JMK BMW BLOG

BMW Agrees to Promote Fast-Charging System for Electric Vehicles

BMW has agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast charging approach for use on electric vehicles in the United States and Europe.  The innovative approach is known as DC-fast charging with a Combined Charging System, and will allow drivers to charge their electric vehicles in as little as 15-20 minutes. 

The DC-fast charging system could popularize vehicle transportation by creating a sustainable infrastructure of charging stations.  The fast-charge technology, that BMW will demo, consists of a single-port, and is more affordable to install than previous charging options. 

What’s even more exciting is that DC-fast charging is not a distant pipe dream.  In fact, charging stations are projected to be commercially available later this year, and the first vehicles to use the system will reach the market in 2013.

The fast-charging technology will be demonstrated at EVS26.  The Electric Vehicle Symposium was established to showcase all forms of innovations and technologies created for the betterment of electric vehicles.  The symposium attracts academic, government and industry leader from around the world who are interested in understanding the policy, technical and market challenges of electric transportation.  EVS26 is the perfect venue to display a technology that could make electric vehicles a more practical and widely accepted form of transportation. 

If you would like to learn more about electric vehicles, or what electric vehicles BMW currently offers, visit JMK BMW online at http://jmkbmw.com, or in person at our Springfield, New Jersey dealership. 

 

BMW Announces M Performance Parts For 3 and 5 Series

Coming soon to JMK BMW, the M Performance series parts, as the name belies, came by working closely with BMW’s M division (formerly known as BMW Motorsports).  These optional upgrades, available to the 2011-2012 3 series and 5 series sedans, are both mechanical and aesthetic, depending on the upgrade.

To make the BMW’s sportier, an optional 20 inch alloy wheel available, reported to weigh 2.4 lbs less than comparable 20 inch wheels.  These two-tone wheels, showing off ferric grey inner spokes, will house Pirelli P-Zero Run-Flat 225/35R20 tires on the front and 255/30R20 ones in the rear.  Also beefing up the performance of the 3 and 5 series, a Brembo brake kit with four-piston fixed calipers will don the front of the car while two-piston versions man the rear.  Finally, 335i and535i models have the option of including a stainless steel exhaust system, which reduces backpressure and enhances the sound of the turbocharged I-6 engines.

On the visual front, BMW rolls out a sport stripe paint package that make the sedans look as at home on the track as on the road, while carbon fiber spoilers and mirror caps reduce weight, add strength, and improve handling and aerodynamics.  Finally, the fronts of the cars now offer the option of high gloss black kidney grilles, which will absolutely make a statement on the road.

While pricing for the new parts has not been announced, all parts will be warranted for the duration of the original limited warranty, or two years from installation, whichever comes last.

 

JMK BMW Attends NJ’s Largest EV Meet Featuring the BMW ActiveE

Sunday April 15^th started off as what would be the perfect weather day. And Mother Nature didn’t fail to deliver, with a bright Sunny day and temperatures in North NJ in the Mid 70s. It felt very welcoming after a string of a few cold days. Why is this important? Because, Electric Vehicles; or EVs, run better when the ambient temperature is above 65 degrees. We had the perfect weather scenario for an EV Meet hosted by our friend and very first BMW ActiveE customer, Tom Moloughney. 

Tom played host at his Montclair NJ restaurant; Bella Nauna’s. What he expected as a turn out and what the reality would be were two different things. He expected around 35 total cars. But thanks to the power of Social Media and a few well placed announcements, he saw many more show up. 

So we thought it would be the perfect day for us to take our very own JMK BMW ActiveE demo out for a drive and let it spend some time with its siblings. This would probably be the first time this many BMW ActiveE would be gathered together since they left the port of entry in Jersey City NJ. 

 

 

 

The sight of so many BMW ActiveE all lined up together was a sight to behold. Since the ActiveE only came in Alpine white with Pearl leather, they all looked the same. But the personalized touches of each owner shows just how different each vehicle could be. 

 

 

 

EV owners are amongst the most passionate owners of an already passionate group of BMW owners. And as I found out soon enough, they love to talk for hours about their participation in the BMW ActiveE field trial. 

To document these amazing owner’s stories was BMW with a film crew. Taking the time to setup an interview tent, most owners took their turn sharing their individual stories on camera. These stories will be used by BMW to showcase the impact their ActiveE has had in their daily lifestyle as well as their driving habits. These video short stories will be useful in future ad campaigns for the up coming BMWi cars, the i3 and the i8. 

 

The BMW ActiveE was clearly the dominant representation at the EV meet, but by no means was it the only EV to show up. Also on hand was Michael and Pamela Thwaite with their Tesla Roadster. Also BMW ActiveE owners and EV advocates, Michael and Pamela take turns as to who gets to drive each car on any particular day. The Tesla was the first EV powered roadster that brought real fun to driving an EV.

 

Also participating in the day’s events, were a few GM Volt owners as well as Mitsubishi MiEV and Nissan Leaf drivers. The Volt isn’t a pure electric vehicle however as it has an internal combustion engine that not only powers the lithium ion batteries when they drop below a certain state of charge, but the engine also drives the front wheels when the battery is completely discharged. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mitsubishi MiEV and the Nissan Leaf however are true electric vehicles.

After having driven the BMW ActiveE for a few months, I can attest that the BMW is very much like its 1 series coupe sibling. The handling is what you would expect of a sporting coupe and the power delivery from the electric motor is robust, efficient, and provides all the power you would need for the 110 mile range it is capable of traveling on a full charge. 

So until the next EV Meet up, we’d like to share our photo gallery with everyone. 

And take this time to say thank you to Tom Moloughney and Bella Nauna’s for being such great hosts. And if you’re ever in the Montclair area, stop in and have a bite to eat, their Italian cuisine is superb! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Manny Antunes, Twitter: @M5Manny

"Ultimate Valu3 Event" at JMK BMW

JMK BMW hosting “Ultimate Valu3 Event” on Saturday April 21^st

The 2012 BMW 3 series was recently launched and already is a favorite among the press and customers alike. But the 2011 model is still very much in demand for it’s exceptional value. So to celebrate the transitioning of the model, JMK BMW is holding an “Ultimate Valu3 Event” on Saturday April 21^st.

JMK BMW offers the area's largest inventory of 2011 BMW 328i X-Drive sedans at an exceptional value. JMK BMW has outstanding lease offers as well as financing options on all our 2011 328i X-Drive sedans in stock. Leases starting at 328 per month for 30 months or .9% financing. Ask your client advisor for details when you call for your appointment or when you come in.

Plus, BMW will make your first two lease payments- up to $500 per payment- on select 2011 BMW 328i X-Drive sedans.

As an added Thank You, upon registering at the reception desk, JMK BMW will give you a genuine BMW Gift! Our way of saying thank you for giving us the opportunity for earning your valued business.

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday! 

For more information, please email: JMKincentives@jmkbmw.com or call 866-327-3087. 

 

BMW 328i Lease Specials

At JMK BMW, we are excited for the Spring and Summer months and to help spread our excitement we are offering some great BMW Lease Offers to all of our customers. 

Going on now, you can lease a new 2011 BMW 328i xDrive for only $328 (see what we did there) per month for 30 months. As a 2011 Car and Driver 10Best Winner, the BMW 328i is loaded with leather seats, keyless entry, numerous techno features and so much more. 

In addition, we are offering a low 1.9% APR Financing on Certified Per-Owned Vehicles. You can now purchase a 2009 BMW 335i for only $29,928, and BMW will make your first two payments up to $500! 

These savings and selections won't last long, so stop by our BMW Dealership in Springfield, NJ this weekend to get the best selection in the area! 

BMW Debuts Powerful Vehicles at New York Auto Show

The 2012 New York Auto Show provided enthusiasts with some awesome cars from many popular automakers, but I think it’s fair to say that BMW took the spotlight this week at the show. Making its North American debut, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe showed off the intense bronze paint job, while the BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Cabriolet shined brightly, and the highly anticipated BMW X1 made guests smile. 

As a top-of-the-line BMW premium car, the new 6 Series Gran Coupe will be powered by BMW’s Twin-scroll Turbo 6-cylinder engine. The plan is for a 4.4-liter N63 twin-turbo V8 and an xDrive model will also come to life. 

 

 

 

 

The eye-catching Sakhir Orange and San Marino Blue BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Cabriolet out-shined the rest of the show with their bold lines, sleek styling, and presumed powerful performance. 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, the BMW X1 made its U.S. debut as well at the New York Auto Show this week.

The X1 Sport Activity Vehicle has been highly anticipated for the U.S. and will be available in three models: sDrive28i, xDrive28i, and U.S.-exclusive xDrive35i. The xDrive35i will be powered by BMW’s turbocharged 300-horsepower, 300 lb-ft 3.0-liter I-6 engine. 

 

 

You can find more photos from the 2012 New York Auto Show on our website at http://jmkbmw.com/News.aspx, and click on our Photo Gallery link. 

 

 

Could It Be? A 2014 BMW M3 with V6...

Rumor has it, BMW plans to unveil the 2014 M3 somtime next year. The 2014 model would be the newest generation of the most popular M model from the automaker. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previously, several resources had stated that BMW was testing a V6 and an inline-six for the new M3, but nothing was mentioned which one would be the most likely. But recently, reports from InsideLine state that a highly advanced 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is in development for the 2014 M3. 

InsideLine states, “The new V6 will be the first to mount its two twin-scroll turbochargers within the vee-angle, mirroring the company’s 4.4-liter V8 design. This unique-to-BMW approach reduces the length of the inlet tract compared with a regular turbo-vee setup, helping to sharpen throttle response and minimizing heat buildup after air passes through the intercooler.”

Hopefully, JMK BMW will see this lovely new model in our showroom within the next year! We'll keep you posted.

 

 

BMW 328i Ranked Best Luxury Car of 2012

Named as the Best Luxury Car under $40,000 by Muscle Prodigy, the BMW 328i has a lot of muscle-power to offer drivers. 

The articles states, "The BMW 328i is the #1 car under $40,000 due to its elegant styling and sophisticated craftsmanship that is the envy of the entire auto industry."

With numerous engine options available, drivers have a lot to choose from, but most are excited for the arrival of a 2-liter, turbocharged 4-cynliner option, delivering 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. 

Along with the power and performance, comes the sharp designs and upgraded interior for comfort and extreme luxury. The cabin is expanded and intriguing with added trim pieces and optional features like cool aluminum or texterued faux-wood trim finishes.

Driving impressions are more exciting than before, with the a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electrical steering, multiple drive settings and an all-new chassis. 

For more information on the BMW 328i Sedan, Coupe or Convertible, contact JMK BMW or visit the Springfield, NJ delaership to test drive the 328i.

 

We are Celebrating Spring with a Giveaway

At JMK BMW we are welcoming Spring with Specials on 2011 328i xDrive Sedans, Leasing and Financing credits on certain 2012 models, and Giving away BMW Laptop cases with every purchase!

Any BMW purchased NEW or Pre-Owned at JMK will receive a Genuine BMW laptop Bag UPON Delivery.

Call and reserve your Appointment & your BMW Laptop Bag now 866-327-3087

In addition, our Pull Ahead Program is extended on several 2008 and 2009 BMW models. When you lease or finance a new BMW model through BMW Financial Services, we will waive up to three monthly payments on your current 3 Series with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive or 5 Series vehicle.*

Lease a new BMW 3 Series or a new BMW 5 Series Sedan, and you will also receive a special Lease Loyalty discount.*

Make your plans now and schedule an appointment with us at JMK BMW!

This event is ONE DAY ONLY:  Saturday, March 24th from 9am-5pm. 

*Restrictions may apply. See dealer for details.

 

NEW JMK BMW SPECIAL!

JMK BMW NJ, NOW OFFERING up to $1500 OFF

On 2012 5 Series models Leased or Finance Credit

Call us for more details 866-327-3087

Get ready to Lease your new

2012 5 Series at JMK BMW of Springfield !   

http://jmkbmw.com