BMW: Feb 6, 2009

Friday, February 6, 2009

BMW M3 Touring Imaginatively Rendered with Supercharged V8 Engine

BMW M3 Touring Imaginatively Rendered with Supercharged V8 Engine BMW currently has no plans of building an M3 wagon or Touring as the brand calls it. But that didn't stop an artist from creating an impression of one. Some of the features of this M3 Touring rendering include a paint job called Pepper White with Satin, an Argray Titanium exhaust, an AC Schnitzer front lip and roof wing and Black Series BBS RE Magnesium wheels with a Brembo 8-piston caliper brake system. Wrapped around its wheels are Yokohama ADVAN Sport Tyres.

Figuratively speaking, under the hood lies an engine force-fed by a custom Vortech supercharger. The standard M3 has a 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 309 kW (420hp) and peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900rpm. Its maximum engine speed is 8400rpm. Although no power figures were speculated, it's safe to say that this rendered M3 Touring's engine, if real, would improve performance nicely.

The M3's main rivals are the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the discontinued Audi RS4, both of which have/had wagon/estate versions in real life.

BMW Sauber F1.09 - Official launch

The highly awaited official launch of the new BMW Sauber F1 monopost, took place today in Valencia, Spain this morning. This year, Formula 1 introduces new rules and regulation, many that will influence the outcome of this championship. Underdogs may well have their best chance of scoring wins while its always possible a powerhouse like Ferrari could fall on its face.

There are radical rule changes for the 2009 championship which include the return of slick tires. In the past decade, tires with four grooves have been used in order to slow down the F1 monoposts as they got progressively faster throughout the 90’s, as aerodynamics became more and more prevalent and the wind tunnels were standard in each time.

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In 2009 the aerodynamic rules have changed to ban the use of any winglets, flip ups, or air modifiers on the side pods of the car. 2009 championship also allows the F1 teams to run a kinetic energy recovery system

Stew from BMWF1blog will report some more later today and give us a more detailed analysis.

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In the mean time, here is the press release along with some photos:

BMW Sauber F1.09

Valencia, 20th January 2009. The BMW Sauber F1 Team raised the curtain on its 2009 season in Formula One in Valencia this morning. Robert Kubica (24) and Nick Heidfeld (31) unveiled the new BMW Sauber F1.09 shortly after nine o’clock. Kubica then took the car for its first lap of the southern Spanish circuit. The team goes into its fourth season with the ambitious aim of fighting for the World Championship title.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen reinforces the point: “We have set ourselves the task of further improving our performance relative to the rest of the field. The 1-2 in Canada and a total of eleven podium finishes in 2008 set an exacting standard. In 2009 we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record while at the same time enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis. We are aware that we are aiming extremely high. This is the final step in our development, and that’s generally the hardest one to take.”

Building the new car represented a massive challenge. Fundamental changes to the regulations have, in many cases, consigned the fruits of experience to the dustbin. Development work on what is a radically different race car got underway even earlier than usual. Indeed, the concept phase for the BMW Sauber F1.09 began back in February 2008. The 2009 car cuts a very different figure from all of its predecessors. Its nose is higher and much wider than before. The huge front wing consists of three elements and stretches across the full width of the car. The rear wing, on the other hand, is considerably slimmer – in line with the new regulations – and stands unusually high against the onrushing air. Intricate aerodynamic add-ons, such as air deflectors and cooling air exits, have been reduced to a minimum. Other eye-catching features include the sidepods, which are now higher at the front.

2009 also marks the return of treadless tires or slicks to Formula One. These will deliver increased front-end grip, which makes moving more weight to the nose of the car an attractive proposition. Counteracting this, however, is another new development which the teams have the option of introducing in the upcoming season: KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). The component parts of this technology add extra weight at the rear of the car. Alongside aerodynamics and the optimum use of the slick tires, the integration of KERS represents another key challenge for the engineers. To this end, the front axle has been modified and the rear axle is a new design.

Willy Rampf is responsible for the F1.09 concept and will oversee operations at the race track in his capacity as Technical Coordinator. Managing Director of BMW Sauber AG Walter Riedl will lead the technical department at Hinwil in Switzerland and has responsibility for the development of the car.

While the chassis is the work of the Hinwil team, the KERS technology has been developed in Munich. There, Markus Duesmann (Head of Powertrain) and his team also have the job of preparing the BMW V8 engine for the extra mileage stipulated in the regulations. Each driver is allocated eight engines for the total of 17 races in 2009.

It may be all-change in terms of the engineering behind the car, but the men behind the wheel will be the same as in 2008. The BMW Sauber F1 Team will once again line up on the grid with the Pole Robert Kubica and German Nick Heidfeld as its driver pairing. And 26-year-old Austrian Christian Klien also stays with the team as test and reserve driver.

The team’s race drivers both demonstrated impressive reliability in 2008. Kubica racked up the most points for the team. The Pole added his name to the list of Formula One race winners in Canada, brought home the team’s first pole position in Bahrain and also notched up three second places and three third-place finishes during the course of the season. For 2009 he is hoping “that we are as strong at the start of the season as in 2008 and that we can maintain this level of performance up to the final race.”

Kubica’s team-mate Heidfeld, meanwhile, collected four second places and recorded the team’s first two fastest race laps in 2008. Looking ahead to the new season, he says: “The team started work early on the wide range of changes. I’m confident that we’re in good shape and am looking forward to the first race, when we’ll see whether the balance of power has shifted at all.”

The BMW Sauber F1 Team has conducted intensive preparations for 2009 as it attempts to achieve its latest ambitious aim. These have included early testing with KERS and new aero elements. “In the three years since the BMW Sauber F1 Team was formed, we have always met the goals we set ourselves and are confident that we can do so again this season,” explains Theissen. However, no matter how motivated the team may be and how much development work they have behind them, gauging their progress against the competition has never been so difficult – as Theissen acknowledges: “You can plan your level of performance, but not your results.”

BMW X1 ….testing in snow

BMW X1 shows up in the snow this time. After the official launch back in October at the Paris Auto Show, the X1 took on the famous BMW patterned camouflage and continued the testing process. The X1 was spotted in the snowy Sweeden this time where BMW could put the xDrive to real life testing.

As we mentioned before, the BMW X1 will be manufactured at the Leipzig plant in Germany and it will be released late this year as a 2010 model, but only in Europe for now.

BMW X1

There will be four models available xDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive30i and a hybrid version. The high-end engine is the 3.0L I6 engine with 272HP and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW X1 will be available in four wheel drive, but also as a rear wheel drive. With the initial launch in the European market only, the four-wheel drive will be the only option offered.

The xDrive basis torque-distribution ratio in this car is the regular 40:60 and it has a sitting position a bit higher than in 3er Touring xDrive, but much lower than in X3.

BMW X1

The interior is a combination of the basic layout coming from the 1 Series with the steering wheel and the big-screen navigation from the 3 Series models.

EfficientDynamics is printed all over the BMW X1 and technologies such as start-stop system will be added by default.

No pricing information available, but do expect a price somewhere between the 1 Series and the X3.

[Source: GlobalMotors ]

3D View: 2012 BMW M6 - 2012 BMW 3 Series - 1 Series Concept

I know how much all of you love car renderings or photoshoped vehicles, so I believe you will enjoy these latest 3D images that Giom has created for us.

If you have been a long time reader on our blog, you probably remember the renderings created by Giom, the 2012 BMW M6, 2012 BMW 3 Series or the most recent one, 1 Series Concept.

But today, we’re going to show all of them into a single 3D shot.

3D Rendering BMW

And to spoil us even more, Giom is showing us the BMW 1 Series Concept in a blue exterior color.

BMW wins two 10 Best Engines awards from Ward’s

A new year and new engine awards for BMW. This time, BMW North America received two awards from the Ward’s Automotive Group, once again, the twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine has won an award.

The recently diesel engine launched in the U.S, 6 cylinder twin-turbo, grabs the second award for its EfficientDynamics technology and its V8 performance. The petrol engine has won the award three times in a row since its introduction in 2006.

6 Cyl Diesel

Back in December, we put together a comprehensive analysis on all the awards won by BMW engines in past 10 years. Once again, great job BMW!

Press Release

BMW of North America yesterday accepted two 10 Best Engines awards from Ward’s Automotive Group. As the only double winner this year, two BMW twin-turbo inline-6 engines — one diesel and one gasoline — were elected to the 10 Best Engines list for the 2009 model year by the Ward’s panel of expert judges.
“These two awards are further testament that BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy is delivering the performance and efficiency that drivers expect today.” said Hans Hohenner, General Manager of Drivetrain Development for BMW Group. “Each of these very different engines brings to market new technologies that combine to create the highest-performing six-cylinder engines BMW has ever produced while delivering fuel efficiency that was previously unattainable.”

BMW’s gasoline 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC Inline-6 received a Ward’s 10 Best Engines honor for the third time since its introduction in the summer of 2006. The acclaimed engine now powers 11 BMW models in the US - from the 135i to the X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe. This 300-horsepower engine features twin low-mass turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection and electrified accessory drives for an unbeatable blend of power, efficiency, and responsiveness. As an example, this engine propels the BMW 335i coupe from rest to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds (manual transmission) yet delivers an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 26 mpg.

The second Ward’s 10 Best Engines honor for BMW was awarded to the new 50-state BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance technology. Featuring all-aluminum construction, this light-weight 3.0-liter Sequential Turbo DOHC Advanced Diesel inline-6 offers V-8 performance on four-cylinder consumption: 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, with EPA efficiency figures of 23 (city) and 36 (highway) in the 2009 BMW 335d Sedan, which is capable of 0 - 60mph in just 6.0 seconds. In addition to the 335d model mentioned, this new engine will also be available in the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle, which is capable of 0 - 60mph in 6.9 seconds and 26mpg on the highway. Both Advanced Diesel models will be in BMW centers later this month.

Spy Shots: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan undergoing more testing

With the Geneva Auto Show less than two months away, the BMW PAS, short for Progressive Activity Sedan, is undergoing more testing on the beautiful Munich streets. The Geneva Show will offer us the world premiere of one of the most talked and controversial concepts of 2008: PAS or 5 Series GT. So far the initial reactions weren’t very positive, but each time, sources close to BMW reassured us that the new vehicle will be one of a kind, opening a new market segment.

The car was spotted by Christian Wimmer and as expected, the car is still in the previous stages prior to the final evaluation phase where the test mule wears less camo and reveals more details. In these spy shots, the PAS looks quite massive, with a long wheelbase and a pretty tall ride height.

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The BMW Progressive Activity Sedan has quite a road presence and a very sporty look for a crossover. BMW sees the PAS as a sedan alternative for elderly BMW clients who want higher sitting position -but not too high like in a SUV- and more spacious ambient.

Our sources say that the PAS will have rear L-shape lights, following the 7 Series trend. The side shots show the X6ish style, a coupe look but with a lower roof line. The PAS will fit comfortably four people with seats similar to the X6. It is also expected the PAS to have common design elements with the new 7 Series.

bmwspy5

As far as myself, I am more excited to see the new BMW PAS or 5er GT, as some call it, mostly because it will give us some indication on which direction BMW is going with their future vehicles. The next generation BMW 5 Series will be the most awaited car in 2009 and 2010.

BMW Sauber F1.06 - F1.08 Series: The 2008 F1.08 monopost

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The 101 points in 2007 with a very good F1.07 once again had the designers and engineers working overtime to produce an even better car and aerodynamics and balance were once again at the top of the list.

“Our aim was to build a car with impressive aerodynamic efficiency, but which also boasted a very stable aero balance,” he said. “This means that it hardly loses any downforce when the wheels are turned in, and thus gives the driver a lot of confidence.”

That pretty much sums it up.

It started with weight. The F1.06 and F1.07 looked a bit bulky and didn’t fair well on the weight distribution side. This year the car underwent changes to alleviate this problem.

This was another year for rule changes, the most significant being ’standard electronics’ which eliminated traction control and engine braking. Now a car had to be created that could retain stability and balance throughout breaking into and through corners without the driving aids.

The other issue that had to be addressed as a result of rule changes was that the gearbox had to last four full race weekends.

To compensate for the lose of these aids, mechanical grip through the tires was the obvious answer and another focal point in the design of the F1.08

To summarize what was done, the placement of the engine was changed along with the length of the gearbox, weight distribution was dealt with, the size of the fuel tank was changed, and there were also suspension changes. During this process, aerodynamics certainly didn’t take a back seat and these changes were done with that in mind.

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The most dramatic visual aerodynamic change was done to the front wing and nose. The front wing underwent a face lift and was suspended above the nose with three foils. The nose is much slimmer once again to aid with the affect of more efficient air flow to the rear of the car. The rear end of the car is also slimmer and smaller than the F1.07. Other flanges and wings have been added to the engine cover to produce greater downforce and also to improve airflow through to the rear wing.

f108-rear-end

The season started off quite well and continued that way through the Canadian Grand prix, but when the team changed their focus to 2009, in season improvements all but stopped and BMW Sauber once again found themselves the followers with other teams quickly gaining ground.

Despite the downturn in the latter half of the season and driver unrest because of it, the developement of the F1.09 seems to be much further ahead than other teams and maybe that will prove an advantage that can carry on throughout the entire season.

Detroit Auto Show: BMW 7 Series Hybrid and X6 Hybrid confirmed for 2009 release

BMW’s two hybrid concept vehicles will be ready for series production by the end of the year, according to Ian Robertson, a member of BMW AG’s board of management, speaking to journalists at the Detroit Auto Show. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid and the X6 “sport activity vehicle” will each have different hybrid systems, mild- and full-hybrid respectively.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, to use the concept car’s full name, is based on the fifth-generation BMW 7-Series that will be in dealerships in the spring as a 2009 model. That ’09 7-Series is scheduled to use the 5.0-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 first used in the BMW X6, with no other engine scheduled for the U.S. at introduction.

BMW X6 Concept ActiveHybridThe BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is the German carbuilder’s first application of the two-mode hybrid developed with General Motors and Chrysler. The Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a full hybrid, able to run on battery power or gasoline power, or a combination thereof. The two-mode system is used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (or was, until its factory was shut down). No numbers were released but BMW says that the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid uses twenty percent less than a similarly-equipped V-8 powered car.
That the hybrid models will be ready for serial production in 2009 which, Robertson told journalists, “means they will probably be available to our customers by the end of the year.”

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid’s lithium-ion battery pack is integrated into the trunk floor and battery charging is supplemented by regenerative braking.
Because a concept has to have some flash, BMW has added aluminum trim to the front end, with fog lamps made up of seven LEDs at either end of the lower air intake. More air guidance elements are added under the rear bumper with special exhaust tips to distinguish it from ordinary BMW 7-Series. Twenty-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels and Blue Water Metallic paint—plus giant graphics—complete the mostly subtle design changes.

The same engine, however, will be coupled with an electric motor fully integrated into the transmission housing in a mild-hybrid arrangement. The electric motor is rated at 20 horsepower but more importantly, 155 lb-ft of torque, providing both more economy and more performance along with reduced emissions. The output of the electric motor is added to that of the 4.4-liter engine’s already prodigious 400 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, increasing performance. However at part throttle the electric motor takes part of the load that would otherwise be handled by the gas engine and that, along with the stop/start feature that’s included, allow fuel savings of 15 percent to be recorded under the EU test cycle.
Robertson stated that luxury and comfort of the 7 Series won’t be compromised. Based on our prior experience with the BMW Hydrogen 7’s wholly transparent transfer from gasoline to hydrogen fuel leads us to believe the ActiveHybrid will be just as smooth.
Illlustrations: Top, Dr. Klaus Draeger discusses the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show; bottom, BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. Photos courtesy BMW.
via:examiner

BMW 7 Series Hybrid and X6 Hybrid confirmed for 2009 release

BMW 7 Series Hybrid and X6 Hybrid confirmed for 2009 release BMW will produce hybrid versions of the BMW 7 Series and the BMW X6 with sales expected to begin by the end of 2009. BMW Sales and Marketing Director Ian Robertson confirmed the report during talks with journalists at the Detroit Auto Show.
Robertson, the former CEO of Rolls-Royce, told journos that the two vehicles would use diffent hybrid systems. The luxury sedan 7-series would make use of a mild hybrid, allowing the engine to be shut down when coasting or braking. Accessories would still run with the engine shut down, making use of an electric motor. Meanwhile, the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle would be paired with a full-hybrid system, letting the SAV run on pure electric power or using a combination of its internal combustible engine and a larger electric motor to power the vehicle.
Concept versions of the two vehicles are on display at the North American International Auto Show. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is based on the 2009 model year, and runs on a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 paired to a 20hp electric motor that generates an impressive 155 ft-lb of torque on its own. The V8 already generates 400 hp, and 450 ft-lb of torque, but the added power from the electrics will help cut fuel consumption by 15%. Energy for the electrics would be kept in a lithium-ion battery mounted in the vehicle's boot. Regenerative brakes also send energy back to the battery pack.
Fewer details of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid have been released, but the German automaker has said the concept would get 20% better fuel economy than similar V8 vehicles. The X6 hybrid concept was likely drawn up with the same 4.4 liter V8 as the 7-series hybrid concept.
As these two vehicles are concepts, their will likely be some changes to mechanics and detailing before they get to the showroom. But do expect to see the BMW 7 Series Hybrid and the BMW X6 Hybrid in dealerships soon.
As Robertson said, "they will probably be available to our customers by the end of the year.”

BMW 320d Winter Concept with 199HP by Miranda-Series

German tuner Miranda-Series has introduced a new winter sport package for the pre-facelift BMW 320d. Starting off from the bimmer's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, Miranda-Series has optimized the car's ECU raising output by 22HP to 199HP. Other improvements include the Eibach Pro-Street-S coilover suspension and the Stop-Tech brakes with 6-piston brake calipers and 355x32mm slotted discs.

The modified 320d now rides on new, black colored, 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in winter sports Dunlop tires available in two sizes, 235/35-19 and 265/30-19. The winter sport package is completed with a set of front passenger Recaro bucket seats. Even though the modifications are relatively subtle, there's nothing subtle about the price for the complete package as it has been set at €13,544 -approximately $17,720 with today's exchange rates...

BMW Films: The Hire - An Oldie But Goodie

In 2001 and 2002 BMW set out to produce, through various film directors including John Woo and others, a series of BMW Films developed exclusively for the internet that included some of the most entertaining car drives/chases on film today. The movie clips consisted of 8 short films split into two series that first aired over the internet via bmwfilms.com.

The main film star, Clive Owen, has gone on to other film projects while other stars such as Madonna, in film "Star", is in a divorce battle with the film director of this series, Guy Richie . Another notable appearance was the late James Brown in the season 2 "Beat the Devil" film.

Even though the film series has aged to a ripe 7 years old, it is still a big hit among automotive enthusiasts or "Automotive Addicts". We have included all 8 of the films including the making of the films via YouTube user "abmwfan" below after the jump. Sit back, reminisce and enjoy the films. Oh, if you have never seen them then we are glad we are able to share these remarkable clips with you. Enjoy!

BMW RZ-M6 based on M1 Hommage

A small independent body styling company, Racer X Design, decided to release some renderings of their BMW RZ-M6 concept based on the popular 6 Series and we believe, on the M1 Hommage also. If you recall, 2003 is remembered by the BMW fans as the year the 6 Series made its comeback as a production car.

The original 6er was launched in 1976 with two models: the 630CS and 633CSi.

1984 saw the introduction of the M635CSi, essentially an E24 powered by the powerplant of the BMW M1. Last year, in honor of the M1's 30th birthday, BMW decided to reveal the M1 Hommage, a concept that pays tribute to the original M1. The fellows at Racer X Design combined the current 6 Series design with the retro style of the E24 6 Series and incorporating design elements from the recently unveiled M1 Hommage.

BMW M1 Hommage

The BMW RZ-M6 was designed to show how a 6 Series should look like - in their opinion, I might add. As expected and seen in the M1 Hommage Concept as well, the modified body panels have been widen, in this case by 50mm. The kidneys on the BMW RZ-M6 has M1 Hommage written all over them giving the car a weird, but interesting and unique front-end. I already foresee that some BMW fans will be in love with this design, while others, more conservative, will most likely criticize it.

But at least we don't have to worry, these are just some independent renderings, despite the fact that Racer X Design is actively looking for ~~suckers~~ partners with cash that would help them bring the RZ-M6 into production.

PRESS RELEASE

BMW RZ-M6

Inspired by the earlier generation E24 6 series, the RZ-M6 captures the stylish and aggressive looks of the older generations of BMW's and puts them in the current 6 series . This is what the current 6 series could look like, by replacing body panels, yet keeping the basic structure intact. The body is 50mm wider to offer wider rubber for better grip.

The current M6 already offers a high level of performance, with upgrades for even more power available worldwide. The RZ-M6 is designed to show how a 6 series should look like to reflect that pedigree. While aggressive, it's not over the top, keeping the lines of the current M6 structure flowing and factory like. It's not a boy racer's car, it's more mature, more elegant, yet not to be messed with. All this was evident in the older generation BMW's. This is a tribute to the E24 6 series.

Started as a small indipendent body styling company, Racer X Design has a history of designing and building conversions based on top of existing cars for competitions, togather with designing cars and such conversions for international clients. We are looking for partners who have the same passion for the BMW brand and would like to see the RZ-M6 hit production. For more information go to www.racerxdesign.com

History of the E24 6 series

The early BMW sport coupes had monumental performance and style with the added luxury of design and technology. Showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1976, the 6 Series E24 sport coupes were the successor to the E9 3.0 CSi coupe. The coupe tradition in the early and mid seventies had been so widely successful, that BMW decided the era of 1965-75 coupes needed a successor. Transferring the tradition and image created by BMW with beautiful models like the 2000 C/CS and the 3.0-3.5 CS/CSi/CSL coupes, the E24 coupe captured this same image and effect. The E24 635 CSi touring car was BMWs entrant in Group A touring car racing from 1983 until the introduction of the BMW M3 in 1986.

BMW Sauber F1.06 - F1.08 Series: The F1.07

2007 was an even bigger test now that they had to design the car from scratch rather than work from the previous Sauber car they inherited. As well, Bridgestone, the only tire supplier after the withdrawal of Michelin and not the tires the f1.06 was designed for produce tires known to allow the car to slide around more.

This had engineers and aero people shaking their heads a bit in effort to gain balance and stability in the F1.07 through corners. Engine, gearbox and seamless shifting were also new additions to the car.

The nose of the car was raised to help in front suspension although the nose tip remained at it's original height. Although not unique to the F1.07 it did have a substantial affect. Other notables about the nose is it is shorter, flatter, and much thinner to once again help with airflow.

Closing the gap to the front runners was the main goal in 2007 and a distinct possibility after finishing a very respectable fifth in 2006 in only their first year.

Willy Rampf: "We have channeled our experience with the F1.06 into the new car, but at the same time focused on the new challenges presented by the 2007 regulations."

Despite the many aero changes, new engine and time saving seamless shifting system, BMW Sauber still remained a distant 3rd with all three teams improving equally throughout the season.

So how did the team do in 2007? With the disqualification of McLaren, BMW Sauber moved from third into second in the constructors championship. No race wins yet, but 101 points, 2 podiums and numerous top 8 finishes made 2007 a good year and a significant improvement over 2006.