The 335i received several MSRP increases, with the sedan going up by $800, the coupe by $1,200, and a raise of $1,300 for the convertible. The 328i sedan, meanwhile, rose $700 to an MSRP of $33,400.

Options also went up in price, as the dual clutch on the M3 has gone up by $200 making it a $2,900 option. The sport package for the 335i sedan and coupe has risen by $450, and some standard equipment like the Logic 7 Sound System has been nixed for 2009.

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According to the recall notice, a sensor that deploys the airbag could be deactivated by wear and tear caused by passengers opening and closing the car door. BMW dealers will begin servicing affected vehicles in September, 2008. As a courtesy, BMW will extend the warranty on the affected autos airbags for 10 years with no limit on mileage.

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Meanwhile, other reports suggest that the green light in Munich has been given instead to a smaller crossover to be based on the 1-Series platform, which would enable BMW to expand its X range with an X1 instead of an X7. Smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient is probably a smarter direction to head in these times than bigger, heavier and greater guzzler.

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The new model will be built off the 1-series platform (a shortened 3-series) and according to an unnamed source quoted by Automotive News, “will use the two highest spec gasoline and the two highest spec diesel engines from the 1-series.”

Tsources confirmed that the MINI SUV/CUV will debut in Paris with power provided by the Cooper S’ turbocharged 1.4-liter or the Cooper D’s oilburner. Sales of the MINI ‘ute will begin in the second quarter of 2010 and the X1 in 2009.

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The current BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.

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Police stated the car was probably targeted while the owner was using it at work or while they were shopping and the thieves followed them home.

A police spokesman said: “We urge the public to be extra vigilant with regards to where they keep their car keys within their home. “Most people tend to place the keys in close proximity to the entry doors of their homes and this obviously makes them readily accessible to thieves.”

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Grunt will be shoveled to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or the new seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch ‘box. Another way that they are looking to reduce emissions and increase output is through the DI and twin turbochargers.

BMW is working hard to makes sure that the new 5-series (which comes out in 2010) will be their most fuel efficient cars. Because of this they will be using the start/stop technology on the engine as well as the Efficient Dynamics system that will use regenerative braking to lower the load on the alternator.

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Reithofer also mentioned that the next generation 7-series, due to be released later this year, would be equipped with a new hybrid drivetrain. No timeframe was outlined as to when the hybrid 7 would be released, but when it is (likely next year), it’s expected to be the mild-hybrid, co-developed with Daimler, originally shown on the X5 Vision EfficientDynamics concept.

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People riding in the back seat will be able to connect and surf the net as much as they want. However, we don’t recommend drivers surfing unless they are at a complete stop. Unlimited service is going to cost consumers around 15 euros every month.

September is when BMW will be offering the service to consumers in Germany. The fact that BMW is offering this service makes many of us wonder if Mercedes-Benz or Audi will be offering the same service. When asked about it they both stated that there wasn’t enough demand for it. It seems though that BMW and maybe even Chrysler believe differently. Chrysler will be releasing their own system similar to that of ConnectedDrive before the end of the year.

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