Friday, January 29, 2010

Hear what some of our Keeler BMW customers have to say

Hear What Our Customers Have to Say


"Raffe Chamoun - Keeler BMW Service Advisor"
Dear Ms. Dunning:I recently had service done on my BMW X3.I am writing, once again, to compliment Raffee Chamoun, and to let you know what a valuable asset he is to Keeler BMW's service department. I have owned many cars over the years and I have never dealt with someone who so consistenly was a pleasure to deal with in every respect. Raffe is always pleasant, knowledgeable, responsive and goes out of his way to make sure that the customer is satisfied. Other in this field would be well advised to follow his lead.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey K. Anderson

"Sales Consultant Joe Marcil"
I was given absolutely unbelievable superior attention. That's why I buy from Keeler Motor Car Company and Joe Marcil in particular. My husband and I have purchased over four vehicles with Keeler and Joe. I wouldn't even consider shopping elsewhere. The service we have been given over the years has been absolutely outstanding and I will continue to purchase from Keeler. I love my new BMW!!!
Marianne Garrsion

"Keeler Motor Car - Most Dependable Dealership"
I would have to seriously say that Keeler Motor Car Company is the most professional dealership that I know of. I have been buying cars from them since 1980 and with the exception of one car, all have come from Keeler and have ranged from Honda, Volvo, Jaguar and now BMW. I love the people and most of all the honesty and professionalism.This is the only dealership I have ever found that I would hold in this regard.
Sharon Burstein

"Sales Consultant Bruce Gardner"
Bruce Gardner was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the vehicle. Our two sons have both purchased BMW's from Bruce as well because of he customer service and dedication. It has been a pleassure working with him.
Helen & Bill Koonz

"Keeler Motor Car really spoils me!"
Keeler has always treated me as if I am their only customer. Their service from start to finish is always perfect. When my car is due for maintenance they pick up and deliver my car to me at work...what a great service! Keeler is outstanding at customer service and really deserves to be recognized for what they do. They really spoil me! Thank you Keeler for giving 100% in all that you do for your customers. You know the meaning of outstanding customer service!!
Kim Comiskey

Click here for updates on our BMW customer testimonials page

Thursday, January 28, 2010

VIDEO of the new BMW 335is

BMW just released some new videos of their latest gimmick: BMW 335is. The car was unveiled last week at the Estoril track in Portugal and it was just the beginning of a new wave of car comparisons. While many of you might have already compared it to its competitors in the market, mostly from Mercedes and Audi, we believe their main competitor comes within the company.

Just days ago, we debated the pros and cons of the 335is when compared to the respectable M3 and the choice can be quite difficult and the following quote may describe how many some of us feel: “The 335is has been “tuned” by ///M. The M3 was handmade by ///M”

The 335is comes equipped with a great engine – enhanced inline-6 3.0-liter twin-turbo 320hp at 5,900 rpm and 332lb-ft of torque from 1,500-5,000 rpm – sport suspension and fabulous brakes as well as a good number of M cosmetic pieces. But the M3 has that wonderful siren song of a V8 exhaust and the stratospheric 8,400 RPM redline as well as the brilliant chassis.

The M3 has an LSD and a naturally aspirated engine and may be better suited for track days than touring, while the fat, flat torque curve of the 335is is ideal for mountain roads and two lane highways.

Tough choice, isn’t it? Well, before you get to your local dealership and face the dilemma, let’s have a look at what the 335is can REALLY do.



……And now the “looks”



Source: BMWBlog

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Spied in the Arctic Circle: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML - Spy Shots

Although the Mercedes-Benz prototype captured here by spy photographers looks more akin to a heavily-armored government vehicle, underneath all that camouflage lies the next-generation ML sport-utility vehicle. Unfortunately, since we won’t see the new ML on the market until about the mid-2011 timeframe, information is still skimpy at this time.

The current Mercedes ML last saw a makeover for the 2009 model year, a minor reworking which included little more than new headlights, bumpers and an interior refresh. The 2012 ML, on the other hand, will see a complete restyling. Little of that is visible at this time, although we can make out a new headlight assembly peeking through the test mule’s cladding. The notable change here is the adoption of an Audi-esque strip of LED lights beneath the headlamps. The grille appears to have taken on the more upright and simpler styling of the smaller GLK.

The heavy cladding of the ML prototype serves to hide the exact lines of the 2012 model’s body, but it can’t hide the fact the new car looks to retain a similar profile (despite all new body panels), although we’re told overall length will decrease slightly.

It’s also too early to talk specifically about the new ML’s array of drivetrains, but you can bet it will feature a gasoline-electric hybrid model and a turbodiesel, just as the current model does. Rumors suggest we can also expect a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbo V-6, while the AMG model will use a turbocharged gasoline V-8—possibly with as much as 570 bhp to compete with BMW’s 547-bhp X5 M.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Keeler Sponsors Grease at Proctor's Theatre

Keeler Motor Car is proud to sponsor Grease at Proctor's Theatre. Grease runs Tuesday, January 26th - Sunday, January 31st. Go to www.proctors.org for more information and ticketing.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Leaked! Mini Countryman Photos Hit the Web Before Geneva Debut


As we reported last month, the upcoming Mini crossover will indeed go by the Countryman moniker when it arrives in production form at the Geneva Motor Show. But with the recent leak of three images of the new all-wheel-drive, four-door Mini, you won't have to wait until Geneva to catch your first glimpse of the Countryman.
We saw our first taste of the Countryman when the Mini Crossover Concept debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. That car added over two inches to the Mini Clubman's stretched wheelbase, along with an all-wheel drive layout that is based on the rear-drive platform of the BMW 1 Series. Later, we spotted Countryman prototypes roaming the Nurburgring, hammering out suspension and drivetrain tuning details. Then, in Detroit last week, the Beachcomber concept was shown, featuring some wild styling changes that spoke more to a dune buggy theme than that of a crossover vehicle.Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6612815/future/leaked-mini-countryman-photos-hit-the-web-before-geneva-debut/index.html#ixzz0d5R7UVfC


From the photos shown here, depicting a Cooper S version of the Countryman, we can see that many of the Crossover Concept's styling cues have been left intact. The Countryman appears pretty much how we'd expect a stretched four-door Mini to look, and keeps its proportions well through the enlargement. The interior is standard Mini fare, with a bank of toggle switches and plenty of retro appeal. The typical Cooper S tweaks are seen on the pictured car, including more aggressive looking wheels, twin exhaust tips, and sporty front and rear fascias.

For those who love anticipation, there's still plenty more rumor and speculation to hold one's breath over. For example, while we can expect a standard 1.6L engine to power a base model (with a supercharged version likely power 'S' trim models), will a bigger engine be in-store for a higher tuned Countryman? With a beefier all-wheel drive 1 Series drivetrain, a larger engine and more horsepower could be in the works. Rumors also persist that the Countryman will enter the World Rally Championship in the coming years.

We still don't know just when the Countryman will arrive in U.S. showrooms, but we'd expect a hefty price premium over the Mini Clubman - even heftier than the premium the Clubman takes on the regular Cooper. For more on the Countryman, stay tuned for our Geneva Motor Show coverage.Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6612815/future/leaked-mini-countryman-photos-hit-the-web-before-geneva-debut/index.html#ixzz0d5RDtf6X
Article by: Motortrend

BMW X6 M, X5 M Snow Action

Perfect snow conditions, the BMW X6 M and the BMW X5 M means pure JOY -as long as you know how to drive under these conditions. We asked two BMW drivers to explain us how to do this and besides we saw one of the longest drifts in the world...

Save the Date - 3rd Annual Keeler Motor Car Sidewalk Sale

Save the Date!!
The 3rd Annual Keeler Motor Car Sidewalk Sale has been scheduled. Make sure you're here on February 20th and 21st to view over $1,000,000 in used car inventory all indoors and under one roof. Check back here or on www.keeler.com soon for more details!!
You won't want to miss it!

Best Selling Luxury Cars

#1 Best selling luxury automobile in December 2009 - the BMW 3 Series

AOL Autos came out with their list of the December 2009 Top 15 selling Luxury Autos. Keeler Motor Car is very proud to say that 5 out of the 15 vehicles listed in their article are sold at our dealership with the BMW 3 Series named as the #1 Luxury vehicle sold in December. Also on the list are: Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series (not in any particular order.)

Click here to read the article: Best Selling Luxury Cars
Source: AOL Autos

2010 Honda CR-V EX-L NAVI Review

Three times this week I’ve piled my teenage son and a smattering of his friends and related gear into the CR-V for a day trip to a local ski hill. On all three occasions, I have grown more appreciative of Honda’s compact crossover SUV.

2010 brings more power and better fuel economyA 2.4-litre 4-cylinder DOHC engine featuring Honda’s i-VTEC technology powers the CR-V. For 2010, output from this modest mill has been boosted to 180 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm while torque remains unchanged at 161 pound-feet.

A welcome adjunct to the extra 14 horses over the zeal of last year’s engine is a slight increase in fuel economy. The 2010 CR-V equipped with Honda’s optional RealTime 4WD (four-wheel drive) is now rated at 10.1 and 7.5L/100km city and highway driving respectively.

That’s a pretty decent showing when one considers the 4WD functionality of this vehicle combined with the additional grunt behind its refashioned grille.

Minor styling revisions provide visual distinction for 2010Some close scrutiny may be required in order to spot the 2010 styling revisions. Subtle as they are, they include a revised front fascia and a larger grille along with a redesigned rear bumper. Despite the amended surfaces, the CR-V’s “smiling face” front-end theme remains intact.

Perhaps I’ve grown accustomed to this odd design cue that seems all a-rage these days but I’m not a fan of it, or its application on the CR-V’s nose. I do however think that the CR-V’s side profile and tail design are attractive, fresh and worthy of praise.

About the only alteration inside the CR-V for 2010 is the incorporation of a centre-console bin and cup-holder arrangement that replaces the flip-up centre shelf found in last year’s model. The new arrangement is definitely more functional and a better usage of the space between the front seats.

Maximizing both seating and cargoThe CR-V is capable of seating five adults in realistic comfort. I was surprised to find the rear 40/20/40 3-way split rear seat to be so accommodating of my long limbs. And the triple split enables more versatility than a conventional double split when it comes to matching cargo capacity with seating needs.

Read more here

Friday, January 15, 2010

All-New 2011 Honda CR-Z unveiled at Detroit Auto Show

The stunning new CR-Z hybrid coupe made its formal debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Blending sporty, sleek styling and fun-to-drive performance, the CR-Z aims to rewrite hybrid history. The CR-Z boasts a high tech 3-mode driving system, allowing the driver to customize performance and efficiency. CR-Z will be uniquely available with a 6-speed manual transmission. For CR-Z auto-show coverage, as well as more on all things CR-Z related, visit our new site— Intersections.

See some video from the Detroit Auto Show below:

Monday, January 11, 2010

Box Art? Clever Mini promotion litters streets with giant packaging

Heineken ran commercials that showed a guy's ultimate closet as a walk-in refrigerator filled with the Dutch beer. To support the ads they put huge cardboard boxes around Amsterdam on garbage day with "Walk-In Fridge" written on them, as if someone had actually gotten one as a gift. Well, it looks like Mini did the same thing after Christmas, casting giant, empty boxes with shreds of gift wrapping around Amsterdam. Predictably for a Mini campaign, it got people's attention.

Visually Challenged: Daimler encourages you to design your own Smart, results vary

Not digging the Smart ForTwo's two-color paint palette? Think you can do better? You're in luck. Daimler, Smart's German parent company, has announced a contest where customers and budding designers can customize their own ForTwo. Hit up styleyoursmart.com and you can... well, style your Smart.You have until February 23rd to post your own smarty-pants design, and the winners will be announced three days later. America's tiniest automaker promises prizes totaling about $7,200 (€5,000), which, we imagine, is plenty of money to turn your design into a reality... assuming you already own a ForTwo.At this point, the contest has just begun and there don't seem to be too many contestants just yet, so we grabbed the most colorful option for our lead image above. We briefly considered plastering our own Fortwo with the Autoblog logo, but thought better of it. Perhaps if they'd finally fix that transmission... Click here for the official Press.

Honda Unveils the new CR-Z

Honda unveiled the new CR-Z today at the Detroit Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz shows off new design in form of a sculpture

DETROIT — At 7:45 Monday morning, Mercedes-Benz showed off the lines of its new design language in the form of a sculpture — a two-and-a-half ton silver resin model that appeared to be rising from or sinking into a fabric floor. The slick silver skin, Mercedes said, was supposed to suggest the work of snow or sand or water — or the Terminator films.

The upright grille links to bold, sensuous side-character lines and large wheel openings.
The themes are to evoke ’30s cars, Gorden Wagener, Mercedes design chief, said. He chose a sculpture rather than a full car, he said, to avoid model guessing games and to communicate the importance of design as art and style and not just engineering — and “to assert that Mercedes brand of design rises to that of art.

“It is like Michelangelo. He said you find the sculpture by carving away the rest of the stone,” Mr. Wagener said.

Mr. Wagener said the company’s new look shared sensuality, elegance and excitement with efficiency. “It is environmentally responsible because it is aerodynamic and efficient.”
With few concept cars scheduled for unveiling at this show because of costs and the industry’s new sobriety, the sculpture, which appears sunken in eight or 10 inches of base might be read as a symbol for the meltdown of design. “0r it could be rising like that bird, the Phoenix,” Mr. Wagener said.

Source: The New York Times

Friday, January 8, 2010

BREAKING: Saab board reportedly votes to liquidate company, but GM still weighing bids

According to a press release quoted in Dow Jones Newswires, Stefan Lofven, head of Swedish trade union IF Metall, the board of Saab has voted today to liquidate the company. Simultaneously, General Motors has announced that it has hired AlixPartners to supervise the "orderly wind-down" of the marque.

Interestingly, none of this means that Saab is dead, although certainly neither of these things can be seen as reason for optimism. According to its own statement about AlixPartners, GM continues to evaluate bids for Saab, presumably those from Spyker Cars and Genii Capital/Bernie Ecclestone – if not others as well. To this, Lofven is quoted as remarking that "It is irresponsible of GM in this situation to act in two directions, both towards a sale and towards a wind-down." Irresponsible or no, that appears to be exactly what GM is doing.

[Sources: Dow Jones Newswires via The Wall Street Journal, General Motors Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]

PRESS RELEASE
GM STATEMENT REGARDING SAAB
GM today confirmed it has selected AlixPartners to supervise the orderly wind down of Saab, and has requested approval of the selection by the appropriate authority in Sweden. The use of a wind down supervisor is a commonly-used process in Sweden and works in the interest of the shareholder.

The wind down process is expected to take several months, and will ensure that employees, dealers and suppliers are adequately protected. As stated previously, Saab customers can be assured that warranties will continue to be honored and that service and spare parts will continue to be available.

GM also confirmed that it has received several proposals for Saab and is continuing to evaluate these proposals. This evaluation is not affected by the appointment of AlixPartners.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

BMW Releases Free M Power App for iPhone

The Apple iPhone has a built-in accelerometer that rather accurately detects even the slightest motions. Developers have been quick to create applications that capitalize on the iPhone's hardware, including software that helps enthusiasts obtain g-force and 0-60 times from their phone. We've tested a few ourselves and they work pretty well, although most of these apps come at a cost, ranging from $4.99 to $10 or more. If you like the idea of timing your vehicle with the aid of an iPhone but don't want to pay for an app, BMW has a free solution for you.

It's called the M Power Meter and does most things those paid apps can do, but it's free and also very easy to use. Simply download the software from the app store [iTunes link], place your phone upright in a cup holder or flat in the direction you intend to drive, hit start, accept the terms and go. The M Power Meter defaults to timing a jaunt from 0-50 km/h, but you can change that by clicking on settings and choosing from several acceleration options up to 200 km/h or distances ranging from 100 meters to 2,000 meters. We downloaded the M Power Meter app and found it worked fairly well for being free and nearly as good as those apps we spent a few bucks on in the past.

If you have an iPhone and a car, test it out for yourself (without breaking the law or doing anything that could endanger yourself or others, natch) and tell us how well it worked by heading over to the Comments section. It's free, so it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.

Source:[Autoblog]

MINI’s Detroit Auto Show Teaser

One of the exciting vehicles debuting at the Detroit Auto Show next week is MINI’s preview of their upcoming crossover. Dubbed Beachcomber, the new MINI Concept introduces us to some of their future models.
The four-seater concept car was unveiled back in December and many believe it is a preview of the production MINI Crossover that will be unveiled next year at the Geneva Motor Show.
Built on an all new platform, MINI Beachcomber Concept has its roots back in the 1960’s Mini Moke, but with the new concept, MINI is finally moving away from the current round headlamp design.



The less conventional upright, tall and flat nose has a Moke influence and it has been designed to meet the new strict pedestrian safety regulations.
The new concept measures 4007mm and the 2.6m wheelbase also offers great rear legroom compared with similar-sized cars.
As we mentioned, Beachcomber debuts next Monday at the Detroit Auto Show.

Source: BMWBlog

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Mercedes SLS AMG Officially Gran Turismo 5 Covergirl

The Mercedes SLS AMG has been given the honor of gracing the cover of Gran Turismo 5 whenever it eventually debuts. Video of the SLS AMG earning the spot with some digital mayhem below.

How to load a commercial dump truck onto a sailboat?

I just saw this on Autoblog.com and HAD to share. My question is, "now what?"

Report: Details on 2011 BMW "M1" trickle out

A BMW 1 Series Coupe, tweaked by the company's M-Technik division, is reportedly under development for UK release in mid-2011. Destined to slot beneath the M3 Coupe, the smaller 1 Series Coupe is said to feature a modified twin-turbocharged six-cylinder packing 350 horsepower. The aluminum engine will be mated to a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with an electronically-controlled rear M differential. With a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds and easily making more than 310 lb-ft of torque, the newest M-car will breeze past 60 mph in well under five seconds without breaking a sweat (for comparison's sake, BMW claims the 135i takes 5.2 seconds but publications like Car and Driver have hit 60 mph in the 4.7-second range)

The 1 Series Motorsport variant will reportedly retain the current car's standard MacPherson struts up front and the multi-link rear configuration, but the division's engineers have fitted firmer springs and dampers (and new bushings) to improve handling. Lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels complete the hardware package. Cosmetically, the so-called "M1" will wear an M division body kit with a new front spoiler, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, a rear spoiler and an aggressive rear valance with four M-signature chrome exhaust tips.

The name is still not finalized. Understandably, BMW is hesitant to quickly slap the "M1" label on the rear decklid as that name originally adorned the company's legendary road supercar in the late 1970s. Destined to become the M division's most affordable model, we really don't care what BMW calls it... just send it to our shores.

Source: Autoblog

Honda Delivers FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to 2010 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team Captain Scott Niedermayer

January 06 2010

Four-time Stanley Cup champion, Anaheim Ducks captain and environmentalist becomes first professional athlete to lease Honda's zero-emissions vehicle.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle today to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources.

"My love for nature and the outdoors developed while growing up in Canada and I hope the generations after me get to experience nature as I have," said Scott Niedermayer. "Everyday actions, like driving the zero-emissions Honda FCX Clarity, will help to make this dream a reality."

Honda's FCX Clarity produces electricity onboard from hydrogen via Honda's innovative V Flow fuel cell stack with water vapor as its only emission. Significant advances include exhilarating performance, futuristic sedan packaging and a driving range of up to 240 miles*. FCX Clarity's fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparable, modern gasoline-powered automobile.

"The FCX Clarity demonstrates Honda's commitment to developing zero-emissions vehicles, and we believe that having drivers like Scott Niedermayer behind the wheel of a Honda FCX Clarity is a great way to reach out to a new audience of drivers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We hope that Scott's example of driving the FCX Clarity will inspire fans and other athletes to consider more environmentally responsible products."

Niedermayer and his wife, Lisa, reside in Orange County, California, with their four sons. The family enjoys the outdoors together by camping and mountain biking. Their love of nature has inspired the family to seek a greener lifestyle that includes changes such as adding insulation around the family home and installing a radiant barrier on the roof to conserve energy. Niedermayer already carpools to games with his fellow teammates and promotes a recycling program around his team's dressing room.

Honda's advanced fuel cell electric vehicles have been tested and proven through a series of successful partnerships over the last seven years with various fleet users and retail customers. A small but growing network of hydrogen fuel stations in Southern California allow for vehicle refueling in about five minutes and offer a clean, domestic energy supply for transportation.

Honda has gained extensive experience from the deployment of several generations of its fuel cell electric vehicle technology with the ultimate goal of achieving the mass-market commercialization of zero-emissions fuel cell vehicles.

Mercedes Benz Green-Lights CLS-Based Wagon

According to AutoWeek, Mercedes has given the go-ahead to a wagon based on their sexy Mercedes Benz CLS. It'll undoubtedly be influenced by the shooting-brake ConceptFascination from Paris two years ago, something we'll have absolutely no problem with.

The CLS Wagon will be a traditional four-door wagon rather than the shooting-brake layout of the concept, but it'll retain a great deal of styling we'll see when the refreshed CLS debuts. Also in tow will be engines promised to be 25% more fuel efficient. The car should debut in Paris next September
[Autoweek]