No.1 in London for BMW & MINI
Contact Us
| bmw Blackheath | 08432 161 051 | more » |
| mini Blackheath | 08432 161 052 | more » |
| bmw Bromley | 08432 161 053 | more » |
| mini Bromley | 08432 161 054 | more » |
| bmw Enfield | 08432 161 055 | more » |
| mini Enfield | 08432 161 056 | more » |
| bmw Ruxley / Kent | 08432 161 057 | more » |
| mini Ruxley / Kent | 08432 161 058 | more » |
08432 numbers charged at local rate.
The Stephen James Blog
The Stephen James Blog » BMW News
BMW Assist
In a world that is ever becoming more and more technologically advanced year by year the Motor industry must keep innovating, BMW are renowned for there forward thinking and innovative automotive technology. As Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth is becoming more common place in the automotive world, BMW have gone a step further and created BMW Assist.
BMW Assist - Help when you need it most - supporting you in an emergency, guiding you in unfamiliar territory and enabling you to avoid traffic jams: BMW Assist provides reliable help in every situation, bringing you safely and quickly to your destination.
BMW Assist was launched in 1999 and has provided convenient information and helpful services for BMW drivers when they need it most. The ground-breaking telematic service is a system integrated in to the cars onboard Navigation and Bluetooth system operated via the onboard I-Drive control. It allows drivers to login via the I-Drive menu and connect through to BMW Service headquarters on which the operator has full details on the driver, vehicle status and location. This allows the driver to ask for specific points of interest, Local Amenities or literally anything that they require – i.e. Hotel and Restaurants on there destination. Once the operator has located suitable destinations they then send a message to the vehicle containing telephone numbers and address details which can be selected by the Satellite Navigation as a Destination, Allowing you as the driver to get you to your destination faster and more comfortably.
In the event of an Emergency the system sends an automatic signal to BMW Service immediately if the crash sensors in the airbags are activated so that the right help arrives on the scene faster.
In the event of a breakdown, BMW Assist activates the BMW breakdown service, connecting to Mobile Service and transmitting the relevant vehicle data. Your BMW Emergency Service will be by your side as quickly as possible, helping you get back onto the road.
Should you be driving on the German Autobahn network, BMW Assist also provides reliable and up-to-the-minute traffic information, thanks to a system of more than 4,000 sensors positioned along the motorways that measure traffic congestion and transmit the results in real time.
Any BMW Vehicle fitted with Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth Tele-matics can enjoy the benefits of BMW Assist free of charge for the first 3 years. A small fee applies thereafter. Please feel free to ask for a demonstration on your next visit to Stephen James and experience for yourself the great benefits of BMW Assist.
Posted on 23 April 2010 | 10:13 am — Read this on Blogger
The New BMW 5 Series Saloon Launch
This Saturday, the 20th March, Stephen James BMW will be holding four launch events at each of our dealerships in Blackheath, Bromley, Enfield and Ruxley.
If you are interested in coming along, why don't you click through to our 5 Series RSVP page to fill out our form.
Posted on 16 March 2010 | 5:07 pm — Read this on Blogger
New BMW 5-Series Saloon
BMW is pleased to announce the next chapter in the story of one of the most successful cars ever to have been produced. The new, sixth generation BMW 5 Series Saloon. The very first BMW 5 Series Saloon appeared in 1972 and every incarnation since then has raised the bar in terms of design, engineering or technology. The latest BMW 5 Series Saloon similarly sets new standards and is the first in its class to feature Auto Start-Stop, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a double-wishbone front suspension.
The latest BMW has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm, creating a greater feeling of interior space. Customers specifying the optional glass sunroof benefit from a larger roof panel that allows light to flood in highlighting the generous rear cabin. Inside, the cabin features many of the sporting but luxurious quality and comfort features found in the BMW 7 Series, the asymmetrically designed centre console, multifunctional steering wheel and the use of Black Panel technology. Black Panel technology integrates the centre console into the trim of the car. High-resolution electronic displays are visible when needed, but when not in use discreetly blend in to form an elegant black band across the interior. The BMW 5 Series Saloon features the highest ever level of standard specification for the model. All models coming with Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Radio and Bluetooth telephone preparation.3.jpg)
Buyers of the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be able to choose between three diesel powerplants (520d, 525d and 530d) and four petrol engines (523i, 528i, 535i, 550i) from launch. The 520d for example has a 1,995cc four cylinder diesel featuring the latest generation common-rail direct injection and turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which increases power and efficiency. Producing 184hp at 4,000rpm, the 520d accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.1 seconds before going onto a top speed of 141mph. Fuel economy is exceptional with a combined fuel consumption figure of 56.5mpg (54.3mpg)* and a CO2 rating of 132g/km (137g/km)*, making the BMW 520d the most efficient car in its segment.
Award-winning EfficientDynamics as standard
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon comes with an array of EfficientDynamics technologies. The BMW 520d is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop. All manual gearboxes will also come with an Optimum gearshift indicator to help drivers know when to change gear to optimise the car’s efficiency. Brake Energy Regeneration, which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run, is part of the 5 Series Saloon’s standard specification.2.jpg)
Posted on 25 February 2010 | 9:49 am — Read this on Blogger
The World’s First Sub-110G/KM Compact Executive Car
At the Frankfurt Motor Show (17-27 September), BMW presented the most fuel-efficient production BMW ever. The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics saloon is the world’s first premium compact executive saloon to achieve a remarkable 68.9mpg on the combined cycle with only 109g/km of CO2 emissions.
Why is 109g/km such an important figure?
In an effort to encourage people to drive more fuel-efficient cars, the government first introduced Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) bands based on CO2 emissions in 2001. Falling under 110g/km means that the new 320d ED now sits in VED band B – as such, owners pay just £35 a year in road tax. Companies purchasing cars under 110g/km CO2 outright can take advantage of a 100 per cent first year capital writedown allowance – improving company cashflow – while company car drivers pay just 13 per cent Benefit In Kind tax. The result? Significantly reduced running costs for business drivers.
How has BMW managed to achieve this?
The new BMW 320d ED has been developed using the very latest BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce the amount of fuel required to power the car. The four-cylinder diesel engine has been intelligently modified to run more smoothly at lower revs, working hand-in-hand with longer gearing to reduce fuel consumption. Lowered suspension and aerodynamic alloy wheels also reduce drag. Together, this package of enhancements increases fuel efficiency resulting in lower CO2 emissions.
Does this mean that performance now suffers?
Not at all. With BMW continually developing even greater EfficientDynamics technologies, the 163hp 320d ED accelerates from standstill to 62mph in just 8.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 137mph. Vehicles with similar CO2 emissions typically take at least two seconds longer to reach 62mph.
What features are available?
Specification is on a par with a BMW 320d SE and includes two-zone air-conditioning, rear Park Distance Control, BMW Professional radio, multi-function leather steering wheel, Extended lighting and a unique alloy wheel design. Moreover, the new 320d ED is available at no additional cost over the BMW 320d SE.
When will the new BMW 320d ED be available in the UK?
Following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the new BMW 320d ED is expected to be on sale in the UK from March 2010.
To register your interest in the forthcoming BMW 320d ED, please view our Stephen James 320d ED page to register your interest.
Posted on 22 December 2009 | 10:56 am — Read this on Blogger
BMW Unveils New Supercar Concept
When BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme was launched in 2007, it immediately raised the technological bar for competitors, providing drivers with a range of cars that not only offered enhanced performance over their predecessors, but also unrivalled fuel efficiency and significantly reduced running costs.
M3 performance, 99g/km CO2emissions
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, looks set to raise the bar higher still. Showcasing new advanced hybrid-drive technology, BMW’s trademark lightweight body construction and an ultra-aerodynamic design, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept delivers M3-rivalling performance with the fuel economy and the low running costs of a small car.
BMW’s latest concept is powered by a new diesel-electric hybrid system. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which will debut in the next-generation BMW 1 Series, works in tandem with two electric motors, one at the front of the car and one at the rear. This unique combination allows the Vision EfficientDynamics to accelerate to 60mph in just 4.8 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph: all this while returning a combined consumption of 75.1mpg and emitting a mere 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre – just a third of the emissions of the current M3!
Combined power
Capable of running on either the electric motors for up to 31 miles or the diesel engine for 400 miles, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is also capable of combining both power sources. The onboard management system can utilise the power from all three sources when short bursts of speed are required, such as when overtaking or accelerating from junctions. The car’s performance is further enhanced by design details borrowed from the BMW F1 Sauber team. For example, the A-pillars not only support the roof, they also channel airflow cleanly along the side of the car while a flat under-tray improves high-speed stability and further lowers drag.
Spacecraft technology
The resultant design (pictured) is more than merely efficient; the floating rear LED lights, transparent roof and dramatic glass panel gull wing doors are sure to turn heads. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is practical too; those doors allow access to two rear seats, which can be tilted forwards to increase storage space in the boot. A new thermo-electric generator (originally developed for use on spacecraft) situated in the exhaust even creates its own electricity from the car’s exhaust gases to power the air conditioning, electronic seat adjustment and power steering.
To find out more about BMW EfficientDynamics and BMW ActiveHybrid technology visit www.bmw.co.uk/efficientdynamics.
Posted on 11 December 2009 | 3:52 pm — Read this on Blogger