Archive for May, 2010
May 25th, 2010
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The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued uncertainty in the Middle East, they will probably continue to do so. In California and elsewhere, prices for some grades of gas have long passed the previously unthinkable threshold of three dollars a gallon. Granted, that is lower than the inflation-adjusted prices of early 1981, but that doesn’t make anyone feel better when they’ve just paid nearly $100 to fill the tank of their sport utility vehicle.
In a previous article, we offered some solutions as to how the average consumer can either save on gas prices or use less gas. These tips included using credit cards with cashback rebates, keeping your car tuned and tires inflated, and keeping the car washed and waxed, which reduces drag. Here are a few additional tips which will help ease the strain of filling your tank.
Empty your trunk. Some people drive around with their trunks nearly full with things that just don’t need to be there. Sure, you need a jack and a spare, but do you really need a toolbox, golf clubs, and that pile of old clothes you’ve been meaning to drop off at the Salvation Army? Any extra weight you carry requires additional energy to make your car or SUV move. Lighten the load and your engine won’t work as hard or use as much fuel.
Drive efficiently. That means accelerating gradually, rather than speeding out of an intersection. Your car uses fuel more effectively when you gradually accelerate. Once you achieve your desired speed, keep it steady, using cruise control if you have it. Speeding up and slowing down only uses more gas.
Take mass transit. No, it isn’t sexy to take the bus to work, but it can save a lot of money if your commute is more than five miles or so. If you can’t take mass transit, you might consider a carpool.
Shift appropriately if you’re driving a car with a manual transmission. Shift at the factory recommended shift points, rather than running your tachometer all the way up before shifting. Your car runs best within a fairly narrow RPM range.
Each of these tips offers a small saving in fuel consumption. When combined with others, they add up and can produce significant savings. If you can increase your fuel consumption by just two miles per gallon, you can save $30-40 on a 1000-mile trip in your SUV. When you’re paying $3.09 per gallon, every penny counts.
Posted in Buy BMW
Tags: Cruise Control, Driving A Car, Fuel Drive, Gas Prices, Golf Clubs, Intersection, Manual Transmission, Mass Transit, Old Clothes, Rebates, Salvation Army, Shift Points, Sport Utility Vehicle, Tachometer, Three Dollars, Threshold, Tires, Trunks, Uncertainty, Using Credit Cards
May 25th, 2010
admin
What component of your car makes it run so much so that when it empties out you can find yourself stranded somewhere?
Well, fuel of course.
Your cars fuel is very much capable of releasing energy. That is very much why it is used to make your car run and gives you the chance to drive to any destination you choose to go to. The release of its energy actually comes out when its main chemical structure is changed or converted. Most of the changing and conversion of your cars fuel happens under your cars hood.
With a very high number of fuel types and kinds available in the market right now, which one do you choose? Remember that your choices range from a wide line up of fuel grades, octane levels, as well as additives. These are readily available for customers at gas stations near you. Now, your dilemma right now is which fuel you would choose to fill up your cars gas tank.
According to automobile experts, the very first thing to do if you are undecided or if you do not have any idea as per the type or kind of fuel to purchase for your vehicle is to actually go bring out your car owners manual. Your car owners manual holds vital and essential information about your car and everything included in it. And it certainly includes the type of fuel that would make your car run best and which is recommended. Most modern cars run on the regular unleaded fuel with an 87 octane rating.
If you want to add in premium fuel, you can always do so. However, it would be best if you stuck with the recommended fuel. The only time that you should try premium fuel is when your engine is pinging or is making knocking sounds.
Posted in Bimmer Guide
Tags: Additives, Automobile Experts, Car Manual, Car Owners, Chemical Structure, Choices, Conversion, Dilemma, Fuel Types, Gas Stations, Gas Tank, Modern Cars, Octane Rating, Premium Fuel, Recommended Fuel, Unleaded Fuel
May 23rd, 2010
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Over the years, the entire definition of what is considered a small, medium, or large car has been turned on its side. Some people measure a cars entire length to determine size, others take into account its wheelbase, while still others give consideration to the vehicles interior room. No matter, BMW is planning to import a car to the U.S. that is truly smaller than any BMW that has ever graced American highways: the 1 Series is coming to Americacan you say, Tiny BMW?
Like Mercedes, the whole thought of a less than luxurious BMW running around is almost blasphemy. Please dont think that this hasnt been lost on Bavarian Motor Works as they study and restudy the issue and decide whether to go ahead with the planned introduction of the 1 Series. Long a producer of vehicles from compacts on up, BMW knows that the U.S. market is fickle and may reject the budget bimmer. Still, as the marketplace continues to adjust and consumer tastes change, the 1 Series is ripe for importing to the U.S. Here is why:
- A compact BMW would be the gateway vehicle for BMW to introduce the make to new consumers. Get them in a small bimmer and they will be hooked for life. At least they can hope so!
- Sell what we sell in Europe, in the U.S. Yes, for years BMW has been producing and selling small cars across the continent. The 1 Series is not new, but the proposed model slated for U.S. introduction will be a revamped model. Currently available as a hatchback, BMW knows about our distaste for hatchbacks and is looking at the first imported 1 Series being developed as a sedan. Look for the car to get an Inline 6 and, perhaps, an optional turbo diesel. Also look for the car to retail for about $25,000, much higher than cars in its class. Hey, were talking BMW here, not Nissan.
- Expand the market. Yes, BMW is successful when it comes to luxury vehicles, but even the more mass produced commoner cars can help the automakers bottom line. The U.S. market is very profitable so why miss out on sales by holding back on the 1 Series?
So, when will the 1 Series makes it debut? Probably not before summer 2007. If the model does arrive at that time, look for Mercedes to quickly respond and import its compact model, the B Series. Yes, German luxury is being redefined, but perhaps what American motorists are witnessing is German engineering beyond the typical luxury vehicles we are accustomed to driving. Sounds a bit like Volkswagen, doesnt it?
Posted in BMW Cars
Tags: American Highways, Automakers, Blasphemy, Bmw, Bottom Line, Compacts, Consumer Tastes, Continent, Diesel Car, Distaste, Hasnt, Hatchbacks, Interior Room, Luxury Vehicles, Mercedes, Nissan, S Market, Small Cars, Turbo Diesel, Wheelbase
May 23rd, 2010
admin
Extended service contracts are typically referred to as an extended auto warranty. They are most typically a promise to pay the repair facility to replace or repair a covered part and/or component that has failed or worn beyond the manufacturer’s tolerances.
There are many differences in extended service contracts (extended warranties). Be sure that you are doing business with a reputable company with a long history of paying claims. Call the warranty company to learn of the services and available coverage. Price is always important but also consider the service at the time that you need it most, during a breakdown or repair. It is at this time that the true value of the company is demonstrated.
Most vehicles in today’s marketplace come with only a 3 or 4-year warranty from the manufacturer. Cars would become too expensive if manufacturers placed longer warranties on them. And the local dealerships would lose some very important “service business”.
Today’s vehicles can be very complex and costly to repair. Protecting yourself with an extended warranty from a reputable company can help to avoid a potential budget-destroying repair. No cost, interest free payment plans are available from some warranty providers making the plans very affordable. Purchase from an extended warranty company that offers no-interest payment plans.
Most people believe that extended warranties are only offered at their local dealerships and don’t realize that they can purchase better coverage at substantial savings directly from a warranty company. Local dealerships use extended warranties as “additional profit.” These warranties are typically restricted to being valid only at the location where the warranty was purchased. Warranties purchased through a local car dealership are typically financed in with the vehicle purchase. This traps the consumer into paying finance charges on their warranty purchase and eliminates the ability for them to cancel the warranty for a proper refund.
Buying directly from a warranty company can provide substantial overall savings and freedom from the traditional, high pressure and expensive traps of automobile dealerships. Buy from a company whose primary business is that of providing quality extended warranties at competitive pricing. Do not purchase from companies or dealerships that offer these products as secondary or additional items as you will usually wind up paying too much for substandard products.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Budget, Business Today, Car Dealership, Doing Business, Extended Auto Warranty, Extended Service Contracts, Extended Warranties, Extended Warranty Company, Finance Charges, Important Service, Interest Payment, Marketplace, People, Reputable Company, Service Business, Substantial Savings, Tolerances, Traps, True Value, Warranty
May 16th, 2010
admin
If you own a BMW you all to well know the luxury and style that your BMW has to offer. And Im sure that you would take good care of your vehicle. So it would be quite annoying when you notice something wrong with your wheel. If you notice that it wobbles a little now and then, you should get them replaced as soon as possible. You wouldnt want anything to happen to your car right?
The faster you replace them, the less youll have to worry about getting into an accident. That would seriously ruin anybodys day. If you notice any signs of trouble in your wheels get them checked out and replaced if needed, it will save you a big headache that is surely to come down the road.
BMW wheels are a mediator between your car and the road. The reason for this is because the wheels transport the energy from your engine into a forward motion. The wheels keep you in control no matter what; they can withstand big amounts of force in any direction. If theres anything wrong with them they wont be able to give you quality and safety that you want.
The wheels are made with a circular frame with spokes or a solid disc that will rotate on a shaft or axle. You have the choice of what kind of wheel you want. There are wheels with a natural, clear, powder-coated finish, so there are many options you can choose from. There are also many different designs that you can choose from. For example, split-spoke mesh design, which has a polished stainless steel lip and it also, has bolts that make it look like a two piece wheel. You can also customize your BMW anyway you want.
So there isnt any reason to not get your BMW wheels checked out or replaced, the consequences will be much more. Dont be lazy take care of those wheels as you do the rest of your car.
Posted in Buy BMW
Tags: Bmw, Bmw Wheels, Bolts, Car Right, Circular Frame, Consequences, Customize, Different Designs, Forward Motion, Headache, Mediator, Mesh Design, Piece Wheel, Polished Stainless Steel, Shaft, Signs Of Trouble, Spokes, Wheel
May 13th, 2010
admin
Used cars are not as risky a purchase as they used to be. Thanks to certification programs, the industry is changing for the better, and more Americans are turning to used cars for better value.
Certification offers a way to weed out unscrupulous used car dealers who might sell damaged cars. The nearly 600,000 vehicles damaged by floodwaters from last year’s storms are prime candidates to end up as part of such scams.
As more car buyers turn to certified vehicles, the number sold this year is expected to increase significantly from the 1.6 million purchased in 2005. Besides costing less than their new-car counterparts, certified vehicles also come with many of the same benefits, eliminating much of the guesswork associated with buying used.
Be wary, however, because not all certification programs are created equal. To help sort out the best from the worthless, used-car experts offer the following tips:
Certified by whom? Make sure you know who sets the standards for the certification program and who makes certain they’re being enforced. Look for a manufacturer-backed program-the best people to certify a car are the ones who built it and specialize in that make. Most manufacturers will offer a limited warranty in addition to honoring the car’s original warranty.
Do your homework. Research the makes and models that make sense for your driving needs. Check safety and reliability reports published online and prices from your whole area.
How was the car certified? At a minimum, a car should have a detailed mechanical inspection and a vehicle history report. Carfax Vehicle History Reports are a mandatory part of the certification process for 80 percent of today’s manufacturer-certified programs.
What does it get you? The certified used car you’re buying probably comes with an extended warranty. Make sure you know exactly what this covers and for how long. You can always add additional coverage.
Ask for more. If you want roadside assistance, options added to the car, free oil changes or anything else, don’t be afraid to ask.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Assistance Options, Car Buyers, Car Experts, Certified Used Cars, Check Safety, Counterparts, Expert Tips, Extended Warranty, Floodwaters, Guesswork, Homework Research, Makes And Models, Mechanical Inspection, Prime Candidates, Reliability Reports, Roadside Assistance, Safety And Reliability, Scams, Vehicle History Report, Vehicle History Reports
May 13th, 2010
admin
What is the new 2006 Ford Fusion? For most people, this new vehicle is something worth taking the drive. It has been equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 engine with the ability to produce some 221 units of horsepower. To assist the vehicle in providing a superb performance, also installed is a six speed automatic transmission system as well as a front wheel drive system.
What are its measurements? It has a length of 190.2 inches, a width of 72.2 inches, and 57.2 inches for its height. Its wheelbase definitely measures 107.4 inches. 3280 pounds would be the 2006 Ford Fusions curb weight. As per equipment, safety has been included and is given through four wheel disc brakes, front air bags, side and curtain air bags. As per other standard equipment, the list includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD radio, power windows, a cruise control system, as well as a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. If you have got $21,9995 to spare, this vehicle may be yours.
The 2006 Ford Fusion is said to be the replacement for the now defunct Ford Taurus. It is a sedan and is filling in the niche between the Ford Crown Victoria and the Ford Five Hundred. This vehicle actually has been built using the CD3 architecture of the Ford Motor Company. As per Ford history, the 2006 Ford Fusion made history already. This is actually the very first Ford vehicle to be conceived and designed on a computer. As per the machine that powers this vehicle, this new sedan holds a short and long arm front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, as well as rack and pinion steering. It also is equipped with two different Duratec engines, which are also used by a Mazda vehicle. The standard engine is a 2.3 liter DOHC engine that has been built using aluminum. It has the capacity to produce 160 units of horsepower at 6500 rpm as well as 150 pound feet of peak torque at 4000 rpm. As per the optional V6 engine, it has a displacement of 3.0 liters, has DOHC heads, and holds 24 valves. It can produce 221 horsepower at 6250 rpm as well as some 205 pound feet of torque at 4800 rpm.
Posted in Bimmer Guide
Tags: Cruise Control System, Disc Brakes, Disc Brakes Front, Dohc Engine, Duratec Engines, First Ford, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Five Hundred, Ford Fusion, Ford Fusions, Ford History, Ford Motor Company, Ford Taurus, Ford Vehicle, Front Wheel Drive, Independent Rear Suspension, Peak Torque, Pound Feet, Radio Power, Wheel Disc Brakes
May 12th, 2010
admin
German cars have long been recognized as some of the best engineered and most luxurious cars in the world. Two manufacturers, BMW and Mercedes, rule the roost with offerings from Audi, Porsche, and even Volkswagen getting some attention. Lets take a look at some current offerings from these Bavarian giants and see how they are impacting the auto industry.
BMW Give BMW credit for moving outside of the box by building a plant in South Carolina. Opened in 1994, the Spartanburg, SC plant has produced the Z3 now Z4 roadster as well as the X5 SAV. Seeking to become more of a world player, BMW has also purchased controlling interest in other automakers including Rolls-Royce and Rover during the 1990s. Later, BMW sold off the Rover and MG portions of Rover, but has kept the Mini brand.
BMW vehicles are well represented in the US. Coupes, sedans, convertibles, roadsters, and SUVs make up the American fleet with new cars at various stages of development being prepared for release.
Mercedes Benz As part of the Daimler Chrysler fold, Mercedes Benz has been producing high quality automobiles for over a century. In 1998, seeking to expand its reach, Daimler Chrysler [DCX] bought out the Chrysler Corporation. Names such as Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, and Mopar became part of the DCX fold, although Plymouth was discontinued a few years later.
The Mercedes Benz name is synonymous with luxury vehicles and in the US the company is well represented by a host of sedans, coupes, convertibles, tall wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and other fine vehicles.
Owners of BMWs and Mercedes Benz do have some things in common: vehicle maintenance. As high end vehicles, the automakers are noted for equipping their cars with only the finest OEM parts. Well represented manufacturers used by both companies include: Bosch, Hella, Mahle, Textar, Brembo, Bilstein, Febi, SKF, and others. Most are German born and bred and are recognized the world over for producing the highest quality parts for auto manufacturers.
Replacement auto parts purchased through dealer parts departments are priced at a premium. When you take into consideration any tariffs, import fees, and third party mark ups, consumers can expect to pay a mint for each part. The growing internet wholesale market has been changing the paradigm lately as companies such as Car Parts Stuff are selling direct to consumers. The better online wholesalers have lowered costs significantly as overhead is low and they buy direct from leading manufacturers. This translates into real savings for you, the consumer.
When purchasing any parts for your luxury car, always determine that the parts you order meet or exceed OEM specifications. There are a lot of counterfeit parts on the market; shop wisely and you will get premium parts at low prices.
Posted in BMW Cars
Tags: American Fleet, Audi Porsche, Bmw Vehicles, Chrysler Corporation, Chrysler Dodge, Corporation Names, Current Offerings, Daimler Benz, Daimler Chrysler, Febi, German Cars, German Vehicles, Luxurious Cars, Mercedes Benz, Mercedes Rule, Oem Parts, Plymouth Jeep, Quality Automobiles, Rule The Roost, Sedans Coupes
May 7th, 2010
admin
Over the years, the entire definition of what is considered a small, medium, or large car has been turned on its side. Some people measure a cars entire length to determine size, others take into account its wheelbase, while still others give consideration to the vehicles interior room. No matter, BMW is planning to import a car to the U.S. that is truly smaller than any BMW that has ever graced American highways: the 1 Series is coming to Americacan you say, Tiny BMW?
Like Mercedes, the whole thought of a less than luxurious BMW running around is almost blasphemy. Please dont think that this hasnt been lost on Bavarian Motor Works as they study and restudy the issue and decide whether to go ahead with the planned introduction of the 1 Series. Long a producer of vehicles from compacts on up, BMW knows that the U.S. market is fickle and may reject the budget bimmer. Still, as the marketplace continues to adjust and consumer tastes change, the 1 Series is ripe for importing to the U.S. Here is why:
- A compact BMW would be the gateway vehicle for BMW to introduce the make to new consumers. Get them in a small bimmer and they will be hooked for life. At least they can hope so!
- Sell what we sell in Europe, in the U.S. Yes, for years BMW has been producing and selling small cars across the continent. The 1 Series is not new, but the proposed model slated for U.S. introduction will be a revamped model. Currently available as a hatchback, BMW knows about our distaste for hatchbacks and is looking at the first imported 1 Series being developed as a sedan. Look for the car to get an Inline 6 and, perhaps, an optional turbo diesel. Also look for the car to retail for about $25,000, much higher than cars in its class. Hey, were talking BMW here, not Nissan.
- Expand the market. Yes, BMW is successful when it comes to luxury vehicles, but even the more mass produced commoner cars can help the automakers bottom line. The U.S. market is very profitable so why miss out on sales by holding back on the 1 Series?
So, when will the 1 Series makes it debut? Probably not before summer 2007. If the model does arrive at that time, look for Mercedes to quickly respond and import its compact model, the B Series. Yes, German luxury is being redefined, but perhaps what American motorists are witnessing is German engineering beyond the typical luxury vehicles we are accustomed to driving. Sounds a bit like Volkswagen, doesnt it?
Posted in Buy BMW
Tags: American Highways, Automakers, Blasphemy, Bmw, Bottom Line, Compacts, Consumer Tastes, Continent, Diesel Car, Distaste, Hasnt, Hatchbacks, Interior Room, Luxury Vehicles, Mercedes, Nissan, S Market, Small Cars, Turbo Diesel, Wheelbase
May 5th, 2010
admin
Basically, the said system works for three vital functions. The first one is to move the used combustion gasses away from the engine into the outside air. The second task is to ensure that the parts that surround the engine are on good shape. And its third task is to help the mufflers lessen the noise produced by the engine. Because of this imperative function that the system plays, designers labored most of their time in looking for means that could make all of its parts as competent as ever.
In view of the fact that it is regarded as a system, it is made up of a variety of parts which include the down pipe, manifold, lambda sensors, catalytic converter, intermediate silence, front silencer, rear silencer, tail pipe, and mounting kit with its components. The exhaust manifold in particular conducts gases starting from the combustion chambers of the engine to the exhaust pipe. Usually, it is made up of cast iron and even curves to in the flow of exhaust. Furthermore, the resonator is the part which is considered to be a replica of the muffler. This is straight series of pipes made with sound muffling materials. The catalytic converter is tasked to lessen harmful emissions from engine exhaust. In addition, the exhaust pipe work to connect all parts of the system and although their role may seem simple, they are still highly vital for the proper operation of the whole. And to lessen the sound, the muffler is used.
Modern kind of vehicle nowadays make use of high-performance exhaust system that is equipped with one or two mufflers and tailpipes known as cat-back exhaust or dual exhaust system. This kind is better than the other because the vehicles breathing capacity is enhanced therefore it can lead to better horsepower production. Some vehicles also have added piping, tailpipes and mufflers which work to make it easier for the exhaust to flow without restraint as it also augments vehicles driving ability as well as lessens backpressure. Because of its function, it is right to conclude that a proper working exhaust system is required in any kind of vehicle. In fact, a vehicle cannot even do its usual function without this system. There are even some states that go after motorists who run on defective exhaust systems, and so extreme consideration must be taken in purchasing the precise exhaust system for your make and model.
Posted in BMW Series
Tags: Breathing Capacity, Cat Back Exhaust, Catalytic Converter, Combustion Chambers, Down Pipe, Dual Exhaust System, Engine Exhaust, Exhaust Manifold, Exhaust Pipe, Good Shape, Harmful Emissions, Lambda Sensors, Mufflers, Performance Exhaust System, Pipe Work, Resonator, Straight Series, Tail Pipe, Tailpipes, Vital Functions