Other-BMW-Content

2014 BMW M5 and M6 to Receive Upgraded Competition Package

BMW is testing a new version of the F10 M5, which is expected to be launched this summer as a 2014 model. It will continue to be offered with its 560-hp, twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8, but there will also be an optional performance pack- called the Competition Package, which will consist of several upgrades to the current M5.

The output of the higher-performance M5 and M6 models will rise from 560 to 575 horsepower. In addition, both models should receive distinct wheels, black exhaust tips, a revised suspension which will be tuned in favor of a sportier ride with crisper handling, and a more direct steering ratio.

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BMW Alarm Goes Off? Hood Sensor Replacement

Is your alarm going off randomly? In most cases, your culprit is a small hood security switch in the engine bay that takes no more than a few minutes to replace!

Depending on which BMW model you own, you may have a ‘clown nose’ red light on your rear-view mirror. When you lock your car, this light should flash, every ~3 seconds or so. If the car thinks there is a fault in the alarm system (hood sensor failure) the light will flash rapidly, maybe 2 times per second or more immediately after locking.

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BMW Answers Tesla with a “Green” Supercar

Up till now, Tesla has had the market for high-end electric cars pretty much to itself. But that first-mover advantage is ending. BMW has just rolled out the i8, a plug-in supercar that will test just how much big spenders are willing to pay for a racer with a green badge. This real-life Batmobile starts at about $140,000, but availability is limited for now, and some sellers are asking well over $200,000 for the car.BMW says production should ramp up by next year. The i8 isn’t a full electric like the Tesla Model S, but a hybrid that has both an electric motor and a three-cylinder, twin-turbo gasoline engine.

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BMW at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

I’ve attended nearly ten consecutive showings of the Cleveland Auto Show, held at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Only last year did we decide to hit the Detroit show too, known as NAIAS, or North American International Auto Show. We took my Dad’s 2008 X530is, and it ended up being a really nice show. BMW showcased the F30 3-series in each of the three trims, the F10 M5, and i3 and i8 concept vehicles.

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BMW Depreciation: E30 M3, E36 M3, E39 M5. Andrew’s Thoughts.

As an automotive enthusiast, I am never content with the M5. There will always be a car that is more comfortable, there will always be a car more reliable, there will always be a car that is faster, and there will always be a car that is just better. However, at the price point E39 M5’s are at, it is a great do-it-all car. And that is why I keep it around.

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BMW E36: Bi-Xenon Headlight Retrofit

How do you get high intensity lighting for under $200 $50? Easy, peasy, lemon squeeze: all you need to do is retrofit your stock plastic lens E36 headlights with bi-xenon projectors. With some modification from a Dremel, razor blade, and a pry tool, you too can have HID lighting without resorting to a eat-ramen-every-night college-esque budget.

DIY on Andrew’s Channel

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BMW E39 Cup Holder Replacement DIY

Today I installed replacement cup holders into my E39 540i/6. The following is a quick tutorial on how to do the same to your E39!

Objective: Replace broken cup holders which no longer stay closed.

Applicable Vehicles:

1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5.

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BMW E39, E38, E46: LED License Plate Lights

An easy and affordable way to modernize the rear of your BMW is to update your license plate lights. Prior to ~2011, BMW had used very yellow and dim lights to illuminate the rear tag. These days they’re using significantly brighter LEDs that produce a very crisp and white colored light. I installed these lights into my 2000 M5, and have been happy with the results. They do NOT trigger a ‘check warning’ on the dash.

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BMW E39: Corner Sunshade Replacement

This article will detail the removal and re-installation of the corner sunshade on the rear doors of the E39 5-series.

Objective: This article will detail the removal and re-installation of the corner sunshade on the rear doors of the E39 5-series.

Applicable Vehicles: 1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5.

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BMW E39: Trunk Carpet Replacement

Today I installed very lightly used carpeting into the trunk of my 2001 BMW 540i/6. The carpeting that was in the vehicle was in very poor condition due to abuse and lack of knowledge by the previous owner.

Objective: Refresh the look of your trunk area.

Applicable Vehicles:

1996-2003 BMW E39 5-series: 520i, 523i, 525i, 528i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5.

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