BMW i ChargeForward Project Wins 2015 ESNA Innovation Award

 Dr. Simon Ellgas Senior Advanced Technology Engineer - Sustainable Mobility, BMW Group Technology Office USA accepts ESNA Innovation Award for BMW i ChargeForward battery 2nd life storage solutionIn this day and age, car companies are introducing new features and technologies everyday—but true innovation is still worthy of recognition. Recently, the BMW i ChargeForward second-life energy storage system battery project with Geli won a 2015 Energy Storage North America (ESNA) Innovation Award. BMW of Freehold has the details.

The 240 kWh energy storage system is built from old MINI E battery packs and combined with solar power, which is used in the demand response tests. These batteries get a “second life” by repurposing them into a stationary solar-powered electric storage system located at the BMW Technology Office in Mountain View, California. Continue reading

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World Premiere of the New Inline Six-Cylinder M Performance TwinPower Turbo Engine

2016 bmw x4 m40iEvery new BMW car reveal is exciting for us. We love to see how innovation is changing and enhancing the driving experience for our customers. But the reveal of the new X4 M40i is particularly exciting because with it comes the premiere of the world premiere of the new inline six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine. BMW of Freehold has all of the details on these new additions to the BMW lineup.

The new inline six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine is just as powerful as the name would have you believe: it delivers 355 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. This power is complemented by its ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds, securing the honor of best-in-class acceleration. Continue reading

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How to Make a Toast

wine toastHonoring someone with a toast can be a thoughtful tribute on a special occasion. BMW of Freehold knows it can also bring on a bout of performance anxiety as you struggle to deliver just the right words. If the thought of making a toast turns you into a bundle of nerves, some preparation and practice will help you learn how to make a toast that is sure to be appreciated.

Understand the Occasion

There is a big difference between giving a toast at your best friend’s bachelor party and honoring your boss at a corporate function. Before you even begin to write your toast, it’s important to understand the tone of the occasion. Is it a formal event or a casual party? Is it a happy occasion or a somber one? Continue reading

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BMW i3 EV Under Evaluation by Los Angeles Police Department for Future Fleet Additions

Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck announce a year long test of a BMW i3 electric vehicle at a City of Los Angeles press conference in Los Angeles, Sept. 11, 2015. Photo by Danny Moloshok/NewscastBMW of Freehold is pleased to announce that the BMW i3 EV will soon enter its first US test in an authority fleet with the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPD will use the vehicle for one year. In that year, the vehicle will undergo rigorous testing and will be featured at public events.

The compact size, agility, and tight turning circle make the i3 appealing for the LAPD as it can more than handle the busy streets and heavy traffic, and the emission-free driving is just icing on the cake. The large, conveniently located network of BMW i centers ensures the officers will always have a car in tip-top condition. Continue reading

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New ‘Montblanc for BMW’ Collection Celebrates BMW 7 Series Style

montblanc for bmw collectionBoth BMW and Montblanc are characterized by their style and devotion to their products, as well as the immense standards to which they each hold themselves. BMW of Freehold is proud to announce the “Montblanc for BMW” collection, which embraces and references these commonalities, resulting in leather creations and writing instruments that serve as perfect compliments to the BMW 7 Series. The collection incorporates subtle 7 Series-style engraving and discreet “Montblanc for BMW” signature engraving.

The leather creations by Montblanc are made of European full-grain cowhide in unique, deep-gloss Montblanc black. The series is comprised of a business card case, passport case, case for two writing utensils, and key case. Each of these items has Montblanc lettering and the Montblanc and BMW 7 Series emblems. The key case is even designed particularly for the BMW vehicle—the first time Montblanc has done this—suggesting the commitment each of the brands has to this collection. Continue reading

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Ask a Technician: How Can I Protect My Car’s Undercarriage?

serviceman working under vehicleYour BMW’s undercarriage or underbody is one of the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle. While the car’s body may be protected by paint and carefully designed panels, the underbody is rather less extensively protected, partly because it isn’t generally visible. Taking steps to care for and protect this part of the car can therefore prevent unexpected damage and unwanted, costly repair bills.

After a long journey, particularly if there is any off-road element, the underside of the car can become very dirty and clogged with vegetation and/or earth. You should aim to clean this off as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the parts underneath. Cleaning the underbody of the car can be tricky at home, particularly if you don’t have the means to elevate the car and inspect underneath. In most cases, it is better to take the car to your local service department, where they can steam-clean the vehicle’s underbody for you. Jet-washing the underbody of your car should be avoided, as this can cause damage. Continue reading

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What’s Happening in the Freehold Community This September

woman shopping at outdoor market26What better way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall than with some exciting events in our community and the surrounding area? BMW of Freehold is proud to present this look at what’s coming up in and around our community. We hope you’ll be able to attend one or more of these events.

Fall Concert Series: Every Wednesday in September and October, head down to the Hall of Records from 7-9pm for a concert. The September lineup features the Amish Outlaws (9/9), Rhapsody (9/16), the Nerds (9/23), and NRG (9/30). Continue reading

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What are the Advantages of Buying Tires from a Dealership Rather than a Big Box Store?

BMW 4-Series ConvertibleCar tires are one of the most important parts on the vehicle. Good tires don’t normally come cheap, however, and in the interest of trying to save some money, many drivers go to big box stores or independent workshops to buy replacement tires. However, there are many reasons why buying your tires from BMW of Freehold makes sense.

At BMW of Freehold, our factory-trained service technicians offer expertise in your new BMW vehicle. That means the service department is able to ensure any parts ordered and fitted are exactly what your car needs. The fit and quality of a car tire has a direct impact on its performance, so you need to ensure you have tires designed specifically for the model you drive. We can give you the confidence that this is the case. A big box store simply can’t offer this service and will normally stock OEM products, which are cheaper, imitations of top-branded products. Continue reading

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BMW Announces Two New Concepts for Pebble Beach

BMW Pebble Beach Concept TeaserBMW has typically unveiled its most esteemed concept vehicles at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, but this year fans will want to keep their eyes on the BMW Villa at Pebble Beach during the prestigious Monterey Car Week. The automaker recently announced that it will be bringing not one, but two new BMW concept vehicles to the concours event starting on August 13. Continue reading

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Tips to Keep Your High-Performance Engine Running Smoothly

Technician working on engineYou did it—you finally decided to spring for the car of your dreams. No doubt, sitting behind your leather-wrapped steering wheel and listening to the deep purr of your car’s powerful engine brings you a feeling of pure satisfaction. To keep that feeling alive, you will need to maintain the prime condition of your engine. These easy steps from BMW of Freehold will keep your high-performance engine running smoothly. Continue reading

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