BMW Archives

BMW iX3 SAV joins the BMW EV line-up in Malaysia; deliveries start in 2022

Following the launch of the new BMW iX in Malaysia two months ago, BMW Malaysia today announced the addition of the iX3. The iX3 is available in two versions with rather interesting names – Inspiring and Impressive – with pricing starting from at RM335,800 and RM354,800, respectively, without insurance. The prices include BMW Service & Repair Inclusive – a 5-year Extended Warranty and 6-year service package – as well as the Power Package which comes with the BMW i Wallbox and BMW Standard Charging Cable. Like the iX, the iX3 can be booked now but deliveries will only start in 2022.

Both versions have the M Sport package as standard which gives a more expressive appearance to the fully electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). Besides M Sport specific items and High-Gloss Shadowline, the iX3 Inspiring has standard features like LED adaptive headlights with high beam assist and 19-inch alloy rims for the Inspiring version. The Impressive version has the more advanced BMW Laserlight and larger rims, along with a Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon 464W audio system with 16 speakers and the unique BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The 210 kW/400 Nm electric motor, located at the rear, is powered by an 80-kWh lithium-ion battery which is claimed to be able to provide a range of up to 461 kms. Like an internal combustion engine, range depends on how you drive and where you drive but even half that number would be sufficient for daily use. The range might be shorter if you constantly go from standstill to 100 km/h in the claimed 6.8 seconds or travel close to the top speed of 180 km/h (electronically limited).

When using DC fast charging at rates of up to 150 kW, 80% charge can be obtained within 32 minutes, while AC charging at up to 11 kW will require about 7.5 hours (typically overnight) for a 100% charge. The battery pack has a separate warranty of 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms.

All the SAVs distributed by BMW Group Malaysia will have Vernasca leather upholstery and sports seats with various choices of colours and stitching as well as interior themes colour matched to the exterior finish. Different authorised dealerships will display different versions so if the one you see at the showroom is now what appeals to you, then you can go to BMW Shop Online to see the other choices available.

As with all BMWs, the safety systems are advanced with the Driving Assistant Professional suite as standard to help the driver avoid accidents. There’s also a Surround View Display and parking assistance systems to make parking easy and precise. Because an EV runs almost noiselessly, there are regulations in some countries that require some sort of noise to be generated to ensure pedestrians are aware. BMW has installed in its EVs an Audible Pedestrian Protection system which gives off a whining sound at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

“The arrival of the First-Ever BMW iX3 is made especially significant with these distinct variants that provide our loyal customers and fans of electric mobility in Malaysia the ‘Power of Choice’ – without compromising on power, performance or safety. Alongside our upcoming fleet of new BMW i vehicles, the First-Ever BMW iX3 is set to spur a new generation of Electric Vehicle owners in Malaysia, as the all-electric SAV presents a wealth of possibilities with its all-rounded qualities in innovation and design language to make the Electric Premium Ownership Experience even more enjoyable,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

SpareXHub having ‘RM3 for 1’ campaign for BMW, Mini and Volkswagen genuine parts

It’s always good to use genuine parts when there is a need to replace the various parts of your vehicle. These are parts which are made specifically for your vehicle by the manufacturer of the vehicle, or by a supplier that is approved to make what are known as OEM parts (‘OEM’ stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer). They are reliable and should have the same quality as your vehicle as the quality standards are usually high.

Sourcing and acquiring genuine parts for your vehicle is usually done at authorised service centres. However, it is an open market and many of the same parts may also be available at other places. They may also cost less but there is the danger that they may not actually be genuine. There are lots of fake parts and motorists are often warned to avoid using them as they can cause damage due to poor quality – or even worse, cause an accident if they fail.

Genuine, with discounted prices
SpareXHub was started with the aim of addressing the issues of ensuring that parts are genuine and also at prices which may be lower. Having made a name for itself as an e-commerce platform for the marketing of discounted genuine auto spare parts, SpareXHub is now taking the discounted bit to the next level with a campaign where customers stand to save thousands of ringgit on genuine parts for BMW, Mini or Volkswagen models.

Celebrating their 3rd anniversary this year, they are going a step further by offering any single part or component for just RM3 under the ‘RM3 for 1’ campaign. The condition is that the customer must prove ownership of the vehicle the item is intended for.

“The average BMW, Mini and Volkswagen has approximately 15,000 individual part numbers. Components deteriorate over time. Here’s a chance to pick a genuine part that was originally designed for your car and any minimise any risk with fitting lower quality aftermarket parts,” explained Devindran Ramanathan, SpareXHub co-founder.

Only for genuine vehicle owners
As the campaign suggests, customers will be eligible to purchase any single item from SpareXHub’s vast inventory for the three marques at just RM3. The reason why they must prove they own the vehicle that the part is intended for is to prevent speculators and resellers from abusing the campaign.

“Furthermore, customers will also be eligible to purchase the next part at a 90% discount provided they like the SpareXHub Facebook page and share it with no less than 3 other friends,” added Devindran.

The campaign runs from October 25 2021 to November 5, 2021. During that period, customers can log onto SpareXHub’s website and click on the ‘RM3 for 1’ banner. This will lead them to a form to book an appointment slot to view the item at their storage facility. It is essential that an appointment is made due to social distancing requirements required by the health authorities.

Appointments can be made for 10 am – 5 pm (weekdays) or 10 am – 1 pm (Saturday). The SpareXHub facility is located at 12C, Hedgeford Innovation Park, Jalan Tandang, 46050, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. You may look up for Aramex Jalan Tandang on Google Maps or Waze.

For more information, visit www.sparexhub.com or contact Devindran Ramanathan personally at +6019-241 1471.

BMW iX Configurator allows customers to personalise their all-electric SAV easily

Those who are planning to buy the new BMW iX can personalise it with a configurator provided by BMW Malaysia, allowing them to include add-on packages. The wide range of packages are available to customers who have already pre-booked their cars as well as potential customers who are planning to book the iX xDrive40 before October 12, 2021.

Introducing the BMW iX Configurator, Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said: “Providing opportunities for unique configurations of our next-generation BMW i vehicles is synonymous with our vision for the BMW i. In offering a fleet of powerful vehicles that are fully electric to our traditionally fuel-powered portfolio, we are also giving our loyal customers the Power of Choice to personalise their BMW vehicles according to their ownership needs – be it additional comfort, elegant interior fittings, or more safety and driving features, their options are open for the upcoming First-Ever BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive40 Sport.”

There are 7 packages to choose from, each package is individually tailored to enhance specific aspects of the driving experience for the new all-electric Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs). The packages are the Power Package, Design Package, Luxury Package, Iconic Package, Technology Package, Interior Upholstery Package, the latter having 2 premium upholstery options. Package prices range from RM3,020 to RM33,490.

With the Iconic Package, customers will also get the BMW IconicSounds Electric feature which generates an engine sound to match the driving dynamics, enhancing the emotion of the sports driving experience. IconicSounds is delivered through the audio system, and is tailored to 3 driving modes: Personal, Efficient and Sport.

The Luxury Package includes a Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge which becomes opaque or transparent at the touch of a button. This special effect is achieved by the alignment of liquid crystals in a film on the glass roof.

Pre-booking of the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport can be made on the BMW Shop Online platform with a fee of RM5,000. Customers who purchase BMW i models will enjoy a battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 kms, whichever comes first. Owners of any of the new iX models can opt to have a BMW 5-Year Extended Warranty and 6-Year Service package at a special rate of RM16,170.

To know more, visit any authorised BMW dealership or visit www.bmw.com.my.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Regas Premium Auto has a BMW 700 Coupe in its showroom

BMW has long been associated with sporty cars and even its well known advertising line – The Ultimate Driving Machine – emphasises that. To give the young generation an idea of how sporty BMWs were like in its earlier years, Regas Premium Auto is displaying a BMW 700 Coupe at the new Heritage section in its flagship dealership in Kuching, Sarawak.

Powered by a motorcycle engine
The BMW 700 is a legacy of Wolfgang Denzel, an automotive engineer and a distributor for the brand in Austria. Denzel worked with Italian auto-stylist and designer Giovanni Michelotti to design the vehicle concept based on the chassis of a BMW 600 at the time. Carrying over the proven chassis and suspension from the BMW 600, the all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission, as well as the bevel gear differential were also carried over, along with the flat-twin power unit – originally used on BMW motorcycles – that was increased in size from 600 to 700 cc. The concept model was approved in October 1958, which led BMW to produce both a Coupe and a Sedan variant.

On June 9, 1959, BMW revealed the new 700 Coupe in Munich, Germany. It drew attention from enthusiasts for maintaining the top speed and acceleration as its legendary predecessor – and this was even with more space but not extra weight.

The following year, BMW delivered more than 35,000 vehicles, with the BMW 700 accounting for some 58% of the brand’s overall revenues. Deliveries of the model totalled 190,000 units by 1965. It was in production for just 6 years but in the years that followed, it would become an iconic model in BMW’s history.

A model that saved BMW
“The BMW 700 Coupe is a timeless classic from the history of the BMW Group, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase this remarkable vehicle here at Regas Premium Auto. Interestingly, the BMW 700 Coupé features the brand’s first monocoque construction, and it helped drive BMW out from near bankruptcy in 1959. In turn, this model created a legacy in the automotive world for small, sporty premium vehicles that continues to be well-loved by many BMW enthusiasts, even 50 years after it was last in production,” said Gavin Tay, Dealer Principal at Regas Premium Auto Kuching.

Kuching, incidentally, is where the first BMW (the first generation of the 3-Series) was assembled in Malaysia in the early 1980s. It was assembled at the Sarawak Motor Industries factory until 1988 when the distributor and importer changed to Sime Darby, which established Auto Bavaria to handle the German brand. The BMW 700 Coupe on display, if not imported privately, was probably sold by Asia Motors, which handled BMW at that time before taking on Peugeot and Mazda.

BMW Art Cars now available for viewing from anywhere in the world and with AR too

BMW i Vision Circular Concept demonstrates how the ‘circular economy’ can be used for automobiles

Scrapping cars at the end of their useful life has been a common practice for decades. The metal and plastic parts that can be extracted can be reused for other goods – but not necessarily cars again. BMW thinks that cars of the future should be made from nearly 100% recycled materials. This will support the idea of a ‘circular economy’, where materials are continually reused, rather than discarded at the end of a single product’s lifespan, as in the conventional linear economy.

To demonstrate how the circular economy can be applied by the auto industry, the carmaker built the i Vision Circular concept which is a compact EV that might be in use in 2040. Working with companies like BASF and the ALBA Group, materials like recycled plastics are identified as sustainable materials that go into the construction of the i Vision Circular concept.

The recycling approach applies to the all-solid-state battery pack which is also manufactured almost entirely using materials sourced from the recycling loop. It will achieve much higher energy density with significantly reduced use of the most valuable resources, especially rare earth materials.

BMW also used 3D printing for many interior components, which further helps reduce waste, the automaker noted. The process produces less scrap material, and whatever isn’t used can be fed back into the production cycle as raw material.

Circularity from design stage
“We gave thorough consideration to circularity from the outset during the design process for the BMW i Vision Circular. As a result, this Vision Vehicle is packed with innovative ideas for combining sustainability with a new, inspirational aesthetic – we call this approach ‘circular design’,” explained Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

The number of parts on the bodywork has been reduced as much as possible. Instead of having a chrome surround with bars, for example, the iconic kidney grille has been newly interpreted as a digital surface. Even the brand logo on the front end is engraved and the vehicle badge is laser-etched to avoid using extra add-on parts.

The surfaces below the windscreen are made from secondary aluminium. An additional sensor cluster between the two kidney elements groups together technological features, enabling simple disassembly within a single removable element. The bumper area further down is manufactured from recycled plastic with a sophisticated marbled surface.

Minimum parts and ease of disassembly
Having a small number of different mono-material groups with connections that can easily be undone is crucial for good recycling. For this reason, there are no bonded connections or composite materials and, instead, intelligent types of connection, such as cords, press studs and quick-release fasteners are used. A special socket wrench can separate the component parts joined by the fastener with a single rotation.

The tyres in ‘Vivid Blue Rubber’ are made from certified, sustainably cultivated natural rubber and have a slightly transparent appearance. Extra coloured, recycled rubber particles are added to the tyre compound for strengthening, creating an intriguing terrazzo effect and purposefully highlighting the reuse of materials.

The wheel rims are designed and manufactured with minimal materials use. Rim centres with maximum permeability provide brake cooling, while the more enclosed surfaces to the outer reaches of the wheels ensure the greatest possible aerodynamic efficiency. The wheels are fixed in place with a quick-release fastener at the centre of each wheel.

Only visible when looking from above, a narrow fin is integrated centrally in the rear section of the glass roof. It contains the communications and antenna technology, and provides information on the status of the vehicle (open/closed, charge level of the battery, etc.). It also integrates the high-mounted centre brake light.

Luxurious ambience with recycled materials
Inside, the i Vision Circular is also true to employing materials and production processes that are indicative of a responsible approach to the environment and its resources. But that does not mean it cannot have a luxurious ambience. For this, the interior designers carried out purposeful selection of materials. This involves using not just the right basic materials in the form of mono-materials but also clever new joining techniques for them which avoid the use of glue in order to ensure optimum suitability for dismantling and sorting at a later stage.

In order to minimise the amount of waste and offcuts, all components and materials will be manufactured to fit exactly using processes such as 3D printing. Any surplus material will be systematically fed back into the materials cycle.

The instrument panel is turned into a next-generation ‘phygital’ (a newly coined term that refers to turning digitality into a haptic experience) user interface. Here, it takes the form of a hovering, V-shaped sculpture that projects out into the cabin. At its heart is a 3D-printed, crystal body with nerve-like structures running through it, great visual depth and an enthralling lighting effect. This is where the vehicle’s “thinking” is visualised, allowing the user to see its intelligence at work.

The information area you would normally expect to find in a central information display is located above the instrument panel, at the bottom of the windscreen. This display area takes the Head-Up Display to a whole new level. All relevant information is projected onto the bottom area of the windscreen across its entire width. Driving displays for the driver can be found here together with communications functions and entertainment features for the passengers.

3D-printed steering wheel
The steering wheel forms a link between past and future at the same time as reducing the quantity of material and components. The rim has been 3D-printed from bio-based material, with the wood powder variant shown here giving the steering wheel a natural and warm feel. The unconventional, central positioning of the vertical spoke in gold-bronze adds a modern twist.

The display and operating surface below the windows visible on the outside of the car can be found on the inside too, forming a connecting element between interior and exterior. Here again, it extends back into the rear of the car and around the Hofmeister kink. Featuring the same crystal appearance as the instrument panel and ambient lighting, this element in the sidewall adds to the intriguing and mystical aura produced in the cabin.

BMW makes it clear that the i Vision Circular concept is not the basis or any future model. It has a range of next-generation EVs under development, referred to as ‘Neue Klasse’ (German for ‘New Class’) which may adopt some of the ideas from the sustainability-focused concept car.

BMW brand logo modernised with visual style of today to suit digital age

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Although the Malaysian government has not provided a ‘roadmap’ or formulated a policy that is appealing enough to investors, BMW Group Malaysia has gone ahead with its own electrification program, albeit in a limited manner. To date, it has introduced a fully electric BMW model (the i3) and also the MINI Electric, as well as a number of models with hybrid powertrains.

Now, the company which brought us EfficientDynamics is pushing ahead with electric vehicles by offering a new-generation of fully electric models which are under the BMW i brand. The upcoming EV portfolio will consist of the iX xDrive40, the iX xDrive40 Sport, iX xDrive50 Sport, iX3 and i4 eDrive40.

Milestone for BMW Group Malaysia
“The incoming fleet of electric vehicles from BMW i will present all the best possibilities of Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure to loyal BMW customers and EV enthusiasts alike in Malaysia, with no compromise. More importantly, it will also drive the All-New Sustainability Strategy for the BMW Group in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, MD of BMW Group Malaysia. “This is a milestone for the BMW Group, even more so for us at BMW Group Malaysia. We have been in the driver’s seat in accelerating innovation, awareness on new and sustainable technology for the automotive industry, shaping the infrastructure for premium electrified vehicles in Malaysia since 2015.”

The iX pioneers ‘Shy Tech’ which is a design principle used by BMW designers that has advanced technology integrated but out of sight, available when needed or explicitly desired. Additionally, the iX will also feature BMW IconicSounds Electric that adds the unmistakable sounds of BMW and BMW M models to the driving experience (bearing in mind that EVs run quietly).

BMW eDrive technology
The cars use BMW eDrive technology for the powertrains and are claimed to have up to 630 kms of range from a fully-charged battery pack. While that’s an impressive range, BMW Group Malaysia has also been working on expanding the recharging network around the country. It is rapidly expanding the BMW i dealer network to key cities across the country and DC Fast Chargers will also be installed at all BMW i dealers for public use to further accelerate the availability of charging infrastructures in Malaysia. Rapid-charging DC Chargers will be made available for quick on-the-go charging at selected dealerships nationwide.

The i4 is said to be epitome of the sustainable sports 4-door Gran Coupe, built with specific focus on electric driving dynamics from the outset. In keeping with its powertrain of the future, the i4 also has advanced styling. Its power output is equivalent to 340 ps which can propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds, while covering up to 590 kms before the battery pack is empty. Of course, like an internal combustion engine, how fast the ‘fuel’ is used up is dependent on various factors while driving.

Pre-booking now open
Pre-booking for the new BMW i models can be made on the BMW Shop Online platform with a fee of RM5,000. Registration of interest for the iX xDrive50, iX3 and i4 eDrive40 are also open on the official BMW Malaysia website.

Customers who purchase BMW i models will enjoy a battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 kms, whichever comes first. Owners of the any new iX models opt to have a BMW 5-Year Extended Warranty and 6-Year Service package at a special rate of RM16,170.

Extras for first 50 customers
Additionally, the first 50 customers to pre-book the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport will receive an exclusive pre-booking advantage. This consists of a complimentary Charging Installation and complimentary 1-year Public Charging Access. This offer will be available until September 22, 2021 (terms and conditions apply).

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,888 and RM5,478, respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

“We look forward to reigniting local interest and uptake for electromobility, in foresight of the much-discussed upcoming Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint. We have partnered with GreenTech Malaysia from the very beginning to grow the local charging infrastructure network as part of our key strategies to shift Malaysia towards a low carbon mobility future. Moving forward, we aim to give Malaysians the confidence to choose electric for their next – or even first – drive. In fact, there are more plans set to activate in the upcoming months that will encourage a positive reception of this future-focused way of mobility, of which we hope will also be strengthened by the upcoming revision of government policies towards electromobility,” Mr. de Visser added.

SpareXHub to hold surplus BMW, MINI and Volkswagen parts sale next month

SpareXHub, a Malaysian-based e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts will be organizing a 2-week long sale next month. The sale is for genuine BMW, MINI and Volkswagen car spare parts and there will be discounts of up to 85%. The sale will take place from September 1 – September 14, 2021 between 10 am and 6 pm (10 am to 1 pm on Saturday) at Aramex PJ, No 12, Jalan Tandang, Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya 46050 in Selangor.

New, original and genuine
All items offered by SpareXHub are guaranteed to be new and original but at discounted prices. This means that you can save money getting genuine parts (usually the best option for replacements) instead of aftermarket products by other companies.

*SpareXHub has a wide range of parts of many different brands and models, and all the parts are original as well as genuine.*

SpareXHub has over 2,500 BMW and MINI spare parts and 500 Volkswagen parts. These range from regular maintenance service items such as filters to body parts such as bumpers. There are also interesting genuine accessories if you want to enhance the looks of your car.

Brand experts can offer assistance
With more than 100+ years of experience in the team, SpareX can cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and car owners. Brand experts will be on hand to ensure you purchase the right parts for your car and provide you with the necessary knowledge, information and guidance.

*Brand specialists are on hand to provide assistance in selecting the right part as well as offer advice.*

Appointment required
All customer visits are strictly by appointment only. This means that prior registration and confirmation will be required. Once this is done, the organizers will be ready for your arrival and to ensure that all COVID-19 SOPs are strictly adhered to. Customers are encouraged to use the SpareX online platform and e-payment services for a more seamless process. Click on this Google form link to book an appointment slot.

For more information about SpareXHub or to find a part for your car, visit the SpareXHub website at www.sparexhub.com. You may also contact a representative of SpareXHub directly via Whatsapp at 018-205 0120 or via email at sales2@sparexhub.com.

Don’t overlook brake fluid when servicing your vehicle!

BMW Art Cars now available for viewing from anywhere in the world and with AR too

BMW’s famous Art Car Collection has been shown at exhibitions around the world (including Malaysia in 2006) and now it is also being presented in augmented reality (AR) for the first time, enabling people all over the world to digitally experience the rolling sculptures.

The move is in time for the 50^th anniversary of the BMW Group’s cultural commitment. The support for cultural institutions and artists around the world and, based on mutual appreciation and curiosity, BMW connects people all over the world.

To put the Art Cars in the digital universe, BMW teamed up with Acute Art which developed an app for the purpose. The Acute Art app uses cutting-edge technology that works best on high-end smartphones with the latest software. The supported devices are iPhone X or newer and Samsung Galaxy S8 or equivalent models. The app requires a phone with at least 4 GB of RAM and the Apple iOS 11 or Android 8.0 Oreo (API 24) operating system. It is free of charge for download from the App Store and Google Play.

Art Cars since 1975
On the initiative of the French racing driver and art lover Herve Poulain and in close collaboration with Jochen Neerpasch, then BMW Motorsport Director, the artist Alexander Calder was asked in 1975 to design Poulain’s BMW racing car. Since then, a total of 19 artists from all over the world have designed BMW automobiles of their time. They showed different artistic statements and reflected cultural and historical developments in art, design and technology.

The first BMW Art Cars will be accessible via the app are the ones done by Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975); Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3, 1989); Ken Done (BMW M3, 1989); Matazo Kayama (BMW 535i, 1990); Esther Mahlangu (BMW 525i, 1991); Jeff Koons (BMW M3 GT2, 2010); and John Baldessari (BMW M6 GTLM, 2016). The other Art Cars will be integrated into the Acute Art App every two weeks from today.

The app can be used to place them individually or as a group. For this purpose, the real Art Cars were scanned from numerous angles using the photogrammetry method and every detail of the artistic work and the surface of the car were recorded. The vehicles were then digitally put together to create a realistic AR version of themselves.

Part of BMW’s cultural commitment
“The BMW Art Cars are an essential part of BMW’s 50 years of cultural commitment. They are finally entering the digital world and are accessible everywhere and for everyone. I am thrilled to work with Acute Art as we both strive for innovation and cutting-edge technology. I can hardly wait to place the Art Cars in my living room and get behind the wheel of these extraordinary masterpieces!” said Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for customers, brands and sales.

During this year’s Art Basel in Switzerland, the BMW Group will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its cultural commitment with this interactive exhibition of BMW Art Cars in the Acute Art App. On September 21, in addition to the presentation of the BMW Art Car by Alexander Calder, guests will be invited to experience the BMW Art Cars in a specially created augmented reality area.

Winning design of BMW M4 GT4 livery contest on show at Pavilion KL this Wednesday

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Long wheelbase BMW 330iL M Sport available for purchase from today

Long wheelbase (LWB) sedans are not new but in earlier years, they were largely limited production cars, often extended by third parties (not the carmakers themselves). Generally, LWB cars were in the uppermost segment of the market as they were seen to confer more ‘status’. It was only in the 1980s that carmakers began to consider LWB variants as part of the range for a model.

BMW was one of the carmakers that saw a growing market for LWB sedans and E32 7-Series (1986 – 1994), it offered a factory-engineered and built LWB variant for the first time. However, this variant was intended for customers in the Middle East and Asia, where the owner typically sat behind and was driven around by a chauffeur. In Europe, even flagship models like the 7-Series were often driven by owners themselves who didn’t need the extra length or space for what was already a large sedan.

As economies grew, especially in China, demand for LWB models increased with more and more customers willing to pay extra for the additional status. With China being such a huge market, manufacturers like BMW were willing to special engineer variants for just that market as there was enough volume to justify the development costs. Often, when the LWB models were launched, the company would say that it was only meant for China.

Assembled in Malaysia
As distributors in other markets began to get more requests, BMW has changed the policy and sees enough volume to make LWB variants a part of the range for some models. This includes the 3-Series and now this has come to Malaysia in the form of the 330Li M Sport. And it is not imported from Germany (or China) as a CBU product either; it is assembled locally at the BMW facility in Kedah. Local assembly enables the price to start from RM277,164.22 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of the year.

Proportions maintained
In developing the LWB version, the designers have maintained appealing proportions even while extending the wheelbase by 110 mm compared to the standard version. This allows the overall body length to increase to 4819 mm which is also 110 mm longer than the standard body. The increase provides an extra 42 mm of legroom for the rear passengers.

The kidney grille of the 330Li M Sport is suitably sized for the car, with black struts distinctively framed in chrome. Flanking the grilles are Adaptive LED Headlights which will vary their intensity automatically depending on traffic conditions at night.

Besides the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, the exterior features M Aerodynamics and M Sport Packages, 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 848 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres, double-sided exhaust tailpipe finishers with a trapezoidal design in the rear, as well as the panorama glass roof, and welcome lighting on both sides.

258 ps TwinPower Turbo engine
Although there is added weight with the longer bodyshell and chassis, the 4-cylinder 2-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine should still be able to maintain the same level of performance as it has an output of 258 ps/400 Nm. Accelerating through the gears of the Steptronic Sport transmission, the 100 km/h mark should be passed within a claimed 6.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed to be around 13.5 kms/litre.

The LWB variant of the 7^th generation 3-Series has the same suspension set-up (double wishbones/multi-link) as the standard wheelbase version. But it was not just a matter of lengthening components alone; the driving dynamics also had to be considered and suspension tuning revised to ensure a similar level of performance even with the additional weight and length.

Inside the 330iL
As for the interior, the 330iL M Sport gets interior trim finishers in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome around the cabin. The driver has an M leather steering wheel and M-specific foot pedals, with electric adjustment for the seat to easily get the right driving position. The Comfort Access System makes getting in and out easy. Boot space is 480 litres, improved with the storage compartment package that offers more stowage possibilities.

The infotainment, navigation and driver display systems are managed by the latest BMW Operating System 7.0. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional has a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel while the Navigation System Professional has a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

A new app for interaction
Owners can now have greater digital interaction with their car via the new My BMW App. This app provides easy access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. Intended to replace the BMW Connected App after this month, it is available for free download to smartphones from the respective Android and iPhone stores.

The new 330Li M Sport is available for purchase from today but for now, visits to showrooms are still not permitted under the FMCO. However, those who wish to start the purchase process can do so by making a booking at the BMW Shop Online.

Click here for other BMW news and articles.

2021 BMW 320i Sport with new BMW Live Cockpit Professional

The locally-assembled BMW 320i Sport has received an upgrade to advance digitisation in the car. This upgrade relates to the latest infotainment system – the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Priced from RM243,883.65 without insurance and with exemption of 100% of sales tax applicable (until the end of the year), the latest model is about RM4,000 more than before.

Larger displays and higher resolution
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, designed with a drive-focused orientation, provides a larger 10.25-inch full colour display with 1920×720 resolution. This is not only larger than the 8.8-inch display used before but also has higher resolution. The instrument display cluster is also enlarged, now using a 12.3-inch display in place of the previous 5.1-inch screen. The infotainment has BMW’s iDrive Operating System 7.0 with smartphone connectivity by Apple CarPlay.

The focused and fully-configurable display also features a minimalistic, uniform appearance that offers more space in the centre for navigation and other important information prioritised by the driver. The selected Driver Experience modes in Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro are also displayed with a consistent colour and visual treatment across the instrument cluster and centre display.

Counter-clockwise sweep for tachometer
As with some other models, the new instrument display’s tachometer (situated on the right side) has a counter-clockwise sweep for the pointer, starting from the bottom. This may take some getting used to as most drivers have long been used to both speedometer and tachometer having clockwise sweeps. Incidentally, the Peugeot i-Cockpit also has a similar display concept.

The fuel level, speed and engine temperature are presented in tube rings. Configurable functions and widgets include the sports scoreboards, driving data, fuel consumption and efficiency, as well as the g-force meter and radio or media playback.

For some, the new digi-graphic displays may not appeal as much as the traditional circular meters. There are pros and cons and there will also be a segment of drivers who have grown up with digital displays as part of their lives (from computer games) and will be fine with this change. One advance of digital displays is that they can be changed to suit personal preference, showing information which the driver considers more important.

Also included is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that with voice-recognition and voice-activation. The latter can be used to manage vehicle settings, navigation, and entertainment systems, starting with a simple ‘Hey BMW’ expression or an individual personal activation word that the driver can set. Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive offers Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices that will activate automatically if a serious accident occurs.

Engine specs unchanged
The technical specifications for the 320i Sport remain unchanged with the 2-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. With 184 bhp/300 Nm, the 320i Sport has a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds and top speed of 235 km/h. Various fuel-saving measures and technologies help to keep fuel consumption to almost 16 kms/litre, it is claimed.

“The hallmark of Sheer Driving Pleasure for the BMW brand, the BMW 3-Series is a remarkable sports sedan that we are proud to locally assemble here with all-new technological updates for our customers in Malaysia. Close to 2,000 units of the BMW 320i Sport have been delivered since its January 2020 release, and this success comes as no surprise for the best-selling premium sports sedan in Malaysia. This new addition serves to prove our consistent investments in the local automotive industry, in hopes to continue driving its recovery in the year ahead,” said Hans de Visser, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

As dealerships are closed during Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan, it is not possible for customers to view or test-drive the new model at this time. However, they can make use of BMW Shop online for more information and also to make a booking. For those who have already decided to get one, there’s a financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia with monthly instalments starting from RM2,708.00 (terms and conditions apply).

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