Braman BMW

All of the chatter amongst the Braman BMW sales team is greatly attributed to the anticipated arrival of the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. Common characteristics expressed amongst the group about the new GT are nothing short of "amazing and awesome." Details about the new vehicle are best captured by Car and Driver's Steve Siler.

STEVE SILER- The 5-series GT blends mechanicals similar to those of the next-generation 5-series. The headlights are now LEDs and frameless windows top the aluminum doors, the most interesting exterior feature is the curious hatchback. It can be opened like a traditional hatchback and also has a separate flap that opens more like a trunk.

Truly, the interior of the 5-series GT is quite beautiful. BMW's recent efforts to make its interiors both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically sensible pay off in the form of elegant color combos, premium materials (including two glossy and one matte wood finish), and high-resolution, black-panel screens for the gauge cluster and iDrive display. The standard and optional features list is way too long to detail here, but suffice it to say that nearly everything that is on the 2009 7-series is available in the GT, including night vision with pedestrian detection, a head-up display, massaging ventilated seats, rear-seat entertainment, and a surround-sound audio system.


Rear-seat legroom is also on par with the 7-series, complemented by X5-like headroom. The standard setup is a three-across bench, although a "Luxury Rear Seating Package" features a pair of power-adjustable bucket seats separated by a console. Each configuration allows fore/aft sliding to make room for cargo, and at least 33 degrees of seatback recline for road-trip nappers. BMW makes special note of the fact that a separator between the rear seatbacks and cargo area insulates the cabin like a true sedan, even when loading cargo.

Keeping it all off the ground are front and rear multi-link suspension setups, much like those found on the X5, X6, and 7-series, with standard rear air springs and optional active roll stabilization and disconnecting sway bars. The 7-series also donates its active four-wheel steering system to the 5-series GT. The optional Adaptive Drive system features four modes-Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus-to tailor the vehicle's throttle sensitivity, transmission characteristics, power-steering assistance, and traction-control thresholds to the driver's preference. The brakes feature composite front rotors said to reduce deformation and fade.

PREOWNED BMW SALES TOP THE CHARTS
Braman looking to customers for more inventory

Business is good. Real good, especially on the preowned market where the BMW Certified PreOwned Program gives buyers piece of mind through an extended warranty through 100,000 miles.

So, now through September 30th, Braman is inviting all BMW customers to bring in their cars for a professional and complimentary equity evaluation to benefit from the scarcity of inventory currently on the market.

"We're in dire need of more quality used BMW's" stated Anthony Caruso, General Sales Manager of the Braman Luxury PreOwned Department. "We're expanding our department and we will pay absolute top dollar for your trade-in's. And, this also includes non-BMW vehicles to accelerate our off-line sales as well" Anthony added.

As a further benefit, there is also a coupon for additional savings over and above the very best deal you can make with us. Click here for more savings.

Braman BMW PreOwned Department is located at 2901 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. You can also call 866-927-3842 for more information.

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The Elegant and Fuel Efficient Fifth Generation 3 Series - 2009 BMW 328i


The BMW 328i sedan was created with an emphasis on luxury, style, comfort, gas efficiency, and driver involvement.

Edmunds states that the 328i is "a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit and finish, ample power, and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price."

Edmunds affirms "the current model, which represents the fifth-generation 3 Series, is an even better car overall, the latest BMW 3 Series has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space."

The patented Valvetronic system that BMW offers provides drivers with better fuel efficiency, giving the 328i 28 mpg hwy.


The 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine produces 230 horsepower, 200 pound-feet of torque at 2750 rpms. The 328i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in  6.3 seconds and 6.9 seconds for the manual transmission and automatic transmission respectively.  

The 328i makes a nice car for small family trips, weekly commutes, and weekend extravaganzas.

To view our new 328i inventory Click Here. To schedule a test drive call 877-442-7262.

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New 09 Z4 Here at BMW Showroom
Take a test drive today! - Call 877-442-7262


Our newly revamped Braman BMW showroom and the release of the new stylish, sporty, and sophisticated 2009 Z4 have both been designed to please our prestigious BMW clientele.


The latest version of the Z4 roadster is available in two engines types. The sDrive30i starts at $45,750 and has 255hp and 220 lb-ft. The sDrive35i starts at $51,650 adding twin turbochargers to produce an even 300hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The Z4 is noted for its "right now responsiveness."

If you're looking for a little extra, you may consider adding the Sport package into the mix. Car and Driver states "the Sport package adds high-performance tires, sport seats, and the M adaptive suspension, which varies the shock absorbers among three settings."  The 2009 Z4 sDrive35i tied for first place in Car and Drivers best observed fuel economy when comparing multiple sports cars. It was a 550-mile test and the Z4 ranked at the top with an EPA city rating of 17 mpg.


Car and Driver admits that "It's hard to stop looking at the Z4. It's a pretty car, and the mixture of creases and curves resolves pleasingly with the roof in place or folded down." The new stylish design is due greatly to the new two-piece aluminum retractable hardtop that deploys and stows in 20 seconds making the 2009 Z4 very attractive. The vehicle has been lengthened in order to support the new hard top. This allows BMW customers to store more in the spacious trunk.

The beauty of the new Z4 can only be truly appreciated in person, so schedule your appointment today at Braman BMW. Call 877-442-7262.

To view our new 2009 Z4 inventory CLICK HERE

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BMW May Sales Surpass all Competitors
3rd best used car month in 12 years

Once again, BMW pounced Mercedes and Lexus to be on top of the luxury new car sales market for May. This is also the case for year to date 2009 new car luxury sales. Great sales numbers from 3 series and 5 series business helped fuel BMW unit sales to over 18,000 nationally.

Braman  BMW new car business surpassed national results by 10%. "The combination of great sales people and a superior facility gives our customers an incredible buying experience" state Steve Grossman, Braman's Director of Sales. "Not only is our sales business up, but the leading indicator of customer satisfaction (CSI) hit 99.2% in May, one of our very best months" Grossman continued.


Nationally, BMW certified preowned luxury sales were on fire - posting the 3rd best month on record in the past 12 years - as well as 8% better over last May 2008.

Braman exceeded the national BMW average by a crushing 13% over May 2008, the first couple of months that the BMW Luxury Pre-Owned Sales Department moved into their new showroom on the corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

"This is further endorsement that this is not the time for us to shrink from the market, but to expand our sites and increase our service and products to our customers" stated Vince Cerone, General Manager and COO of Braman Motorcars. "I am proud of the job accomplished by the overall team, including Service and Parts, to keep Braman BMW moving in a continued positive direction" he continued. "Our customers have voted and the results are extraordinary" Cerone concluded.

To celebrate these achievements, Braman Motorcars is planning a big summer event on Sunday, June 14th, to thank our customers and the community as well as honor the MINI brand during it's 50th anniversary.  The entire community is invited.

2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d - Auto Shows
Upcoming diesel X5 should require very little compromise.

BY JENS MEINERS
Car & Driver Magazine

BMW?s long road back to the U.S. diesel market ends at the L.A. auto show, where the Bavarians are showing two new diesels: the 335d sports sedan and the X5 xDrive35d. Just as Volkswagen and Audi brand all diesels ?TDI? and Mercedes-Benz has its BlueTec diesel banner, BMW is introducing these two models as flagships seeking to establish its new diesel ?brand,? BluePerformance. Whereas the 335d more embodies the performance side of that label, the diesel X5 will seem the more natural coupling to most Americans.

When the X5 xDrive35d comes to market, it will compete with the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec in a segment soon to be crowded with diesel-powered versions of the Audi Q7 and VW Touareg. It will be the most powerful of the bunch, owing mainly to twin turbochargers, which bring power up to 265 horses, with 425 lb-ft of torque. It even sounds unobtrusive, although no diesel exhaust note will ever evoke the emotions a well-tuned gasoline six-cylinder can.

BMW is proud that the X5 is a 50-state-compliant model, but this marketing advantage comes with a penalty. The catalytic system that scrubs the exhaust 50-state clean is not only costly, but restrictive?horsepower drops from 282 in the European version to 265 here. It likely won?t matter, though; we've spent extensive time behind the wheel of several BMW models with this engine, and trust us: plenty of naturally aspirated gasoline six-cylinder cars will struggle hard to keep up, and plenty more will fail.

Although this engine is currently BMW?s most powerful diesel offering, our sources within BMW tell us that it might not be the top diesel for long. A turbo-diesel V-10, rated at well over 400 horsepower, is in the works, but it's on hold because of the uncertainty surrounding the upper premium market in Europe.

"The diesel is our idea of getting the running cost of a full hybrid at a lower initial cost," says a BMW spokesman. "We achieve 25 to 30 percent less consumption than with a gasoline engine; not just in town, as with a hybrid, but everywhere."

The spokesman has a point; pity it will apply to BMW's own hybrid vehicles as well when production of those begins in 2009. The X5 xDrive35d will sell for $52,025; not cheap, but less than a V-8?powered X5. And on the highway, the diesel will travel close to 600 miles on a tank of fuel. On a long road trip, that's a luxury, too.

New Showroom begins New Era of Sophistication

2009 BMW Seven Series
The forward-thinking flagship is now less controversial and more user friendly. 


By Dave Vaiderwerp
Car & Driver Magazine
November 2008

While the new fifth-generation 7-series continues to be BMW’s technological pacesetter—it gets even more high-tech features such as variable suspension damping, rear-wheel steering, night vision with pedestrian detection, and side-view cameras—the real buzz at its introduction was BMW’s backpedaling away from some of the previous big car’s, uh, “breakthroughs.”

Last time around, for the 2002 model, BMW thoroughly shuffled the ergonomics of the 7-series, switching the shifter from the center console to a newfangled lever on the steering column, as well as moving the seat controls to the center console and programming them as some sort of demented test of logic. Both items have now been returned to their previous locations.

Furthermore, the most controversial piece of technology, iDrive, with its multifunction central control knob that has been copied to varying degrees by Mercedes, Audi, and Honda, has been completely overhauled. In fact, continuing to call it iDrive is almost an insult to its vastly improved control strategy. There’s no more convoluted nudging of the knob in one of eight directions to choose a submenu; now you scroll straightforwardly through a list and click to select. Shortcut buttons surrounding the knob ease the acclimation process, and the climate controls have been removed from iDrive altogether.

But that’s not to say the 7-series isn’t complex. In what must be a tuning nightmare for chassis engineers, the new car has standard electronically controlled dampers that vary compression and rebound characteristics independently, as well as available active anti-roll bars. Also new are an unequal-length control-arm front suspension and rear-wheel steering, which is bundled with the familiar and optional ratio-varying active steering.

At speeds below 37 mph, the rear wheels turn up to three degrees in the opposite ­direction of the fronts, which reduces the turning circle by as much as 2.3 feet. At higher speeds, the rears swivel in the same direction as the fronts to improve responsiveness. We drove prototypes with all of these available goodies at BMW’s proving ground in Miramas, France, and they certainly felt capable and willing, with lighter steering effort more in line with that of a 3-series, helping the big sedan feel much smaller from behind the wheel. BMW’s über-sedan was already dynamically sound, and it appears poised to stay ahead of the pack; this is a luxury sedan that doesn’t shy away from hustling.

The car accommodates varying tastes via four settings (Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport +) that alter the damping rates, steering effort, shift points, and stability-control intervention threshold. A fifth mode is achieved by simply switching off the stability control. The various settings provide tangible differences, with Comfort yielding a softer ride than is BMW-typical and Sport + allowing moderate sideways action as long as steering and throttle inputs remain measured. On a wet-handling course, the 7-series was inspiringly well balanced and eager to dance.

On sale in March 2009, the 7-series should start at about $80,000 and will be available in 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li guises. Despite the carry-over names, there is a new engine—the 400-hp, 450-pound-feet, direct-injection twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that recently debuted in the top-of-the-line X6. That’s 40 horsepower and a whopping 90 pound-feet more than the previous 750i’s 4.8-liter V-8. Flooring the throttle generates a torquey turbo shove; we’re betting on a quickest-in-class 0-to-60-mph time in the high-four-second range. The six-speed ZF automatic gearbox carries over for now, although a new eight-speed likely will be added in a year or so. BMW says fuel economy improves by three percent over that of the outgoing 750i/Li, rated at 15/23 mpg city/highway. Torsional rigidity is up 20 percent, and curb weight increases 70 pounds to nearly 4600 despite extensive use of aluminum.

Models that won’t be sold in the U.S.—at least not initially—are the 740i/740Li with a more powerful, 322-hp version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six and the 730d with its new 241-hp, 3.0-liter diesel.

BMW has reacted to another sore point of the previous car—its styling—by going a more conservative and evolutionary route both inside and out. The exterior is spruced up with a strong crease that runs the length of the car, and the trunklid is far less bulbous. Bumper-mounted exhaust tips appear to be a near copy of the Lexus LS460’s.

There’s no question that the new 7-series will be a fierce competitor dynamically and, with much improved ergonomics, is now easier to use. To say that it’s more appealing than its predecessor is perhaps faint praise; the real question will be whether it has what it takes to stand out in the impressive luxury-flagship crowd.
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Braman Gets New Diesel BMW

X5 xDrive35d (Advanced Diesel Vehicle)


The BMW X5 xDrive35d made its debut in the North American market in the fall of 2008. With its introduction, BMW marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to deliver ultimate driving machines that combine superior performance with exemplary fuel economy. The X5 xDrive35d offers sporting character, while standing out as a high-torque Sports Activity Vehicle with excellent qualities for long-distance motoring. The BMW X5 xDrive35d accelerates from 0–62 mph in just 7.2 seconds and offers average fuel economy of at least 19/25 mpg (city/highway, provisional data).

The X5 xDrive35d hits the US market with one of the most fuel-efficient and economical engines in its class. Featuring the 3.0-liter inline-six with Variable Twin Turbo Technology, this engine has been widely acknowledged as the unchallenged benchmark for sporting performance, motoring refinement and superior efficiency in other markets around the world. The 3.0-liter diesel with Variable Twin Turbo has won the prestigious International Engine of the Year Award multiple times – more than any other prize or acknowledgement.

Through BMW’s new Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, the X5 xDrive35d optimizes emission management through the placement of an oxidation catalyst just downstream of the exhaust manifold, a diesel particulates filter housed in the same unit and an SCR catalyst with the urea injection. In addition to filtering out even the smallest particles from the flow of exhaust gases, this combination ensures effective reduction of nitric oxides (NOX) by way of a chemical reaction within the exhaust system initiated by the injection of a small dose of urea referred to as AdBlue. The ammonia generated in this process within the SCR catalyst subsequently converts the nitric oxides (NO and, respectively, NO2) in the exhaust gas into environmentally compatible nitrogen (N2) and vapor (H2O).

The X5 xDrive35d features:

265 horsepower
585 miles per tank
425lb-ft. of torque at 1,750rpm
0-62mph in 7.2 seconds*
26 mpg on the highway**

* BMW AG results
** Preliminary estimate – actual mileage may vary depending on speed, driving habits and trip length

To view exterior and interior photos of the new X5 xDrive35d CLICK HERE

Taking Sales to the Next Level
 
 
    For more than twelve years, Michael Scharmer has been a mover and shaker at Braman Motorcars of Palm Beach, leading in sales volume and high customer satisfaction ratings.
     His success has landed him alcolades in the prestigious BMW Profiles in Achievement award, receiving top honors for seven continuous years.
     And once again, Michael has eclipsed his peers around the country, winning his fourth Grand Travel Award from BMW. This coveted award, where only the top 50 BMW sales people out of thousands nationwide can qualify for, will send Michael to a far off exotic land to once again toast the awards of his hard work.
     In 2004, it was Monte Carlo, then there was South Africa in 2005 and Paris in 2007. This year it's Hawaii.
     "Michael performs as an elite in the delivery of customer service to his customers" stated Steve Grossman, Director of Sales for Braman franchises. "His level of commitment to clients has earned him not only the respect of BMW, but the loyalty and the rewards of continuous referrals from his customers". Grossman concluded.
     Michael's sales have averaged 240 units a year for the past 5 years and he broke his previous record in 2007 with a total of 317 delivered units, 26 per month.
     As busy as Michael is, his CSI (Customer Satisfaction Rating) of 99.66 is among the highest in the store and the country.
     When Michael is not on the job, he enjoys the game of Golf and family.

IS SMALLER BETTER - BMW 1 SERIES  
 
Is smaller better? Hitting 60 mph in 4.7 seconds is certainly a compelling opening argument.
     February 2008 Article from Car and Driver online.
     It is often said that *small is beautiful.* And when it comes to cars, small quite often is beautiful. Certainly, the diminutive and lightweight Lotus Elise is a beautiful thing. But pushed too far, the idea of small can start to get ugly*the Smart Fortwo comes to mind. So maybe the adage should be smaller is beautiful. Smaller doesn*t necessarily mean tiny, though. In the case of the BMW 135i, smaller simply means smaller than a 3-series. And ever since we sampled a European 1-series a few years ago, the idea of a BMW smaller than the 3-series has struck us as a beautiful thing.
     At 4.7 Seconds to 60, Smaller Is Certainly Quicker
     In overall length, the 135i coupe (the 1-series is only available in the U.S. as a two-door coupe) is 8.9 inches shorter than a 335i coupe, with 4.0 inches taken out of the wheelbase, and it*s also 1.4 inches narrower. These reductions ams amount to a weight saving of 137 pounds; our 135i weighed 3420 pounds versus 3557 for a 335i coup Fortunately, there is no reduction in engine size or output. The 135i gets the same 300-hp twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine as the 335i. We clocked a 0-to-60 time of 4.9 seconds for the heavier 335i; the 135i did it in a blistering 4.7, with a 13.3-second quarter-mile at 106 mph. The 135i is seriously quick, but best of all, the quickness comes easily, as the turbocharged engine has enough torque and horsepower to waft the 135i into triple-digit speeds without any drama. Slightly more engine noise and exhaust hum enter the 135i cabin than in the 335i, but the sounds are good enough to forgo turning on the radio.
     Much like a 3-series from the Driver*s Seat
     Aside from being slightly louder, driving the 135i is much like driving a 3-series. From behind the wheel in the spacious front seat*where there's plenty of headroom*the driver isn*t aware of the 1-series* shrunken size. The four inches lopped out of the wheelbase are, however, noticeable in the back seat. Subjectively, the seats are slightly larger than a Mustang*s back seat*kids will fit just fine, adults will find it acceptable as long as the trip is short.
     Since the 135i comes standard with an M-division sport suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped with summer-friendly run-flat performance rubber, the 135i rides much like a 335i with the Sport package. There is an almost microscopic line between firm and harsh, but the 135i*s suspension somehow follows it perfectly, even on large, abrupt impacts. The 135i*s structure and suspension never crash or shudder, and aimed in a straight line, the heavy steering and the sense of unyielding structure allow the 135i to approach the composure of the much larger 6-series.
     In fact, the 135i doesn*t feel small until it is challenged by quick transitions or tight corners, and even then it feels light on its feet. Body roll is minimal, the tires hang on tenaciously*to the tune of 0.89 g on the skidpad*and the 135i is easy to place in corners, even when you*re doubling or nearly tripling recommended speeds. In short, the 135i never feels reckless.

New ownership ant total renovation of Moroso Motorsports Park

First Double-Clutch able to handle 9,000 RPM


You likely already know we love BMW’s latest incarnation of its marvelous M3, this time with a mammoth 414-hp V-8. As displayed by its ferocious test numbers and three comparison-test victories, it’s simply one of the most fun and involving cars currently on sale.

But until now, all the cars we’ve driven have been equipped with a six-speed manual as we’ve waited for the brand-new seven-speed, double-clutch automated manual developed with Getrag to arrive. (BMW calls it M DCT, for “M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.”)

First Double-Clutch Transmission That Can Handle 9000 RPM

Available as a $2700 option on all M3 coupes, sedans, and convertibles, M DCT is the first double-clutch transmission that can handle engine speeds up to—thank you, BMW—a screaming 9000 rpm. M DCT adds about 45 pounds, according to BMW; our 3630-pound test car weighed in 30 pounds heavier than our last manual M3 coupe.

The M DCT uses two oil-cooled, wet multi-disc clutches and operates much like other transmissions of this type, such as VW/Audi’s DSG/S tronic. One clutch engages the even gears, and the other handles the odds plus reverse. Since only one clutch is engaged at any given time, the transmission anticipates and preselects the next ratio; a gearchange simply requires one clutch to release while the other engages, which means the M DCT can shift quicker than a manual transmission, and it drastically reduces the power interruption between gears. Overall, first gear with M DCT is actually slightly taller than in the manual, but the rest of the ratios are shorter.

The double-clutch arrangement also enables quicker and smoother shifting than in single-clutch automated manuals, such as BMW’s own sequential manual gearbox (SMG) found in the previous M3 and the current M5 and M6. If you’ve ever driven an SMG car, you know what we’re talking about. Even with various iterations and improvements, the current seven-speed unit found in the M5 and M6 leaves large, head-bobbing gaps in power between shifts, rendering it somewhere between annoying and unusable in full-automatic mode.

As with SMG, M DCT has a staggering 11 settings—five in automatic (D mode) and six in manual (S mode)—that determine how aggressive the shifts are, with the most brutal manual setting only available with the stability control off. A setting of four or higher means satisfying throttle blips accompany downshifts; settings one through three yield nearly imperceptible gearchanges. Manual shifting is accomplished via steering-wheel-mounted paddles (right for upshifts, left for downshifts) or the shift lever on the center console.

Thankfully Blessed with Superb Launch Control

In case you ever get your hands on an M3 equipped with M DCT, you need to know how to experience one of the best features: launch control. Omitted from U.S. versions of the M5 and M6, launch control is thankfully now included in the M3.

courtesy: Car and Driver Magazine