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Emissions-Free Foundry now online

BMW’s Landshut plant will soon be the world’s first foundry with emissions-free sand core production. This light-alloy foundry is introducing a new sand core production method for gravity die-casting, when organic binders will be replaced by highly eco-friendly inorganic binders, which in turn generate no pollutant emissions.

The foundry uses these to produce aluminum crankcases and cylinder heads for 6-cylinder diesel engines across their entire line of vehicles. In addition to the environmental benefit, this process also has economic and ergonomic benefits. The strength of the components are enhanced, resulting in a more durable product.

“We will be able to fully amortise the investment in tools and equipment, along with our development costs, in the space of just a few years at most thanks to increased productivity, and thanks to savings on tool maintenance, tool and workshop air extraction systems and waste air treatment systems,” says Dr Wolfgang Blümlhuber, head of the BMW light-alloy foundry.

Working conditions have improved as well, with a simplified process free of harmful waste. Productivity, in turn, has increased 10 percent as well, making this an impressive start down the road to complete decommission of emission-producing parts and processes.

The new BMW X1 is BMW’s answer to a compact premium Sport Activity Vehicle. This unique 4-cylinder, which is also available as a diesel, offers plenty of room for 4, excellent fuel efficiency and typical BMW performance, not to mention how well the available panoramic glass roof opens up a sense of both motion and airiness.

The BMW X1 will be arriving shortly in South Florida and should make a splash with both its amazing versatility and incredible value.

What do we know about the 2011 BMW 6 Series? For one, we know it will be arriving in three different styles: the Coupe, the Convertible and the M6. It will be slightly wider and longer than the current generation, and develops an evolutionary take on the current 6 series’ sporty style.

The current trunk design is revised in favor of a more streamlined design. Overall, the new 6 will have shorter overhangs and lower roofline, giving the BMW 6 a more athletic look. Inside, there is more legroom for passengers, a sportier cockpit and a more ergonomically-designed driver’s layout.

What it looks like so far is that this coming BMW 6-Series Coupe and Convertible will be an evolutionary build upon the already appealing 6 platform in both styling and performance. The BMW North American CEO Jim O’Donnell claims it to be “the best looking BMW yet”, and we believe him.

Choosing the best generation of BMW for your needs.

The BMW CPO Program Impresses Respected Automotive Journalists

When a Car and Driver editor recently purchased a used BMW CPO vehicle, he was impressed enough to give it a full two-page spread in his magazine. What makes the BMW Certified Pre-Owned program so effective as to be newsworthy? Maybe it’s the sharp scrutiny a vehicle must undergo to become one. Maybe it’s the peace-of-mind generated by the required extensive examination by factory-trained technicians. And maybe it is just our attention to detail.