WiFi connected BMW

In Europe, new passengers cars are being equipped with WiFi enabled dashboard monitors. The connected car more and more becoming a standard on modern cars where you can surf the web and receive vital information about traffic, weather current events and more with the modern Wifi and cellular service enabled vehicles.

This technology will become more prevalent on new cars as this vehicles will be able to share data between each other as well to warn for traffic congestion, weather conditions and the like between cars as they’re traveling down on the road.

There are other considerations to have modern cars communicate true wireless means, they will be able to run self diagnostics and software upgrades behind the scenes without going to a service facility.

Location based advertisements may show up on your screen, to have a cup off coffee or tea  when you pass by your favorite coffee shop.

 

This technology is at our door’ step and will arrive very quickly, here to Canada and most of North America as well. According to the engineers, by 2016 around 100 million connected cars will be on the road sharing information between each other and the rest of the world.

 

The way it will work is at this moment looks like a WiFi antenna will be mounted externally, and a WiFi mobile hotspot will be embedded inside the vehicle. At the current rate it will cost just around $100 for 3G connection and about $200 for 4G connection.

 

In North America GM is very aggressively moving to produce  WiFi connected cars. Their technology is developed in Germany by Opel at GM’s European subsidiary .

However the front runner is Audi. Last year they introduced Audi Allroad with the WiFi hotspot. They also formed a brand new partnership with Google and the Android operating system.

 

2014 Audi AllroadNaturally there are a lot of parties interested in participating to have all this becoming a reality including Google and Apple and so forth. They will appear on BMW and Mercedes-Benz dashboard. Of course Honda enjoyed the race… They announced, they will support Apple too.

How date transfer will be priced, we don’t know yet… How expensive it will be, well time will tell…

The next step will be self driving cars…  in the near future, so stay tuned.

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MP3 via iPod to your BMW

BMW i3 Electric Car

Battery Maintenance

Battery manufacturing technology changed a lot over the past few years. Today’s modern European car’s battery requires only minimal maintenance to deliver peak performance in their intended lifetime (on average 4 to 6 years in our climate).

Modern battery does not need anything other than the occasional recharge if not driven long enough daily. There is no way to top them up. In most cases they are sealed and has a closed system to prevent tempering with them.

Just because your BMW’s battery is maintenance free, it does not mean it can be dirty. All battery should be clean at all the time. Cable connection needs to be clean and tightened.
Also they should be inspected regularly for corrosion, clean connections and state of health like charge.

A lot of  battery problems are caused by dirty batteries and loose, dirty cable connections.

 

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Original or High Performance BOSCH Batteries for Your Fine BMW – Mercedes – Porsche

Bosch BatteriesWe only use S5 Bosch Batteries or AGM S6 if Required

We recommend to check your car battery’s vent pipe/hose integrity to prevent early corrosion on the surrounding delicate electronics, like the intelligent battery sensor on most modern BMW or Mercedes automobiles.

Your alternators health will effect the battery state of charge or long term health, therefore testing the alternator regularly may save you more than a no start convenience down on the road.

Did you know most late model German cars engine computer will turn your alternator off if no charging is needed of the battery to save on fuel ?

In fact true the battery sensor the engine computer will command the alternator to be on or off, in multiple applications. For instance at full acceleration the alternator is turned off to increase engine performance as well.

Furthermore with the proper equipment we can recall your daily driving record to analyze the charging system effectiveness. Battery health and state of charge is being recorded as well, by the engine computer, until the battery has been disconnected.

We thought you may like to know how this energy management works on your fine German Import car behind the scenes.

Midtronincs GR8-1200 Car Electrical System – Battery Tester, Analyzer

If your vehicle is in storage at winter time or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Keep the battery full charged at all the time, which mean you should charge it in every two – three weeks.

For extended storage, remove the battery from the vehicle and keep 100% charged. Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below room temperature (18 – 20 Celsius). If stored in a warmer  room,  (above 20 Celsiuses ), charge every two weeks.

Make sure you store your battery out of reach of children.

Cheap traditional, older model battery chargers are generally unsuitable to perform battery maintenance charge as they treat all batteries in the same way. They provide a steady but unregulated charge to the battery. This can easily lead to over, or under, charging of the battery and thereby decrease its lifespan.

If you work on you car’s battery, remove all jewelry from your hands, wear safety goggles and plastic gloves. You should be aware, the battery is contain corrosive acid, and might  explosive gases be present, therefore  work away from open flames and do not smoke.

Call us for more details at  905.795.0419

Winter Tire Facts

Are you like many Canadians, driving around at winter time? Do you have winter tires on your car?

Yokohama Winter Tire

Why should you invest in winter tire?

Winter tires cost money and rather annoying to bother to change them and so fort the saying goes.

Is it right?

The facts are they designed for the cold temperatures not just the snow but the freezing numbing cold road, to stay supple providing your car with traction.

Quebec has mandated winter tires due to the overwhelming statistics of the crash data collected involved people driving on all season tires caused 38 percent of the accidents in.

Related;

Advices & Tips from Mississauga BMW specialist

Winter Inspection

What you need to know to improve fuel efficiency in winter time

Prepare your BMW automobile for our Canadian winter

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The winter months. Do you walk around in flip flops in the winter, or do you use your winter boots? Just as an individual adjust to the seasonal changes, your car needs to be adjusted for the harsh unpredictable winter.

Compare the cost of winter tires to the time money and effort lost if you get involved in an accident, or worst, due to lack of control cause an accident inadvertently. Accident could happen to anyone but accidents are waiting to happen if you have no control over your vehicle. A ton and a half vehicle traveling at speed will need all the help it can get in foul weather.

Please think before you drive. Thank you for your attention.

Take care. Best regards
Attila Jaszai President of
Techmax Auto Repair Inc.

Yokohama Winter Tire

There are plenty of excellent winter tires available for very reasonable prices. Call us for more details at  905.795.0419

BMW Alpine D3 Diesel Bi Turbo

BMW Alpine DieselBMW Alpine D3 Diesel Bi Turbo

The foundation of Burkard Bovensiepen laid in the 1960s in the form of a performance enhanced BMW 1500.

It has since developed into a permanent fixture in the luxury sports car segment. What were then the first technologically and qualitatively relevant products marketed by ALPINA, namely four-cylinder petrol engines with Weber dual carburetors in the BMW Neue Klasse, are now in modern form high tech automobiles.

Equipped from the outset with the best possible genes by BMW, they currently represent the ultimate in performance, comfort, driving culture and efficiency.

The new BMW ALPINA B3 Diesel  Bi-Turbo combines these characteristics like no other automobile before it.  ________________________________________________________________________

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The most important facts you need to know about the urea (AdBlue) injection on modern diesel powered passenger cars in North America.

Both manufacturers BMW and Mercedes has it in their fleet of high tech clean diesels to comply with the strict North American emission requirements. North American emission requirements has been government mandated. Continue Reading… or call us for more details at  905.795.0419

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As all of Alpina’s cars, the D3 diesel Bi Turbo starts as a stock BMW, in this case a (European-market) 330d with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel in-line six engine.

The stock BMW 330d produces 258 horsepower, the Alpine D3 bi turbo putts out  345hp (350PS) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, for a zero to100km/h mph (62 mph) sprint in just 4.6 seconds. The top speed is 278km/h  (173 mph).

Alpina states it, the Alpine D3 Diesel Bi Turbo is the fastest diesel production car in the world.

The BMW  Alpine D3 Diesel bi Turbo will be available as a sedan or wagon. Alpina has not said whether it will bring this breathtaking fast diesel to North America.

For more info visit Alpina’s website

2013 MINI JCW

2013 MINI Cooper JCW2013 Mini Cooper S Hatchback

There is an interesting history that stems from the live of John Cooper, a man whose passion was to create and race cars meant for the fast track.  He was a co-founder of the Cooper Car Company (later touching base with the original mini cooper), and his work eventually helped to revolutionize auto racing by placing the engine at the rear of the car.

Off the track, Cooper created the possibility of a vehicle meant for the road, but with the heart of a race car.  This came together in a 2013 Mini Cooper S Hatchback.

The license to the name Cooper along with famous mini cooper was signed over to BMW in 2007.  The vehicles are now sold under the name MINI, and among them the MINI Cooper S Hatchback is known to be the sportier version of the lot.

The JCW is a grade up.

 

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The British-based John Cooper Works company was founded by Michael Cooper (son of the John Cooper) in 2000, and its purpose is to create both accessories and tuning parts for new MINIs.  It is the gem in the family and it clearly is the best with a manual transmission to both respect and experience the full potential of the car.

It comes with 208-horsepower JCW engine, kind of like a professional sprinter ready to spring forward at the start of the race.

This is an incredibly intuitive car.  It’s also unbelievably fun to drive.

This MINI can go from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.  It has a six-speed manual transmission, automatic stability control and traction control.

A JCW is not just for anyone.  A hefty price may weigh down on some, but true auto enthusiasts – the ones that appreciate and maintain their car, and enjoy a fun drive – will know perhaps that the price matches the value of the car.

Call us for more details at  905.795.0419

The BMW 4 Series Coupe

Introducing The BMW 4 Series Coupe. Outperform

BMW 4 Series CoupeThe BMW 4 Series Coupe turns heads faster… It outperforms the competition aesthetically and on the race truck as well. It is sleek and athletic exterior commands the eye,  while its 326hp engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/hour  in an incredible 4,8 seconds.

The BMW 4 Series Coupe also features Air Curtain technology. The BMW 4 Series Coupe intakes channel air around the front wheels and then out through the Air Breather side vents, reducing drag and fuel consumption.

And with the lowest center of gravity of any current model, it truly is the perfect balance of stunning design and dynamic performance.

4,8 seconds accelerations from 0 to 100 km/hours. This performance figures achieved with optional M performance exhaust and M Performance Power Kit on 345i xDrive with 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission. 

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BMW i3 Electric car

 

2014 BMW X6 AWD

2014 BMW X62014 BMW X6

The 2014 BMW X6 can go anywhere in all wheel drive mode (AWD), but with its sleek styling and choice of powerful engines it’s worthy of being name it something else than a crossover (CUV – crossover utility vehicle).

Therefore BMW named it a Sport Activity Coupe. It sound good… Isn’t it?

The new X6 comes in three configurations, all 3 with Twin Power turbo engines. Under the hood of the X6 xDrive 35i is a 300-hp, 3.0L in-line 6 attached to an 8 speed automatic transmission. For $66,800 Canadian, it accelerate from 0-1O0 km in 6.7 seconds.

The 2014 BMW X6 xDrive 50i comes with a bigger 400-hp, 4.4L V8 engine, attached to it an 8 speed automatic transmission that allows it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. The price starts a at $82,200 Canadian.

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Our Motor Oil Recommendation for  Your BMW

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At the top of the line is, the performance oriented X6 M is powered by a 555-hp version of 4.4L V8, which is coupled to a 6 speed automatic transmission. Heaviest of the three, at 2,415 kg, but it is the quickest with a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.7 seconds. For more stopping power it comes with bigger front and rear break too.

Also it is pricier. The price starts at $102,900 Canadian.

All three of them can run on 4 cylinders to obtain better gas mileages/km.

In our opinion, the model that most Canadians will buy is the xDrive 35i. It does not come with self leveling pneumatic suspension, not even with sport seats and it does not have special M styling cues, however it’s still a very well equipped German vehicle.

Standard equipment, even on the base model for $66,800 includes power tailgate and sunroof, automatic air conditioning, heated steering wheel and rear view camera.

Visit BMW Canada web-site’s X6 page for more info.

BMW Transmission Maintenance

Some BMW owner want to make sure their car is in top working condition and they change the transmission fluid often.

Changing the transmission fluid more often is entirely their decision. A properly preformed transmission oil change will not damage the transmission.  Most problems occur due to improper refill procedures, incorrect transmission fluids, and or non OEM parts or with transmission that already have drive ability problem.

Use of Genuine OEM parts and fluids is strongly recommended for best result.

Your BMW transmission is created by the German ZF Friedrichshafen AG engineering company. Read their BMW transmission maintenance recommendation at next...

Call us for more details at  905.795.0419

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Dual Clutch Transmission

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Our Latest High Tech Toll is Corghi ARTIGLIO MASTER Tire Machine.

ARTIGLIO MASTER marks a new frontier in the world of tire changers because it eliminates the lever, physical effort, and the precaution and worry about damaging expensive wheels and tires.

The unit’s operation is based on a completely new principle, including electronic wheel diameter selection with automatic tool positioning, wheel lifter for loading and unloading the wheel and automatic tool head for lever less mounting / demounting.

Call us for more details at  905.795.0419

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BMW ActiveHybrid 3

The 2013 ActiveHybrid  3’s engine is based on the 335i’s 3.0 liter in line six, twin turbo charged engine. This is a traditional rear wheel drive BMW with the assistance of a lithium ion powered electric motor.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3BMW ActiveHybrid 3

The Active Hybrid 3 Series

It’s only available with an 8 speed automatic transmission .

The 2013 Active Hybrid 3 Series is faster than the 335-i  due to the 35 horsepower advantage and 32 pound feet of added torque as well. Worth to note; It is slightly heavier than the 335-i by 300 pounds, but has a longer differential to make it more relaxed on highway driving.

The battery pack resides in the trunk which gives the Active Hybrid a better 50-50 weight distribution as well.

The Active Hybrid BMW 3 Series has an electric only mode as most hybrids do. It’s called the BMW Drive Experience Control in this case.

The most efficient mode called the Eco Pro which will provide the best fuel economy and at a push of a button you can engage the Sport Mode which will sharpen all the senses at will. After all it is a true BMW at heart .

With the combination of the 6 cylinder 3 liter gasoline engine and the help of the 55 horsepower electric motor it will achieve a 0-60 time in approximately 5 seconds flat, which should give a 335-i driving experience at a better than 328-i fuel economy at will.

Do we repair and maintain BMW hybrids? The  answer is yes. Read More…

The  Active Hybrid 3 Series is a Sport Active Hybrid Design

Currently the BMW Active Hybrid 3 Series does not have true competitor, as it is unique to the Sport Active Hybrid designation where it is a blend of amazing fuel economy and or a lightening  fast sports car at will.

We are looking forward to the electrified future of the BMW automobiles

This double personality makes this Bavarian beauty the choice of the real driving enthusiast. Well done BMW, we are looking forward to the electrified future of the BMW automobiles.

Related: BMW i3 Electric Car

Related:

BMW Hybrid Repair – Hybrid Maintenance

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BMW i3 Electric Car

BMW i3BMW i3 Electric Vehicle

BMW not just only has been hyping up its new electric  vehicle for a couple of years now, and despite teasers about innovative tech features and full carbon-fiber body structures, it is fact, this electric vehicle will be available in the Canadian BMW dealers car list very soon.

Apparently there was a lot of  mystery, about this new electric vehicle, which offers Star Trek like technology… It called inductive battery charging, and it an engineering “wonder”.

However, the mystery has been lifted about all the details except how the thing actually drives…. Like a BMW? Like a  Smart car, or like a go kart? Or it might drive, like no small car before?

I guess we will find it out, when we drive it… However, one thing is sure. As of June 15, 2013, looks like the price of the BMW i3 starts at around  $53,000 US. Also according to different car related Internet news websites, BMW already have received reservation for 100,000 i3 vehicle.  Read more about the BMW i3