BMW Recalling 200,000 Vehicles in the U.S. Over Airbag Problem

Today, NHSTA announced that BMW is recalling 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. over concerns that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in the even of a crash due to a sensor problem. The models affected from the recall include the 2006 MY 3-Series, the 2004-2005 MY 5-Series and the 2004-2006 MY X3 SUV. According to NHTSA, depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks could develop in a seat detection mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags (with the exception of the head protection system) will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated. -Continued

BMW said that its dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall is expected to begin during late September 2008. The German carmaker also announced that it will extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit.

2009 BMW X3 xDrive: New Special Editions & Minor Revisions

BMW’s model update rampage continues with the presentation of the 2009 X3 that obtains the company’s new SUV/Crossover designations that were first introduced in the X6. As an example, the 2.0-litre gasoline entry-level model will now be designated “X3 xDrive20i”, and the most powerful diesel model will now bear the name “X3 xDrive35d”. Unduly complicated in our opinion –what’s wrong with using a simple name like X320i or X3 20i?

Name change aside, the 2009 model year X3 that goes on sale this fall features an updated interior with upgraded materials, new rotary knobs for the radio and the optional navigation system and a chromed handbrake button. Furthermore, BMW introduced two new special edition models of the X3 xDrive dubbed Lifestyle and Exclusive as well as adding new options in terms of paintwork colours, interior trim, alloy rims, and storage boxes. -Continued

In concern of the special edition models, the X3 Lifestyle gets 18-inch light-alloy rims in double-spoke design on the xDrive35d and, respectively, 17-inch V-spoke wheels on all other model variants. Inside, the Lifestyle edition features a leather steering wheel, seat upholstery in Pearlpoint/Pearl cloth/leather as well as the gearshift and handbrake lever gaiters finished in black.

This particular package is completed with interior trim in Space Grey metallic, with an alternative choice of four other trim variants. The X3 xDrive Lifestyle is offered with a new Space Grey metallic along with eight more colours

As for the X3 Edition Exclusive, it receives 18-inc alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design. In the cabin, among other things, the Exclusive features standard, sports and, respectively, comfort seats in Nevada leather, a leather steering wheel, armrests at the front, as well as interior trim in light burr walnut. Furthermore, the Edition Exclusive comes with xenon headlights, a headlight washing system, a rain sensor, and a lights package. Outside, the new colour Mineral Green metallic is exclusive to this Edition with an alternative choice of nine other paintwork colours.

Both Edition Models of the four-cylinder versions of the X3 are finished with kidney grille bars in Graphite metallic and feature an oval chrome tailpipe on the exhaust. In addition, both Edition Models may be further upgraded by BMW Individual features in the interior.

And if that isn’t enough, BMW also offers a new Comfort Package Plus as an individual option on both Edition versions of the 2009 X3. The package includes Servotronic steering assistance, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and a climate comfort windscreen, an interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function, the BMW Business audio system including HiFi loudspeakers, an additional storage package, and a ski-bag.

Depending on the model variant, the Comfort Package Plus starts at a price of €1,950 –don’t ask why… The prices of the new Edition Models range in Germany from €36,700 for the X3 xDrive20i Edition Lifestyle to €53,950 for the X3 xDrive35d Edition Lifestyle, and €39,650 for the X3 xDrive20i Edition Exclusive up to €56,050 for the X3 xDrive35d Edition Exclusive.

2011 BMW X3 SUV Rendering

Expected to make its first appearance in 2010, the new BMW X3 will build upon the success of the current generation model. This rendering that comes from the latest issue of Autobild magazine attempts to give us a first look of the compact SUV/Crossover’s appearance inspired from the larger X5. The second-generation X3 will also grow slightly in length compared to the current model and it will feature higher quality materials in the interior.

Another highlight is that the for the first time, the X3’s range will be enhanced with a hybrid version that will utilize the BMW, GM and Mercedes-Benz co-developed two-mode hybrid system that combines two compact, high-performance electric motors with an electrical continuously variable transmission (ECVT). With this system the X3 Hybrid will be able to be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units. -Continued

While today’s X3 is built under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria, BMW has already announced its plans to manufacture the new model at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, alongside the X5 and X6 models.

Link: Autobild – Thanks for the scan Mat!

BMW X3 Ad Makes Fun of American Truck Based SUVs

This BMW X3 TV commercial gave us a good laugh today with its overly sarcastic humor. It depicts a guy driving an American SUV (it looks like a GM model) who suddenly hits the brakes only to see the body of his vehicle flying away thus uncovering the truck hidden beneath it. Now if only we had to show you a countermeasure ad featuring the BMW X3 attempting to go off-road… –Video after the jump

2010 BMW X3 Rendering Speculations

The guys over at eGMcartech sent us this rendering of the next-generation BMW X3 that’s expected to go into the market in 2009 as a 2010 model. We won’t try to convince you that the next X3 will definitely look like this but we can tell you a couple of things that we managed to dig out from the BMW folks during our stay at the Frankfurt show. The new X3 will grow in size compared to the current model, as BMW will add the 1-Series based X1 in its SUV range. The X3’s engine line-up will continue to include 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder diesel and petrol units. In addition, the German carmaker will offer the X3 with its new hybrid powertrain that premiered in the X6 Concept at Frankfurt.

Rendering via: eGMcartech

BMW To Produce Next-Gen X3 In the US

BMW’s US-built car range will be extended with the addition of the next-generation X3 SUV according to the company’s CEO, Norbert Reithofer who announced the news at BMW’s annual general meeting today (May 15, 2007) in Munich. The current X3 is built by Magna Steyer under contract.

The Bavarian car maker currently builds the Z4 and X5 in the USA, and apart from the X3, BMW will also manufacture the forthcoming X6 crossover at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. "We will expand the production capacity of our US plant in in the medium term from the current 140,000 to well over 200,000 vehicles per annum. This is one element of our future strategy. Taking this step will help to lower our US dollar currency risk" stated Norbert Reithofer.

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