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Refreshed 2016 BMW 3 Series adds two new models to the range

The BMW 3 Series had years standing at the forefront of the luxury sedan segment, but competitors have continued to get better at challenging its long reign. To make sure the stalwart model can keep up, BMW is bringing some new powertrains and other upgrades to the range with a refresh for the 2016 model year. Plus, the exterior sees a very slight styling update. There are two big additions in the 3 Series range for 2016. First, there's the new 340i with the B58 turbocharged, inline-six engine to replace the 335i. Displacement is still 3.0-liters, but the latest mill makes 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque – gains of 20 hp and 30 lb-ft over the outgoing model. BMW estimates the 340i can reach 60 in 4.8 seconds with the standard eight-speed automatic or in 4.6 seconds with xDrive. A six-speed manual is also available as a no-cost option. The other new member of the family is the 330e plug-in hybrid, and it joins the lineup later in the year. BMW isn't specifically talking about the PHEV's powertrain, but the company estimates total output of 250 hp and 310 lb-ft. The sprint to 60 is forecasted at 6.1 seconds, and the range on electric power is predicted at 22 miles. Fuel economy isn't disclosed yet. Beyond these two models, there are a host of other upgrades under the skin for the 3 Series. The eight-speed automatic should be slightly more efficient thanks to wider gear ratio, and the handling is reworked with new front struts, rear dampers, and retuned electric power steering. There's also a Track Handling Package for gas-fueled models that combines Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high-temperature pads. The nav system accepts over-the-air map updates now, as well. You certainly can't see all of the changes on the outside, though. For the 2016 3 Series, BMW's designers tweak the front fascia slightly and update the headlights. LED units are optional on the 320i, 328i, and 328d, and they're standard on the 340i. The rear features reshaped LED taillights, and inside there's additional ambient lighting and chrome trim. In one other small adjustment, the look of the Sport Line package with black trim on the grille, B-pillars and rear bumper is now included on the 328i, 328d and 340i. Related Video: The New BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon: Lifecycle freshening for all 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons. New 340i Sedan features new 320 hp TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder.

Recharge Wrap-up: BMW i app for Apple Watch, Tesla certified pre-owned web page

BMW has introduced ConnectedDrive and BMW i remote apps for the Apple Watch. The apps can show users battery and charging status, give service alerts, and control certain vehicle functions from the wearer's wrist. It can tell the owner if the doors are locked, or if the sunroof or trunk is open. Users can activate the climate control remotely from their watch, or honk the horn to help find the car in a crowded parking lot. It can even guide the owner back to the car using the navigation system. Read more in BMW's press release below. Higher octane gasoline could provide better fuel economy. According to a panel at the SAE World Congress that included folks from Ford, General Motors, Chevron and an ethanol group, a higher-octane fuel could boost fuel economy by three to six percent and reduce CO2 emissions by two percent. While higher octane fuel is more expensive, building cars calibrated to higher octane ratings could help automakers raise fuel economy and meet CAFE standards. Cars not calibrated to the higher octane levels would likely not see any significant benefit in fuel economy. Read more from Automotive News. Tesla Motors has added a Certified Pre-Owned section to its website. Tesla didn't make any announcement before it quietly added the CPO page. The used Model S electric cars sold by Tesla include a warranty good for four years or 50,000 miles. Plus, the cars have been inspected by technicians at Tesla to make sure everything is in working order and up to company standards. Explore the page yourself, and read more at Teslarati. BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW i Remote app. World premiere: Apple Watch controls functions of BMW i models. Munich. BMW is pressing its claim to automotive brand leadership in the world of mobile vehicle connectivity through its BMW ConnectedDrive technology. As the BMW i Remote app confirms, nowhere else is the link-up of driver, car and outside world raised to such an advanced level. The app can already be used to remotely check and control functions of BMW i models. It is an application that customers will also be able to use from day one on the new Apple Watch, due for imminent release. Apple Watch uses the BMW i Remote app – which can be downloaded free from the Apple iTunes Store – to keep users updated on the car's current battery status, for example, and alert them when the high-voltage unit is fully charged.

E.U. executive conditionally approves Daimler, BMW car-sharing deal

BRUSSELS — The European Union's competition authority said on Wednesday it had approved the plan of German luxury carmakers Daimler and BMW to combine their car-sharing businesses, subject to conditions. Under the deal, which includes car-sharing units Car2Go and DriveNow as well as ride-hailing, parking and charging services, Daimler and BMW will each hold 50 percent stakes in a joint venture. They have offered concessions to address E.U. antitrust concerns over the deal they hope would let them better compete with U.S. rival Uber and China's Didi Chuxing. The European Commission has found the deal would raise competition concerns for free-floating car sharing services in Berlin, Cologne, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Munich and Vienna. It said Daimler and BMW agreed to a remedy package in the six cities. "The commitments thus fully address the Commission's concerns as they will reduce the barriers to entry for competing free-floating car sharing providers," the Commission said in a statement. "Therefore the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns. The Commission's decision is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments." Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska and Philip Blenkinsop. Related Video: