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BMW revisits its 8 Series

So why would BMW choose July 2 to release a retrospective on the 8 Series? Could it have something to do with the recent unveiling of the Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe concept, another sleek, B-pillarless V12 two-door, at this year's Villa d'Este? We have no idea, but the timing is likely coincidental.
This three-minute look at the 8 Series talks to Niels Hamann, who was smitten with the long-hooded coupe when it appeared in 1989 and finally bought one in 2004. Hamann also happens to be a project manager at BMW, and that came in handy when he wrote a book detailing every aspect of what was BMW's flagship for ten years but to the chagrin of many only managed one generation.
While we wait for the next clue about the Gran Lusso - 8 Series connection, check out the video below.

BMW: Newfangled Idea

Former Today Show hosts Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel joined the all-new BMW i3 for its 2015 Super Bowl spot. The 60-second spot harkens back to the pair's bewilderment over the Internet way back in 1994, before cutting to the revolutionary electric Bimmer, which elicits a similarly perplexed reaction. It's a clever spot for BMW, tying its perhaps misunderstood EV to another formerly unfamiliar piece of tech. We're no strangers to the i3, but if you are, check out our detailed review on the electric hatch.

2015 BMW 4 Series convertibles recalled to fix airbag programming woes

A problem with the airbags on the 4 Series convertible has promoted BMW and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall for some 2,000 vehicles across the United States. The issue, according to the notice below, relates to the driver's side front airbag, whose timing for deployment may be off. And if the airbag doesn't deploy at the right time in the event of a crash, that's more likely to result in an injury. As a result, BMW of North America is calling in 2,067 vehicles – specifically the 428i, 428i xDrive, 435i and 435i xDrive convertibles of the 2015 model year and manufactured between October 22, 2014, and February 27, 2015. Those units will simply need to have the software in the airbag control module reset, and will begin undertaking that process in April.Related Video: Report Receipt Date: MAR 13, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V148000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,067 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 428i Convertible, 428i xDrive Convertible, 435i Convertible, and 435i xDrive Convertible vehicles manufactured October 22, 2014, to February 27, 2015. Due to a programming error, the driver's front air bag deployment timing may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." CONSEQUENCE: If the driver's front air bag deployment timing is incorrect, there is an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the air bag control module with corrected software version, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.