1999 Bmw Z3 M Coupe Only 86k on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Car Hacking 101: Here's what motorists should know [w/video]

Cars are nothing more than computers on wheels. As such, they're vulnerable to hackers. Most people who work within the auto industry have understood this for years, but for the broader American public not paying as close attention, three storylines emerged recently that underscored this new vehicular reality. First, German researchers found a flaw in BMWs remote-services system that allowed them to access the telematics units in vehicles. Then, a 60 Minutes report demonstrated that researchers could remotely infiltrate a Chevy Impala and override critical functions, like acceleration and braking. Finally, a US Senator released a critical report (see video above) that found almost all automakers are unprepared to handle real-time hacks of their vehicles. Those reports come on the heels of two previous instances in recent months when researchers demonstrated the capability to hack cars. All this news can be disconcerting. If you're late to the concept of car-hacking and wondering how this is possible, we've got you covered. Here's your quick primer on what you need to know. 1. How Did My Car Become A Computer? On the outside, cars haven't changed all that much over the past couple of decades years. On the inside, however, the amount of electronics and software has dramatically increased. Most new cars contain more than 50 microprocessors known as electronic control units. These ECUs control everything from airbag deployment and navigation systems to throttle control and braking, and they're usually connected to each other on an internal network called the CAN bus. 2. What Exactly Is Car Hacking? Depends who you ask. Automakers might consider anything that alters the car from its state of manufacture as a 'hack.' For example, if you're chipping the engine – re-calibrating those ECUs to increase your horsepower – some people might consider that a hack. But in the context of the recent news reports, security experts are focused on unwanted, unauthorized cyber intrusions into a vehicle. Once inside your car, prospective attacks could range from minor things like eavesdropping on conversations via an infotainment system and unlocking car doors to major concerns, like overriding driver inputs and controlling braking, steering and acceleration. 3. How Is This All Possible? Any part of the car that communicates with the outside world, either via a remote or direct connection, is a potential entry point for hackers.

BMW 1 Series prototype packs direct water injection

Just a few months ago, BMW showcased an M4 that was modified to serve as the safety car for the MotoGP racing series. The flashing lights and emergency equipment, however, weren't the only modifications BMW made to the performance coupe. It also packed an innovative new water injection system. And now it's furthering the development of that system by running it in a 1 Series hatchback as well. Revealed at the BMW Group Innovation Days 2015 event, this five-door 1 Series packs a three-cylinder gasoline engine – like the one found in a Mini or i8 – but fitted with the direct water injection system. In this application, the system sprays a fine mist of water – yep, regular old H2O – right into the combustion chamber. While mixing water with gasoline normally wouldn't be recommended, in this case it evaporates immediately and helps cool the engine from the inside, allowing it to run at higher efficiency. That cooler running engine brings with it several benefits. It delivers improved fuel economy and lower emissions, to start. It also allows for an earlier ignition point, higher compression ratio, and higher boost pressure in turbocharged engines, delivering increased output. It even cuts down on engine knocking (where combustion occurs spontaneously), reduces wear and tear on the engine, and makes better use of lower octane levels. If that sounds like a win-win-win... win (we're losing count of all the wins here), it's because BMW just may be on to something. Of course it does require a water tank to be fitted on board, which means added weight, but instead of requiring the driver fill up the water tank, BMW has fitted this prototype with a system that replenishes the water level from the air conditioning system when the vehicle is switched off. So unless it's being driven in a particularly extreme climate, it doesn't even need topping up. Add one more "win" to the list, then. Extra power, improved real-world fuel economy: Direct water injection enhances efficiency. With direct water injection for turbocharged petrol engines, the BMW Group has again succeeded in enhancing the capabilities of conventional engine technology through an ongoing process of refinement and improvement. The precisely controlled injection of water into the engine cylinders produces a cooling effect that boosts power and torque, particularly when operating at or near full throttle, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW M5 arrives in Monterey packing 600 hp and matte paint

What's a sure-fire way to make a vehicle better? Well, you can add power or make it more exclusive. BMW has done both, just in time to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the legendary M5 sedan.
Only 300 examples of the car you see above, the M5 30th Anniversary Edition, will be sold to the public, and those lucky owners will enjoy the most exclusive, most powerful M5 ever made. Power continues to flow from the standard M5's twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8, which has had its wick turned up to 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The sprint to 60 now happens in just 3.7 seconds, which is still a scarcely fathomable speed among sports cars, let alone comfortable, finely upholstered sedans.
Speaking of that upholstery, Alcantara and leather seats and an Alcantara steering wheel identify the exclusive M5, while special sill plates further call out the car's unique spec. Outside, the standard Competition Package adds 20-inch wheels and black chrome badges, while 30th Anniversary Editions wear BMW's Frozen Dark Silver matte paint.