Word is out that BMW's updating its high-performance M line of vehicles for the 2009 model year. Featuring a host of external tweaks, such as new taillight designs and exterior mirrors, the most noteworthy updates are the inclusion of the new iDrive across the M line, a competition package for the M6, a new hard drive-based navigation system, and what BMW calls ConnectedDrive.
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BMW USA)
On the performance front, the entire M line will see incremental power upgrades and suspension tweaks, but the M6 gets the biggest bump with the addition of an optional competition package. This primarily suspension package consists of lower ride height (12 mm front/10 mm rear), adapted suspension control, and new forged allow wheels. Cosmetically, the competition package M6 will include a new, more aggressive hood.
The new iDrive control system, which we first saw in the 2009 BMW 3-Series preview, will be standard in M5 and M6 and optional in the M3. The rotary controller has been redesigned and the menu structure has been revised to make functions easier to find. BMW says this new system is simpler to use and more intuitively operated. The old iDrive system was harshly criticized by the automotive press for being extremely difficult to use, so any improvement is a welcome improvement.
BMW's new navigation system will dump the old DVD-based storage for an 80 GB hard drive that will store 3D map data, a travel planner and music for quick access times. The system can rip music from a CD, MP3 player, or USB stick to the hard drive for playback. BMW didn't state how much of the 80 GB is reserved for music archival.
Finally, BMW's ConnectedDrive is an in-car Internet access option that allows users to browse the Web on the vehicle's display using the iDrive controller. For safety reasons, the system only displays when the vehicle is stopped and offers enhanced remote functions similar to GM's OnStar system (remote unlocking, etc.). We have our reservations about using the iDrive knob to navigate Web pages with any level of efficiency, but we'll have to wait until we can test the system to make any judgments.
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CNET Networks)
There is a lot of talk of connected cars of late, but there are currently no OEM auto manufacturers that offer unrestricted Web access. BMW is planning to be the first to do so with an upgraded version of its ConnectedDrive system on show here in a BMW X6 the 2008 Geneva auto show. Like many other telematics systems, ConnectedDrive currently provide assistance and car services via a cellular GPRS connection, with some restricted access to the internet. Starting this year, the service will expand to offer drivers unrestricted browsing of the Web. The system on show in Geneva is a prototype, but BMW engineers say that the final version won't look too much different.
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CNET Networks)
The browser is accessed and controlled via BMW's iDrive interface, with Web pages showing up in the high-resolution dash-mounted display. The system only operates in the front seats while the car's engine is off, but rear-seat passengers will be able surf to their hearts' content at freeway speeds if the car is optioned up with a rear-seat display and special rear-passenger iDrive interfaces. The service is to be rolled out in Germany starting at the end of the year and is expected to be priced between 100 and 200 euros for an annual flat fee.
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