The Best Used BMW 5 Series Wagon

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 22:32

Used BMW keyword

 

If you are in the market for a used BMW car in Pennsylvania that will comfortably seat your family, consider a used BMW 5 Series Wagon.

If you’re in the market for a BMW with a roomy interior, high performance, and a hint of efficiency, the BMW wagon is your model of choice.

Since the 5 Series wagon was discontinued in 2007, shoppers in search of a new wagon are now forced to either purchase a 3 series wagon, or look at the SAV range. One common dilemma among those in the market for a BMW wagon is that many people do not wish to purchase a crossover, yet still need something a bit larger than the current 3er wagon. Although a larger F31 3 series wagon is set to be released, it will not launch for at least another year or so. Thus, for now the only remaining choice is a used 5 series wagon.

There are a myriad of options and color choices to choose from, making the search sort of exciting and mysterious, as when you find a 5er wagon with the right price tag that has all your desired features and options, you never know which color or interior you will get.

The 535ix is a natural contender. It offers an impressive 300 horsepower, assuming previous owners or the BMW dealership maintained all N54 issues. The problem, however, is that it is nearly impossible to find a 5er wagon with both navigation and the sport package. Trying to find a 535ix with a manual transmission has proved to be even more of a feat. If you’re willing to forego a manual transmission and go with an automatic, however, the task of finding a decent used 5er wagon is not near as daunting. But it will still be unlikely to find one with the navigation and sport packages.


Mini’s New Roadster Production Model

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 23:23
Posted in category Certified BMW

certified BMW cars in West ChesterOtto’s BMW, home of a great lineup of new and used certified BMW cars in West Chester PA is pleased to announce that Mini has revealed a production version of the 2012 Mini roadster.  The new roadster is 146.8 inches in long, 64.5 inches in wide and 54.7 inches high, the roadster is a scant 0.1 inch shorter, 1.9 inches narrower and 1.0 inch lower than Mini’s existing open-top model.

The roadster will be assembled at Mini’s Oxford plant in England.  The compact 2 seater’s launch date is a little over 2 years after it was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.  The new Mini roadster will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The new Mini has a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder direct injection gas engine available in 3 different options; the 121 hp in the Cooper, while twin-scroll turbocharged versions produce 181 hp in the Cooper S and 208 hp in the range-topping John Cooper Works models.

Available in Europe will be a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder diesel engine with 141 hp in the Cooper SD which can travel 0 to 62 mph in just 8.1 seconds with 131 mph top speed and combined fuel economy of a whopping 52.2 mpg in the manual transmission model.

The roadster will be available only in FWD, gearbox selections include the standard 6 speed manual on all models and an optional 6 speed automatic for the John Cooper Works model.

According to Ford News; “Mini is talking up the dynamic properties of the roadster, suggesting that its lightweight fabric hood gives it a lower center of gravity than other models. The steel body structure adopts the same stiffening measures as the coupe, including a substantial brace at the rear that is said to boost overall rigidity to a level comparable to that of the hardtop. With a weight distribution biased toward the front, officials also claim the new open-top has better traction than earlier Mini models.”

Roadster is the 6th model to join Mini’s lineup after the hardtop, cabriolet, the Clubman, Countryman, and Coupe.


Tips on Avoiding Financing Mistakes on Certified BMW Cars

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 22:17
Posted in category Certified BMW

certified BMW cars in PennsylvaniaWhen it comes to buying a car, Otto’s BMW in West Chester knows that many consumers spend more time researching the vehicle than they do considering their financing options.  Of course in today’s market, fuel economy is a top priority for many new car buyers, but equally important to fuel economy, safety ratings, and reliability is the auto financing institution selected to finance your new vehicle.  Consider the following tips when you researching the best financing options for you.

Get a copy of your credit report and your FICO score. Before you begin the car shopping/buying process, credit scores are utilized by the auto finance companies to determine your loan rate. The credit report is not enough; you must request your FICO scores.

Use an online loan calculator tool to determine monthly car payments and then know what your budget will allow before shopping for new or certified BMW cars in Pennsylvania.

Estimate the total amount you will actually be paying. Some people think they have a great financing deal because the monthly payments are affordable, but they may be paying a lot in finance charges when the total loan pay back is considered.  You need to calculate the purchase price and the final price paid once the finance agreement is satisfied.

Shop around and consider several finance companies to compare rates offered before walking into the dealership.

Ask which FICO score is being utilized to estimate your finance rate. There is an industry score called FICO Auto Industry Option score. This score uses your auto purchasing history as the basis for approving or denying a loan. If you have never purchased a car before, then your Auto Industry Option score will be low even if you have a high credit score. It takes into consideration car payments, delinquencies, repossessions, etc relating to car purchases only.

Be sure to research available manufacturer financing deals. Auto manufacturers offer rebates at certain times of the year if you finance the new car through their finance company. If you are taking advantage of a rebate be sure to read the fine print to see how much that “rebate” will cost in auto finance charges.

Make sure that you find out how long the loan must be in effect before you can pay it off or refinance without getting charged an early payoff fee.


Floor Mats for your BMW 3 Series

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 0:34
Posted in category BMW 3 Series

new BMW 3 Series near MediaOtto’s BMW in West Chester PA knows that floor mats are often considered a product for appearance more than necessity.  However, those who live in cold weather climate may disagree.

BMW floor mats do a lot more than just look great in the cabin of your new BMW 3 Series near Philadelphia. They also keep your carpeting clean and prevent damaging from debris and can prevent rust from forming on the floorpans and corroding your vehicle from the inside out.

The best type of mats for winter snow, ice, and salt are thick rubber floor mats-they are used for heavy duty use while light duty mats are best for temperate climate.

Rusty floorpans have been knows to become so corroded that they give way.

If you have recently purchased an SUV such as the BMW X model series, you probably don’t want to have the winter snow and sludge melting on your carpeting.

Although standard floor mats are issued in new BMW vehicles, there are specially designed mats constructed to keep heavy ice and snow from melting on your car’s interior.

Weathertech brand makes mats that are custom to ensure a good fit. They also come with a patented Mat Grip device that prevents the mats from sliding around on your carpet. The mats are constructed of strong material that will not become brittle or crack, no matter how cold the temperature outside is. The side edges around the floor mats even trap water, dirt, sand, and any other winter deposits that can easily run off your regular mats staining your BMW’s interior.

Another brand that makes an innovative feature in floor mats is Nifty products, their winter mats are manufactured from a custom material called Xynet that repels water, snow and grease. They’re held in place with a patented snap fastener system, the company offers a lifetime product warranty.

To test a new or certified BMW, visit Otto’s BMW in West Chester Pennsylvania today, you won’t be disappointed!


BMW and Toyota May Form Partnership for Fuel Saving Vehicles

Monday, November 28, 2011 23:16
Posted in category Certified BMW

Certified BMW cars in PennsylvaniaOtto’s BMW Dealer, home of a great line up of new and used certified BMW cars in Pennsylvania is committed to keeping its loyal customers and blog readers updated on the latest in BMW automotive news.

In recent news; BMW and Toyota Motor Corporation are discussing a new alliance to build new hybrid vehicles.   If an agreement is made, BMW will supply diesel engines to Toyota in return for new hybrid technology.

The partnership is expected to be announced the Tokyo auto show according to Japan’s Nikkei newspaper, however BMW has not released a formal statement regarding the partnership.

If the proposed agreement is accepted, BMW will provide its diesel engines- the 2.0 liter version for Toyota cars sold in Europe, according to Nikkei.  BMW would be granted access to Toyota’s hybrid technology through the partnership. Both companies would benefit from huge savings on investment costs, the paper said.

Under the new agreement, BMW would be able to increase its lineup of fuel saving green vehicles with the assistance of Toyota.

If accepted, this would be the 2nd green technology partnership with a foreign automaker that Toyota has been involved with since August when Toyota and Ford Motor company agreed to develop hybrid trucks and SUV’s together.

Toyota has had declining sales in Europe this year partially due to the earthquake and tsunami which occurred in Japan this past March causing a reduction in auto production.

A BMW spokeswoman told Automotive News: ”We don’t comment on media speculation.” Toyota also said the reports were “speculation.”

To test drive a new or used certified BMW vehicle, visit Otto’s BMW in West Chester PA today, you won’t be disappointed.


The New 2012 BMW 3 Series

Monday, November 28, 2011 1:49
Posted in category BMW 3 Series

New BMW 3 Series near DevonOtto BMW  knows that the new BMW 3 Series near Devon  is a top selling vehicle for the German automaker.  In fact, after 6 generations the 3 Series’ reputation and sales records continue to be top rated, which makes the BMW 3 Series somewhat of an icon in the luxury automobile market.

Car enthusiasts everywhere have waited to find out about the specs for the new BMW F30, and many wonder if BMW will still deliver a winner in the luxury car entry level division.

Competitors for the BMW 3 Series include; the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G, Acura TL and upcoming Cadillac ATS.  Although the 3 Series does not have the total lead over all of its contenders, the 3 Series has realized over 12 and a half million total sales since 1975.

Now the 6th generation of the classic sport sedan has arrived, and according to Motor Trend; “not only has the 3 Series sedan been substantially redesigned, it also packs a higher level of equipment. That includes cabin gadgets like a 6.5-inch dashboard display screen for the iDrive system, as well as Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, but also the latest enviro-tech like regenerative braking and stop/start engine.”

The 328i has a 241-horsepower engine and the 335i has an engine which delivers 302 hp-the new 335i will arrive in February. The other model slated for the U.S. is the 335-hp ActiveHybrid 3, arriving in the summer of next year. BMW will likely offer both the 320d and a future 330/335d diesel power vehicles in the United States, but no definitive decisions have been made.

The MSRP for the 4 cylinder 328i is $35,795, and the 6-cylinder 335i is $43,295 – including destination charges.  These prices represent a $320 and $370 price increase over the models they replace but BMW says that the company is certain that the extra cost is well worth it.

To learn more about the arrival of the new BMW 3 Series, contact your local Pennsylvania BMW dealer located in West Chester today.  You won’t be disappointed!


The New BMW 5 Series Hybrid

Sunday, November 27, 2011 3:10
Posted in category BMW 3 Series

new BMW 3 Series in West ChesterOtto’s BMW,home of the best selling new BMW 3 Series in West Chester is pleased to announce that BMW’s 5-series lineup will be expanded to include a hybrid in 2012.

BMW AG will exhibit a 5-series hybrid sedan-the ActiveHybrid 5 at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month as part of the company’s plan to offer new vehicles with improve fuel economy while continuing to deliver high standards in performance and precision handling.

The ActiveHybrid5 will be the 3rd gas/electric hybrid in BMW’s lineup, powered by a twin turbo 6 cylinder in-line engine with an electric motor for a combined 340 hp.  The engine is mated with an 8 speed automatic transmission.  The new hybrid can travel in electric mode for up to 37 miles.   The 55 hp electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery which is located in the car’s trunk.

According to BMW, the ActiveHybrid 5 will have a “boost function” which was designed to deliver improved acceleration.  The car was also built to save gas by coasting with the gasoline combustion engine powered off.

Another innovative feature is the car’s “smart energy management system” that communicates with the navigation system to prepare the automobile’s drive functions for road conditions which are coming up.

BMW offers a 7 Series gasoline/electric hybrid model as well as a hybrid X6 SUV.

Later next year, BMW will add a 4th hybrid with the launch of a new generation 3 Series lineup-named the ActiveHybrid 3.  The new redesigned 3 Series sedan will debut in February of 2012.  The ActiveHybrid 3 will get the same gasoline/electric engine that the ActiveHybrid 5 Series offers.

By the year 2013, BMW will add all electric vehicles to its fuel saving line-up when the all new i sub-brand is launched along with the i3 rear wheel drive, followed by the i8 coupe which will debut in 2014.


The BMW 3 Series will Offer 3 Trim Levels

Friday, November 25, 2011 22:58
Posted in category BMW 3 Series

new BMW 3 Series in PennsylvaniaOtto’s BMW in West Chester PA knows that there has never been a better time to purchase a new BMW 3 Series because BMW of North of America will raise prices by under 1% when next year’s newly designed model goes on sale.  This will be the first time the 3 Series will be offered in 3 trim and equipment levels-the sport, luxury, and modern models.

The 2012 328i sedan will have a sticker price of $34,795 which is $320 more than its predecessor.  The 335i will cost $370 to $43,295 if you wait for next year’s 3 Series model to arrive.

Although the new models will cost more, BMW said the cars will come with additional options and features including a 6.5-inch central display with traditional iDrive controller for audio, cabin climate and other settings. The cars will also have a USB/iPod interface, an eight-speed automatic transmission, a start/stop function and brake-energy regeneration.  The 328i sedan will have a new 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine.  The 335i will feature BMW’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine.   A diesel engine will be added later next year.

BMW is hoping that the new redesigned models will boost sales enough next year to assist the company in retaining its first place position in the luxury auto market.

Through October, BMW led Mercedes by about 7,000 sales and had more than a 45,000-unit lead over Lexus.  Last year BMW sold 100,910 3-series cars in the United States.   Through October, BMW sold 78,314 3-series cars.

The 2012 3-series sedan will make its U.S. debut at the Detroit auto show in January.

To test drive a new BMW 3 Series in Pennsylvania before the price goes up, visit your local BMW Dealer, Otto’s BMW today.  You won’t be disappointed!


Aftermarket Products for BMW 3 Series

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 2:25
Posted in category BMW 3 Series

Used BMW 3 Series in PennsylvaniaOtto’s BMW Dealer in West Chester PA knows that many BMW owners decide to purchase products to customize their BMW 3 Series. Some of the most popular  aftermarket products include;

A custom fit car cover provides protection from the elements for the exterior of your BMW 3 Series when indoor parking is not available. The price is from $150-$200 for a quality car cover.

If your interior is looking a slight bit faded in your used BMW or the upholstry is stained, sprucing things up with new seat covers is a great option to make your BMW look great and feel like new again.

Performance exhaust systems not only look great, they can also provide some additional power. Aftermarket exhaust systems will also improve your car’s fuel economy by allowing for more air flow. The BMW 3 Series performance exhaust systems provide that deep race car sound that many car enthusiasts love. There is a wide price range for these components from $500-$1200 or more.

A remote starting device is a very popular aftermarket product for your BMW 3 Series which is relatively inexpensive. The remote starters can be purchased alone, in combination with a keyless entry system, or even in the form of an all-in-one starter, keyless entry, and alarm system. Depending on which option is selected, the price can be around $60 to $200.

Spoilers are also a very popular selection for an aftermarket product which can give your 3 Series a sportier appearance. A new rear spoiler will cost around $130. A primed lip style spoiler is about the same price, while one that is painted goes for around $225.

A BMW performance air-intake system will boost your vehicle’s output by as much as 3 hp. It also increases the overall performance of your 3 Series. This accessory can be added for around $1000.

There are many other accessories and options available to enhance your BMW’s appearance and performance.  To learn more about genuine BMW aftermarket products, or to test drive a new or used BMW 3 Series in Pennsylvania, contact Otto’s BMW in West Chester PA today.

 

 

 

 

 


BMW in U.S. Public Relations Pitch

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 0:14
Posted in category Certified BMW

Certified BMW Cars in PennsylvaniaOtto’s BMW home of a great line-up of new and certified BMW cars in Pennsylvania is committed to keeping its loyal blog readers updated on the latest in BMW automotive news.

Currently BMW is beginning the initial stages of launching a new wide range public relations review in the U.S. according to a statement made from BMW to Advertising Age.

BMW is looking for PR help for its consumer marketing as well as brand communications and auto shows.  Another realm of public relations which BMW is focusing on is the company’s Olympic sponsorship.

Roth Associates is the PR firm in search of assisting with the review process.  This is a new strategy by BMW which could break up the company’s long-term relationship with an agency named Rubenstein-an agency which was affiliated with BMW for 13 years.

Stacy Morris, marketing communications manager at BMW: “We’ve managed to take a lot of time with Rubenstein without having to do the review, so it’s time to review as part of our normal operating procedures.”

Stacy stated that the firm was invited to participate in the review and Rubenstein accepted.

The Omnicom Group agency works with the German auto brand on social media and Olympic PR.

“Fleishman-Hillard accepted on Olympics, but it’s not confirmed that they can accept for the larger piece of the business,” Morris said. When asked if the firm’s hesitance was due to a potential conflict in its relationship with another auto giant, General Motors Co., she said yes.

Morris said the review is a formal process that is outlined as part of BMW’s corporate policy on working with outside agencies.  “Fleishman-Hillard’s social-media business is not part of this review process as the account has only been with the agency for a couple of years”, she noted. “The PR reviews come on the heels of a creative review earlier this year in which Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners emerged the winner.”

Other agencies that work with BMW include Dotglu, part of KBS&P which takes care of digital for the company, and Interpublic Group of Cos’ Universal McCann; BMW’s media agency.