Classic BMW

BMW ConnectedDrive enables innovative incorporation of BlackBerry smartphones via Bluetooth - an internationally unique function available for all BMW models from autumn 2010.

 

As part of the ongoing expansion of office functions in BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW is now the first automobile manufacturer in the world to enable e-mail messages to be received inside the vehicle enabled by a Bluetooth connection. From autumn 2010, owners of a BlackBerry® smartphone made by the mobile phone manufacturer RIM (Research In Motion) will be able to access the phone's e-mail function via the operating system iDrive. A new Bluetooth interface to integrate the BlackBerry device into the vehicle enables e-mails to be received, displayed on the Control Display and even read out by means of an optional voice output function. With this innovative technology, the premium automobile manufacturer continues to extend its leading role in the integration of entertainment, communication and online functions in vehicles.

 

The new facilities for e-mail access tie in directly from the BMW ConnectedDrive office functions presented at the beginning of the year. Likewise unique worldwide, these allow not just call and contact lists but also calendar entries, text messages, tasks and memos to be transferred from compatible smartphones to the vehicle via Bluetooth interface. The relevant entries can be selected using the Controller of the iDrive operating system and shown on the Control Display. Even the picture file saved with a contact address on a mobile phone can be shown on the vehicle monitor. In addition, BMW ConnectedDrive also allows the music player functions of smartphones to be conveniently operated using the iDrive system. Incoming e-mail in the vehicle represents yet another milestone in the integration of modern smartphones. The new BlackBerry® Pearl™ 3G is the first smartphone from the BlackBerry smartphone portfolio that supports this functionality.

Like the functions previously introduced, e-mail access via Bluetooth also helps make the use of communication and entertainment options of modern smartphones in the vehicle convenient and safe. The operating system iDrive provides unique facilities for the simple, safe and intuitive control of all functions while causing minimum distraction from the road. For the first time, incoming and saved e-mails from the Bluetooth-integrated smartphone can now be retrieved and shown on the Control Display in just a few standardized operating stages. Relief of the driver is further enhanced with the optional voice output function. It can be activated at a single press of a button, the text of the e-mail is then read out loud.

The new e-mail function is available for all BMW models fitted with the navigation system Professional including mobile phone preparation. It will be offered in Europe and North America from autumn 2010.

Enjoy!

Two weeks ago Christiaan Conover and Tim Vincent began recording a BMW only podcast similar to Leo Laporte's This Week in Google & Macbreak Weekly shows found on the internet.   Conover (a blogger & car nut with a passion for all things BMW) and Vincent (owner and founder of Vincent Motor Sports, one of the fastest growing aftermarket car/truck/motorcycle parts dealers in the country) are the hosts of the show.  Using a "play-on-words" they named their podcast after the term "round table" but inserted the Roundel (BMW's logo).

The first podcast discussed BMW’s new “Expression of Joy” ad campaign, the 5 Series Gran Turismo, and the upcoming (rumored) 1M.

Last week they talked about the new Gran Coupe Concept, the 5 GT “Art Car”, BMW the most sustainable automotive company, and the Mini-E/MegaCity.

This week they asked Manny Antunes a Senior BMW Client Advisor at JMK BMW in Springfield, NJ and Ty Whiting, Classic BMW's business manager and social media manger to be on their panel.  We discussed the X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW’s new lineup of performance-minded cars, and some fun/interesting facts about BMW and their products you may not have known.

Click here for download info from Roundel Table's website.

Click here for the iTunes link.

For those of you who don't know what a "podcast" is, Wikipedia describes it as:

 A podcast (or netcast) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication. 

Ok, so what does that mean? It's similar to listening to a radio talk show but instead of tuning it on your car stereo, these pre-recorded files are either played on your computer or MP3 player.  Often listeners will go to the iTunes Store, download the file, and listen to it on their iPod. These same files can be accessed from the originator's website and downloaded from there.

Many listeners "subscribe" to their favorite podcasts so whenever a new one is released, they're notified so they can download the updated file.  Many podcasts are update weekly and, if you have iTunes, the new file pops up in your PODCASTS library automatically.  When you sync your MP3 player (or iPod/iPhone) the new show is ready to be listened to.  

Podcasts are very convenient because using the MP3 player connected through your vehicle makes your commute feel a lot shorter.  When you reach your destination you then stop the podcast.  The next time you drive (as opposed to a radio show) you pick up where you left off!

Most BMW's have an auxiliary jack where a MP3 player can be connected to play through your car's audio system.  If you have the BMW iPod/USB Adapter installed from the factory (or an iPod only adapter installed at our dealership) you can also control the iPod using the vehicles audio controls.  Contact us if you would like more info to have an iPod adapter installed on your BMW.

If you prefer, you can install our Classic BMW iPhone app to contact us easily for assistance as well!

Special low financing rates as low as 1.9% and lease incentives will be offered to returning BMW owners as well as current Audi owners wishing to join the BMW family.  This program is offered from April 1st to the 30th.  The current BMW or Audi does NOT need to be traded-in but proof of ownership like a current registration or insurance card needs to be provided.

Please contact Classic BMW for details!

Toll free: 888-439-8833  / DriveClassicBMW.com    

Live Webcast of BMW News Conference from the New York International Auto Show.

Tune in here for the BMW Press Conference.

Model Year 2011 535i Sedan: $49,600, 550i Sedan: $59,700

Model Year 2010 535i Sedan: $51,250, 550i Sedan: $60,600

More detailed pricing below.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 25, 2010…

BMW has announced pricing for the all-new 2011 BMW 535i and 550i Sedans. Including $875 Destination & Handling, the new 535i Sedan will start at $50,475, and the V-8 powered 550i will start at $60,575. The 535i receives BMW’s newest 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline, while the 550i will be powered by BMW’s reverse-flow 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Both will feature the new 8-speed automatic transmission.  Inspite of enhancements such as these, the base-prices for both models are lower than their 2010 predecessors. The 535i and 550i continue a tradition that is the hallmark of the ultimate driving machine – the option of a manual transmission, in this case a six-speed.  The option of a manual transmission has been a 5 Series tradition through all six generations since its introduction to the US 35 years ago. 

As on any other BMW vehicle, BMW Ultimate Service, $0 maintenance for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles, is included.

The all-new 2011 BMW 5 Series combines a whole new look, inside and out, with new powertrain options and even more cutting-edge technology. Design features emblematic of BMW are to be found at the front with its kidney grille inclined slightly forward.

When equipped with the Sport Package, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan includes Adaptive Drive, which encompasses Driving Dynamics Control, Electronic Damper Control, and Active Roll Stabilization. Optional Integral Active Steering will virtually extend or shorten the vehicle’s wheelbase for improved stability at high speeds and enhanced agility at lower speeds.

The top-of-the-range BMW 550i arrives with BMW’s “reverse-flow” V-8 engine featuring twin turbochargers and High Precision direct injection for maximum output of 400 hp. The new inline-6 of the BMW 535i features a single twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision direct injection, and, combined for the first time with turbocharging, VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology. It delivers a maximum output of 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. As noted, the 535i and 550i will be available with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission, BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission, or new “Sport Automatic” 8-speed. 

BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are featured in appropriate combinations on each model, including features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, a gearshift point indicator, active cooling air flaps, and on-demand operation of engine accessory drives. Lightweight materials are used to balance the vehicle. Components such as doors, hood, front fenders, and suspension assemblies are made of aluminum. 

The driver assistance systems offered with the new 5 Series include an all-new Parking Assistant, Top View cameras, and Frontal Collision Warning with application of the brakes when ordered with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go. Other driver assistance features available include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, a Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.

Package and individual option pricing is noted below. The all-new 2011 BMW 5 Series makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show and will arrive at US BMW Centers in June 2010.

Classic BMW is now taking orders for the 535i & 550i.  Contact us for details!

All-New 2011 535i and 550i Package and Option Pricing