BMW continues to expand its pioneering position in providing high-quality audio systems by offering a factory-installed digital HD Radio receiver with FM multicasting capability as an option in its innovative new 3 Series Hardtop Convertible. HD Radio technology is one of the most significant advances in radio broadcasting history, providing listeners with enhanced digital audio quality and clear, noise-free reception, as well as multicasting and on-screen text information. The HD Radio multicasting feature allows FM stations to broadcast multiple channels of digital programming simultaneously on a single frequency.
Of the more than 1,000 stations across the country broadcasting with HD Radio technology, more than 500 FM stations are offering a second (HD2) and, in many cases, a third (HD3) multicast channel. For example, WAMU in Washington, DC, offers three channels: 88.5-1, a simulcast of its news/talk analog channel; 88.5-2, a simulcast of an innovative Baltimore music station not available in DC; and 88.5-3, bluegrass music. These channels are free but can only be found on HD Radio receivers. As with all HD Radio programming, there are no fees or additional costs associated with multicast channels.
The number of HD Radio stations is growing daily and expected to exceed 3,000 within the next few years. A current list of HD Radio stations and multicast stations can be found at: www.hdradio.com.
Today's announcement continues BMW's history of groundbreaking premium audio offerings. In August 2005, the company announced the first OEM availability of HD Radio technology in its 2006 7 Series models. BMW then followed up in November 2005 by extending the HD Radio option to drivers of its 2006 6 Series vehicles. This past June, the company announced that HD Radio would be offered in its 2007 5 Series models.
The HD Radio option on the all-new 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible will have a Suggested Retail Price of $500.
New 2008 BMW 5 Series makes U.S. debut in New York
The new BMW 5 Series made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show today. A carefully refined exterior is combined with a striking enhancement of style and sophistication in the interior that underscores the sporting yet elegant and refined character of the BMW 5 Series. The interior reflects the premium character of the vehicle. High quality new materials and colors, ergonomic door panels with an optimized design, padded armrests, additional storage options and newly designed control elements all create an exceptionally refined ambience.
The diverse line-up of powerplants in the BMW 5 Series has now been enhanced by newly developed straight-six engines which offer superior power, while taking the lead in terms of fuel economy in all performance classes. The engines are mated to a choice of superb transmissions, including a six-speed manual as well as a quick and precise six-speed automatic transmission and BMW's new and unique Sport Automatic Transmission with shift paddles. The six-cylinder engine variants of the new BMW 5 Series are available with BMW xDrive permanent and variable all-wheel-drive technology.
The new BMW 5 Series also offers a wide range of innovations in driver assistance and comfort features. It is the only car in its segment available with Active Steering, BMW Night Vision, a Head-Up Display and, from now on, Active Cruise Control featuring a Stop & Go functions as well as Lane Departure Warning. Featured as standard equipment is iDrive control, with no less than six freely programmable memory buttons as well as an optionally available navigation system with voice control and full-word entry, enhancing the driving comfort of the BMW 5 Series to a new, unprecedented level.
Exterior design: sporting character with new elegance.
New highlights in design and continuing refinement have created a perfected synthesis of sporting character, elegance and lightness in both the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon. In the cleanly engineered front air dam, the edging of the double kidney grille is now flush with the adjacent surfaces. The characteristically molded headlamps come with brilliant clear glass technology. Chrome edging highlights the technically sophisticated round headlamps. Another distinguishing feature is the air intake, sweeping up at the side and provided with a horizontal trim bar, highlighting the wide sporty track of the car.
The 5 Series has a sleeker, more stretched appearance on the side, an effect produced by an additional light contour along the side-sills. The rear is dominated by horizontal lines highlighting the look of superior power. Like the headlamps at the front, the rear lights also come in a new, sophisticated clear glass design and now feature LED direction indicators.
First-class style within the interior.
Enhanced control comfort, new design and particularly sophisticated materials on the surfaces give the interior of the new BMW 5 Series a new standard of quality the driver and passengers will see and feel at first sight, ensuring superb driving pleasure at all times. High-class Pearl Gloss Chrome, the comfortable padding on the armrests and center console and the two-tone finish of the door panels all reflect the new interior style. Black door trim bars and a lower panel section in the interior color take up the appearance and materials used on the dashboard. The resulting harmony of design underscores the atmosphere of relaxed comfort of the interior environment, as do the dynamic waves of the lines and forms of the door panels. The buttons for the window lifts and mirror adjustment have been integrated into the armrest, just as the handles for closing the doors have been optimized in their ergonomic design. Storage space has been increased with larger door pockets and with an open tray in the center console. The elegant and ergonomic design of the gear selector lever for the automatic transmission merges perfectly with the BMW 5 Series stylish interior.
Control of the iDrive vehicle management system has been optimized to an even higher standard. Menu guidance and graphics have been refined. Six freely programmable favorite buttons permit direct access to important functions. At the touch of a button, for example, a stored destination, a frequently dialed telephone number, or a preferred radio station can be called up.
The new BMW 5 Series will be available this month.
The diverse line-up of powerplants in the BMW 5 Series has now been enhanced by newly developed straight-six engines which offer superior power, while taking the lead in terms of fuel economy in all performance classes. The engines are mated to a choice of superb transmissions, including a six-speed manual as well as a quick and precise six-speed automatic transmission and BMW's new and unique Sport Automatic Transmission with shift paddles. The six-cylinder engine variants of the new BMW 5 Series are available with BMW xDrive permanent and variable all-wheel-drive technology.
The new BMW 5 Series also offers a wide range of innovations in driver assistance and comfort features. It is the only car in its segment available with Active Steering, BMW Night Vision, a Head-Up Display and, from now on, Active Cruise Control featuring a Stop & Go functions as well as Lane Departure Warning. Featured as standard equipment is iDrive control, with no less than six freely programmable memory buttons as well as an optionally available navigation system with voice control and full-word entry, enhancing the driving comfort of the BMW 5 Series to a new, unprecedented level.
Exterior design: sporting character with new elegance.
New highlights in design and continuing refinement have created a perfected synthesis of sporting character, elegance and lightness in both the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon. In the cleanly engineered front air dam, the edging of the double kidney grille is now flush with the adjacent surfaces. The characteristically molded headlamps come with brilliant clear glass technology. Chrome edging highlights the technically sophisticated round headlamps. Another distinguishing feature is the air intake, sweeping up at the side and provided with a horizontal trim bar, highlighting the wide sporty track of the car.
The 5 Series has a sleeker, more stretched appearance on the side, an effect produced by an additional light contour along the side-sills. The rear is dominated by horizontal lines highlighting the look of superior power. Like the headlamps at the front, the rear lights also come in a new, sophisticated clear glass design and now feature LED direction indicators.
First-class style within the interior.
Enhanced control comfort, new design and particularly sophisticated materials on the surfaces give the interior of the new BMW 5 Series a new standard of quality the driver and passengers will see and feel at first sight, ensuring superb driving pleasure at all times. High-class Pearl Gloss Chrome, the comfortable padding on the armrests and center console and the two-tone finish of the door panels all reflect the new interior style. Black door trim bars and a lower panel section in the interior color take up the appearance and materials used on the dashboard. The resulting harmony of design underscores the atmosphere of relaxed comfort of the interior environment, as do the dynamic waves of the lines and forms of the door panels. The buttons for the window lifts and mirror adjustment have been integrated into the armrest, just as the handles for closing the doors have been optimized in their ergonomic design. Storage space has been increased with larger door pockets and with an open tray in the center console. The elegant and ergonomic design of the gear selector lever for the automatic transmission merges perfectly with the BMW 5 Series stylish interior.
Control of the iDrive vehicle management system has been optimized to an even higher standard. Menu guidance and graphics have been refined. Six freely programmable favorite buttons permit direct access to important functions. At the touch of a button, for example, a stored destination, a frequently dialed telephone number, or a preferred radio station can be called up.
The new BMW 5 Series will be available this month.
BMW Announces Apple iPhone integration compatibility
BMW is pleased to announce that owners of many current BMW models will be able to enjoy integration of their new Apple iPhones™ in their vehicles from day one. In 2004, BMW was the first vehicle manufacturer to integrate the Apple iPod® into BMW vehicles and have customers take full control of their music on the road. So it seemed only logical that BMW be among the first vehicle manufacturers to ensure that owners of the new iPhone have the same ability to enjoy their music, plus the added benefits of Bluetooth® handsfree calling.
The iPhone will work as a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone on most BMW Assist-equipped models with Bluetooth handsfree-calling produced October 2004 or later (7 Series as of March 2005 production). Bluetooth technology provides a wireless connection between a compatible cell phone and the vehicle for hands-free calling. With a compatible Bluetooth cell phone, drivers can place and answer calls and select numbers from the address book by simply using the multi-function steering wheel or dashboard controls, or on some models, voice activation via Voice Command.
Access to the iPod application of the iPhone via the in-vehicle controls and central information or radio display will be possible on models equipped with the optional iPod/USB Interface. This factory option is currently available on BMW 3 and 5 Series models including M5 (as of March 2007 production) and the BMW X5 (as of April 2007 production). The iPod/USB Interface will be available on 6 Series models, including M6, beginning with September 2007 production.
The iPod/USB Interface option utilizes an adapter cable to provide full integration and functionality of an iPod or the iPhone's music player application. The cable has an iPod docking connector on one end and separate cables on the other end for connection to the in-vehicle AUX IN jack and USB connector. Full iPod menu functionality is available in the Control Display monitor or radio display on non-iDrive models.
The iPhone will work as a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone on most BMW Assist-equipped models with Bluetooth handsfree-calling produced October 2004 or later (7 Series as of March 2005 production). Bluetooth technology provides a wireless connection between a compatible cell phone and the vehicle for hands-free calling. With a compatible Bluetooth cell phone, drivers can place and answer calls and select numbers from the address book by simply using the multi-function steering wheel or dashboard controls, or on some models, voice activation via Voice Command.
Access to the iPod application of the iPhone via the in-vehicle controls and central information or radio display will be possible on models equipped with the optional iPod/USB Interface. This factory option is currently available on BMW 3 and 5 Series models including M5 (as of March 2007 production) and the BMW X5 (as of April 2007 production). The iPod/USB Interface will be available on 6 Series models, including M6, beginning with September 2007 production.
The iPod/USB Interface option utilizes an adapter cable to provide full integration and functionality of an iPod or the iPhone's music player application. The cable has an iPod docking connector on one end and separate cables on the other end for connection to the in-vehicle AUX IN jack and USB connector. Full iPod menu functionality is available in the Control Display monitor or radio display on non-iDrive models.
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