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Massive BMW diesel engine recall is expanded

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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BMW fire recall expanded

BMW has extended its diesel car recall again. There are concerns that a faulty part presents a fire risk.

In some diesel cars, glycol leakage from the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler can occur. In combination with soot deposits and high temperatures, this might result in smouldering particles.

This, in turn, could lead to the melting of the intake manifold and/or fire.

An initial European and Asian recall in August 2018 involved around 480,000 BMW diesel vehicles. As a whole, the extended recall campaign covered around 1.6 million vehicles by October 2018.

This included 268,000 BMW cars in the UK, but this was extended to a further 27,000 vehicles in October 2019.

Now, according to a website in Germany, the recall has been expanded by a further 232,000 vehicles worldwide.

BMW drivers in the UK can see if their car is affected by contacting BMW or by using the government’s recall website. Owners will be invited to visit their local BMW dealer where the EGR cooler will be inspected.

BMW bonnet badge

BMW vehicles affected by the recall

The Which? website has a list of all the cars affected by the EGR recall. These are:

  • BMW 1 Series (114d, 116d, 118d, 120d, 125d), manufactured between November 2011 and September 2017.
  • BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertibles (218d, 220d, 225d), manufactured between July 2013 and December 2017.
  • BMW 3 Series Saloon, Touring and Gran Turismo (316d, 318d, 320d, 320ed, 325d, 330d, 335d), manufactured between December 2011 and November 2017.
  • BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe (418d, 420d, 425d, 430d, 435d), manufactured between May 2013 to July 2017.
  • BMW 5 Series Saloon, Touring and Gran Turismo (518d, 520d, 525d, 530d, 535d), manufactured between March 2011 and December 2017.
  • BMW 6 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe (640d), manufactured between March 2011 and April 2015.
  • BMW 7 Series Saloon and LWB (725d, 730d, 740d), manufactured between January 2012 and April 2015.
  • BMW X1 (s20d, x25d), manufactured between May 2011 and April 2015.
  • BMW X3 (18d, 20d, 30d, 35d), manufactured between August 2010 and October 2017.
  • BMW X4 (20d, 30d, 35d), manufactured between December 2013 and June 2017.
  • BMW X5 (25d, 30d, 40d), manufactured between April 2013 and June 2017.
  • BMW X6 (30d, 40d), manufactured between March 2014 and June 2015.

The DVSA’s head of vehicle engineering, Neil Barlow, told Which?: “Our engineers have worked closely with BMW to ensure that the fix is satisfactory and appropriate for UK models and conditions.

“We continue to ensure BMW contacts owners of affected vehicles so their cars can be assessed and made safe.”

To find out if your vehicle has been affected by a recall, use the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website.

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‘Amazon for cars’: Cazoo delivers used cars to your door

By
Ethan Jupp
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Cazoo 'Amazon' for used cars

A startup used car marketplace called Cazoo created by the man who created LoveFilm and Zoopla is now operating in the UK.

The entire process of buying from Cazoo is online, with home delivery offered. The difference is that Cazoo actually owns all the cars it stocks.

Each motor is prepared and readied for sale at its 55-acre facility in the Midlands.

Every car is MOTed, comes with service history and goes through a 150-point check as it comes into stock.

Cazoo says it wants to ‘Amazon’ the used car market.

Buying sight unseen – how will it work?

Cazoo 'Amazon' for used cars

Buying a car without inspecting it in person is usually seen as risky.

Cazoo wants to remedy this by offering comprehensive advertisements and competitive prices.

Each ad has high-quality 360-degree images, with the car’s full specification and history included. The prices are fixed and the adverts are transparent, in an attempt to keep everything upfront.

If you buy, your new purchase should arrive within three days.

Cazoo then gives a seven-day money-back guarantee, to ‘replace the seven-minute test drive around the block’.

If it’s not working for you, they’ll collect the car for free, ‘no questions asked’.

  • Millions buy their first cars without checking them over

Cazoo 'Amazon' for used cars

“Used cars are one of the last remaining consumer markets yet to benefit from any digital transformation,” said Alex Chesterman, founder and CEO of Cazoo.

“Cazoo makes used car buying simple and convenient, like buying any other product online today.

“We take away the need to travel, to haggle, to spend countless hours at a dealership and to risk any buyer’s remorse.”

The venture is one of the UK’s best-funded startup businesses ever.

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The 10 new tech features Mercedes-Benz has introduced in 2019

By
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
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0

New Mercedes-Benz tech

Nobody could accuse Mercedes-Benz of standing still. Ever since Karl Benz presented the Patent Motor Car in 1886, the company has consistently pushed boundaries.

Indeed, Mercedes-Benz has registered more than 80,000 patents to date.

Examples of its innovation include the electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS) in 1978, an automatically extending rollover bar in 1989, and electronic stability control (ESP) in 1995.

In a kind of end-of-year Christmas ‘best of’ round-up, Mercedes-Benz is showcasing 10 new technologies it has introduced for the 2020 model year.

Mercedes Energising Coach

MBUX with Interior Assistant

A camera in the overhead console monitors movements of the driver’s and front passenger’s hands and arms. When a hand approaches the touchscreen or touchpad, the media display changes and individual elements are highlighted. The system also includes gesture control.

E-Active Body Control

Works in combination with the air suspension  to counteract body roll, pitch and squat. The spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel.

Carwash Function

In simple terms, this system prepares the car for the car wash by adjusting the suspension to the highest position, folding the exterior mirrors, closing the windows, suppressing the rain-sensor and switching the air conditioning to air-recirculation mode. It will be standard on the next-generation GLS. 

Fully-variable 4Matic

The system can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axle from zero to 100 percent to improve handling and traction. The system is premiering on the GLE. 

V8 engine with 48-volt system

The twin-turbocharged V8 in the GLE 580 and GLS 580 features a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an integrated starter motor. This increases the performance and efficiency while eliminating the need for a belt drive for ancillary components.

New entry-level ‘35’ variant

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new entry-level version to the AMG range. The ‘35’ is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and is available on the A-Class and CLA. Meanwhile, the ‘45’ version is powered by the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine.

Active Stop-and-Go Assist

The system recognises traffic jams at an earlier state, supporting the stop-start system at speeds of up to 37mph.

Cross-Traffic Function

The system intervenes if it detects a collision with oncoming traffic when making a turn.

Vehicle Exit Warning Function

New models fitted with Blind Spot Assist will boast a Vehicle Exit Warning Function. It monitors the blind spot when the vehicle is parked and will warn the driver of the presence of approaching vehicles, motorcyclists and cyclists.

Energising Coach

If a compatible Garmin wearable device is worn by the driver, the car can measure stress levels or quality of sleep. It acts as a comfort guide for drivers.

To find your next new Mercedes-Benz, check out our car reviews section.

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Jaguar pauses electric E-type Zero

By
Richard Aucock
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0

Jaguar E-type Zero

Jaguar has reportedly paused plans to introduce an all-electric version of the classic E-type. 

The E-type Zero was first shown in September 2017, and plans to put it into production were confirmed in August 2018. 

Jaguar is now putting the project on hold after what The Sunday Telegraph calls a “reappraisal”. 

The firm said launching the E-type Zero is “not a priority in the current global commercial climate”. 

Deliveries of the £350,000 car were originally scheduled to begin in summer 2020. Jaguar started taking expressions of interest in summer 2018, and even set up a dedicated email address for potential buyers: zero@jaguarlandrover.com. 

Owners who expressed interest have now been contacted: “It is with regret that I inform you that we have taken a difficult decision to pause the development of the production vehicle for the time being.”

Jaguar E-type Zero

The car was famously used by the Duke of Sussex to drive the Duchess to their wedding reception. 

It also won the ‘Best use of electricity since the light bulb’ prize at the 2018 GQ Awards. 

“Jaguar Classic will continue to monitor the external environment, the speed of EV development and demand from the customer base around the world,” added the firm in a statement. 

The development of the E-type Zero’s EV technology is already, it admitted, in an “advanced” state. 

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Mercedes becomes second German company to announce major job cuts

By
John Redfern
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Mercedes-Benz owner to cut jobs

Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has announced plans to reduce its number of employees by the end of 2022. 

The number of job cuts will total at least 10,000, with the company also pledging to reduce the amount of management roles by ten percent. 

Reducing headcount is just part of the changes planned by Daimler, which will also see efforts made to improve efficiency and reduce overall costs. 

Mercedes-Benz owner to cut jobs

Daimler admits that the automotive industry is currently in a period of the “biggest transformation” in history, with the effects of electrification and developments in ownership patterns. 

Covering the various brands of Mercedes-Benz and Daimler, the company currently employs almost 300,000 people around the world. Reducing employee numbers will see Daimler save €1.4 billion by the end of 2022, which is important given the company saw a reduction in profits during 2018.  

At present, Daimler has a commitment with trade unions to protect jobs in Germany until at least 2029. The company will therefore rely on natural staff turnover, part-time retirement, and voluntary redundancies to help reduce headcount. 

Mercedes-Benz owner to cut jobs

More than half of all Daimler employees are currently based in Germany, whilst 26,000 are employed by the company in the United States. 

Daimler is not the only German manufacturer looking to reduce staff numbers. Audi AG announced earlier this week that it will reduce its total number of employees by 9,500 by 2025. 

Audi has also agreed to guarantee German jobs until 2029, meaning it too will be reliant on natural turnover and early retirement options. At the same time, the company will also seek to create 2,000 new jobs in digital technology and electrification. 

These new jobs will be key to Audi’s future, as it plans to transform factories in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm into producers of electric vehicles. Some €300 million will be spent by Audi to ensure the company can meet increased demand for full-electric cars.

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All new Jaguars and Land Rovers will get over-the-air updates

By
Ethan Jupp
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0

JLR over-the-air updates

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced every new car it sells will have Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability as standard. Drivers will be able to receive software patches and updates wherever they are, without having to return to a dealer.

This means the Touch Pro and Touch Pro Duo infotainment systems that feature in current JLR models will be able to remain up-to-date. The feature was highlighted on the new Land Rover Defender, but will now be available across all Jaguars and Land Rovers.

The idea of over-the-air software updates was popularised by Tesla. Now, the likes of JLR and Porsche are implementing similar tech.

JLR over-the-air updates

“We are passionate about creating and delivering the latest technology to our customers,” said Nick Rogers, director of product engineering at Jaguar Land Rover.

“Building on the connected capability of our new Defender, we have made our pioneering software-over-the-air capability for infotainment updates standard on all our new vehicles.”

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Nearly-new cars get free updateJLR over-the-air updates

Most impressive, perhaps, is the fact that newer JLR cars are eligible for a free update. Half a million cars sold since 2016 should be able to receive the complimentary update at a dealer, then become SOTA-capable.

“Of course, we want our existing customers to benefit from the latest connected features as well,” Rogers followed.

“Which is why we are offering them a complimentary upgrade to enable this capability on their vehicles too, together with the latest updates for their infotainment systems.”

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Future electric Minis will be built in China

By
Ethan Jupp
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0

1.5 million households could have electric cars with ease

BMW Group is teaming up with Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall for a new factory, plus the ongoing development of electric cars. The plant in China will produce future fully-electric models from Mini.

“Today we are taking the next step in our collaboration,” said Klaus Fröhlich, head of development at BMW.

“With the BMW Group as a pioneer in the field of electromobility and Great Wall as a major player and expert in industrialisation in the Chinese market, we are joining forces for development and production of the future electric Mini and new Great Wall models.”

Spotlight Automotive LimitedBMW Great Wall Spotlight Automotive electric Mini

The joint venture is called Spotlight Automotive Limited. The plant will be able to produce 160,000 cars a year, employ around 3,000 people and mean a joint investment of £550 million.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Mini’s Oxford home is being retired. In BMW’s words, ‘Mini Plant Oxford will remain the heart and home of Mini manufacturing, while the Spotlight Automotive joint venture will provide additional capacity and flexibility’.

“This joint venture will enable us to produce a larger number of Mini-brand fully electric vehicles at attractive conditions for the world market,” Dr. Nicolas Peter, head of finance at BMW.

“This is also an important strategic step for the Mini brand. The joint venture with Great Wall underlines the enormous importance of the Chinese market for us.”

One million BMW EVs on the road by 2021Mini Nurburgring no brakes

BMW Group will have five electric cars in its portfolio by the end of 2021, by which time it hopes to have sold one million EVs and hybrids. 

Joining the new Mini Electric are the existing BMW i3, plus the iX3, iNext and i4.

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Why 2020 will be ‘make or break’ year for diesel

By
Ethan Jupp
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0

'make or break' for diesel in 2020

Diesel’s difficult journey over the last few years may be about to come to a head, with some claiming 2020 will be ‘make or break’ for the under-fire fuel.

There are a number of challenges facing diesel cars, including outright bans in certain urban areas.

However, the question of whether modern ‘clean’ diesels are being treated fairly remains. Will the ongoing PR war against it kill them off regardless?

'make or break' for diesel in 2020

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“We seem to have arrived at a point in time where, in terms of public perception, any nuance surrounding the diesel debate has disappeared almost completely,” said Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck.

“Probably the best example of this is the blanket diesel ban that is going to be applied in Bristol city centre. Older petrol cars that probably have markedly worse emissions than the latest RDE2 diesels will be allowed in.

“It makes little sense and helps to create the impression that whatever technological advances are now made with diesel, its ongoing demonisation might be inevitable.”

Make or break'make or break' for diesel in 2020

RDE2 engine standards are, Golding claims, forcing diesel engines to reach emissions standards on an even footing with petrol engines, but with the CO2 benefits that diesel has always had. With this in mind, there is now the question of whether the ongoing assault on diesel is misguided.

“In a sense, the next 12 months could prove to be something of a make-or-break period for diesel. If its reputation doesn’t make something of a recovery with the new technology coming online, then it may never do so.”

Diesel demise could increase emissionsBristol diesel car ban 2021

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Traditionally, diesel engines were promoted over petrol to reduce CO2 emissions, which are related to climate change. The modern issue with diesel is nitrogen oxide (NOx), which relates to air quality. There is worry that the recent exodus to petrol could exacerbate the CO2 issue, especially in combination with the rise in popularity of heavy SUVs.

“One of the reasons that we are in the current position is because legislators long concentrated on CO2 emissions to the detriment of other environmental measures. Obsessing over diesel risks taking a similarly narrow view with similar results,” continued Golding.

“Air quality is obviously a major concern and ensuring that sensible measures are taken that make sense and bring about real change is too important not to be taken seriously. That means taking a wider view on environmental matters.”

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Phwoar and order: Ford Ranger Raptor joins the police

By
Ethan Jupp
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0

Ford Raptor police car

The Ford Ranger Raptor is joining the police. The Baja-bashing pick-up will see action in South Wales, as officers evaluate whether it’s up to the task of crime-fighting.

The Raptor is uniquely equipped for law enforcement, especially when it comes to leaving the smoothness and security of Tarmac behind. With its race-spec Fox shocks, off-road tyres and Baja mode, there’s no place for miscreants to flee. 

As such, Wales is perhaps the perfect proving ground for the Raptor, being one of the UK’s most rural areas. The police Raptors could very well see action sliding across fields and dodging sheep in pursuit of criminals.

We’ve experienced the potential of the Raptor first-hand at the launch in Morocco. In his review, Tim Pitt said: “When it comes to rough terrain – the sort that makes the surface of the moon look hospitable – it’s almost without equal.

“Where gaudy SUVs kerb their 21-inch alloys then promptly admit defeat, the ultimate Ranger, like a cartoon superhero, blasts gleefully into the distance.”

A time zone or three away from Wales, we’ll grant you. But if it can handle the sun-scorched dunes of Morocco, it’ll be fine in the Welsh uplands.

Ford Raptor police car

The Raptor will join another fast Ford, the new Focus ST Estate, in being evaluated by the police.

While the Raptor is capable on-road, the 155mph Focus will be more suited to thrashing around the ‘Evo Triangle’.

Both are modified by Ford’s Special Vehicle Preparation team. It adds the full police livery and a suite of lights and sirens.

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Prodrive Legends will restore classic race and rally cars

By
Ethan Jupp
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0

Prodrive Legends

Prodrive is one of the most best-known and most successful racing car preparation outfits ever. It has built more than 1,100 race and rally cars, from Le Mans-winning Aston Martins to WRC-winning Subaru Imprezas. Now, to cater to its storied 35-year history, the company has launched Prodrive Legends, a programme is dedicated to restoring and running legacy racers.

“Many of these cars are now appreciating classics with immense value to their passionate owners,” said Paul Howarth, head of motorsport operations at Prodrive.

“With the formation of Prodrive Legends, owners can now bring the cars home to the same company – and even many of the same people – who originally designed and built them and took them to multiple wins.”

Prodrive Legends

The Legends programme only covers Prodrive-built cars and includes a fixed-price authentication service to document your chassis as genuine. It also includes factory-spec engine rebuilds at the company’s new powertrain centre.

You can have everything from a quick race preparation to a ground-up restoration. Think of it as Prodrive’s very own Ferrari Classiche service.

“Quite simply, there is nobody in a better position to rebuild a Prodrive car. We literally know them inside out. Many of the people we have on the Prodrive Legends team built the cars originally,” continued Howarth.

Prodrive Legends

“What’s more, we have all the original build data and also hold the rights to reproduce key parts of the cars, while sourcing genuine components doesn’t pose an issue thanks to the network of contacts we have established. The level of our work pays dividends for customers who wish to compete and those that see it as an investment. Any car that leaves us will be turnkey and ready to run competitively.

“For those that wish to optimise the value of their car, as well as its performance, having Prodrive Legends authenticate and rebuild it ensures that it meets market expectations, where only the cars with the most impeccable provenance command the highest prices.”

Prodrive Legends

Prodrive is also well known in the road car arena; its sporting touch was bestowed upon rare special editions from Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Subaru, Mazda and more.

Prodrive even came close to selling its own car with 2006’s Subaru-powered P2, but it wasn’t to be.

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