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2002 Bmw 540i Sport Sedan 4-door 4.4l Auto - Near Annapolis, Maryland on 2040-cars
US $6,995.00
Year:2002
Mileage:129000
Color:
Location:
Tracys Landing, Maryland, United States
Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Sedan
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:4.4L 4398CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Type:GAS
For Sale By:Private Seller
Body Type:Sedan
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:4.4L 4398CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Type:GAS
For Sale By:Private Seller
VIN: WBADN63432GN86849
Year: 2002
Make: BMW
Model: 540i
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Trim: Base Sedan 4-Door
Options: Sunroof, Leather Seats, CD Player
Drive Type: RWD
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags
Mileage: 129,000
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Sub Model: Sport
Exterior Color: Blue
Interior Color: Black
Number of Doors: 4
Number of Cylinders: 8
Make: BMW
Model: 540i
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Trim: Base Sedan 4-Door
Options: Sunroof, Leather Seats, CD Player
Drive Type: RWD
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags
Mileage: 129,000
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Sub Model: Sport
Exterior Color: Blue
Interior Color: Black
Number of Doors: 4
Number of Cylinders: 8
Condition: UsedA vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.Seller Notes:"Touched up scuff on rear bumper (shown in photos), front bumper on passenger side slight gap between cover and light, and very slow leak in washer fluid reservoir. Seats have a slight twist to them that BMW's unfortunately are well known for. Worn driver door seal- a replacement has been ordered."
For starters- thank you for viewing this listing!
Contact me through messaging, or call/text me at 443-404-6296. If calling/texting, please do so between 7am and 9pm EST.
Asking price $6995 or best reasonable offer. This isn't my first rodeo- I know people will probably ask for a better price, but be reasonable. I believe that I have listed a fair asking price. I have checked prices of similar cars that have sold on Ebay, what is listed on Craigslist, Autotrader, and what people have similar cars listed on BMW enthusiast websites. Please review the photos. Please thoroughly read through the listing to learn about the features and the couple areas needing minor improvement-- and then factor that into what you would offer, if you would make an offer at all.
Reason for sale- My 14 year old son is scheduled to have a big dollar surgery on July 17th that we will need to cover the remaining out of pocket fees for insurance before the remaining portion is fully covered. Our son, Hunter, has a pair of 70 degree angles within the curvatures in his spine (scoliosis has his back looking like a figure "S") and so will be having rods put in on either side of his spine with each level of vertebrae fused together to stabilize it and help straighten it out.
I myself have been out of work the better part of the past 18 months- due to a back injury at work. Workers Comp pays my medical costs, but only around 2/3 of my wages, and so we have hit a point where savings are gone and so will need to come up with the money (i.e. selling the car...) for the bills that will come in around September for our son's surgery. I have had 3 surgeries over the past year since June 2012 with the most recent being June 14 last month. In the trunk photo, you can see a brown walking stick in there along with a Royal Purple synthetic oil box (1 quart left included with the car), and along with my box full of cleaning and detailing supplies.
Basics:
2002 BMW 540i Sport - Factory installed "Sport" style 3 spoke "M" steering wheel, and factory installed Sport suspension. Anyone who has ever driven a standard 5 series who then drives a 5 series with sport suspension absolutely loves the handling of the sport suspension. The sport suspension is comfortable for highway cruising- but when you get into the back roads you appreciate the properly tuned sport suspension. The suspension gives fantastic control while not being a harsh ride at all. It is the first thing about this car that I fell in love with.
Automatic transmission - can be manually (but without any clutch) up and downshifted if switched to manual/sport mode. The Dinan transmission software also permits more aggressive driving if chosen- meaning it will hold the gear you have selected until you up or downshift. **I checked to insure the manual shifting mode works by granny shifting through the gears the one time I did it.
Approximately 129k miles-- slightly less (around 128,400 miles) right now, but may go up a little with test drives.
Rare Toledo Blau (Blue) paint with the paint and body is in fairly good condition- would rate it 80-85/100. There was a slight rub mark on the very corner of the bumper on the rear passenger corner when I bought the car- but I have touched it up. There is also a slight (2-3/16"?) gap between the front bumper and the passenger side headlight- it was that way when I bought it. Most people only notice it when it is pointed out to them. There might also be a 1mm door ding dimple or twoe somewhere if you look hard enough? Sliding moonroof / sunroof which is fully functional. Nicely tinted (Maryland legal and Maryland is strict) windows. The tint isn't faded, purpled, bubbled, or anything else wrong with it. The glass on the moonroof is tinted also. There are 0 rock chips, stars, or cracks in any of the glass. Blacked out kidney grills.
Self leveling Xenon headlights- nice and bright white for safer driving at night.
17" Rial Salerno lightweight aluminum wheels with the oem BMW Roundel center caps and BFG Comp TA tires. Wheels in 98/100 condition (no rash whatsover, but maybe there is a 1mm nick on one somewhere maybe if you look had enough for one?) and tires have 75% tread evenly worn, no patches. I do not have the stock wheels. I am really obsessive about having clean, rash free, wheels. With my back issue, I went with the simple 5 spoke look because I needed rims that would be easy to clean.
Schwarts (Black) leather with dove gray headliner. The interior I would rate an 80-85/100. The good: The floormats have been replaced with new BAVauto heavy rubber mats - these mats are awesome! The headliner is clean and does not sag anywhere. We are non-smokers and don't think the car has ever been smoked in- freshy fresh interior. "Standard" stock BMW DSP audio system with single in dash CD. All pixels, gauges, lights, windows, locks, Icy AC with the charge just topped off, heat come winter works very well, defrost, etc... etc... everything works. The center armrest is in excellent condition. The seats are heated and the heat works well on all settings. The memory settings for the seats and steering wheel work perfectly. For the most part, the seats are in pretty good condition- no holes, cracks, no big butt impression, and even the bolsters are in excellent condition. Areas needing improvement: The seats, though stated in fairly good condition, do have the world famous BMW seat twist. This happens due to an issue with the cables going into the seat motors. If you are mechanically handy, there are multiple 7-10 minute YouTube videos that show how to fix the issue at no cost. The driver seat is lined up pretty well. The passenger seat the issue is slightly more noticeable, but only when the seat is placed all the way forward- too far for anyone to even sit in it. I would have fixed it, but can't due to my back issues. And it is something that doesn't bother me enough to take it to a shop to fix because I rarely have the passenger seat pushed all the way forward. Also, the outside door seal on the driver side is a little worn - I have ordered a new one that is included in the sale and am just waiting for it to be shipped to me. I may not be able to put it on because of my back, we will see. And the washer fluid reservoir has a very slow leak. But the car has a large reservoir, so it is an issue that me and my wife hardly noticed- refilled every couple months?
Basics:
2002 BMW 540i Sport - Factory installed "Sport" style 3 spoke "M" steering wheel, and factory installed Sport suspension. Anyone who has ever driven a standard 5 series who then drives a 5 series with sport suspension absolutely loves the handling of the sport suspension. The sport suspension is comfortable for highway cruising- but when you get into the back roads you appreciate the properly tuned sport suspension. The suspension gives fantastic control while not being a harsh ride at all. It is the first thing about this car that I fell in love with.
Automatic transmission - can be manually (but without any clutch) up and downshifted if switched to manual/sport mode. The Dinan transmission software also permits more aggressive driving if chosen- meaning it will hold the gear you have selected until you up or downshift. **I checked to insure the manual shifting mode works by granny shifting through the gears the one time I did it.
Approximately 129k miles-- slightly less (around 128,400 miles) right now, but may go up a little with test drives.
Rare Toledo Blau (Blue) paint with the paint and body is in fairly good condition- would rate it 80-85/100. There was a slight rub mark on the very corner of the bumper on the rear passenger corner when I bought the car- but I have touched it up. There is also a slight (2-3/16"?) gap between the front bumper and the passenger side headlight- it was that way when I bought it. Most people only notice it when it is pointed out to them. There might also be a 1mm door ding dimple or twoe somewhere if you look hard enough? Sliding moonroof / sunroof which is fully functional. Nicely tinted (Maryland legal and Maryland is strict) windows. The tint isn't faded, purpled, bubbled, or anything else wrong with it. The glass on the moonroof is tinted also. There are 0 rock chips, stars, or cracks in any of the glass. Blacked out kidney grills.
Self leveling Xenon headlights- nice and bright white for safer driving at night.
17" Rial Salerno lightweight aluminum wheels with the oem BMW Roundel center caps and BFG Comp TA tires. Wheels in 98/100 condition (no rash whatsover, but maybe there is a 1mm nick on one somewhere maybe if you look had enough for one?) and tires have 75% tread evenly worn, no patches. I do not have the stock wheels. I am really obsessive about having clean, rash free, wheels. With my back issue, I went with the simple 5 spoke look because I needed rims that would be easy to clean.
Schwarts (Black) leather with dove gray headliner. The interior I would rate an 80-85/100. The good: The floormats have been replaced with new BAVauto heavy rubber mats - these mats are awesome! The headliner is clean and does not sag anywhere. We are non-smokers and don't think the car has ever been smoked in- freshy fresh interior. "Standard" stock BMW DSP audio system with single in dash CD. All pixels, gauges, lights, windows, locks, Icy AC with the charge just topped off, heat come winter works very well, defrost, etc... etc... everything works. The center armrest is in excellent condition. The seats are heated and the heat works well on all settings. The memory settings for the seats and steering wheel work perfectly. For the most part, the seats are in pretty good condition- no holes, cracks, no big butt impression, and even the bolsters are in excellent condition. Areas needing improvement: The seats, though stated in fairly good condition, do have the world famous BMW seat twist. This happens due to an issue with the cables going into the seat motors. If you are mechanically handy, there are multiple 7-10 minute YouTube videos that show how to fix the issue at no cost. The driver seat is lined up pretty well. The passenger seat the issue is slightly more noticeable, but only when the seat is placed all the way forward- too far for anyone to even sit in it. I would have fixed it, but can't due to my back issues. And it is something that doesn't bother me enough to take it to a shop to fix because I rarely have the passenger seat pushed all the way forward. Also, the outside door seal on the driver side is a little worn - I have ordered a new one that is included in the sale and am just waiting for it to be shipped to me. I may not be able to put it on because of my back, we will see. And the washer fluid reservoir has a very slow leak. But the car has a large reservoir, so it is an issue that me and my wife hardly noticed- refilled every couple months?
Dinan Cold Air Intake, Dinan Stage 2 Engine Software, Dinan Stage 1 Transmission Software. I do not know specifics on what the engine and transmission software upgrades do. I have been told that with the CAI and engine software it is reasonable to expect around 335hp. The transmission shifts crisply and I have been told that shifts at higher points when auto shifting and will hold in gear up to whatever point you want to shift it when shifting manually. I live in a rural area and usually find that the car averages around 25mpg. The engine is clean enough to eat off of. The car has received 2 Royal Purple Synthetic oil changes over the less than 6k miles that I have owned it. Doesn't burn any oil, no drops of any oil (or any other fluid) underneath. The engine runs so smoothly and quietly.
2 master remote key fobs (1 just purchased new a few months ago), owners manuals, trunk tool kit is approximately 90% complete.
Peake R5/FCX3 code reader / reset tool with manual included. This lets you read codes, clear codes, and reset oil and service interval lights also.
The car was already very clean-- but I had it professionally detailed Saturday June 22nd. The entire car was compounded, polished, and received 3 coats of wax afterward. The interior was given a minimal once over- I keep it clean, so not much needed to be done. I just really like to have clean cars. I like having cars that are maintained very well.
Included 1 full sized Style 32 spare wheel (some rash) with almost new tire mounted.
My History with the car:
I purchased the car at the very end of last year- think it had around 123k miles on it when I got it. I couldn't drive a manual transmission car anymore due to the injury that I had this 3rd surgery for on June 14th- so specifically looked for this car because it had an automatic transmission. The car was pretty clean, but didn't have any maintenance paperwork with it whatsoever. However, you can clearly see the waterpump and radiator are new. The car also has an upgraded aluminum thermostat housing. Coolant hoses all look relatively new. Power steering hoses look relatively new. The oil filter canister and braided lines also look new. The front of the engine and valve covers are very clean. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the chain and guides have been done due to how clean everything is, and how smooth and quiet the engine is. The ABS light was on due to needing the module to be replaced- and it was replaced and the new one properly coded to the car and that fixed the issue- no more brake light warning lights. The check engine light was on for secondary air injection system- I replaced the pump with a rebuilt and tested unit and the SAIP fuse was replaced as well and the system works 100% properly now. No more "Service Engine Soon" lights.
After buying the car, I purchased a new air filter for it after I bought the car and when I placed the order it was confirmed by Dinan that the car has Stage 2 engine software and the Stage 1 transmission software - they emailed me a receipt to confirm it. I don't rag on any car- but know at half throttle the car is pretty quick.
I am the 3rd owner and wish I could keep the car. If you check the Autocheck, or Carfax, report you will find the car was in an accident on June 9, 2009 at less than 94,000 miles. The report shows the car was serviced at an Illinois dealership on July 17, 2009 with 94k miles on it... so the accident was just before that and so approximately 4 years ago and approximately 35k miles ago. The only info I have been told about the accident was that it was a minor impact. My slightly educated guess is that the front bumper was hit on the passenger side and the 2nd owner accepted the insurance check and only had a new bumper cover put onto the car and didn't have the slight gap fixed also- so saved money out of the insurance check in the process. Again, that is just a guess. The car runs straight, stops straight, and has no frame damage. Please factor the reported accident into whether you would be interested in purchasing the car. The title is 100% clear- not rebuilt, not salvage. Again, the car runs 100% perfectly. Also, please note the relatively high 77 Autocheck score that factors in the reported accident. This is a very nice car!
Buy with Confidence:
I am 44 years old and have had many enthusiast kinds of cars. I haven't abused it in the time that I have owned it. I bought the car to turn the key and get from point A to B in a pretty nice car. This is my 3rd BMW- so I am fairly familiar with what to look out for when buying one. I don't buy junk. I had no issue purchasing the car with the reported accident.
I value being able to buy and sell vehicles and parts and so do my best to properly represent what I sell. Lose your good name and it significantly hurts being able to buy and sell. I have sold a handful of cars and motorcycles here on EBay, have sold on Corral.net with username FHATTCATT, and SVTPerformance.com with username FHATTCATT also. I have sold many cars where people have flown in and drove home halfway across the country. You are welcome to bring your mechanic with you and/or get a pre-purchase inspection done at any reputable place you trust. I am approximately 30 minutes from Passport BMW, BMW of Annapolis, or BeamerAuto in Clinton which I have found to be a great indy shop. Anyone who sees the car will find that I have properly represented it- you won't get here and find that there are things wrong with the car other than what I have listed-- that is a HUGE peeve of my own. And though there are some people who would say that it is reasonable to expect some small things to be wrong with just about any used car, I believe the seller is responsible for properly representing the car so a potential new owner knows what to expect when they go to see it so there are no disappointments and no hard feelings. My history has shown me that many sellers wouldn't have mentioned the worn door seal (a new one is being shipped to me), the touched up rear bumper (the last body photo in the listing is of this and is the one and only photo in the listing taken with a 13mp camera), the slight seat twist, the slow leak in the washer reservoir, or the slight gap between the bumper and headlights that many may not notice. Not only have I mentioned the issues, they are mentioned at least twice. The car does have approximately 129k miles on it. Right now it is slightly under 129k miles, but may go over with test drives. The issues I would consider very minor. But regardless of how minor, you know about them. This won't be a situation where you get here and here 3, or more, things that I "forgot to mention", or that I say that "I didn't notice" it myself, or anything else which only results in you being disappointed any way you look at it. I treat others as I would like to be treated = The Golden Rule.
Buy with Confidence:
I am 44 years old and have had many enthusiast kinds of cars. I haven't abused it in the time that I have owned it. I bought the car to turn the key and get from point A to B in a pretty nice car. This is my 3rd BMW- so I am fairly familiar with what to look out for when buying one. I don't buy junk. I had no issue purchasing the car with the reported accident.
I value being able to buy and sell vehicles and parts and so do my best to properly represent what I sell. Lose your good name and it significantly hurts being able to buy and sell. I have sold a handful of cars and motorcycles here on EBay, have sold on Corral.net with username FHATTCATT, and SVTPerformance.com with username FHATTCATT also. I have sold many cars where people have flown in and drove home halfway across the country. You are welcome to bring your mechanic with you and/or get a pre-purchase inspection done at any reputable place you trust. I am approximately 30 minutes from Passport BMW, BMW of Annapolis, or BeamerAuto in Clinton which I have found to be a great indy shop. Anyone who sees the car will find that I have properly represented it- you won't get here and find that there are things wrong with the car other than what I have listed-- that is a HUGE peeve of my own. And though there are some people who would say that it is reasonable to expect some small things to be wrong with just about any used car, I believe the seller is responsible for properly representing the car so a potential new owner knows what to expect when they go to see it so there are no disappointments and no hard feelings. My history has shown me that many sellers wouldn't have mentioned the worn door seal (a new one is being shipped to me), the touched up rear bumper (the last body photo in the listing is of this and is the one and only photo in the listing taken with a 13mp camera), the slight seat twist, the slow leak in the washer reservoir, or the slight gap between the bumper and headlights that many may not notice. Not only have I mentioned the issues, they are mentioned at least twice. The car does have approximately 129k miles on it. Right now it is slightly under 129k miles, but may go over with test drives. The issues I would consider very minor. But regardless of how minor, you know about them. This won't be a situation where you get here and here 3, or more, things that I "forgot to mention", or that I say that "I didn't notice" it myself, or anything else which only results in you being disappointed any way you look at it. I treat others as I would like to be treated = The Golden Rule.
I have 100% positive feedback as shown in the listing, and the link below. If viewing the link below, you will see that I don't sell $5-$10 items that were drop shipped to customer's from a factory somewhere. I am an "Average Joe" who mostly buys on eBay, but I think it says I have sold 83 items, with around 6-7 being cars or motorcycles, with the buyers saying that I go "above and beyond", am "accommodating", and that what they bought was "better than what they could have ever expected".
http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&ftab=FeedbackAsSeller&userid=harryhrowe&iid=121139380207&de=off&items=25&mPg=3&page=2
The photos of the car do not do it justice- all but 1 of the photos were taken with a 2 year old low end cell phone camera.... You won't be disappointed when you see the car!!!
The photos of the car do not do it justice- all but 1 of the photos were taken with a 2 year old low end cell phone camera.... You won't be disappointed when you see the car!!!
The "Fine Print":
Folks, we have enough challenges going on right now in life to also have deal with people who aren't serious about buying the car. Fine print comes in handy to insure a smooth transaction for both of us. We are serious about finding a good home for the car- please be serious about buying it. If you need a loan, get it before trying to complete a deal here. If you need permission to buy this car from anybody like your psychic adviser, your palm reader, etc... get it before dealing for the car. I am not shipping the car overseas. I am not dealing with your agent because you are overseas for whatever reason. I won't accept money orders, Monopoly money, or anything else crazy. We will accept a $500.00 non-refundable deposit by Paypal (and only Paypal - so get an account if you don't have one) within 24 hours of purchase, and even the balance can be paid through Paypal depending on what the final sale price of the car is. Otherwise, bring green cash with you to pay the balance. The deposit is non-refundable so that we can pay our fees to re-list the car if there is a bidder who doesn't pay the balance. The balance is due within 7 days of the auction end. As stated above, we welcome and encourage you to come check the car out prior to completing a deal. I will help all I can with shipping the car, but at your expense, and you are responsible for finding the shipping company. I am willing to drive the car up to 50 miles to meet you to complete the deal. And as stated before, I can also pick you up at an airport if you want to drive it home. I try to be as accommodating as I can possibly be. Other than an appointment or two for my son this week, I will be home morning, noon, and night most of the time between now and Saturday the 13th at 9 pm when the auction ends so you can contact me and/or see the car.
Edit July 7th: I think there is a way that you all can see that I have revised the auction, and even the number of times that I have done so. I originally started putting the auction together about a week ago when I was only 2 weeks removed from surgery and taking a bit more medication and had the auction scheduled to start last night around 8 pm and only had to hit the one button to post it for sale. From having people over last night, I was delayed in getting the auction posted until 9 pm last night. Well, after posting it, I read through it and began seeing typos and such so went back into the auction to correct them. I think I got them all. Also, I originally was thinking of posting the car at $7495 and had the amounts that I would accept for the car set in such a way. By the way, when I looked up Kelly Blue Book value on the car it said $8263. I looked up value with the car considered in "Very Good" condition which is a step below "Excellent" condition which would have been the highest value So, $6995 is approximately $1300 below the $8263 KBB "Very Good" condition value. And finally listing the car with the Buy it Now or Best Offer option, it allows the seller to set minimum amounts they will automatically accept for the car, and also amounts where if an offer is below it the offer will automatically be declined- I dropped those values (i.e. a better deal for you) from where they were going to be originally when I was considering listing the car for $500 more. This car isn't a 60-80k mileage car like some of the other 540i Sports currently listed - but it is also $4-$5,000 less than those sellers are asking. And I have seen I have listed this car for less than other listed cars with 20-50k more miles more than this one has.
I look forward to this car finding a home with someone who will continue to take good care of it.
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Auto Services in Maryland
`bout time auto repair ★★★★★
Auto Repair & Service
Address: 32971 lighthouse rd, Bainbridge
Phone: (302) 988-8226
Willard Service Center ★★★★★
Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Automobile Parts & Supplies
Address: 4311 Main St, Wittman
Phone: (410) 827-7222
Wes Greenway`s Waldorf VW ★★★★★
Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers
Address: 2282 Crain Hwy Waldorf, Md, Charlott-Hall
Phone: (240) 205-7330
Testa`s Used Cars ★★★★★
Used Car Dealers
Address: 525 Dundalk Ave, Loch-Raven
Phone: (410) 631-6087
South Hanover Automotive ★★★★★
Auto Repair & Service, Used Car Dealers, Automobile Parts & Supplies
Address: 848 Baltimore St, Lineboro
Phone: (717) 637-2600
Quikee ★★★★★
Automobile Parts & Supplies, Tire Dealers, Tire Recap, Retread & Repair
Address: 18704 Old Triangle Rd, Bryans-Road
Phone: (703) 221-6194
Auto blog
Next-generation BMW 5 Series spied in Touring trim
Wed, 10 Jul 2013It almost seems as if BMW just started selling the current-generation 5 Series, yet one of our spy photographers has already spotted a next-generation prototype in Touring form. Little is known about the luxury wagon in this early stage of testing, but it is expected to weigh much less than the current car, which, in 528i Touring guise with an automatic transmission, tips the scale at over 3,800 pounds. It is also expected to have the latest in driver-assistance technology. Despite the weight savings, and judging from the photos, it looks to have proportions similar to the current car, but don't expect the makeshift headlight and taillight clusters to make it onto the production model.
The crucial question for potential Touring customers in the United States is whether BMW will do the unexpected and import it here. The company's track record indicates that it will be sold in Rest of World markets only, but we're hoping that the next 5 Series will end the Touring's U.S. hiatus (and the 5 Series Gran Turismo's reign), which began in 2003 at the end of the E39 generation.
LA Design Challenge invokes biology for 2025 concepts [w/poll]
Wed, 13 Nov 2013Participants in the annual LA Design Challenge always manage to come up with edgy, wacky designs for future vehicles, but with a theme of "Biomimicry and Mobility: 2025" this year's crop of cars might be the quirkiest we've ever seen. As usual, automotive designers from around the world participated in this year's competition, and all the designs will all be unveiled next week during the LA Auto Show with a winner being announced on November 21.
Chinese automakers made a strong showing with Qoros, SAIC Motor, JAC Motors (the company responsible for the Ford F-150 clone) and Changfeng all bringing interesting takes on the biology, human intelligence and sustainability theme. One of the more innovative ideas among these automakers is the Qoros Silk Road System allows autonomous vehicles to drive in packs similar to how ants travel. Speaking of ants, the SAIC Motor Mobiliant (shown above) gets its design from the shape of an ant's body, and, like the insect, it can climb building acting as a personal elevator as well. The JAC Motors design also merges vehicle and building design, while the Changfeng LaBrea inspired by the design of muscle fibers.
Other entrants include Subaru and US-based design teams for BMW, Toyota and Mazda. BMW's duo of concepts mimic plant and animal life. The LA Subways concept acts as a submersible, single-person vehicle to take advantage of the LA river, with a shape similar to an Ocean Sunfish. The Sustainable Efficient Exploratory Device (SEED) imitates the shape of a seed pod, and uses propulsion methods inspired by a shark, dragonfly and a water bug. Mazda's Auto Adapt might be the most car-like concept of the bunch, while the Subaru Suba-Roo and the Calty-designed, Toyota e-grus are the most mind-blowingly awesome.
2015 BMW M4 Coupe ditches some doors, gains some grunt
Mon, 13 Jan 2014If you saw our earlier post about the hot new BMW M3 Sedan and were about to call blasphemy for no coupe version, just settle down, silly. Remember: BMW now badges its two-door 3 Series models with the number four, and thus, meet the 2015 M4 Coupe. Looks hot, right?
So yeah, it's pretty much just the M3 with two less doors, but that doesn't make it any less important - or potent. Power comes from a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, sending 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. You know, the usual.
Not only is the M4 more powerful than the M3 Coupe it replaces, it's a good deal lighter, too. BMW has managed to cut 176 pounds of weight out of the M4, and that means, with the increased output numbers, that the M4 will scoot to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds with the DCT or 4.1 seconds with the do-it-yourself tranny. Either way, that's not what we'd call slow.