BMW i3 Honored Twice at Green Car Awards
The BMW i3, BMW’s electric vehicle feat, has been attracting attention since its introduction in 2014. As the first mass-produced vehicle to be made mostly of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, the i3 has been recognized with almost 30 national and international awards for its sustainability and design. Just last week, the BMW i3 has added to this long list of awards by receiving two awards at the American Automobile Association 2016 Green Car Awards. The awards included “Best Green Car” in the $30-000-$50,000 price range and Best Green Car in the subcompact category.
“With BMW i, the BMW Group set out to do something truly ground-breaking in the field of sustainable mobility. The BMW i3 continues to be recognized for its design and innovation which demonstrates that we are on the right track,” noted Christine Fleischer – Manager, BMW i for BMW of North America.
The i3 has a combined rating of 124 MPGe, which is the most efficient electric vehicle available in the US. If you’d like to learn more or test drive the BMW i3, visit us at Flemington BMW.
“BMW USA News.” BMW USA News. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2016. <http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=86BE033AC76E220B1D3DD4709B39A0C1?&id=2609&mid=>.
The 2016 BMW 340i has been taken out for a Quick Spin test drive by MotorWeek and they were noticeably impressed with what this all-new 3 Series model has to offer. MotorWeek marveled at the level of power and drivability offered by its model including some of its more prominent performance capabilities such as suspension and shift upgrades that make cornering and handling smoother than ever. They also commented on a few of the interior and exterior changes that truly take this all-new 340i to the next level in terms of style and luxury.
Hear even more about this vehicle in the video below and then head on over to see us here at Flemington BMW to take your very own test drive in the 2016 BMW 340i.
Research & Review Page On BMW i8 To Be Released
You have heard a lot about the BMW i8 and its impressive all-electric capabilities. Now, you will be able to hear even more about it through the Research & Review page that Flemington BMW will soon be releasing. On this page you will be able to read up on all the important details of this vehicle and learn how this vehicle can offer you the ideal balance of luxury and efficiency. This page will be available soon so be sure to keep checking back here to find out even more details about this fantastic vehicle.
BMW i Ventures Invests in RideCell
The BMW brand’s BMW i Ventures has just announced a new strategic investment in RideCell. This company is a leading provider of software that that powers mobility-as-a-service (MaaS). Some of the services included in MaaS are dynamic transit services, car-sharing, fixed-route, and ride sharing.
Now, RideCell has developed a new mobility software platform that allows cities, campuses and other multi-city mobility providers to launch a new mobility service program in just a matter of weeks and be able to scale it to millions of users at significantly lower operational expenses.
“The convergence of transportation trends in cities is of key importance to BMW. RideCell’s technology platform provides agile tools to power services that span the entire mobility spectrum, including but not limited to car sharing; making them an ideal partner for BMW” said Ulrich Quay, Head of BMW i Ventures.
“BMW USA News.” BMW USA News. N.p., 8 Apr. 2016. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?&id=2577&mid=>.
The 2016 World Luxury Car Award has been presented to the BMW 7 Series in recognition of its whole new level of luxury and performance that has helped to further escalate the high-quality of the brand.
The all-new BMW 7 Series was first launched this past fall bringing BMW customers a high-end sedan that is equipped with lightweight design, first-rate connectivity, premium driving dynamics, and more. This model is also equipped with Common Core passenger cell technology that utilizes carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic to increase the overall bending stiffness and torsion strength while simultaneously reducing the weight of the vehicle.
A few of the stand-out new technology features that can be found in this all-new model include Display Key, Wireless Charging, and Gesture Control.
“We are delighted and honored that the BMW 7 Series has been recognized as the World Luxury Car of the Year,” said Dr. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management, BMW AG. “Since it launched last autumn, the response from both the media and our customers has been extremely positive, with people especially appreciative of the way the 7 Series combines superb modern luxury with the outstanding driving dynamics BMW is famous for. With its many technical innovations, including gesture control and laser lights, there can be no doubt that the new BMW 7 Series is an outstanding flagship for the brand, setting new standards in its class.”
“BMW 7 Series Wins 2016 World Luxury Car.” BMW USA News. N.p., 24 Mar. 2016. Web. <http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=2571&mid=>.
BMW Announces Sales Results For March
The BMW brand has announced sales for March, reaching 30,033 units sold for the month. For the year-to-date total, the brand’s sales have reached 70,613 units for the first quarter of the year.
“It’s been a tumultuous first quarter of the year for business in the U.S. with plenty of volatility even in the premium vehicle segment,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The desire for premium Sports Activity Vehicles continues accelerating at a strong pace in the U.S. and I’m very pleased that our SAV plant in South Carolina will make another production increase in the months ahead to help us satisfy the ever-growing demand for our X models.”
The models in the X lineup were easily the best-sellers for the month. Sales of the X3 alone increased by 190.5 percent to reach 4,476 units. Additionally, sales of the X1 increased 131.6 percent to reach 3,145 units, sales of the X4 increased 15 percent to reach 689 units, sales of the X5 reached 3,617 units, and sales of the X6 increased 8.2 percent to reach 635 units.
Stop by Flemington BMW to take a test drive in any of these exciting models!
“BMW March 2016 Sales Perspective.” Http://www.bmwusanews.com. N.p., 1 Apr. 2016. Web. <http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?&id=2574&mid=>.
4 Car Apps That Will Change the Way You Drive
It’s been a number of years since the pioneer smartphones made their big debut, and every year there is another update, a newer version and even more helpful tools and accessories to go along with them. Whenever it seems like there couldn’t possibly be any more room to upgrade, there is another group of new and innovative apps that launch. And if you’re an owner of an iPhone or Android, you know that there is pretty much an app for everything. Among the most useful? Apps that completely enhance your driving experience, from your daily commute to long and time-consuming road trips. Here are the top six, bound to change the way you drive – for the better!
1.) Carcorder
This inexpensive app (only $1.99!) is an amazing alternative to every law enforcement vehicle’s dashboard camera – a device used to record and collect traffic evidence as well as news material. Created for the average driver, these cameras – nicknamed dashcams – have become increasingly popular. The Carcorder app turns your smartphone into a dashcam, made possible with a dashboard mount. You can record your entire trip, enhanced by video recording, GPS, routing and speeding alerts. This is especially perfect for those unfortunate but inevitable car crashes, providing recorded proof of which driver is to blame.
2.) Beat the Traffic
Since there aren’t tons of people who enjoy rush hour traffic (or any traffic for that matter), almost every driver could benefit from the Beat the Traffic app. The app provides every driver with up-to-the-minute traffic updates, based on other users on the road who have stumbled upon it first. If you have the app and spot an accident or traffic jam that hasn’t been reported, all you need to do is shake your smartphone, and the incident will be recorded. If you want to plan a shorter, stress-free commute – and help other drivers do the same – Beat the Traffic is definitely an app worth investing in.
3.) BMW Link
Created for the purpose of entertaining in a safe way, the BMW Link app was created to fit perfectly into any model BMW. Combining communication, information and entertainment in an easy-to-activate format, the app provides drivers with full access to their entire music library and contact information. Cohesive navigation software, a car finder, current weather reports and world event alerts make are added bonuses, giving the app a truly well rounded edge. BMW link also comes with an integrated microphone and audio, utilized through the car’s speakers. For those who are already a fan of BMW and enjoy BMW accessories, the app is another addition you won’t be sorry about purchasing.
4.) Automatic
Acting quite literally in an automatic format, the Automatic app could turn any person into a more economically savvy driver. It monitors every factor that goes into the amount of money you are spending on fuel for your car by tracking your vehicle’s miles per gallon, how many times you step on your breaks and the amount of fuel and money spent on every car ride you take, which is displayed journey by journey so that you can compare routes. Similar to the BMW link, the Automatic app also allows for extra clever add-ons, like the check engine light – an automatic diagnosis of your car’s engine.
As much as the kind of car we drive matters, our actual driving experience is only as good as the time we put in, the dedication we have, and the extra additions we invest in our vehicles. Aside from the smartphone apps you can purchase to make your time spent in the car a truly positive one, checking out the BMW models available at Flemington BMW is the next step toward making your driving experience a worthwhile one. Visit our website today to check out the latest models we offer.
Leasing vs. Buying: What’s Best for Me?
Should I lease or should I buy? Sooner or later, many of us are faced with this scenario. With the availability of financing and competitive lease rates, the question sometimes becomes difficult to answer. Leasing has been available for more than 20 years and continues to grow in popularity. In fact, about one third of cars on the road now are leased. But at the end of the term, you must surrender the vehicle, so buying has its merits. There are many considerations before making the decision — being mindful of budget is chief among them. At BMW Flemington, we are here to help answer your questions, and we’re making the case for both leasing and buying…so that new car is less of a dream and more of a reality.
The Leasing Option
The Novelty of Newness: In the simplest sense, leasing satisfies your desire for something new. Every three years — the average lease term — you are put into a brand-new car. With that, one experiences the safety assurance that comes with a new car; the availability of the latest technologies; and the most recent model of vehicle. If you don’t want to keep a car for more than three or four years, leasing starts to make a lot of sense.
Making the Trade: At the end of your lease term, you may simply trade in your vehicle, and assuming it is in good condition, you’ll owe nothing. Dealers are happy to put you in a newer model of the car that very same day, with little to no hassle.
Budget Friendly: The typical down payment when buying a car is 10%-20% of the full price. If you are considering a $35,000 car, this means upward of $7,500 in initial out-of-pocket. For those who don’t have a lot of disposable income to put forward on a new car or those who prefer lower monthly payments, a lease is a wallet-friendly alternative to buying. Not having a lot of money earmarked for a transportation budget shouldn’t preclude you from accessing the safety and the latest features of a new vehicle.
Easy Maintenance: The majority of lease terms are 36 months and 36,000 miles, which happens to be the typical warranty on most cars for major repairs. In your term as lessee, it is conceivable you might find yourself responsible for only oil changes and tire rotations. That ends up being a big plus for those who do not have discretionary income available when major repairs become necessary, and this is particularly true as vehicles age.
The Buying Option
Wise Investment: Assuming you can swing the initial down payment and monthly payments (if not the entire purchase price outright), buying makes a great deal of sense. You are free to sell it at any time, or trade it in if your situation changes or if you no longer require the vehicle. And you’ll breathe a sigh of relief knowing you aren’t accountable to a leasing company for every ding and scratch on the vehicle. Plus, as with owning a home, you build equity by owning a car — think of it as a savings account with wheels and a sunroof.
Frequent Drivers: If you’re the type of person who likes to drive, takes frequent road trips or has a lengthy daily commute, buying your vehicle makes a lot of sense. Leases are based upon total number of miles driven per year. The average is 12,000 a year, depending on the terms agreed upon. Exceeding these will result in additional charges. When you own your vehicle, you are free to roam.
Custom Made: Buying affords the ability to customize features not typically available on a leased vehicle. You can add a spoiler, purchase new tires or upgrade your rims. Doing so in a leased vehicle can result in penalties or, at the very least, will result in a loss of money spent.
Highway to the Payment-Free Zone: Once your car is paid off entirely — usually in five to six years in finance situations — you, the owner, are responsible only for insurance payments. Assuming you take great care of your car, that essentially means you are looking at saving on transportation costs for quite a bit of time.
BMW Flemington realizes there are special circumstances for every customer and offers options for both leasing and buying. We’ll help you find a vehicle that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
Common Carwash Mistakes
Winter has a way of wreaking havoc on the appearance of your vehicle. Thanks to snow, dirt, slush and salt, a chalky, dull finish is the norm unless you are a frequent visitor to a car wash. These visits come with a hefty price tag, though, and often lack the attention to detail that we would like. So with the arrival of spring weather, we welcome the ability to wash our car at home. But did you know there are a few all-to-common mistakes that will seriously affect the finish of your car? Before you start unrolling your hose, the experts at Flemington BMW are here with a convenient car-washing primer with helpful tips and precautions to satisfy the most fastidious of car owners.
Dish Soap Is For Dishes
Many of us are guilty of this faux pas, and it can have serious consequences on your vehicle. Dishwashing soap is made with chemicals and antibacterial detergents that can damage your paint and are far more abrasive than is required for your BMW. We recommend buying a dedicated car shampoo and treating metal or vinyl trims with cleansers designed specifically for those finishes.
Sponges Belong in the Kitchen
Best practices dictate that one should use a washing mitt, not a sponge, to clean a car. Sponges are porous and have holes and crevasses that store grit and small pieces of gravel that can scuff the finish of your vehicle.
All Cloths Are NOT Equal
Using the same cloth for different products and surfaces is an error that can compromise the luster on all parts of your vehicle. You apply wax on your car to boost the shine, but if you reuse that same cloth on your windows, you create cloudy smear marks. Remember to clean each cloth prior to storing it away to ensure its quality before your next wash.
The Bucket List
You’re easily forgiven for using just one bucket — for washing. But most of us don’t realize that having a rinse bucket is just as important. By using just one bucket, you’re swirling around the residual dirt and applying it back onto your vehicle.
Location, Location, Location
Where you wash your car is just as important as how you wash your car. It is tempting to work in the driveway in the warm midday sun, but washing in the direct sunlight creates sun spots.
Take It from the Top
When you start to wash your car, remember to begin with the roof of the vehicle. The suds and water will wash over the sides, and if they’re already completed, it is a counterintuitive measure.
The Soft Touch
Do not scrub or apply a lot of pressure when washing. The shampoo and the constant motion of the cleaning mitt should ideally remove the dirt and grime. If there are marks that you think might require some extra attention, degreasers are available to help pretreat.
Don’t Tire Out
Many of us neglect to wash our tires and rims — even though they sustain most of the dirt and grime from the road. When cleaning them, a separate cloth and the pressure from the hose will dislodge the dirt, restoring the luster that makes your car sparkle. Make the tires gleam even more between washes with tire shine spray.
You Can Over-wash
It’s true that over-washing dulls the finish of a car. Even mild shampoos have enough chemicals in them to dull the finish after excessive washing. Maintain the clean appearance by wiping it down with water in between cleanings to rid of dust and light dirt.
High and Dry
Don’t leave a car to dry naturally, as this will create streak marks. Microfiber towels will do the trick — not bath towels, which are made from terry cloth and can leave minor scratches. And be sure to leave your windows rolled up for close to two hours after washing. Water often remains in the tiny cracks and will be transferred to the windows, requiring another wipe-down.
Inside Job
Protectants that polish and enhance the shine in your dashboard (such as Armor All) and surrounding trim are not intended to clean as well. You must first use a cleanser (on a separate cloth) to remove dust and dirt.
Please contact the Service Department at Flemington BMW with any questions regarding the care and maintenance of your vehicle.
Coming Soon — 2016 BMW X6 Research & Review Page
Flemington BMW is pleased to announce the arrival of the 2016 BMW X6. This Sports Activity Coupe® is great for drivers who are looking for a sporty vehicle that offers ample space and head-turning design. Located at 216 US Highway 202/31 in Flemington, NJ 08822 we encourage of customers from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Hopewell, NJ and beyond to come in for a test drive. If you are someone who likes to research a car before testing it out make sure to look out for our upcoming Research & Review page on our website. You’ll be able to learn about the performance capabilities, technology features, MPG and much more without digging through endless web pages on the internet.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Experience Elevated Driving: April Offers at Flemington BMW
- Customer Testimonials: What a 4.9 Google Rating Says About Flemington BMW
- Elevate Your Drive: Flemington BMW’s Monthly Offers
- Consumer Reports Picked BMW as the Best Luxury Brand Again. And Again. And Again.
- Experience Elevated Driving with Flemington BMW’s Monthly Offers