Tag Archives: vehicles

News

BMW cancels subscription to heated seats

A year ago, BMW enabled car owners to activate the heated seats service via subscription. Weak interest was the reason for the quick failure of this project, so the Bavarian company decided to cancel this option.

This service was not the only one on offer, there were others such as a subscription to a heated steering wheel. BMW provided this service only in certain markets and in South Korea it cost 18 dollars per month. Quite expensive, considering that some models come with these options as standard.

Obviously, BMW’s expectations were high, but this service did not attract enough customers and the Bavarian manufacturer abandoned it. The information was confirmed by Pieter Nota, a member of the BMW management in the sales and marketing department. He stated that the subscription rate was too low, as users felt they were paying double for this service, since they could pay for the same when buying a car.

BMW has announced that the subscription will remain for other functions, so the focus will be on subscriptions for parking assistance, improved navigation or other advanced assistance systems.

Source: BMW

News

Mercedes-Benz faces recall of Euro 6 cars

In 2015, one of the biggest scandals in the automotive industry, Dieselgate, took place, when the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation of the Clean Air Act to the German automaker Volkswagen Group. The consequences are still visible, and now another German company is facing a similar case. Mercedes-Benz is under scrutiny from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority for allegedly cheating on the new Euro 6 emissions regulations.

This information came to the public two months ago, and the published letter shows the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine installed in the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec version. Although in 2022 the European Court of Justice banned the installation of any additional device that changes consumption values and C02 emissions, it is alleged that Mercedes used three software-controlled devices, two of which changed the performance of the engine based on a certain temperature. German authorities have ordered Mercedes-Benz to fix the problem, or the cars will be recalled.

The first deadline for solving the problem was three weeks, but in agreement with the German authorities, the deadline was extended. Mercedes believes it has already developed and implemented the appropriate software updates needed to resolve the issue. Whether this is the final solution to the problem remains to be seen.

This is not the first time that the agency focuses its attention on Mercedes-Benz. Two years ago, the same OM642 diesel engine was suspected of using as many as eight emission-cheating devices that reduced the amount of injected AdBlue to neutralize emissions.

Source: Reuters

Auctions

2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR sold for CHF 680,000

In 2006, Porsche introduced the 911 GT3 RSR based on the 997 generation, which made its debut at the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is the most successful racing car of its generation, built in a limited edition to win races. One example, a 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR that never officially hit the road sold for CHF 680,000 (around €709,000).

This car is finished in Carrera White and has only 20 kilometers on the odometer. In 2008, Porsche improved this model by installing a spoiler on the front, optimized air ducts that reduced drag but also increased downforce, and revised suspension.

The 911 GT3 RSR is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine with 485 hp (357 kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car has matching-numbers chassis, engine, and gearbox and is accompanied by an Automobile Club de l’Ouest LM GT2 technical passport, DMSB roll cage certificate, a 2007-issued FIA GT2 homologation form, and a Porsche Motorsport Datenblatt.

This car has had one owner since new and is a great addition to any collection, especially a racing car enthusiast.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR sold for CHF 680,000