BMW is recalling 154,472 vehicles registered in the U.S. and Canada for a fuel pump problem that could cause stalling, according to a filing with U.S. safety regulators and BMW.

BMW told regulators that no injuries have been reported. Since 2014, the German-based company has conducted safety recall campaigns in China, Japan and South Korea for the same issue, according to a filing posted on Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Of the vehicles recalled in North America, 88 percent are registered in the United States.

BMW is recalling certain vehicles in the U.S. model year 2007-2011. Among them are the X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, according to the filing.

Also the 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles.

BMW will notify owners and dealers to replace a fuel pump module free of charge beginning in early December. BMW owners can call BMW customer service for details.

There is a recall campaign / service bulletin for the BMW N63 engine (V8 twin turbo).

On December 29th, 2014, BMW released Bulletin “B001314” or the “N63 Customer Care Package ” affecting any vehicle that saw use of the 4.4-liter V-8 (N63B44O0) within the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5, and X6 model lines manufactured between 2008 and 2013. Dealership instructions include checking the timing chain for stretching and replacing it if necessary, replacing the fuel injectors, mass air flow sensors, crankcase vent lines, battery, engine vacuum pump and low pressure fuel sensor.

The sweeping recall also extended to vehicles that had gone out of warranty, no matter how many miles were accumulated on the vehicle.

Additionally, the service interval would be shortened to nearly half, with a 12 month/10,000 mile (16,000 km) check-up instead of the long-life treatment the BMW had been maintaining up to that point, requiring a check every 2 years and 15,000 miles (25,000 km).

In June of 2013, dealerships had received a service bulletin regards to the N63 powerplant, which amended the oil capacity requirements of the engine, adding a full (1) US quart to the capacity of the motor, citing “increased oil consumption” in the twin turbo V8.

Models affected by the recall included:

F01 and F02 (7 Series Sedan)– produced from 3/2009 to 6/2012
F04 (Active Hybrid 7)– produced from 4/2010 to 6/2012
F07 (Gran Turismo)– produced from 9/2009 to 6/2012
F10 (5 Series Sedan)– produced from 3/2010 to 7/2013
F12 (6 Series Convertible)– produced from 3/2011 to 7/2012
F13 (6 Series Coupe)– produced from 7/2011 to 7/2012
E70 (X5)– produced from 3/2010 to 6/2013
E71 (X6)– produced from 7/2008 to 6/2014
E72 (ActiveHybrid X6)– produced from 9/2009 to 9/2011

The dealership bulletin was accompanied by region sales rep meetings with branch/service managers, informing of them of the forthcoming campaign, and issuing instructions to contact all owners serviced at their branches operating the N63 engine. The accompanying marketing campaign, which would be a major focus of 2015 for BMW world-wide, was intended to dampen the affect of such a wide spread recall on BMW’s waining brand loyalty and customer service issues. The tactics of which could be seen in the extended efforts surrounding the recall.

BMW dealerships were instructed to offer extra incentives for owners affected by this campaign, offering trade-in cash bonuses for their N63 equipped vehicles with the purchase of a new BMW (details in a separate sales bulletin – “N63 Customer Loyalty Offer”). Sales teams were also provided with discretionary authorization to provide customers with a gift of $50 value, including anything from a gas card, gift bag containing BMW Lifestyle products, or vehicle detailing.

You’ve seen the specs and details behind the new X5 M and X6 M in our Official Thread, now see how they compare to their predecessors, both on paper and visually.

Great short video with some excellent aerial camera work by BMWTrueNorth.

It all started with an X. This letter was first used as a model designation for a BMW automobile as early as in the mid-1980s to indicate that it featured four-wheel drive technology. The car’s dual symmetry was the ideal allegory for the transmission of drive torque to all four wheels. 15 years ago, the letter X became the symbol of an entirely new vehicle category and, at the same time, of a very special form of driving pleasure. The BMW X5 made its debut as the world’s first Sports Activity Vehicle, soon going on to conquer not only the road but also off-road terrain, whilst attracting additional target groups to the BMW brand. Once again the German premium automobile manufacturer had demonstrated its extraordinary sense for innovative and future-oriented vehicle concepts. The introduction of the BMW X5 in 1999 laid the foundation stone for the unique success story of BMW X models on automotive markets all over the world.

15 years further on, a complete BMW X family has developed from the pioneer of a new vehicle category. The brand’s range now comprises five BMW X models. These are complemented by the two four-wheel drive high-performance sports cars of the BMW M GmbH, the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. The BMW X5 is already the third generation of its kind to continue the story of success. The second generation of the Sports Activity Coupe BMW X6 and the BMW X3 are now being produced. The BMW X1 offers a guarantee of multi-faceted driving pleasure in the compact segment. And the BMW X4, a Sports Activity Coupe, now also combines superior dynamism with sporting elegance in the mid-range segment. Each of these models was the first premium vehicle of its kind within its competitive environment. And the range will continue to expand also in the years ahead. The BMW X7, an exceptionally large and luxurious model, is under development. The popularity of BMW X models, which contributed decisively towards BMW becoming one of the world’s most successful producer of premium four-wheel drive automobiles, continues to increase consistently. To this day, more than 3.3 million BMW X models have been sold worldwide. Almost every third newly registered vehicle of the brand is now a BMW X model.

BMW is recalling a 156,137 vehicles, both luxury cars and SUVs, to make sure bolts holding a component in their six-cylinder engines can break loose and cause stalling or engine damage.

BMW says it has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that in rare cases, bolts holding the variable camshaft timing unit may come loose or break, causing the engine to go into a “safe mode.” If the problem continues, it can lead to stalling, engine damage – and it may not start.

Drivers will know of a telltale sign of trouble when the “check engine” or “service engine soon” light illuminates. BMW says they need to contact a dealer for service immediately. If the car stalls, they should get over to the side of the road and call for a tow.

The problem is confined to 2010 to 2012 vehicles with the popular inline six-cylinder engine. Those vehicles being recalled include:

2010-12 1 Series
2010-12 3 Series
2010-2012 5 Series
2010-12 5 Series Gran Turismo
2012 6 Series
2010-2012 X3 crossover
2010-12 X5 crossover
2010-12 X6 crossover
2010-12 Z4 sports car

Inside are the full price ordering guides (PDF) for some 2014 models – the 3 Series Touring (F31), 6 Series, M6, X1, X3, X6 and Z4.

Pricing (and price/order guides) for models you don’t see here have not yet been released, but should be soon.

The X4 Concept has been revealed and as expected, it’s a mini version of the X6 SAV, both a coupe version of their more upright brothers (X3 and X5, respectively).

Let’s have a look at how the X4 compares to the X6 in size and styling.

BMW insider Scott26 shares some details on the current product plans and studies being undertaken at BMW for potential new X models – namely potential X2, X4 M, X7, X8 and a new Sport Activity Sedan niche.

X marks the Sport.

The following relates to ideas under discussion and evaluation. Whereas some concepts show promise to production reality. Some show discussions and conception in regards to market and growth projections.

It is not a question of just product planning but a reaction to growth in the segment. The SUV segment whether in city , compact , entry , mid , large or luxury continue to grow and grow.

BMWs current line of X1 , X3 , X5 and X6 are no doubt huge sellers and contributors to BMWs successful global sales.
Porsche sell more Cayennes than the car that defines the brand the 911. And the new Range Rover is eclipsing established luxury sedans in sales. And then look at the X5.

Sales are high even though we are not that distant from the third generation X5. The worlds first Sport Activity Vehicle which put dynamics ahead of utility.

From the X5 introduction in 1999 to the present combined BMW X vehicles are fast approaching. 3 Million units.

The BMW X4 and the Porsche Macan will be the first vehicles in that segment to offer customers performance , dynamics and style in an exclusive individual sporting body style. X4 is a response to demand for an accessible answer to the successful X6 concept . The first Sport Activity Coupe for the premium segment.

There is demand for such a car like the BMW X4 that the car is moving quickly, with the car taking a first look at the upcoming Shanghai autoshow in April.

After which we will begin the countdown to the third generation BMW X5.

As the sales figures justify, BMW are in no hurry to replace the current car yet, its summer debut will follow a global premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt.

But where does the future go?

The arrival of the next generation BMW X1 announces a departure to a new platform matrix as well as a new drivetrain option. But what is essentially important is that with SAV sales rising especially in Asia , BMW will break the mold and offer a locally produced first with an extended wheelbase X1.

Believe it or not but Chinese customers are looking for such a concept especially in an SAV.

Below the X1 there will be BMWs multi-optioned vehicle dubbed FAST. The Family Activity Sports Tourer. A new niche on the crossover theme mixing sportier Touring like looks , MPV flexibility and SAV solidity – the finished car is certainly genre busting but it has huge potential under the guise as the SWiss concept because it conforms to the idea of a Swiss Army knife in its range of ability.

Potentially a 3er model with RWD and X-Drive is also being considered.

With the BMW X3 there is potential for a further model , especially for those that need extended flexibility but still crave dynamic looks like a Sport Activity Coupe. Internally known as Xsport the idea is to offer a slightly longer wheelbase incorporating extra seats but with a more dynamic roof line towards the rear and rising glasshouse to offer increased sportiness and more flexibility such a model is considered for the US market and those who have extra flexibility needs. If you look at how the Range Rover Sport fits with the Range Rover you can understand the same with the Xsport.

The new Range Rover has shown the luxury market that luxury SUVs are the successor to the large luxury sedan , with Bentley following suit with their large luxury based SUV. Mercedes’es G-Force concept showcased S-Klasse potential as an SUV.

Rolls-Royce are against the concept for the brand because if a RR Customer can afford a RR he can surely afford the best of everything which as it stands is the new Range Rover.

What Norbert Reithofer is in favour of is a larger BMW SAV a luxury Activity vehicle based off the next 7er platform with its significant weight reduction due to a mixture of lightweight materials. The idea is to capture the different sportier appearance of the first generation X5 which at the time showed how individuality led to success. But at the size of a Range Rover but more athletic , with a rising glasshouse and dynamic roofline as per BMW X design.

The progression of exclusivity for the BMW X7 would mean the first production V12 SAV model although BMW has evaluated V12s in the E53 previously although not just in the X5 LeMans but also evaluated the previous V12 within the E53.

Although nothing is definite a high performance M variant using the ideas of the Le Mans could have potential.

The Sport Activity Coupe for the premium market has for the X6 been so successful that BMWs competitors are planning similar concepts that have yet to appear on the market. The X6 led the benchmark which the X4 will follow using the same philosophy but downsized for a more accessible market.

Internally BMW have high confidence for the X4 that they have requested an X4M because of the potential of the entire project. BMW believe that the X4 with a more sporting dynamic outline and exceptional driving dynamics will open the door to further customer expansion , especially from an engine range that will mimic its twin- the X3 which will offer customers a range of options.

The X6 due to its success will be replaced in 2015. And like the X4 will spearhead much further differentiation in style and dynamics to increase the appeal of the Sport Activity Coupe models. Whilst they will be twins underneath like the current car , X6 will once again offer a more sporting driving experience aswell as the latest update in BMWs acclaimed torque vectoring control.

With the potential of an X4 early development has also commenced on a BMW X2 model to spearhead the progressive growth of compact premium cars.

The BMW X2 will be a sister car to the X1 but for the first time will offer a Coupe and a five dr model as marketing has denied BMWs X4 and X6 to be 3drs as their market demands 5drs. Again downsizing the X6 and X4 to the compact segment and twinned with the BMW X1 and replacements for the MINI Countryman and PACEMAN . The Coupe model is something that has gone before and resorts back to the 2001 BMW Xcoupe by combining a coupe like appearance with commanding impression and solidity of an SAV. With the X2 being in the premium compact segment it will provide customers with an accessible entry point but in a very stylish looking sports car concept.

Sport Activity Sedan

Possibly the most interesting idea for a new niche in response to declining market trends is an unconvential crossover that combines a Sedan with an SAV.

Dubbed Sport Activity Sedan the concept is not new to BMW as they have looked at potential models to use the idea including the X4 when the first generation X3 was conceived. Although no final decision has been declared, the decline of the luxury sedan against the SUV has spurred on early evaluations to combine the solidity and commanding appearance of an SAV with an outline of a sedan and a conventional sedan trunk but with a commanding position of a regular SAV.

Expected to be twinned with the X7, X8 could offer customers the best of both worlds – luxury and outline of a luxury sedan with the security of xDrive and solidity of an activity vehicle in overall appearance.

With the SAV making gains across conventional luxury sedans another niche is also taking advantage of declining luxury sedan sales and that is of the four door Coupe. The BMW 6er Gran Coupe is one example but another concept remains as a potential market sustainable model.

With Rolls-Royce unaffected by the decline of the premium sedan , the strategy is position BMW further into the luxury segment to bridge the BMW brand to Rolls-Royce and take advantage of the 1 million global luxury vehicle sales by 2016. The X7 and potential X8 are ideas developed to take advantage aswell as a production reality replacement for the CS Concept and M-100 super sports car.

BMW TwinPowerTurbo technology again takes two of Ward’s 2013 10 Best Engines Awards. The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder (N20) and 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 (N55) are both repeat winners.

“Nearly every BMW now sold in the US features TwinPower Turbo technology,” said Ludwig Willisch – President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “In such a competitive market, to take two spots highlights the benefits of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy. It also shows that while we look for improvements in efficiency, we are still committed to fulfilling the promise of The Ultimate Driving Machine.”

Currently five models feature the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder – Z4 sDrive28i, 528i Sedan, 328i Sedan, X3 xDrive28i and more recently, the X1 sDrive28i/xDrive28i. They will be joined next spring by the 328i Sports Wagon.

“The BMW N20’s calling card is fuel efficiency. We drove the 328i hard and still achieved close to 30 mpg. There are other good new 2.0L turbos in the market, but the N20, paired with an 8-speed transmission, topped them by several miles per gallon in our testing,” said Tom Murphy, Executive Editor at Ward’s Auto World. “The N20 makes 120 hp per liter, delivers gratifying low-end torque and is the type of engine many 2.0L turbos hope to be some day.”

The 2013 740i and 740Li, as well as the X1 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle, are the newest models to receive the TwinPower Turbo inline-6. In addition, the new BMW ActiveHybrid 3, 5 and 7 models all feature the N55 TwinPower Turbo inline 6.

“The 300-hp 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 is a fantastic engine in everything from the X1 to the 7 Series, so we figured putting it in the small-ish 135is, with an extra 20 hp and more torque, would be scintillating. We were right. It loves to rev, sounds like a 1960s muscle car and makes the tachometer needle dance like a Rockette,” noted Murphy. “The N55 does more work by 2,500 rpm than most engines do at wide-open throttle.”

The 2013 740i, 740Li and ActiveHybrid 7 use the higher output version of the N55, first seen in the 640i Coupe and Convertible. It takes output and torque from 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque to 315 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. They will go from 0 – 60 mph in about five-and-a-half seconds and deliver 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for the 740i and 740Li. The ActiveHybrid 7 delivers even more impressive mileage at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.