Why is the M2 a Game-Changer for BMW?

Every so often, a car comes along that changes the global automotive landscape. Many industry experts are saying that the BMW M2 Coupe, which is racking up staggering sales all over the world right now, is that car in 2016. Read the full article here...

BMW & Mercedes-Benz hiring experts to compete with Google

German premium car makers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are hiring software experts in a bid to compete with tech firms including Google and Uber, in the race to develop the first self-driving car. Big Motoring World reviews the move and what it could mean to future car technology.

Premium Technology

Experts in software are suddenly in high demand in the automotive industry, with the battleground for the world’s self-driving car becoming ever more competitive. The main issue for automakers is that cars need lines of code to connect electric car motors to batteries, talk to smartphones or activate brakes when a radar system detects an obstacle ahead. 

The premium features such as autonomous driving and car-sharing will be able to be matched by BMW and Mercedes with new expertise, which would otherwise have not been possible.

Jobs

Companies are also in the process of buying others’ maps and technologies in a way of monopolising the premium automotive industry, which should increase jobs across the globe. In August, German automakers paid Nokia £2.5billion for their maps.

BMW’s workforce increased by more than 6% at the end of June from the same time last year, with plans to further increase before the end of 2015.

Malcolm Earp, chief executive at Magma People, a specialist automotive recruitment company, explained the changing emphasis in the industry to Economic Times India: "What car companies are doing is hiring people generally from outside automotive. Some companies a few years ago didn't have a connected car department. They all have that now.”

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews BMW 525d Touring

The BMW 525d Touring is as impressive in stature as it is in terms of performance, with typically German efficiency partnering endurance and power. Big Motoring World reviews the driving experience.

Performance

The vast bonnet is intimidating and suits the style of the car, which has impressive, sustained power and hits a top speed of 155mph, with 46.3 miles per gallon – the fastest car of the range.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine has the best of both worlds – its advanced aerodynamics make it astonishingly silent, then the engage Sport mode kicks in the grunt sound of the engine which sounds spectacular.

A muscular 630Nm of torque means rapid acceleration is only a twitch of your right toe away and the BMW is a superb tool for safe, stress-free overtaking.

Practicality

There’s plenty of headroom, and there’s enough space for adults in the back. For a machine that weights nearly two tonnes, the economy is good when handled correctly. The automated gearbox mean it can cleanly switch gears at a moment’s notice. The boot size is also spacious, with 560 litres, whilst the 60:40 seats can be folded in a moment’s notice for extra space.

Extras

With elite cars, much of the problem is in juggling all of the extra, often unnecessary technology. But in the case of the BMW 525d Touring, it all fits into the driving experience seamlessly.

The interior is well-finished, in line with its elite driving experience, and the technology on the dashboard with engaging graphics and a regular layout.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews 2015 BMW 3 Series 318

Big Motoring World reviews the new BMW 3 Series 318i, which sports the same 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine as the BMW i8.

With a sportier design, BMW has re-released the 2015 3 Series with a new generation of engines and high-class technology.

Design

With a BMW 3-Series, you know what to expect from the design. Adjustments for this model include moderated front headlights, stronger suspension, 10mm drop in ride height and comfier seats inside – there are five seats too. The boot has 480 litres of capacity with five passengers, or the back seats can be folded to allow for even further room.

Performance & Handling

The engine is a 3-cylinder with a small turbo, producing 136hp and hitting 60mph in just less than 9 seconds from a standing start. Torque is also rated at 220Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission is an additional add-on, benefitting from GPS assistance which allows it to select an appropriate gear depending on the road ahead. Impressively, it will downshift to a lower gear as you approach a roundabout or upshift early if you’re approaching a long section of road. As with all 3-Series’, handling is fantastic but in particular it is perhaps sharper than previous models.

Technology

The car also includes two-zone air con, keyless engine start, Bluetooth and BMW’s new ‘Professional sat-nav’ with 6.5-inch screen. The iDrive control is included and it includes a full suite of electronic safety aids with dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and a crash sensor that switches on the hazard lights. It also unlocks the doors and cuts off the batteries.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews hybrid BMW i3

Big Motoring World reviews the sustainable, silent and quirky BMW i3 – the latest hybrid to be released by the German automaker which is taking the market by storm.

The beauty of a hybrid, aside from its flawless efficiency and low carbon emissions, is its silence on the roads. Rather than just a show-off for the latest technology and engineering, it’s a serious proposition which continues to bridge the gap between fashion and efficiency. The i3 is sensible, practical and ideal for city driving. It’s seriously light with its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic frame.

Range

Much has been said about the practicality of a hybrid for longer journeys, as you need to be charged up and in range of power. The battery doesn’t last as long as a petrol engine – however, the changeover to the two-cylinder range-extending petrol engine is seamless. The engine takes nine litres of petrol, so it’s compact but gets you through the rest of your journey and keeps the weight of the car to a minimal. And the dashboard will keep you right up to date with all the information you require in a prompt, efficient manner.

Interior

Of course, this vehicle is all about travelling light so it’s compact inside but there’s plenty of style and substance in the cabin. A slick leather interior is naturally tanned with an olive oil leaf-based agent, with a wooden dashboard complementing the latest technology.

BMW

BMW is going big on electric and this car is right up there with the best they’ve released to date. As well as its efficiency and stylish look, the power is incredible as it goes 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds. It also hits a top speed of 93mph – what more could you need?

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Good news for BMW regarding Chinese market

China’s decreasing market for BMW isn’t all bad news for the German car manufacturer, as Big Motoring World reviews.

Reallocation

BMW say they have reallocated vehicles which were initially intended for China and other emerging markets. They have been moved to prospering markets such as the USA and UK, which will increase competitiveness and higher incentives in our shores.

It’s particularly good for the USA which currently has a strong dollar, creating attractive marketing conditions, as China’s car market slows – last year the country accounted for 22% of BMW’s overall sales. This won’t necessarily have a negative effect on the manufacturer as a whole.

Growth

Chinese sales rose in the second quarter of 2015 and sales for BMW are expected to rise in the second half of this year, recouping some of the loss from lower sales earlier this year.

BMW were prepared for the slow start to this year, slowing Asian production at the back end of last year which enabled them to focus on the European market and America – countries where sales continue to strengthen.

“Competition is increasing in the US. The strong dollar is creating attractive market conditions,” Friedrich Eichiner, chief financial officer, told reporters. “Every manufacturer wants a piece of the cake.” And BMW are set to share a large slice of the cake with an increased market share and output in the US.

The German premium carmaker attributed the decline in sales to expenses for new product launches and a higher volume of compact cars sold — which have lower margins. Net profit for BMW was €1.75bn.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews the modified BMW i3 which is controlled by your mind

Experts have modified a BMW i3 electric car so it can be driven remotely using just a person's thoughts, but could this really be the future of driving? Big Motoring World reviews the science behind this phenomenon.

What does it do?

Whilst it may be hard to believe, you can control this car with your mind and Money Super Market have evidence to prove it. The car, which was developed by the price comparison site for its ‘Car Insurance Epic Mind Drive project’, was seen in a demo being navigated around a curved track using only human brain waves.

The i3 is controlled by an electroencephalogram (EEG) neuro headset, using sophisticated software algorithms to translate brain signals into driving commands. With this innovative design a telematics box can be used inside the car to measure how well the car is being driven and the thought processes you apply whilst at the wheel.  

How did they do it?

The specialist mechanics replaced the driver's seat with a mechanical rig that was capable of turning the steering wheel and pressing the pedals on command. They then fitted the drivers with the EEG neuro headset to monitor their brain activity.

Before users can drive the i3 using nothing but their mind, they need to train the headset. Once the software understands their thought patterns, it can then wirelessly transmit them to the car. To do this drivers must associate a specific mental image with each manoeuvre or action you wish the car to take. For example, the software can be trained to associate a person thinking about a banana with turning right. Every time that person thinks of the banana their brain signals will be the same, so these signals can be translated into commands.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World Reviews New BMW Water Technology

Big Motoring World reviews BMW’s new Direct Water Technology, believed to increase efficiency and performance of the cars’ engines.

How does it work?

A seven-litre water reservoir is mounted in the engine bay, with levels fed by condensation from the air conditioning unit which would otherwise have been wasted. Once the engine is up to temperature and a certain point in the rev range is exceeded, the water is used either as a fine spray into the inlet manifold, or into a high-pressure pump which mixes with fuel to form emulsion.
From that, the emulsion is then directly injected into the cylinder during compression. The spray is so fine, it evaporates before the crucial combustion phase. This means that it works as a secondary cooler as it takes in the air before combustion. BMW claims that at least 70oC is reduced; it’s like driving on a cold winter’s day all-year-round.

Future plans

DWI technology is currently only specifically for forced induction petrol motors. It has a particular benefit to cars that undergo high-load situations regularly and can be susceptible to knocking. BMW also says that 80% of their customers worldwide would never have to refill the DWI reservoir; the air conditioning will provide enough fluid for almost all of its uses.

Verdict

The Direct Water Injection technology in BMW’s 1 Series DWI prototype appears to have real potential for boosting the efficiency and performance of the engines; another forward-thinking move from BMW.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. It had its most successful month of trading in its history in July. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

BMW plans to sell only electric cars by 2025

Big Motoring World reviews BMW’s plans to sell only electric cars within ten years. The German automaker has dedicated a lot of time, money and workforce to Project i, which is dedicated to building fuel-alternative vehicles.

The factories used are eco-friendly and equate to a large part of BMW’s current model range.

Electric Power

The planned cars would still use a small gas engine to generate the electricity and extend the range of the batteries, but the main power of the vehicle would come from separate electric motors for the front and rear wheels.

Part of this decision has been forced by restrictions set by the EU on carbon emissions, whilst BMW’s hybrid and electric cars have also seen success in the current market. Celebrities including Steven Spielberg, Don Cheadle, James Cameron and Zooey Deschanel have all shown their eco-friendly mind-sets this year by driving electric cars.

BMW Project

And BMW’s first two cars from Project i, the £28,000 i3 electric and the £86,000 i8 supercar, have been successful on the market. The i3 is currently the fourth-best selling electric vehicle in the US.

Mercedes-Benz are also jumping on the electric bandwagon with a new SUV, the GLC, to be released later this year. The model was released earlier this year but will now be joined by a hybrid version.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews BMW range-extending hybrid

BMW is a proponent of fuel cell technology for the future. Automobilwoche, the German car review website, is reporting that the German automaker is developing a model that can travel an incredible 706.2 miles per gallon (mpg). Big Motoring World reviews the latest technology in production for the i Series.

Design

It’s set to be a four-seater made from carbon-fibre with a reinforced plastic body, which has an ultra-low drag coefficient. That’s a large contribution to the weight loss over the previous model – an impressive 2,645 pounds. By comparison, the BMW i8 weighs 3,455 pounds and averages 28 mpg when its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is operating. So this new model is clearly built for efficiency and speed.

Power

While it appears this won’t be a fully electric model, the range-extending electric vehicle will use a two-cylinder gas engine to generate power for an electric motor which will have priority for cruising. The combination will reach a top speed of nearly 112 miles per hour.

Verdict

This model is only in development form yet so won’t be in production for some time. But this does prove that BMW is continuing to be innovative and is sure to learn a thing or two from this engineering. The features will surely trickle into future i Series cars.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews a classic: BMW E34 M5

The BMW M5 is an all-time classic, no doubt. Big Motoring World looks into why it was - and still is - successful.

The E34 M5 was the last of the six-cylinder M5s by BMW, and to car connoisseurs it’s arguably the best of the lot. The E28 created the template for the modern-day performance carry-all, whilst the E34 moved it forward.

Usability

For its era, the early 1990s, the E28 seemed pretty much perfect. But BMW made things even better with the 3.8-litre upgrade to this M5 in 1992. This featured a 3795cc engine with an upgraded engine management system, plus revised suspension. There was also an increase in safety and security, which was followed by a six-speed gearbox in 1994.

When maintained properly, this car can clock up in excess of 200,000 miles. Some models had leather in grey or black, whilst others used cloth – both last extremely well and when scrubbed up, your car will look like it has been around for two years rather than two decades.

Verdict

The BMW M5 E28 is a bargain for a performance car and can be picked up for less than £4,500. No other car offers this level of usability, build quality and dynamic prowess for that sort of money and the engine sounds phenomenal.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World Reviews the BMW 4-Series convertible

Summer is upon us, so what better time to purchase a new BMW Convertible? Big Motoring World reviews the 4-Series Convertible and its qualities.

Cruising this summer

The BMW 4-Series convertible was released on the back of the highly-successful 3-Series, which proves there is a market for this sort of model. It uses the body and interior of the new 4-Series coupé, replacing its fixed roof with a clever three-piece folding hard top.

In recent years, trends have turned from the folding tin-tops towards more traditional fabric roofs, deemed to be quieter and safer. They are also typically heavy and bulky, but this BMW combats that with a slim backend which maintains a sleek, balanced model.

The car is fast and gloriously smooth, with a range of engines and specs on offer depending on your driving styles and tastes. The most economical option is the 420d, while the most powerful is the 435i.

Interior

Inside, the roofed and the roofless are identical, premium models. Leather is flowing through the interior, with a high emphasis on technology to help with navigation systems and other gadgets to enhance your driving experience.

The full rear camera helps with the parking element, with various sensors and features available to enable you to drive in comfort in style.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you. 

Success of BMW 1-Series – Big Motoring World reviews

The BMW 1-Series is now one of the most popular cars in the UK. Big Motoring World have plenty of in our showroom, and we review this year’s model.

New model

The model was due a facelift this year, but sensibly the manufacturer has just slightly touched up the previous model – one of the nation’s favourites – for the new BMW 1-Series 116d ED Plus.

BMW decided just to give it a few tweaks on the exterior – revamped lights at the front and rear, a lower apron at the front and a slightly reshaped kidney grille. Inside, it is as well finished as ever, with high gloss black, brushed aluminium and contrasting colours.

Efficient engine

There are four petrol engines to choose from; two 1.6-litres upgraded from previous generations, a 2.0-litre and the rather amazing 3.0-litre that powers the M135i. Alternately, there are five options on diesel engines including the amazing 1.5-litre in the BMW 116d ED Plus.

The ED stands for Efficient Dynamics – it produces an average 83.1mpg and a mere 89g/km of Co2 emissions which means efficiency is on point once again. With plenty of punch, the efficiency does not take away the performance and it has a starting price of just over £22,000 for the three-door model. In our showroom, we have second-hand BMW 1-Series available from around £6,000.

Other Features

The sat nav comes with free map updates for the first three years, with internet connections inbuilt meaning you can pack it full of whatever technology you require. It’s got real-time traffic information and a library of 25 million songs, so whatever your driving style you are sure to be cruising in comfort.  Safety is paramount and has had an upgrade too. There are more sensors on the car and a few other additional safety features.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Welcome to Big Motoring World Reviews

This is the new blog site for Big Motoring World Reviews. This is where Big Motoring World posts its latest reviews and news on Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars. We look at new and old cars, reviewing them from our own experiences and professional knowledge. Any news or review to read on BMW and Mercedes will be posted here, as well as our review site www.bigmotoringworldreview.co.uk

Based in the heart of Kent, we have over 20 years' experience in pre-owned car sales and services. We have a fleet of around 2000 second hand cars across the company so we are definitely able to help you pick your perfect vehicle. It's literally like shopping in a BMW and Mercedes supermarket.

We understand how difficult it can be to try and find the car you want at an affordable price, so our team can use specialist knowledge and experience to find the perfect fit. We offer flexible financial packages too, so it's on your terms. And when you drive off in your new car, our service doesn't stop. We have a team of highly skilled professional technicians at our MOT centre with the latest diagnostics equipment to help get you back on the road quickly if you do break down.

So what are you waiting for? Come down and see for yourself what a great set of cars we have on offer!