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BMW recalling nearly 570,000 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models over electrical issue

BMW is recalling roughly 570,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada due to faulty battery cable connectors that can fail, causing the engines in these cars to stall. Of the nearly 570,000 affected vehicles, just over 504,000 are here in the US.
The affected vehicles include 1 Series coupes and convertibles (both 128i and 135i) from the 2008 to 2011 model years; 3 Series sedans, coupes, convertibles and sport wagons (both 328i and 335i) from the 2007 to 2011 model years; and Z4 roadsters from the 2009 to 2011 model years.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time," which can eventually lead to a break in the electrical connection and a loss of power in the vehicle. If the car loses power, the engine can stall, which could possibly lead to a crash. The Detroit News reports that BMW knows of one minor collision in Canada as a result of this problem, but no injuries.

BMW shows off 245-hp, hydrogen-powered 5 Series GT

With BMW's Innovation Days 2015 underway, the German luxury brand is showing off its latest piece of hydrogen-fuel-cell technology. Based in a 5 Series Gran Turismo, the system Í– co-developed with Toyota – promises to deliver on the promise of zero-emissions motoring, without the lengthy recharge times associated with plug-in electric vehicles. At the heart of BMW's latest FCV prototype is a new electric motor derived from the i sub-brand. It produces the equivalent of 245 horsepower, making it roughly comparable in output to the brand's latest 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder gas engines. It draws its fuel from a hydrogen fuel tank that sits between the axles. The BMW-patented storage system can hold enough compressed hydrogen to take the hunchbacked 5 Series 300 miles before refueling. BMW and Toyota first inked their FCV partnership back in 2013, with the goal of having "an initial group of approved components ready by 2020," and sales beginning at some point in the next decade. While Toyota has been touting its successes with hydrogen in the form of the new Mirai, this 5 Series marks the first time since the agreement was signed that the German company rolled out one of its hydrogen-powered cars to the public. Check out the 5 Series GT fuel-cell vehicle in the gallery up top, and then scroll down for the official press release from BMW. Long range, short refuelling times, zero emissions: Hydrogen fuel cell drive system points the way to the future of BMW eDrive technology. As part of its research and predevelopment work in the area of drive technology, the BMW Group has focused on the use of hydrogen as an energy source for more than 30 years now. In 2006 the first luxury sedan for everyday use to be powered by a hydrogen combustion engine was unveiled – the BMW Hydrogen 7. And more than 15 years ago the BMW Group also began to direct its spotlight onto hydrogen fuel cell drive systems. A constant stream of significant advances – in terms of energy efficiency, performance capability and everyday practicality – have likewise been made with this technology, which converts hydrogen into power for an electric drive system, rather than burning it inside the engine. The results of the research and development activities in the field of hydrogen fuel cell drive systems will be presented in driving demonstrations for the first time during the BMW Group Innovation Days 2015.

Car and Driver 10Best list cracked by Tesla Model S, BMW 3 Series left off

Car and Driver is keeping new blood pumping into its annual 10Best cars list with three new entries making it on for 2015 and a perennial favorite falling off. Among the biggest shocks this year is that the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series are no longer named, despite years of some portion of that lineup earning a mention. In another surprise, the Tesla Model S (specifically in S 60 trim to fit under the $80,000 cost cap) makes it to the 2015 roster and is the only electrically motivated member of the group. Despite the loss of the 3 Series, BMW isn't entirely shut out this year, because the M235i gets its name on the list. Car and Driver argues that the little coupe feels like a welcome throwback to the E46 chassis M3 of the early 2000s. In addition to the Model S, the final newbie to the annual group is the 2015 Ford Mustang GT. The inclusion of these new members knocks the Audi A6/A7 family and Ford Fiesta ST out from the 2014 rundown. The other seven models carry over from last year, including the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Honda Accord, Mazda3, Mazda6, Porsche Boxster/Cayman and Volkswagen Golf/GTI. The 2015 10Best cars list certainly seems to have something for everyone from the hot hatch fan to the family man and even the green car driver, thanks to the addition of the Tesla. Head over to Car and Driver to read its detailed explanations for each vehicle's inclusion, but if you've got a difference of opinion or just really like the list, let us know in Comments. Featured Gallery Car and Driver 2015 10Best Cars List View 10 Photos News Source: Car and DriverImage Credit: Car and Driver, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Tesla, Volkswagen Auto News BMW Cadillac Chevrolet Ford Honda Mazda Porsche Tesla Volkswagen Convertible Coupe Hatchback Performance Sedan 10Best