Tuesday 30 August 2011

Ashwell Show

Specialist Cars BMW and MINI of Stevenage were at the Ashwell Show on Monday 29th August with a display of cars. Visitors to the show stopped to look at some of the models, mainly the Z1 and MINI Countryman.

Specialist Cars BMW at the Ashwell Show

 MINI Convertible

MINI Cooper D

MINI Girls showing off their wellies - they came in handy

Paula, Becky, Sophie, Lizzie and Laura

Paula, Huseyin, Laura, Kaz and Lizzie

Sophie and Becky trying out the MINI deck chairs

 Specialist Cars BMW at the Ashwell Show

Specialist Cars MINI at the Ashwell Show

The BMW 1M Coupe turned some heads

 The BMW 3 series convertible

The BMW X6

The classic Z1 was a conversation starter, especially about the colour

The MINI Countryman
Specialist Cars MINI at the Ashwell Show

Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Snow Centre Offer

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Friday 26 August 2011

BMW X3 5 stars Euro NCAP crash test


The new BMW X3 earns 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test
Munich.Thanks to its segment-leading dynamic handling and versatility, the new BMW X3 has emerged as a highly successful model in the international car markets within a matter of months. The fact that it also assumes an exemplary role on the safety front has now been confirmed by Europe’s leading crash test programme. In the latest Euro NCAP crash test, the BMW X3 achieved the highest rating of 5 stars. The second-generation Sports Activity Vehicle earned its top marks in this challenging test for new vehicles thanks to its comprehensive range of standard safety equipment and effective occupant protection in various types of collision.

Achieving the best rating in the Euro NCAP crash test is proof of the very high level of the safety concept developed for the BMW X models. The new BMW X3 boasts an extremely stable body structure, and the forces exerted on the vehicle in a collision are deflected along precisely defined load paths and absorbed by generous deformation zones. Consequently, the passenger cell fulfils its function as a survival space even in serious collisions. Standard safety equipment inside the new BMW X3 includes front, side and curtain head airbags that protect both the driver and the passengers from injury. Also standard are belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats and ISOFIX systems in the rear for attaching child seats, as well as the option of deactivating the front passenger airbag. The restraint systems are controlled by the central safety electronics, which take into account the type and severity of an accident to trigger the most effective protective features in each case.

In their evaluation of the crash test results, the assessors concluded that the new BMW X3 provides a high degree of occupant safety in all seats. Its stable passenger cell provides comprehensive injury protection in a front-end collision for both the driver and the passengers, regardless of a person’s size and the position of their seat. Here the Sports Activity Vehicle was awarded outstanding ratings for the protection of children aged around three years or 18 months in the relevant-sized child seats. For its side impact protection, the BMW X3 likewise achieved the maximum available points.

The new BMW X3 earned an outstanding rating for its active safety features as well. The Sports Activity Vehicle comes as standard with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC), which is linked to BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Thanks to its wide-ranging functions, including Braking Assistant, Cornering Brake Control and the traction mode DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), Dynamic Stability Control ensures easily controllable and secure handling even in challenging driving situations. Further standard features on the BMW X3 include a Tyre Defect Indicator that warns the driver in good time of a loss of pressure in any individual wheel.

The test procedure of the NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ranks as one of the most rigorous tests worldwide to which new vehicles are subjected. The Euro NCAP test is a benchmark for crash safety recognised throughout Europe by governments, automobile clubs and consumer associations. The test profile includes, among other aspects, a frontal collision, a side-on crash and a side impact against a steel post. Since 2009, electronic safety features have also been taken into account, along with additional injury risks in a wide range of collisions.

Last year the Munich premium automobile manufacturer was distinguished by the safety testing institute Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) with a special award for the BMW Assist Advanced eCall, the advanced emergency call system with automatic localisation and accident severity detection which is also available for the BMW X3.

Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Specialist Cars supporting BEN

BEN is the UK’s only charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants. Whether it's practical, emotional or financial support that you need, Ben are there to help in whatever way they can.  They also have a range of care centers across the country to care for older people in our communities.

Specialist Cars are proud to support this organisation and our members of staff have raised a fantastic £3,300 to help BEN continue their care and support to those who need it.

If you would like more information on BEN or how to donate, please visit www.ben.org.uk

Labels: , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Win iPad 2


Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Update on Emma Cattle


As proud sponsors of Paralympic hopeful Emma Cattle, we want to keep you updated on her progress on her journey to winning a medal at the games next year.

At the National Championships in Sheffield at the end of July, Emma swam a lifetime best in the 400m Freestyle in a time of 5.01.21. This is just over 2 seconds quicker than the time Emma achieved recently in Berlin at the European Championships.

Emma lowered her British Record in the 50m Freestyle to 30.18 seconds. She had previously broken the record in Berlin at the Europeans which had stood for 11 years.

All finals were decided on a multi disability basis where each swimmer is awarded points depending on the proximity of their time to their individual classification World Record. In the 100m Freestyle, Emma won the bronze medal with a time of 1.06.55 which was about 0.25 seconds away from the new lifetime best she set in Berlin earlier in July.

Well done Emma on your fantastic achievement!

Why not congratulate Emma in person? On Thursday 18th and Friday 19th August at the Specialist Cars MINI showrooms, Emma will be joining us for our MINI Celebration weekend.

Related News: 

Labels: , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Friday 5 August 2011

New Engines for BMW X3.


Self-assured and efficient: BMW X3 with further extended range of engines.

From its inception, the new BMW X3 has occupied the top slot among the competition by virtue of its compelling driving pleasure, convincing versatility and commanding presence anchored in high-calibre design and no-compromise premium quality. Now this successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is about to extend its lead even further on the efficiency front. Autumn 2011 will see additions to the model range in the shape of the BMW X3 xDrive20i and the BMW X3 xDrive35d. All-new engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology endow both models with a further optimised performance to fuel consumption ratio. Added to which, the BMW X3 exudes even more appeal thanks to a fine-tuned range of standard equipment and special options.
From autumn 2011, the new BMW X3 will come with a choice of three petrol engines and three diesel units spanning an output range of 135 kW/184 hp to 230 kW/313 hp. An exceptionally diverse portfolio of power units thus joins forces with the SAV’s outstanding agility – with intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive as standard – and enhanced ride comfort. Thanks to a comprehensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including the Auto Start-Stop function that can be combined with both the six-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X3 also achieves top ratings in its segment for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
BMW X3 xDrive20i: lively power curve and optimised efficiency courtesy of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
In autumn 2011 the BMW X3 Drive20i will be available as the new entry-level model among the petrol variants. Its newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit blends a hallmark BMW sporty power curve with exceptionally high efficiency. The new engine’s BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes a turbocharging system based on the twin-scroll principle, along with High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and VALVETRONIC variable valve control. Here the new powerplant takes its lead from the technology package of the 225 kW/306 hp multi-award-winning six-in-line unit of the BMW X3 xDrive35i.
Thanks to the use of aluminium, the powerplant of the BMW X3 xDrive20i is particularly light in weight and reaches its peak output of 135 kW/184 hp at 4,800 rpm. Maximum torque of 270 Newton metres is already available at 1,250 rpm. The new BMW X3 xDrive20i features a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. In both versions, the standard range of BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes, among other features, the Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches the engine off when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in congestion in order to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption when idling.


Top athlete with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: new six-cylinder diesel in the BMW X3 xDrive35d.
A new edition of the world’s sportiest six-cylinder diesel engine will deliver a particularly enthralling experience of driving pleasure in the new BMW X3 xDrive35d from autumn 2011. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology drums up peak output of 230 kW/313 hp, reached at 4,400 rpm, making the BMW X3 xDrive35d the most powerful variant in the SAV’s model range. With maximum torque of 630 Newton metres on tap from as low as 1,500 to 2,500 rpm, the new diesel engine also ensures impressive pulling power.
The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the new all-aluminium unit comprises further advanced two-stage turbocharging (Variable Twin Turbo) and latest-generation common-rail direct injection. At low engine speeds the small turbocharger is deployed. The air it compresses is first fed past the larger turbocharger to the combustion chambers, ensuring lossless development of charge pressure. During heavier throttle application, an electronic controller of the bypass unit engages the larger turbocharger. Extremely spontaneous response is thus ensured by a power curve to match the relevant requirement. The injection system features precision solenoid injectors and maximum pressure of 1,800 bar to guarantee particularly efficient and clean combustion. The BMW X3 xDrive35d comes equipped as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission including Auto Start-Stop.


Greater variety in the equipment range too: the BMW X3 continues along its path of success.
Thanks to its extended range of engines, the new BMW X3 now offers an unprecedented blend of superior driving characteristics and exemplary efficiency. It also scores with its versatile luggage compartment, providing as it does between 550 and 1,600 litres of space, as well as extremely high-quality and innovative equipment features. The new BMW X3 is the only model in its class, for example, to offer the option of a Head-Up Display and in-car internet access.
For autumn 2011, an already diverse range of standard equipment and special options will be further boosted by a number of specific enhancements. The convenience of the Auto Hold function, for example, will be augmented by the automatic release of the electromechanical parking brake. The range of mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive will likewise be extended. In conjunction with a navigation system, the Real-Time Traffic Information function will also be available for the new BMW X3 from autumn 2011. This innovative system provides particularly accurate and up-to-the-minute congestion alerts as well as information on the traffic situation on motorways, country roads and selected city routes. It allows the driver to take into account any potential loss of time resulting from a diversion when recalculating the route. As an added option on the interior design front, the trim elements on the instrument panel can now also be specified in High-gloss Black.
With its new engines and enhanced equipment range, the BMW X3 has the perfect prerequisites to perpetuate its success story. The extraordinary popularity of the SAV model is expressed not only in consistently strong demand, but also through positive feedback from recent reader surveys. In the poll for the “Four-Wheel-Drive Car of the Year 2011” conducted by car magazine Auto Bild Allrad, the new BMW X3 won from the word go. And that wasn’t long after readers of Off Road magazine had voted the Sports Activity Vehicle “Off-Roader of the Year 2011”.

To find out more or to book a test drive please speak to your nearest Specialist Cars BMW Dealership.

Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Thursday 4 August 2011

One Year To Go! London 2012 Olympics

With less than a year to go to until the London 2012 games, keep checking back for updates on our regional hopefuls Laura Trott and Emma Cattle and other London 2012 related news!

Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Pearlescent BMW Z1

Bespoke BMW Z1 at Specialist Cars


The BMW Z1 making the most of the sunshine at Specialist Cars Stevenage

Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

Wednesday 3 August 2011

BMW X6 Body Kit.

Specialist Cars BMW X6 Body Kit Offer

BMW X6 body kit available for sale at Specialist Cars:


  • 21" Ferric grey alloy wheel set £4,899

  • Full Aerodynamic Package* £3,645

* Includes: Front & Rear Aprons, Side Skirts, Rear Spoiler & Side Fins and Black Kidney Grills

Please speak to a member of our parts team today for more information on the X6 body kit.

The featured vehicle is also for sale at Specialist Cars Tring.

Please contact a member of our sales team on 01442 890666 for more information.


Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

BMW 6 Season Event Ticket Offer

The BMW 6 Season.

To celebrate the launch of the new BMW 6 Series Specialist Cars are pleased to offer you the chance to join us at private viewings of the new 6 Series Coupé and 6 Series Convertible at one of the UK’s most exciting events happening this August.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre 25 – 26 August.

Regents Park’s World renowned Open Air Theatre, featuring the hit musical comedy ‘Crazy For You’ this August.

Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre was established in 1932 and has since become a landmark of London in the summer time.

The offer

£35 per ticket includes – Ticket to watch the highly popular musical comedy ‘Crazy for You, access to the exclusive BMW Closed room plus a private food and drinks reception. Featured dates Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August.

We hope you can join us. Please email marketing@specialistcars.co.uk if you are interested. Tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for interest is 12 August 2011.

Labels: , , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net

BMW i3 & i8 Concept


BMW just unveiled the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept -- What do you think? BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i the BMW Group is adopting an all-embracing approach, redefining the understanding of personal mobility with purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services.


Related Links:

Labels: , , , ,

Specialist Cars BMW

Bookmark and Share

Social Media Management by MotorTradeSolutions.net