Be a Better and Safer BMW Driver: Top 3 Things To Consider

 


















Have you ever been on the road that you felt irritated by some drivers with bad driving habits? Driving a BMW vehicle is without a doubt, a smooth and powerful driving experience. Enjoying the freeway effortlessly and getting to your destination without the hassle and bustle of car problems. Unfortunately, the road is open to anyone and that is where annoyance usually commence – the great road offenders.

For some reason, most drivers (not all though) are just overly confident with the vehicle they are driving that they tend to disregard traffic rules, or perhaps so arrogant to believe so much in their driving skills, or even conclude that with the latest technology features they have in their car can provide them absolute safety on the road. There are so many reasons as to the incompetence of a driver but we will not be concentrating on that in this article as they will only drive as crazy and lead us to madness.

Instead, let me show you the top 3 things that will make you a better and safer BMW driver:

Anticipation
When driving, you should not only think of what is in front of you. You should consider all aspects of what is happening on the road. Anticipation is key. Knowing what is ahead, at your back and on both sides will help you think and decide what to do next. Let’s say a car just suddenly glide through the road gap between you and the other car and the vehicle ahead suddenly steps on the break, you should be able to foresee the need to slow down if you have anticipated the flow of traffic. That being anticipated to happen ahead of time will not excite you to abruptly step on the brake and surprising others behind you and thus minimizing also the chances of you getting rear ended.

Attention
Always keep your attention on the road. The more attentive you are the more prepared you are to whatever comes your way. Attention means presence of mind, doing only one thing while on the road and that is to drive. Fiddling on things such as gadgets, cellphones, etc… is a no-no. Attending to calls can be done later, if not you can always go on the side of the road (if allowed of course) and answer it; but never do both driving and texting at the same time.


Communication
We have what we call “body language” when communicating with another individual, right? In driving, we can also sense that. If you see someone signaling or wanting to go to your direction, don’t block them. Imagine if you try to block them and they on the other hand would persistently get into the gap, the time and effort spent on braking and accelerating and trying to block them requires extra effort on your part as opposed to just giving in the way for them, right? To make matters worse, incidents like these oftentimes lead to raging tempers ending up in untoward accidents or detestable situations.

One way of communicating from one car to the next is the use of signal lights. It’s within your reach and anyone who is on the road understands it. We do not need to shout or be face to face with other drivers to relay our messages. By simply using the features in your car, we can have an excellent flow of traffic.

The secret to a better and safer driving is summarized into one, and that is being mindful to one another while on the road. With all the technology sprouting and all the features installed in our cars, we could say that driving nowadays is one easy and comfortable task to do. As a BMW driver, I make sure that all three things – anticipation, attention and communication are considered. Remember, our cars does not make us safe, it is us “the drivers” who makes safety and better driving experience possible.

8 Ways to Clean Your BMW Vehicle

Owning one of the top luxurious cars in the world requires car owners to execute proper cleaning method. BMW’s are known for its flair in style and design apart from its high performance quality; thus, regular cleaning is highly recommended. Cleaning your BMW vehicle by following some proper method does not only keep your car clean, shiny and looking new but promotes longer protection to your car’s exterior paint.

In this article you will discover some easy and simple ways to clean your BMW.

1. Do not just use any type of cloth and cleaning products in cleaning your car. Make sure to use 100% cotton waffle-weave or microfiber towel. Use a microfiber washing mitt also. To produce foam, use a high quality car washing shampoo or mild cleaners and pour it into a plastic bucket. Avoid using dishwashing detergent as it may damage your car’s paint and shine.

2. Before washing it, make sure that you park your car in a semi-inclined shaded area. And avoid exposing your car directly to the scorching heat of the sun will immediately dry up the water and cleanser.

3. Using a hose, spray your vehicle with cool water in a gentle manner. Wash your car in sections, starting from the top going down on both ends.

4. Prepare your cleaning solution using a high-quality shampoo and pour it into your plastic bucket filled with cool water. Start cleaning your car with the use of a microfiber towel and then rinse soap with clean water. You may repeat the process as needed.

5. Dry your BMW with care after the washing process. The drying process should be done right after washing it to avoid spot appearance and foggy looking exterior.  Start by wiping the tires and rims with a detailing towel. For the body, dry moisture using the microfiber or a 100% cotton waffle-weave cloth. Follow a strong straight line stroke from top to bottom and wipe your vehicle with gentle pressure.

6. Next is to apply a glossing product for maintaining a sparkling new look of your BMW. Again, make sure to use top quality glossing products.

7. For your windows, choose a high-quality window cleaner and apply a sealant to the glass if desired. Make sure to clean every section of your exterior window to make it look and appear clean inside and out.

8. For your BMW’s interior, you may use a vacuum to thoroughly clean the inside of your car. Wipe all section including the dashboard, instrument panel, console area and the interior windows. You may also condition your leather seat fabrics and regularly shampoo floor mats.

Keep in mind that cleaning your BMW section by section will ensure thorough and well-maintained vehicle for fresher and spectacular looking car. Aside from that, always take heed on the cleaning materials that you use. Never use cloth made from cotton or polyester blend material as they can cause scratches after. Pay attention also of the cleaning products that may contain harsh chemicals. Powdered shampoo is not recommended because the granules can also cause scratches to your car paint.


This post is written by John Mariani, owner of Bavarian Performance Group, a trusted BMW service in Boston. His passion with BMW is not limited to providing quality repair and maintenance to his valued clientele but also imparting to them great topics such as tips, updates and anything related to BMW.  

Image source: LondonCub1975

BMW High Mileage Maintenance Tips

Anything powered by an engine requires maintenance at some point. These include your BMW or any car for that matter. Suffice to say, keeping a close eye to these facts are vital if you want your car to function properly.

Keeping the high mileage of your BMW at its utmost performance is an easy task to do. Here are some important tips you should keep in mind:

1.      Spark Plugs are good indicators whether your engine is in good condition or not. Inspect your spark plugs regularly to find out about your engine’s performance. From that, you can also determine where the other problems are coming from. Checking it is more important especially if your car is over 100,000 miles.

2.      Spark Plugs Wire Sets should be tested first prior to replacement. If resistance is palpable, you are sure that your spark plug wire needs replacement.

3.      Distributor Cap and Rotator are both made of plastic and may wear down over time. Having said that, regular maintenance of these parts is vital with the increased mileage of your car.

4.      Oil Filter, keeping them properly maintained prevents untimely engine wear. Keep in mind that oil filter keeps contaminants such as dirt and soot away from your car; hence, keeping them clean and fresh ensures quality and high performance of your engine.

5.      Air Filter, this part is your fuel injector protector and should be frequently checked out. With well-maintained air filter, you are assured that your BMW operates the way it should be…give you a smooth ride.

6.      Fuel Filter safeguards your fuel from dirt, keeping it clean and fresh. Keeping it clean means prevention from experiencing clogs and engine damage. Take note, for best performance, this should be replaced every 30,000 miles.

Those are the top 6 parts that car owners should conscientiously pay attention to. However, that’s not all. There are other parts also that are important in maintaining the high mileage of your BMW such as ignition wire sets, oxygen sensor, PCV breather filter, transmission filter, vacuum hoses, coolant hoses, temperature sensors, lubricants and belts.

Maintaining a high mileage vehicle is easy but requires your keen attention. However, keep in mind that there are other things you also need to consider on top of those parts I just mentioned above. Of course, you need to make sure to keep your engine clean. Keeping it clean means having a cooler engine and will likely hamper failure to other parts of your car or system.

Plus, make sure that you let a highly trained professional mechanic work on your BMW. With your trusted BMW repair shop and mechanic coupled with good maintenance routine, your high mileage BMW will certainly give you a good ride for years.

Author Bio:
John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW service and repair. He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.

BMW – The Most Valuable Car Brand In The World

BMW is the number one luxury car maker – unrivaled and unsurpassed! According to survey – BMW is the most valuable car brand in the world.

“(CBS News) It's the number one luxury car maker in the world, and according to a recent survey it's also the most valuable car brand as well. The idea of "brand value" is a tricky thing to nail down, but according to voters polled in a recent survey, BMW is the best of the bunch, with a brand valued at over $24.6 billion.”

It is undeniable that car owners are impressed not only the elegance of how it looks, but the comfort and features it brings to the rider.

“Market research firm Millward Brown's annual "BrandZ Top 100" global survey covers a wide variety of industries, cars being one of them. According to their report, car buyers rate BMW as the most valuable brand. In a business that runs as much on consumer perception as the actual nuts and bolts of a car, brand value can be the difference between a "buy" and a "pass."

“BMW led the pack of worldwide automakers with a perceived brand value of $24.62 billion. Toyota, who held the top spot last year, fell to second place with $21.78 billion.”

Although Toyota led the spot last year, they were not able to keep the lead as well as Honda.

“Millward Brown cites the devastating earthquake and Fukushima nuclear accident as reasons Toyota, as well as fellow Japanese carmaker Honda, fell on the list. Meanwhile, the continuing growth of the Chinese auto market, already the largest car market in the world, lifted BMW and other luxury automakers.”
“After BMW and Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Nissan round out the top five. The highest American automaker was Ford at number seven.”

Image Source: i.i.com.com

Article Source: cbsnews.com

Author Bio:

John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW service and repair. He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.

Watch Out For the Upcoming Sports Car Driving Association Event In NHMS

Great News for those experience and amateur track drivers…the Sports Car Driving Association, LLC will be hosting three events at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway this year (two of which was held last June 4 and August 17). The 3rd event will be in October 1, which is open to all level drivers. With the theme “Fall Finale @NHMS,” I’m sure this could be another fun race. More so, Porsche will be the featured Marque in this event; as such any Porsche drivers get to enjoy a 10% discount in their entry.

 

New Hampshire Motor Speedway is located in Loudon, New Hampshire. It’s about an hour North of Boston. The facility is top rated with track surface as smooth as glass. It has a 1.6 mile road course that utilizes both permanent road course and Nextel Cup Oval sections. Needless to say, there are some elevation changes to keep drivers of all levels on their toes. So if you are a newbie, there’s nothing to worry about.

“The SCDA will provide four on track drive sessions per day, one on one In Car Instruction and Classroom Instruction is also included as part of the SCDA program! In an effort to provide maximum levels of safety, quality, and fun at our events, the SCDA will provide trained and certified SCCA flaggers at the corner stations.  This ensures that our drivers can focus on one thing- improving their driving skills. Arrive and drive Spec Miatas are available for this event.”

If you are from out of town, here are some hotel suggestions near NHMS:

Red Roof Inn     Loudon, 10 minutes from the track     603-225-8399
Fairfield Inn       Concord, 20 minutes from the track     603-224-4011
Comfort Inn       Concord, 20 minutes from the track     603-226-4100
Hampton Inn      Concord, 20 minutes from the track     603-224-5322

“A few more NHMS Reminders:

Food will be available on site at the Checkered Flag Restaurant.  www.tracktimephotos.com will be at this event, taking pictures of you and your car!

A limited number of garage bays will be available at NHMS. Garage bay stickers will be available for purchase at SCDA Registration. Garage bays are first come first served, two cars per bay. Garage bay stickers are $25 per car. We look forward to having you drive with us at NHMS! 

Arrive and Drive Spec Miatas are currently available for these events.

All NHMS Track Events are $295 per day.”

Here are more details you might want to check out:

• 2012 NHMS Dates will include 6/4, 8/17, and 10/1
• Camping is available at NHMS. The camping fee is $25 per person, payable to the track at the front gate the night before the event.
• We will be utilizing the thrilling and challenging North and South Chicane 1.6 mile NHMS track configuration.
• A limited number of arrive and drive rental Spec Miatas are available for this event.
• Garage bay stickers will be available at Registration on the morning of the event. Garage bay stickers are $25 per car. Please note 2 cars per bay. 
• Food will be available in the NHMS Smoke Shack Restaurant from 8 AM to 2 PM. 
• Classroom Instruction will be provided at this event.
• SCCA Flaggers will be working this event. SCDA Customers are not expected to work corner stations.
• The schedule for the event can be printed below.
• Area activities of interest for non drivers : listed here!
• Please note that camping is not allowed at this track.
• www.tracktimephotos.com will be attending this event and taking photographs of all drivers

 What are you waiting for, register now.

Image Source: 1 s3.amazonaws.com 2 s3.amazonaws.com, 3 s3.amazonaws.com, 4 s3.amazonaws.com

Article Source: 1 www.scda1.com, 2 www.scda1.com

Author Bio:

John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW service and repair. He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.

BMW i8 Spyder Concept

BMW is planning to bring the i8 Spyder Concept at the 2012 LA Auto Show.  This masterpiece is rumored to go in production in 2015. BMW enthusiasts are surely excited to have this awesome 2 seater, open top with upward-swivelling, windowless doors. Really cool!

“The i8 Spyder uses the same LifeDrive architecture as the i8, a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) Life module that gives the car an extremely lightweight passenger cell.”

“The i8 Concept Spyder is a plug-in hybrid powered by an eDrive drivetrain combining a high-performance electric motor and a 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can be recharged in an extremely short space of time from any domestic power socket. The Spyder outputs up to 354 horsepower.”
“Weighing just 3,600 lbs, the i8 Spyder runs to 100 km/h (62 mph) in five seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel consumption is rated at 3 liter per 100 km or 78 MPG. The Concept weighs 1,630 kg (3,600 lbs).”

According to BMW, the i8 Spyder is equivalent to 78 mpg on the European check cycle and can probably run about 20 miles with its electric power. Plus, with the use of European family socket, its lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charge in less than two hours.

It has leather trimmed cockpit, advanced electronics with 3D digital shows, smartphone sync, web connectivity, and parking assistant among the many other amazing features BMW i8 spyder possess. 

Article Source: bmwblog.com

Author Bio:

John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW service and repair. He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.

2012 BMW M6 Convertible: Performance and Grandeur Perfection

Have you been on the road with this baby? The new BMW M6 convertible over the course of two days has impressively showcased its fantastic features in the curvy road of Santa Barbara.

“Over 100 miles of scenic and curvy roads, the M6 Convertible impressed us with its perfect synergy between a high-performance vehicle and a stylish grand tourer. The soft top convertible  is fairly heavy at 4,509 pounds, but aided by a future award-winning engine and a unique tuned up chassis, the high-end convertible makes the extra weight and size being fairly irrelevant.”

Even just by looking at it, I know this is going to be one dishy topic for BMW aficionado. This M6 droptop is built with a rigid rear sub-frame mount, M-specific suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and hydraulic-assisted power steering. This baby will give you the best driving performance ever –suspension stiffness, double-clutch shifting response, steering feedback and control stability.

Now, putting aside performance – how fast can this baby go? Well, check out how Horatiu Boeriu described it…

“So how fast does it go? Fast enough to make us drive the car like we stole it. On the twisty roads of Sierra Madre, the M6 makes its dimensions and weight work in its favor. Without hesitation, we switched over to Sport or Sport+ mode, pushed the aggressively setup M1 or M2 buttons, and off we were to conquer the road. The M flagship has not lost its core values and we instantly come to experience great steering feedback, road grip, dynamics and perfect balance, as we fly through corners, both up and downhill. As designed, the Comfort mode is there to calm you down without taking away all the fun. Sport or Sport+ modes increase the throttle response and gave us an adrenaline rush as we flew through corners and imaginary racing lines.”

Whoa!!! Anyone with zeal for speed is going to love this. Check this out:

And, even the steering wheel still has its classic look – sophistication and elegance that never fades…

“Now onto the exhaust note. Yes, it’s not as glorious as the one in the E60 M5, but we believe most of the buyers will find it more than adequate and sufficiently loud with either the top down or up. Sitting on the side of the road and watching the other M6s pass by, made us appreciate the acoustics.”
“The standard 19″ non-runflat wheels and M compound braking system with 6 piston front calipers and single piston rear calipers, give us the confidence needed in the most unexpected situations.At low speeds, the brakes are a bit touchy and takes time to break them in or getting used to, but they shine the most at full speed and sharp corners.”

Aren’t you excited to get into this car and drive around town or even city-to-city? This was already out last July and you can get your hands on it this instant.

“A first for an M model, the M6 Convertible and Coupe will be available starting in July with carbon-ceramic brake rotors as an option. BMW of North America M Brand Manager Matt Russel says the ceramic brakes resist fade better than the standard brakes while weighing 40 pounds less.”
“The Gran Tourer spirit comes to life on flat highways. Switching over to Comfort and the M6 Convertible becomes a perfect commuter car, expensive and luxurious, yet eager to conquer the road with a push of a button. Compared to the regular 6 Series Coupe, the Comfort mode remains fairly aggressive.”
“Our Frozen Grey M6 was one of the most sought test vehicles, partly thanks to its rare factor and the matte paint that perfectly describes the design lines as the artist outlined in his sketches. The character line from front to rear is now accentuated more than ever, while two flowing lines run across the hood towards they end in the front fascia.”

It just feels so good to enjoy both high-performance vehicle and sophistication both at the same time. Look at the vehicle’s color – they’re just so irresistible, huh?

Article Source: BMWblog

 Author Bio:

John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW service and repair in Boston . He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.

Check Out the Latest BMW Emergency Vehicles For European Federal And Regional Police Forces

BMW’s as emergency vehicles for our European federal and regional police? Cool!!! These cars will definitely help our law enforcement sectors - big time!

BMW will be presenting five different models of its latest special vehicles during an exhibit in Leipzig…including two of their newest authority vehicles – the BMW X3 and the BMW 3 Series Touring. Isn’t that amazing? I’m sure our European federal and police officers are excited to get hold of these awesome cars.

 “Two highly interesting armoured security vehicles will also be on show as well as a BMW i3 Concept, a highlight featuring an electric drive that is ideal for specific operations in the security sector.”

Watch out for the GPEC 2012 exhibit – around 500 exhibitors will be showing its innovations in law enforcement and special equipment technologies. GPEC being the largest closed special trade fair in Europe is one event that you should not miss out.

” At the GPEC 2012, BMW will be exhibiting its latest range as a manufacturer that has always set high standards in the special vehicle sector. The widely varied special range is based on current BMW series production models, thus also offering the same high production quality. At the same time, each vehicle is fitted with all high-class equipment and safety features, also setting benchmarks in terms of economy, in particular through the use of BMW EfficientDynamics technology.  BMW’s premise for special emergency vehicles has always been to carry out the conception and integration of specific equipment features in close cooperation with specialists from each public authority and institution.  All BMW emergency vehicles feature an exclusive range of special equipment that is fitted both during and after the development process according to BMW works standards, ensuring the highest level of quality, functionality, durability, resulting in high value retention.”

You will surely have exciting time during the exhibit…especially the men in uniform…you’ll be enthralled to see the new BMW 3 Touring – manufactured specifically as an authority vehicle for federal and regional police.

” As a police vehicle, the new BMW 3 Series Touring can be delivered with innovative optional features such as additional warning devices for use on motorways.  Additional LED identification lights at the rear offer enhanced protection of police officers from the traffic behind. The integration of authority-specific features such as radio or a flashing blue light ensures optimum interaction with the series production vehicle. A further exclusive function is the optional control of a signal installation via the operating system BMW iDrive supplied as standard.”

Having this cool emergency vehicles around town isn’t there for show offs but to ensure security of the people in the city. Find out more of what other authority vehicles are coming out soon…

Article Source: bmwblog.com

Author Bio:

John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW service and repair. He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.

BPG’s BMW Tire Mounting and Balancing Services

Bavarian Performance Group has been in the BMW service and repair industry since 2004 and more whopping satisfied clients can attest to our excellent services. One being the tire mounting and balancing service which uses Corghi 50 tire machine.

Corghi 50 tire machine is said to be a state of the art tire mounting technology that can handle any wheels of up to 24 inches without fuss. It can also handle reverse drop wheels with ease. It’s a shame to have your expensive cars serviced with any run of the mill tire machine, right?

Here at BPG, after we are mounting done mounting with the tires, we will have it balance on our Coats wheel balancer to achieve that perfect vibration-free ride.

Tire mounting and Balancing Services Includes:

Factory fitments:

Non Run Flat Tires

17″ Wheels
18″ Wheels
19″+ Wheels
Run Flat Tires

17″ Wheels
18″+ Wheels
Non Factory Fitments

Non Run Flat Tires

18″ Wheels
19″+ Wheels
Run Flat Tires

18″ Wheels
19″+ Wheels
If you want to experience the best service for your BMW tire mounting and balancing needs, visit our website – Bavarian Performance Group! We guarantee customer satisfaction, all the time!

Author Bio:

John Mariani is the owner of Bavarian Performance Group that specializes in BMW repair in Boston. He is committed to provide only the highest quality BMW original equipment parts, fluids, and accessories.