this category could easily be buying a Jaguar or a Mercedes, but they’re choosing a BMW instead, which gives you some idea of the kind of expectations these cars have to live up to. They are amazingly luxurious.
About the author:
John Gibb is the owner of BMW facts
For more information on BMW's check out http://www.bmw-resource2k.info
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
BMW EfficientDynamics, is it the End of the Hybrid
When you look at it BMW seem to have had one of the harder jobs when it comes to reducing their overall Co2 emissions. They’ve been known for producing large 4 x 4’s and luxury sports cars. Not the type of cars that offer the best solutions to our environmental problems. However, with this clever mix of existing technology and the development of better engines they have managed to reduce their average Co2 emissions by 26g/km, a saving of over a third of a tonne per year for vehicles fitted with EfficientDynamics. So, how have they done it?
Well, first you have to look at the engines. BMW have developed a high precision injection system, that alongside the ultra-light aluminium crankcase and variable twin turbo technology have allowed the models fitted with EfficientDynamics to increase power whilst reducing emissions. Formula One technology that has been developed and proved in the hardest arena in the world.
Stop start technology is another major factor in reducing emissions. Pull up at the traffic lights and the engine on the BMW stops, press your foot on the accelerator and the engine automatically kicks back into life, saving you money and not choking the planet whilst standing still. This clever bit of kit also tells you when the optimum time is to change gear, also adding to the BMW’s frugality.
Lighter materials have not only been used under the bonnet, they’ve also been used in the manufacture of the boot and the roof on some models. Cutting down on the overall weight of the car is not rocket science and it will obviously impact on the performance of the vehicle. Previously, performance was equated with speed, fortunately performance now covers all aspects of the car, including efficiency and economy.
Brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, an electric coolant pump and small flaps that open and close in the front grille to improve aerodynamic efficiency have all contributed in reducing emissions, making BMW a leader in the luxury car market when it comes to complying with the new Euro V legislation that will come into force in the next decade.
So, do we need full hybrids? Well if you break it down to figures alone it is not quite so clear cut. The BMW 1 Series118d EfficientDynamics achieves 62.8 miles per gallon on the combined cycle as opposed to the Prius that manages 65.7 mpg. Co2 emissions are 119 g/km for the BMW, 104g/km for the Prius. However, take into account the batteries that are used to power the Prius and it becomes slightly hazier. Manufacturing processes and the disposal of spent batteries will obviously have an environmental impact and produce plenty of Co2. Is that impact greater than the small advantages gained? The UK government and the British media would certainly like to know and as a result have asked Toyota to supply them with the figures. As of yet Toyota have not been forthcoming.
With all this in mind, BMW will no doubt continue to refine their EfficientDynamics range, no doubt producing more and more frugal variants, with the gap already small does this mark an end to full blown hybrids? Only time will tell.
Dave Foord is the content writer for Broker4cars. If you are looking for economical cars make sure you take a look at the new BMW 1 Series EfficientDynamics or the new Toyota Prius.
Silverguard Car Covers for Your BMW
Who don’t want charming car exteriors? However, desiring appealing car exteriors and ultimately having such a look are two different things. If you want neat and clean look for your car that is dent free and showroom new, you need to get the effective car covers such as Silverguard car covers.
Our vehicles have to suffer lot of abuses and varieties of hazards. Dirt, water and rain, moisture, snow, heat, extreme weather, storms and UV rays that cause severe damage to the paint finish of your car.
Once the exteriors are damaged and discolored, repairing dents may prove a costly affair. Worse, no amount of patch up work can return the lost appeal of your vehicle. So, what is the solution? When it comes to keep your vehicle always shining, getting quality car covers becomes crucial.
There are certain basic aspects that one needs to consider when it comes to get effective protection for your vehicle. These include the quality of material used and the fitting. The material used must be strong and soft. The strong car covers will last long and Prevent hazards effectively. The car covers also breathe properly. Breathability allows trapped moisture to escape and prevents rustdamage.
The perfect fitting is also very necessary. In order to prevent hazards, every part of car exteriors must be covered completely. Only the car covers that are precisely made for your vehicle can provide such fitting. Custom car covers are made according to the size and shape of your vehicle. Therefore, regardless of the year, make and model of your vehicle, custom-fit car covers are available.
So, whether you own a BMW or Mercedes, car covers are available for all. There is a wide range of quality car covers available for different situations as well.
Whether you are looking for indoor car covers or outdoor car covers, with custom made car covers you have an opportunity to select the best suitable custom fit car covers along Silverguard car covers, Mosom Plus car covers, Triguard car covers, Stormproof car covers and Coverbond-4 car covers among others.