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The sun hangs overhead, casting a brilliant glow on the crisp winter air, while the roads encircling me paint a breathtaking picture. As I approach a tightening curve, the vibrant surroundings transform from a motion-blurred spectacle to crystal clear clarity as I dig into the brake pedal and rapidly hit the downshift paddle. With the six-piston calipers up front biting down hard, Fourth, third, and second, arrive — as the resonating echoes of the exhaust reverberate through the mountainous terrain with thunderous claps. There's little time to savour the moment though as I unwind the steering wheel and ease into the throttle to once again unleash 453 horses as the hairpin opens up into a long sweeping curve revealing the magnificent sight of a snow-capped Mt Fuji in the distance. It is a splendid sight and a majestic beauty that belies the awesome power lying deep within. But with the cacophony of slightly more minute explosions bursting out the rear pipes of my exhaust, my focus sharpens again as I dive into the next bend. This is Hakone, Japan, and I'm behind the wheel of a BMW M2. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Backstory It's 1998, and a much younger and more impressionable version of myself was about to embark on his first-ever trip to Japan—a genuine adventure beyond the borders of Singapore. Despite a somewhat rushed itinerary covering the essentials of Kansai and Tokyo, the experience was transformative. As a fervent automotive enthusiast engrossed in games like Gran Turismo, this initial visit during the golden era of JDM sportscars left an indelible mark on my life. Even in the outskirts, I encountered a multitude of Skylines, RX7s, Fairladys, numerous 180SXs and Silvias, and the occasional NSX. A serendipitous sighting of an Autech 4-door GTR added a touch of automotive rarity to the experience. It was also during this visit that, albeit from the confines of a minibus, I first laid eyes on the roads of Hakone, driven by my Japanese teacher, who turned out to be a fan of the Touge as well in his S130 Fairlady! As I stood on the edge of the rest stop nonchalant to the slight drizzle of rain lightly misting down my jacket I caught sight of Hakone's meandering roads, A delicate fog descended upon the asphalt like a spectral veil. Amid the occasional crackle of branches and the haunting wind, it seemed as though time had momentarily paused, if only for a few milliseconds. At that moment, I made a silent promise to myself – one day, I will be back to drive these roads. As we all know, time has a way of altering plans. Despite visiting Japan almost every year for nearly two decades, I never managed to return to Hakone, at least not in the manner I initially envisioned (I'm pretty sure Pirate ships don't count). Until now. Interestingly, while I never did make it back to drive in Japan, my love for cars never waned and through years of hard work or perhaps just sheer luck, I've had the pleasure of driving some amazing BMWs in a multitude of beautiful locations. It was during one of these overseas assignments that I had the opportunity to meet a representative from BMW Group Japan. I think you can see where this is going. Enter BMW Group Japan. Enter the Hakone Turnpike. As I navigated through Tokyo's congested roads en route towards destiny, the G87 M2, generously entrusted to me by BMW Group Japan, effortlessly devoured the motorway miles (or kilometers). Despite certain critiques about the new M2's more mature handling compared to its predecessor, the heightened stability and improved ride quality derived from its M3/M4 chassis contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the commute. It didn't take very long before the signs towards one of Japan's most legendary and iconic roads loomed into view. Extending just over 15 kilometers with an elevation climb of over 1,000 meters, the Hakone Turnpike was inaugurated in 1969 as a toll road (with a mostly 50km/h speed limit) linking Odawara to Yugawara. Over the years, it underwent a couple of name alterations, featuring brand sponsorships from Toyo Tires and Mazda. Presently, the toll road is under the ownership of the Hakone Turnpike subsidiary of the Central Nippon Expressway Company, going by the name Anest Iwata Turnpike. With my entry toll paid, it was time to fulfill a childhood dream. [/img] So delightful is the M2's torque, so accessible is its power, and so surefooted, competent, and confidence-inspiring is the handling that I find myself pushing harder and harder as the altitude rises. Relentlessly encouraging me to explore its limits with its Turbocharged S58's heartbeat playfully dancing up and down the digital tachometer with each flick of my wrists. Powering down a long sweeping bend, the M2 leans just enough to communicate what's happening, and as I keep the throttle down, I feel the rear end dig into the ground as the M2's computerized active differentials perform their mathematical wizardry to provide the best possible power delivery. [/img] With the Turnpike's sweeping curves that hug the hillsides and stretches of tarmac that punch through dense forest and trees before opening up into a beautifully scenic bridge for you to power through. This combination of road and machine provided an almost a dream-like driving experience, offering a smooth, intoxicating journey so beautifully presented and so enjoyable to sample that I catch myself on multiple occasions wishing it never ends. Skylines and skylines. As I summit the Turnpike, my day has only just begun. Pulling into the Anest rest stop, my eyes catch a glimpse of a beautiful Hakosuka Skyline. Judging by its battle scars, it seems to be in a similar Touge-hunting mood. Sporting its dings, scratches, dirt, and chips with pride, this vintage Nissan hotrod looks far from a garage queen. Despite the GT-X insignia in the cabin, implying its likely modest beginnings, the fat, worn tires, wheels coated with brake dust, exhaust-stained rear panels, and fully stripped-out, caged interior signal a build that transcends mere aesthetics. Could that S20 window decal offer a glimpse of what truly hides beneath its bonnet? It seems I wasn't the only one captivated by the allure of the Hakosuka Skyline, as its distinctive features, battle scars, and unique modifications garnered attention and admiration from fellow travelers at the Anest rest stop. With lunch devoured, it was time to ignite the M2 for the picturesque journey along the Tsubaki Line and Izu Skyline Touge roads. These winding roads, characterized by narrower paths, intricate bends, and blind corners, occasionally unveil expansive and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. As I unleash the power of the S58 once more, let's circle back to our introduction as I power down a short straightaway into a blind crest before dabbing on the brakes to rein in the charging Bavarian, Orbital's Halycon On and On playing in the background as the M2 flawlessly and joyously absorbs every moment of the drive, never missing a beat. Taking a moment at a secluded but very picturesque side road to also rein in my adrenaline, I found myself pondering the significance of the color red. Beyond its visual allure, this scarlet hue embodies essences of passion, joy, happiness, celebration, and vitality. Characteristics that resonated perfectly with how it has felt powering this rouge beauty through the dynamic landscapes of Hakone. The Perfect Partner. With traffic ahead, I settled into the cruise along the West Izu Skyline, the M2 gracefully navigating the winding roads leading to the coastal town of Numazu, Shizuoka. The scenery unfolds in a captivating display of nature's beauty, enhancing my sense of awe and exhilaration. The memories of the exuberant morning drive lingered, merging seamlessly with the present moment. It was sheer bliss and the M2 was the perfect partner to enjoy it with. Until I saw it, as the lumbering bus ahead of me pulled off, I caught sight of the unmistakable rear end of a G82 M4. Without hesitation, I punched the M2 button, prompting a burst of acceleration as I eagerly closed in on the M4 whose driver, likely sensing the impending arrival of his car's baby sibling, responded by unleashing the power of the M4, it was go time. It must have been quite the spectacle as we gracefully danced along the winding roads of Nishi-Izu Skyline, the M4 leading while I kept pace. Two of Munich's finest machines playfully carving up and down the mountains in unison, with the M4 occasionally surging into the distance, aided by a driver much more acquainted with these roads. As the M4 pulled away into the distance as I hooked a left into another narrow Touge road leading towards Numazu, it felt like a beautiful moment that perfectly encapsulated the phrase "Freude Am Fahren" had just unfolded. Numazu, Toronto, and Mount Fuji. Nestled along the picturesque Shizuoka coastline and with roots dating back to ancient times, Numazu has evolved into a modern town while retaining its historical essence. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, coastal charm, seafood offerings, and local markets, This scenic coastal town offers a mix of coastal simplicity and natural beauty ideal for a noteworthy stop on any road journey. Me? I only had time to stop for a photo. But what a view! As the sun cast its brilliance on the G87's Toronto Red body, I marveled at the fresh aesthetic perspective it offered compared to the Zandvoort Blue example I drove in Singapore. While the M2's signature baby blue shade may attract attention, it doesn't handle reflections, depth, and shadows as effectively as this crimson beauty. Complemented by the 930M Bicolour wheels, the new M2's more daring and assertive design language truly came to life, especially with Mt. Fuji in the background, creating a truly breathtaking sight. Chasing the sun, chasing a dream. With this picturesque scene etched in my memory, the next leg of my journey led me along the coastal roads of Numazu, through the city of Mishima towards my next Touge. The city's traffic slowed my progress considerably, and the sunlight was slowly but surely subsiding by the time I reached the Ashinoko Skyline. Linking National Route 1 near Hakone Pass to Kojiri on the northern shores of Lake Ashi, the Ashinoko Skyline is a picturesque toll road winding along the border of Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures on the western side of Hakone. Tracing the western ridge of the Hakone mountains, it offers vistas of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, Mishima city, Numazu city, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula. As I pulled into a viewpoint with the sun setting, words almost failed to capture the awe-inspiring scene unfolding before me. It was truly a spectacular sight. With my dream now fulfilled, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The beauty of the moment was overwhelming, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Thank you BMW Group Japan, it was the best drive I've ever had and the G87 M2 will forever remain special. It was now time to have dinner and return to Tokyo. Thank you for reading.

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/703362/chris-bangle-xiaomi-design-consultant/ Chris Bangle of BMW fame is now helping Xiaomi design cars, and production of the Volkswagen ID.2 might not be fully ramped up until 2026. This is AM Drive, Motor1's daily look at the news you need before you get in your car. Ex-BMW Designer Chris Bangle Helping Xiaomi Draw Its Future Cars In case you've missed the memo, Xiaomi is now a car brand. Its first car is the SU7, a large electric sedan built under contract by BAIC. The lead designer was Li Tianyuan, who penned the polarizing BMW iX. The Chinese tech giant has now added another former BMW designer to its payroll, none other than Chris Bangle. Xiaomi chairman and co-founder Lei Jun took to X to make the surprising announcement about Bangle's new role at the company's car division. Christopher Edward Bangle was appointed chief of BMW design in 1992 after working for Opel and Fiat in the 1980s. During his stay in Bavaria until 2009, he penned a multitude of models, some of which had the infamous "Bangle Butt." The E65 7 Series is a prime example, as is the E63 6 Series Coupe.

Max Verstappen should have said: "Limpeh confirm, chop, can drive faster and better than you!" Hahahaha It turns out that being a three-time Formula 1 world champion doesn’t get you a leg up at the rental car counter, as Max Verstappen recently learned when on vacation in Portugal. Source: https://jalopnik.com/max-verstappen-too-young-to-rent-amg-gt-sports-car-on-v-1851128701 As reported by The Sun, Verstappen’s family and friends arrived in Algarve on three different private jets, having booked 20 rental cars through Sixt with the intent to drive to the Algarve International Circuit (also known as Portimão), which Verstappen had rented out for two days. When the Dutch world champion arrived at the Sixt counter, he was told that he could not drive the Mercedes-AMG GT that he had reserved for himself because he was too young. Sixt’s insurance policy for the GT requires that drivers be 30 years old, and Verstappen is only 26. His manager ended up taking the GT, while Verstappen had to make do with a BMW 5 Series. A source said: “Max and the group went to Portugal for a fun racing trip and had booked the cars they wanted. “When they got to the airport, Max was shocked when he was told he wasn’t allowed to drive the Mercedes he wanted. “He’s a seasoned F1 driver who’s used to handling powerful cars, so it’s quite astonishing to think he wasn’t allowed to get behind the wheel of this one — but those are the rules, so he abided by them.”

Is it just me, but the front look like borrowed from an Opel SUV... BMW will kick off a new chapter of its electrification strategy in 2025 with the launch of a new platform for electric vehicles. The Neue Klasse (New Class) architecture will underpin at least six new zero-emissions SUVs and today, these spy photos provide an early look at one of those electric models in prototype form. Our spies in Germany sent us a batch of spy shots with what is currently known as the NA5 project, which is expected to arrive in the summer of 2025. The high-riding EV here is believed to be roughly the same size as today’s X3. However, smarter packaging combined with longer overhangs should result in a bigger storage area behind the rear seats, as well as a roomier cabin. In August last year, BMW confirmed the first product to be based on the Neue Klasse platform will be an electric sedan. It will be followed by this SUV here and some sources even claim it will arrive first. We won’t speculate on that topic but we’ll mention production of the electric family hauler is expected to begin in July 2025 in Hungary. “By the end of the decade, the Neue Klasse is expected to account for more than half of our sales,” BMW’s CEO Oliver Zipse said last year.

There seems to be a common occurrence between such drivers… Can’t quite put my finger on it… What happened? A BMW 2 Series (220i Coupe SR HID M Sport if you care) ran a red light at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8. This is in itself, nothing special. More evidence to Singaporeans being bad drivers perhaps. But this time, there’s also the driver’s wife and child in the passenger seat. Small enough to warrant needing a child seat, if the Facebook post is to be believed. Next level irresponsibility right here. Getting into an accident is one thing, but imagine also dragging your child and spouse into whatever mess you created from being so kanchiong. Only to be first at the next traffic light too?? It baffles me what motivates people to drive like this. Online chatter Netizens noticed a similarity in this incident with other drivers… Others were concerned and wanted to bring this to the attention of Traffic Police. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

https://carsnkopi.wordpress.com/2023/11/02/munich-auto-otaku-2023-back-at-the-welt/ For Bimmerheads in Munich, it really is a no-brainer to pop by the Welt and the museum whenever they're in town, not just because it literally is the centre of all things BMW but also because unlike most places in Munich that open only between the hours of 10-11 am, the Welt opens its doors at a rather early (especially for Germany) 730 am. Which makes it one of the perfect places to start a day in Munchen. The other is, of course, Kaffeerösterei at Viktualienmarkt which coincidentally opens at 730 am as well! Or, you can do what I always do, pop by the coffee stand first for a morning cuppa (and a delicious pastry) and then hop onto the nearby U3 U-Bahn towards Olympiazentrum. While I have been here on a number of occasions already, the sight of the BMW Welt and their iconic 4-Cylinder Building never fails to excite me. Outside, a beautiful M8 was getting prepped to enter the Welt. These are such beautiful Grand Tourers, if only they didn't evolve into such expensive machines! (Relatively speaking of course. Yes, yes, I know it retails for S$180,000 brand new in Germany. Stop reminding me!) At the same time, a trailer pulled up to unload its contents. I guess it has to be something cool when it is being pulled by a Cayenne. Inside, Vision Dee was on display, this is one of two Vision Dee's built, the other car, a white one, was at the time heading towards Singapore! This version is with the sweet colour-shifting E-ink panels. While it does look very similar to the Vision Neue Klasse, there are some notable differences which make the newer Neue Klasse appear much closer to being a production car. A variant we don't get here in Singapore, a 330e plug-in hybrid Touring. And one of the cars I was in Germany for, the iX1. Looking especially good here in blue. Still no news yet on when the iX1 will arrive here. Pity our archaic and backwards-looking regulations when it comes to EV vehicles. Taxing EVs based on their power output is stupidity onto another level and blindly penalising innovation, engineering excellence and technological progress. This M3 was sitting in the cordoned off delivery area which means someone spec'ed their M3 with the entirety of the M Performance Parts catalog. While it might seem like a silly thing to do considering the obscene prices of original add-ons, due to the very strict rules regarding aftermarket parts buying a car with manufacturer options is one of the few ways an owner can drive a hopped-up vehicle legally without hassle from the Popo. [/img] After discussing homologation with TUV with Nikolas at Bavarian Econs, I can confirm that driving a modified vehicle in Germany is a formidable challenge. There's a meticulous process for testing and obtaining type approval for every modification, and there's no room for leniency in these regions. If the police suspect any modifications on your vehicle, there's a high likelihood that you will be pulled over. Just how rigorous are the regulations concerning aftermarket parts? Let's consider wheels as an example. In Germany, there's no universal wheel that fits all vehicles. Each wheel must undergo testing and approval for each specific make and model. In other words, a wheel that has been tested and approved for a 3-Series M340i might not legally be installed on a 320i unless it has been subjected to testing on the 320i. Supposedly explaining why the selection of aftermarket wheels in Germany is relatively limited. Of course, you can take the initiative to have a wheel tested and approved, but this requires a solid understanding of the paperwork involved and a significant financial commitment. To avoid all this hassle, it's much simpler to order performance-enhancing components directly from the manufacturer, which is where M Performance Parts come into play. This also clarifies why prominent German tuning companies construct entire vehicles from the ground up, sparing customers the trouble of dealing with TUV. At this point, the car that was sitting in the Porsche pulled trailer was finally unloaded and brought to its display area, and it was truly something special. This is ROWE racing's M4 GT3, fresh off winning the gruelling 24-hours of SPA. Don't believe me? Here's the trophy. What a sight. Looking resplendent with its bug splatters and battle scars on display. This is how a race car should look. After I got my fill of ROWE goodness, it was time to head over to the museum.

The bigger grill does help to enhance the look of this SAC - Sports Active Coupe (coined by BMW), which now look closer to the larger X4 esthetically. X2 M35i xDrive The 2024 X2 measures 4,554 mm in length, with a width of 1,844 mm and a height of 1, 590 mm. The X2’s wheelbase of 2,692 mm and track of 1,582 mm is identical to that of the X1. However, when it comes to mass, the SAC is a smidge porkier than its crossover SUV sibling, weighing in at 1,725 kg for the xDrive28i and 1,742 kg for the X2 M35i, which is 40.8 kg more than the X1 xDrive28i. In the US, this brand new model get a 2.0L sump, churning out 241hp / 400Nm / 6.2sec (xDrive28i) and 312hp / 400Nm / 5.2sec (M35i xDrive). When it hit our shore, I am sure the 122hp / 230Nm / 10.5sec sDrive16i will be one of the option, if not the only one available...

Lots of missing context in this one. Nonetheless an interesting watch. What happened? On 11 September 2023, at Yishun (again??) Avenue 6, an altercation broke out between a food delivery rider and a BMW driver. According to the Facebook post, the BMW driver was “closely following” the rider before the incident, saying that “the traffic light signalled”. How specific! Because the traffic light definitely doesn’t have multiple signals, each with VERY different meanings. But we’ll assume the light turned green. Why else would someone “impatiently honk”? Unfortunately for the driver, the rider was apparently infuriated. This led to the shouting and various gestures seen in the video, though the camera was too far away to really record what was said clearly. Oddly enough, the rider seems like a decent person, as they apologised to a driver in the lane besides and waved them through. So either: a) The rider is a bit sensitive and might have taken too long, prompting the BMW to honk. b) The BMW driver was tailgating and is indeed in the wrong and anyhow honk because they cannot wait. Let’s see what the comments think. Online chatter Obligatory “Yishun” comments out of the way first. The general sentiment is that people are siding with the driver, though considering the demographic on Facebook, there’s definitely some bias there. Some just joined in to vent their frustration on cyclists. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Introducing the future of BMW: The Vision Neue Klasse. (No, it looked nothing like the Polestar 2 in real life) Introducing the future of BMW: The Vision Neue Klasse. "Neue Klasse," or "New Class," is a name synonymous with propellerheads the world over. Most of us know it as the series of historic BMW sedans and coupes that would eventually go on to spawn the iconic 2002. However, only the true BMW nerds (us included) know just how important the Neue Klasse cars were in saving BMW from the brink of bankruptcy and a hostile takeover by Daimler-Benz, who aimed to convert this little Bavarian factory into a manufacturer and supplier of car bodies for Mercedes-Benz. While BMW did build some stylish cars during the post-war era, they either lagged behind the times, such as the 502 sedan, or were simply prohibitively expensive to produce, like the 507 Roadster. The only cars that managed to keep the company afloat at the time were the Isetta and 700 Coupe. Facing financial ruin, Bayerische Motoren Werke was in dire straits, and things were about to take a turn for the worse. Enter Daimler-Benz. On the 9th of December in 1959, Daimler-Benz was on the verge of acquiring BMW, as the majority of the BMW board appeared ready to approve the takeover. However, in a last-minute twist, a handful of disgruntled shareholders, including Herbert Quandt, successfully adjourned the meeting. Interestingly, Quandt, who had initially supported the Daimler-Benz takeover, had concerns about the potential disruption it might cause in BMW's factories. Against the advice of BMW's bankers, he chose to increase his stake in the company and struck an agreement with the state of Bavaria, ultimately setting the stage for BMW's future success, including the development of the Neue Klasse, the iconic 2002, and the brand's rise to prominence. In short, the Neue Klasse platform and series of cars laid the foundation for the BMW we know and love today. With my little history lesson over, I think it is sufficient to say that the name 'Neue Klasse' is extremely important to BMW, perhaps, even sacred. So, for them to bring it back is significant on many levels. It's significant enough that it currently stands as the most expensive project they have ever embarked upon. As the next milestone in their Neue Klasse project, which commenced with the iVision Circular and continued with the iVision Dee, the Vision Neue Klasse offers us a very close glimpse into the design language and future technology of their next generation of vehicles. Stylistically departing from every other BMW currently on the market, the Vision Neue Klasse embodies characteristically BMW lines that are clean, sharp, and elegant. With its wide stance and streamlined surfaces, the Neue Klasse also seamlessly incorporates time-tested BMW design signatures, including the forward-angled shark-nose, kidney grilles, double headlight signatures, and the iconic Hofmeister kink. That extra graphical element of the side windows? It features an E-ink display that provides visual cues for various functionalities, such as proximity to the vehicle or door opening. "The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so progressive it looks like we skipped a model generation," says BMW's head of design, Adrian van Hooydonk. Having seen the car in the metal, we think he might be understating things a bit. Having laid eyes on the Vision Neue Klasse in person, I felt it exuded strong E30 vibes, accompanied by touches of the (love it to bits) 2002, E23, and Bertone's Garmisch concept from the 1970s. One can't help but wonder if this project was what prompted the resurrection of the Garmisch in 2019. (And, off the record, does anyone else catch honts of a Nissan Bluebird/Datsun 510?). Beneath this futuristic and almost monolithic design lies BMW's most advanced drivetrain yet – a fully electric system equipped with BMW's sixth-generation Drive technology. This promises a 25 per cent faster charging rate and a 30 per cent increase in range and efficiency. These improvements are achieved through major advancements in newly-developed battery cells, boasting a 20 per cent higher energy density compared to today's prismatic cells. To put it into perspective, consider the current BMW i4 eDrive40, which utilizes prismatic cells to offer a driving range of up to 590km. With a 30 per cent increase, that range would potentially increase to 767km, and a 25 per cent boost in charging speed could reduce the 10 to 80% charging time from 32 to 24 minutes. It's important to note that these figures are largely simplistic estimates, and with EV technology continually advancing, we'll have to wait for official figures to provide a more accurate picture. In the Vision Neue Klasse, the innovations go beyond power and drivetrains. Within the elegantly appointed yet minimalist cabin featuring seats and materials we feel are reminiscent of custom low-riders, you'll discover the most substantial evolution in how we interact with a BMW since the introduction of the Drive. BMW calls it Panoramic Vision. If the new Mini's circular display and revised UI represent a step up from the current cars, then this is a full-on leap. It utilizes a full-color, high-resolution heads-up display that spans the entire width of the widescreen. This provides both the driver and front passenger with the ability to interact with the displayed information, allowing them to use gesture control to move content between the angled, parallelogram-outlined central screen and the Panoramic Vision Display. Additionally, relocating most of the digital readouts to a heads-up projection unit offers the added benefit of freeing up the cabin's design, creating a cleaner and lighter atmosphere inside. While we absolutely adore it, we're somewhat sceptical that the stunning yellow interior and low-rider seats will make it into production in their current form. However, we've been informed that the technology elements are receiving strong emphasis. Circularity is as expected, a significant focal point when it comes to the Vision Neue Klasse. Production takes place at BMW's new cutting-edge, fossil fuel-free plant in Debrecen, and there's a concerted effort to incorporate a more extensive range of raw and secondary materials with reduced CO2 emissions. The Vision Neue Klasse is the future of BMW, and it's a vision of sheer beauty, please make a Coupe. * I hope you all like it as much as I did (as a current 2002 and ex-E30 owner).

BMW M Cars Are Done With DCTs, and Soon, Manuals Too The humble torque-converter automatic has, in the end, bested all comers. BY LEWIN DAY|PUBLISHED JUN 14, 2023 7:00 PM EDT https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-m-cars-are-done-with-dcts-and-soon-manuals-too?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1FNJBnxQSR9LAXCHofQ-aZMIlriJm-A14YQivKiPezopTM3xoGIeRT2XU The dual-clutch transmission was once hot property. It was slicker and faster to shift than a manual transmission without the doddery old reputation of a slushbox auto. Times have changed, though, and BMW has abandoned the DCT, with the three-pedal manual soon to follow. As reported by Top Gear, BMW is going all-in on automatics in the final years before full electrification. The new BMW M2 is likely to be the last manual M car, with its classic six-speed transmission. The alternative choice is an eight-speed automatic. As for the dual-clutch, it's not even part of the conversation. "The double clutch, from BMW M's point of view these days, it's gone," Dirk Hacker said to Top Gear. The Head of Development at BMW M added that "It's now manual or automatic, and automatic electrified for the future.” Above: The dual-clutch gearbox was once seen as the way of the future. BMW The prime reason the dual-clutch was dropped was due to practical concerns. The decision first centered around the M5, where BMW engineers opted for a traditional auto for comfort reasons. The dual-clutch was seen as less desirable due to its comparatively poor handling of low-speed stop-start operations, especially when parking. With that said, Hacker also notes that the modern BMW autos outperform the dual-clutche boxes, too. "In the M4 CSL it's faster shifting, and on the other side, we also use this automatic in the new M4 GTR race car," says Hacker. Fans of taking a shift-your-own adventure ought to purchase a suitable BMW sooner rather than later. Dual clutches are already dead in the BMW line-up. And, when the current crop of manuals leave the market, there won't be more coming down the line. Hacker notes that while EVs with manual gearboxes could potentially be a thing, it's not something BMW will pursue. There's no need to cry just yet; the M2 is still a brilliant three-pedal performance car that you can buy today. There are also hints the world may even see a manual Z4 down the line. However, if you're longing for a new dual-clutch for those blink-and-you'll-miss-it shifts? You're sadly already out of luck. More's the pity.

TL,DR - BMW driver tries to be a cheapskate and has skill issue, ends up needing to pay more than just parking fees Guys… I’m running out of things to say for situations like these. Especially when certain vehicles are involved. What happened? A BMW 318 driver in Boon Lay Place decided to skip paying parking fees and that it’d be a good idea to pay for insurance claims instead. This is shown from how close they were tailgating the camcar. I have not driven in a while, but I am very sure that’s not a “safe distance”. I was promptly proven right because the BMW driver did not stop in time when the camcar stopped to enter the road. This led to an audible knock against the camcar’s rear bumper. The owner of the camcar got out in order to confront the BMW driver, though the audio of their conversation was too soft to hear in the video. According to the Facebook post, the BMW driver claimed that the camcar driver was busy using his HP and other “lame rubbish”, forcing the BMW driver to reverse. In the original Facebook post, the camcar was quoted as saying “Tailgate also no standard bang people rear.” I like how this implies the camcar also tailgates others but is much better at it than the BMW driver. Online chatter You already know the first thing people are going to make fun of. The next thing people made fun of is how the driver could afford such a car but not the parking fees, especially since now he will have to pay more in the end than just a few dollars. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Hot on the heels of the rather erm, provocative XM, BMW Asia has now brought along its smaller, though no less anticipate stablemate, the M2 to our local shores and we were lucky enough to be privy to an early media preview. While the new car is slightly larger all around (except for height where 7mm is shaved off) from its predecessor, an almost 50hp bump in power (from the M2 Competition) means the new car is even quicker than the car it replaces, though only by .1 of a second for both gearbox options. Yes, gearbox options, because thanks to the heros of homologation at BMW Asia, you can spec your brand new M2 with a third pedal and 6 do-it-yourself forward gears should you feel the 8-speed automatic isn't quite "macho" enough. And macho might be the words that come to mind when chancing upon the M2. While it might not be as pretty as the previous M2, which let's face it, is one of the best looking BMWs out there even today, the new car does have its own distinct visual flavour. Personally, I think the front end is too fussy and overdesigned. Where aesthetics are concerned for this generation, the less well-endowed M240i in Thundernight Metallic takes the cake. You know the drill. BMW's S58B30. 3-litres, Twin Turbos, 6-cylinders all lined up to punch out a heady 460 horses and 500Nm of torques. A healthy dollop more punch than the considerably more expensive Porsche 718 Cayman GTS. Which then brings us to the price. Whilst never intended to be anywhere near "cheap", the new car represents a considerable increase from its M2 Competition predecessor and an even bigger leap from the original M2 launched back in 2016. At S$380,000 (without COE), the new M2 is a rather expensive proposition, but nowadays, what isn't?

Guys, I know the jam at checkpoints are long, but waiting a few hours is probably better than waiting a few months in jail. What happened? On 6th May 2023, a BMW 1200gs rider at Tuas checkpoint decided that the queue was too long and tried to cut it. However, he was unfortunate in his choice of victim, who was apparently a Malaysian rider who refused to let him have his way. This resulted in a fight where the Malaysian man was being held back by a couple other riders in an attempt to stop the fight, as other vehicles behind them were also blaring their horns. The footage is pretty short and only shows the fight as it is happening, not what led to it. We also don’t know if either party is going to face charges for fighting (though really, it should only be the BMW rider if this is true). Take this story with a grain of salt. Ironically, if the rider just waited like everyone else he probably would have left earlier as opposed to starting a fight and dealing with the consequences after. Online chatter You already know what people are going to make fun of in this one. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

What happened? A man was killed in an accident on Sunday, 2.05pm at the junction of Dunearn Road and Shelford Road near Tan Kah Kee MRT station. An SCDF paramedic pronounced the man dead at the scene. The accident also involved 3 others. According to the SCDF, one person was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and two others were taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The incident caused lane one of the road to be blocked with traffic cones and led to a traffic jam. A silver BMW 3 series is believed to be involved with the accident, as one was seen in front of a police tent on a grass patch next to the blocked off lane one. The car’s rear windscreen was broken and debris covered the side of the road. A driver who passed the site of the accident told The Straits Times that he saw a body lying by the driver’s side of the BMW, and a severed arm in lane three of the road. The driver went on to comment, “I was shocked. I feel sad for the victim.” Security officer Syed Musa, 38, who was in his friend’s car, said they were stuck in the jam for about 30 minutes and went past the accident site at around 3.30pm. When asked by The Straits Times he said, “My wife saw a man, (whom we) believed to be the driver of the car, standing near a tree and being attended to by the paramedics. He seemed to be in a state of shock.” We have no information on what led to the accident or the condition of the other 3 victims. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR - Expat arrested after driving BMW into traffic light at Chinatown and crashing another parked vehicle at Tiong Bahru Pfft, probably got drunk from soju. Watch this 39-second video of the BMW 523i going down in smoke. What happened? A Korean expat was arrested after smashing his 523i into a traffic light in a busy intersection at Chinatown. The driver then crashed into more parked vehicles in the carpark of his condo at Tiong Bahru. The BMW was seen emitting smoke with the bonnet of the car badly dented. The car plate also fell off amidst the ram. The fire brigade was mobilized to put out the fumes. It was reported that the driver was visibly intoxicated and driving erratically before the collision occurred. The impact of the crash was so severe that the traffic light was uprooted and the car was left severely damaged. Did you know? People can be charged with drink-driving in Singapore if they exceed the legal alcohol limit. In Singapore, the limit stands at 35 mg of alcohol for every 100 mL of breath or 80 mg of alcohol for every 100 mL of blood. Online Chat The incident has sent shockwaves not just among the netizens but through the expat community, with many expressing their disappointment and concern about the irresponsible behavior of their fellow expat. Driving under influence is a serious offense in Singapore, and it is even more serious when the suspect is a non-Singaporean. Come Singapore at least obey traffic rules lah... If convicted, he could have his work pass revoked and I guess there goes his job here. En route back to kimchi land soon... Annyeong in advance (oops sorry, but not quite...) ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

What happened? Phoo Yi Lin, 26, admitted on Monday to driving the white BMW M4 in a dangerous manner at around 5.35am on Feb 13, 2021. This was prior to the incident where another driver caused a fatal crash that claimed 5 lives. It was not disclosed if Ms Phoo was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, but District Judge Salina Ishak noted that Phoo had consumed alcohol before she drove the car that morning. Ms Phoo and her friends drove around the Tanjong Pagar area, taking turns at the wheel to see who could drive the car the fastest. She clocked 109km/h to 130km/h, but dashcam footage from a taxi in the area suggests that she may have hit 181km/h as well. The speed limit for that area is 50km/h. The prosecutor requested for the maximum fine of S$5,000 to be meted out to Phoo. This is considering that a cyclist and at least two pedestrians were present when she sped the car down the road. People charged for dangerous driving face up to 12 months in jail, a $5,000 fine or both. Ms Phoo’s sentence was a $5,000 fine and a 3 month ban from driving. Her lawyer pleaded with the court to “give her a chance”, adding that she had lost her job and had lost a number of friends due to the accident. On 16 March she requested to leave Singapore, but her application was rejected as she was considered a flight risk facing a serious offence. Online chatter Many people were amazed that she did not get any jail time. Some people also called into question if the ban on driving would be any good, or if it was even harsh enough. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

To clarify, I have nothing against BMW or their drivers. I grew up playing Need For Speed Most Wanted and still think the Most Wanted M3 GTR is one of the best fictional cars ever created. The 2009 M5 is one of the most impressive saloons to me due to the monstrous 5.0 litre V10 engine, the first of its kind among super saloons. However, I am afraid that whenever there is a traffic incident with a BMW, it is pretty memorable to say the least. What happened? According to the original Facebook post, a Chinese man was seen at the junction between Selegie and Serangoon roads, chasing a crying woman running around a BMW M4. The man was reported to have grabbed hold of her multiple times by the hair and started hitting her vigorously, forcing her inside the car. However, there is no footage or photo evidence of this happening so take it with a grain of salt. Two other women are seen with the man in the video and were reportedly also in the back seat of the M4. The incident caused a commotion around the area as many drivers stopped to look at it, effectively becoming a roadblock. Online chatter When 1 man has 3 women wearing rather tight clothes in his car, the internet apparently temporarily achieves unity and thinks the same thing. No comment on that… Some other people shared some similar thoughts about BMW drivers (Sorry BMW). Finally, the usual comments asking for authorities to step in and/or do something with sus drivers. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR - Double whammy as a BMW X6 crashes into building before taking out nearby pedestrians at Jalan Besar At this point, it’s not safe to be anywhere. Even on pavements, there’s a risk that a pedestrian gets hit by vehicles. Here's an example. Watch this 89-second clip of the crash. What happened? The driver of the BMW X6 lost control of the car and went head on into the building (right beside Hotel 81…) at Jalan Besar. He also took out the Mayo Street road sign. Hello LTA? If you look closely enough (at the first three seconds), there was a male pedestrian wearing white who seemed like he got caught in between as the car literally rammed towards his direction. Hope he’s okay... Online Chatter The comments were pretty brutal, everyone seems to be putting the blame on the driver. Which makes sense but of course, we shouldn’t be too quick to judge since we do not know the full story. He seemed fine (and weirdly calm) though since he was able to get out of the car without assistance and strolled to the other side. Some sharp-eyed netizens noticed the striking white and blue Hotel 81 signboard just beside the Cheers convenience store the driver crashed into. Oooh steamy...? I mean the car as it got busted. What do you think? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below! ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR - The front wheels of the BMW emits white smoke as the driver continues to speed on the expressway, not cutting any slack for the car. Watch this 34-second video of the 428 looking like an ultimate driving machine. What happened? The driver continues to speed on the road despite the front wheels busting in smoke. A smoking hot ride for this BMW. An online netizen happened to see this incident in real life and said the BMW also gave off sparks. Not sure about you but that sounds extremely dangerous to me. The car seems to be on the verge of catching fire and it doesn’t help that BMW is also notorious for such recalls in the past. If you see someone driving a BMW, stay away! Online Chatter When your girlfriend says “I’m home alone” so you rush off with a flat tire as you should. Takeaway The Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore mandates that tires be replaced when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm. Even if your tires have enough tread, after 5–10 years of use, the rubber may start to crack. Therefore, it is important to examine your tires once a year. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR – A Mitsubishi Lancer and a Volkswagen Scirocco were caught on camera speeding along the CTE and overtaking other vehicles using the road shoulder. Unfortunately for one of the two idiots, one of them hit a BMW X3 in the process and went full turtle, causing a 2-hour long jam in its wake. Lancerlution – It’s the term people use to refer to Mitsubishi Lancers trying their best to be EVOs (like this gum gong gia or a Lancer driver) Multiple angles of this incident found itself uploaded on SGRV’s FB page. Watch it all below: VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 What happened? In the first video you can see the close up of the accident. The cam car is very lucky to have avoided the repercussions of the Lancer and Roc driver’s stupidity. In the second video you can see the build up leading up to the accident + the footage from the first video + some aftermath shots. Online Chatter Is that a fact? Good control but bad luck. I actually did not catch that! ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR – The owner of a Honda Vezel desperately seeks witnesses or video evidence of a white BMW cutting into his lane and hitting his car, causing an accident in its wake. Unfortunately, the uploaded footage did not catch the BMW’s licence plate. I find it a little strange that the dash cam did not get the license plate. Watch this short 17-second video to see whether you find it strange as well What happened? Quoted straight from the SGRV Post Video got cut? I’m not sure whether it’s the impact of the BMW hitting the Vezel or some technical glitch. But the footage gets cut immediately after. Maybe there’s more to this story than meets the eye? Online Chatter Most comments skew towards the Vezel driver being a road hogger rather than the BMW’s hit-and-run offence. That’s loco! ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR - Cam car and BMW gets into a heated argument over trivial dispute and hurls vulgarities at each other incessantly. Want to brush up on your Hokkien? Learn from these two ‘laojiaos’! Watch this 6-minute video to see two men hurling profanities incessantly. Fierce. What happened? The cam-car reported that he was traveling along Yio Chu Kang when the BMW PHV cut into his lane abruptly. He honked at the driver to avoid collision (allegedly), but the BMW driver decided to point a rude gesture at the cam-car driver. Towards the exit of Braddell road, the BMW driver got out of his vehicle, to challenge the cam-car to a fight. Amid the confrontation, both parties started to spout Hokkien vulgarities and 'play mother' by insulting both mothers' v*ginas smelly (a common cuss in Hokkien). Online Chatter: The comments were pretty crude towards the cam-car, with many calling him out for not stepping out of his car even though he kept asking the bimmer to ‘lai lor an zua’ (Hokkien way to provoke a fight). ‘Humji’ level: 9000. Takeaway A little patience goes a long way. If you’re on the road, there’s bound to be road rage. But what is important is that we should always remind ourselves to give and take, pay it forward and exercise more forbearance on the road. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Hi all, I've recently chanced upon the BMW X1 (UX11) and i found its interior to be really beautiful. However, I'm really thrown off by the low power it has and I'm considering to tune it if i do purchase it. I'm aware that tuning the vehicle does void warranty from PML hence i was thinking of flash tuning it (and undoing it before servicing to avoid voiding the warranty). Just want to ask fellow lao jiaos here for some advice on whether my train of thought is right? Regarding flash tuning and undoing it not leading to a void in warranty? Any recommended brands to purchase and videos to watch so i have an understanding of how flash tuning works? Many thanks in advance!

TL;DR - SG-registered BMW got called out for pumping cheap RON95 petrol in JB reserved for MY-registered vehicles only. We all love a good cheap thrill. But not as much as this BMW driver. Watch this 75-second video of him not giving a hoot even after being called out by the cam-car. What happened? A SG-registered BMW driver was seen pumping RON95 petrol in Malaysia, when it is strictly only meant for MY-registered vehicles. The way he strategically used his body to cover the petrol nozzle and bike rack to cover his car plate while fueling his BMW with the forbidden petrol, goes to show the number of times he has done this prior. When confronted by the cam-car, he still continued - clearly unbothered, unfazed, thriving~ Online Comments: Reactions to the BMW driver being called out were pretty mixed. Many felt that this practice was very exploitative, giving Singaporeans a bad name. On the other hand, some argued that Singaporeans who pump cheap petrol in Malaysia still do stimulate the economy in other ways, such as shopping/dining there. Moral of the Story... Please obey the rules of the country you're in to avoid being an Internet meme. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR – A Honda Fit cuts into the path of a cam car in an extremely reckless manner, nearly causing an accident. Caption from the video post on Roads.sg Facebook page. Watch the 10-second video below to find out what it means. What happened The incident occurred along Bukit Panjang Ring Road at about 6.45pm on 7th of December 2022. A blue/purple Honda Fit filters onto the main road and immediately changes lane recklessly. This abrupt lane change causes cam car to jam the brakes and depress the horn. It’s a short one today but let this serve as a public service announcement of sorts. Moral of the story There will always be idiots on the roads like this. It doesn’t mean that nothing will happen to you even if you have the right of way. Keep that in mind folks. Online Chatter As always, let’s see what people have to say. True stories. It refers to the Honda Fit. Just in case anyone’s wondering. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!