The competition should have figured out a way to beat the BMW 3-series by now. It’s not for lack of trying: Every so often, another carmaker will pitch a worthy competitor into the mix, but none has been able to knock the 3-series from its pedestal or even maintain its consistent brilliance. After 21 consecutive years on the 10Best list, BMW continues to evolve the 3-series toward some platonic ideal of sportiness. You don’t notice the seats, the steering, the suspension, or the brakes because everything feels natural. Everything feels right. And how has no other automaker matched the silkiness of BMW’s inline-six engines? Don’t forget the M3, either, which remains magnificent in the twilight of a celebrated life, thanks largely to that lusty 414-hp, 8300-rpm V-8. The 3-series sedan is on hiatus until a new model drops in February. In other words, even as the entire current 3-series lineup is on the way out the door, it still roasts the competition. The biggest threat to its dominance is not from another carmaker but from BMW itself. An increased focus on gizmology has robbed a couple of recently introduced BMWs of the athletic, connected feeling that made the old Ultimate Driving Machine tag line ring so true. Here’s to hoping BMW doesn’t screw up the best one. SPECIFICATIONS VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine; rear- or 4-wheel-drive; 4–5-passenger; 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, or 5-door wagon BASE PRICE: $38,125–$71,125 ENGINES: DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 230 hp, 200 lb-ft; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 300 or 320 hp, 300 or 370 lb-ft; DOHC 32-valve 4.0-liter V-8, 414 hp, 295 lb-ft TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode, 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 108.7 in Length: 178.6–181.9 in Width: 70.2–71.5 in Height: 54.0–55.8 in Curb weight: 3350–4150 lb FUEL ECONOMY: EPA city/highway: 13–19/20–28 mpg
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
BMW Incentives and Lease Deals for December 2011
This year BMW surpassed Mercedes-Benz and Lexus to become the best selling luxury brand in the U.S. BMW wants to hold on to this lead, so they're offering some of the best incentives we've seen - mostly subvented lease deals with high residual values and low money factors.
For example, you can lease a 2011 BMW 3-Series for as low as $299 per month with $3,800 down.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe
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Friday, September 2, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
BMW - Connecting Our Customers
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Social Media Marketing
The following post is a prime example of the coming age of Social Media, in terms of how it is effecting ecomomies. Read and develop a forward thinking about the future of Social Media marketing.
Jeff Knittel • I facilitate a "Social Media 101" class and have witnessed both ends of the spectrum. Some dealerships are totally bought in and using Social Media effectively while other Dealers have the old school mentality, "if salespeople are on computers they are playing around", in fact some dealerships actually forbid it. The only thing I can say to those dealers is, "Remember Oldsmobile?" If you are not evolving and adapting to the current customer base in the market, you will fail.
The problem with Social Media from a Dealer's standpoint is that there is no instant gratification, Social Media is not about selling a vehicle "TODAY". It's about building relationships with your customers, it's about customer retention and keeping your customers engaged.
Generation Y is the "New" generation and will be both your customers and your employees, they are the most educated generation ever and also the most tatooed, pierced and technologically advanced. But if you don't think they can have an effect on your dealership and you want to totally dismiss them, think about this. What have they done to the newspaper industry? The recording industry? Technology?
Evolution is the key and I would suggest you be proactive and be a leader and a pioneer, don't sit back and let your competition pass you by!
One last note, if you watched 60 minutes on Sunday February 13th you would have seen the segment where Social Media actually caused the downfall of the Egyptian government....need I say more?
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The following post is a prime example of the coming age of Social Media, in terms of how it is effecting ecomomies. Read and develop a forward thinking about the future of Social Media marketing.
Jeff Knittel • I facilitate a "Social Media 101" class and have witnessed both ends of the spectrum. Some dealerships are totally bought in and using Social Media effectively while other Dealers have the old school mentality, "if salespeople are on computers they are playing around", in fact some dealerships actually forbid it. The only thing I can say to those dealers is, "Remember Oldsmobile?" If you are not evolving and adapting to the current customer base in the market, you will fail.
The problem with Social Media from a Dealer's standpoint is that there is no instant gratification, Social Media is not about selling a vehicle "TODAY". It's about building relationships with your customers, it's about customer retention and keeping your customers engaged.
Generation Y is the "New" generation and will be both your customers and your employees, they are the most educated generation ever and also the most tatooed, pierced and technologically advanced. But if you don't think they can have an effect on your dealership and you want to totally dismiss them, think about this. What have they done to the newspaper industry? The recording industry? Technology?
Evolution is the key and I would suggest you be proactive and be a leader and a pioneer, don't sit back and let your competition pass you by!
One last note, if you watched 60 minutes on Sunday February 13th you would have seen the segment where Social Media actually caused the downfall of the Egyptian government....need I say more?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
2011 X3 - Have You Considedered BMW
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Ask Teresa - What's Your Question
Hello BMW Fans, many of you already know me, because the BMW investment you made with Capitol BMW Of Florence let me first say Thank You for your continued friendship and business!For our most recent Fans Of The Brand, let me take a moment to introduce myself and the team here at Capitol BMW Of Florence. My name isTeresa and I have been with Capitol BMW of Florence for 6 years. I have served in the USMC and also with NFCU for 10 years before getting into the car business.
I am a new G-mother of a baby girl, my first time, lol!! Ms. Maiya Lynn who was born on Feb. 22, 2010 to my daughter Lauren. My oldest son David is a U.S. Marine Sgt. stationed in Washington State, and my youngest son Bobby attends Camden Military Academy, he plays trumpet, runs track and is a fantastic baseball catcher.
"I am committed to providing a pleasurable buying experience to all of our clients and want to earn your repeat business for many years. If you are not satisfied, please call me and I will make things right!"
We have created this area of our virtual neighborhood, to help you though any unanswered questions, comments or suggestions you may have. I don't have all the answers, but believe me....we have a team with a combined experience that exceeds 150 years, so If I can't I know who can, lol. Start Today; join the conversation, Follow Us Online and most important Welcome To The Neighborhood!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
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HATS OFF TO KRISTINA HERMAN! 2/17/11
Per customer (Mr. Raymond Campbell) comments during survey: I have heard a story or two about this dealership. I came in and realized that none of those stories are true. Kristina was great! My experience was great and everyone was nice and on point! I will be coming back.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK KRISTINA!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Why Buy From Us
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| Teresa Semmler - Sales Manager |
We look forward to not only Earning your business, but to Deserve it as well!!
Capitol BMW of Florence treats the needs of the BMW Enthusiast with paramount concern. While located in Florence South Carolina, we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Columbia South Carolina, Fayetteville North Carolina and outlying areas such as Charleston South Carolina, Wilmington North Carolina and Charlotte North Carolina. Because of our proximity to the North Carolina South Carolina line, we encourage all BMW Owners to come see for themselves why Capitol BMW of Florence Award Winning Sales and Service Departments consistently rank at the very top in Customer Service.
If a Pre-Owned vehicle or BMW is what you are looking for, please browse our Pre Owned Inventory where you'll find the highest quality Import and Domestic vehicles. Our Certified Pre-Owned BMW inventory comes with a 6 Year/100,000 Mile Warranty and Road Side Assistance.
Our BMW Certified Client advisors have many years of experience satisfying our customers' needs. Feel free to browse our BMW new car or our used car inventory online, request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!
If you don't see what you are looking for, click on CarFinder, fill out the form, and we will let you know when vehicles arrive that match your search! Or if you would rather discuss your options with our friendly sales staff, click on Directions for interactive driving directions and other contact information.
New Applications Coming Soon!
Friday, February 11, 2011
HATS OFF TO WINSTON LONG! 02/10/2011
Mrs. Smith was very pleased with her service visit here. She said Winston was great! Mrs. Smith said that she was traveling from Ft. Lauderdale back to her home in Maryland when her vehicle began to give her some trouble. She said she had her son with her and it was not going good, she was almost in tears. Being far away from home she felt totally lost-but once she was in our care she was just fine. She said she was directed here and we took good care of her and that everyone was kind and very helpful. She said she was even given a rental from Enterprise. Mrs. Smith said she has told people in Maryland about our service to her here at Capitol BMW of Florence. She said we were wonderful and she will never forget it. Mrs. Smith said because of her experience here she will always buy BMW!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WINSTON!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
BMW of North America, LLC
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BMW 5 Series Receives Five Stars in
New More Stringent Crash Test
The all-new BMW 5 Series was one of only two vehicles to receive an overall five-star rating in the first crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under the new, more stringent New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
New criteria for the NCAP rating system include: more stringent side-impact tests, use of crash-test dummies of varying size (now also simulating a small adult female as well as a medium-size adult male), collection of more data, introduction of a single overall rating score and the highlighting of high-tech crash avoidance systems like electronic stability control, lane departure warning and forward collision warning.
The all-new 2011 BMW 5 Series is available with Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Active Cruise Control with a Stop & Go feature. It is also available with Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, a BMW first.
Every 2011 BMW 5 Series is equipped with BMW Assist which includes an enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system. This system, developed jointly with the William Lehman Trauma Center, not only contacts the emergency call center automatically in the event of a collision, but will also transmit data that will alert emergency responders to the probability of severe injury in order to help them better prepare.
Another important safety feature for drivers in colder climates is the availability of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, which is now available for the 535i and 550i Sedans as well as the 535i and 550i Gran Turismo.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Review for 2011 BMW X3
“All-new, with more space and much better ride quality.”
The BMW X3 is all-new for 2011. BMW's first X3 was a successful model for the company, selling 150,000 copies in the USA and more than 600,000 units worldwide. Now, with its all-new second version of the X3, built in a new assembly hall at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant, BMW has taken pains to address the aspects of the first-generation model most commonly criticized: rear-seat space and ride quality. The all-new 2011 BMW X3 boasts significantly better rear leg- and elbow room, and its cargo space is now claimed to be the class leader before the rear seatbacks are folded down, at 27.6 cubic feet. Quoted dimensions for rear legroom indicate an increase of a full inch (to 36.8 inches), while headroom is up two inches over that of the first-generation X3.
The 2011 X3 also features completely redeveloped suspension technology, with a new double-joint spring-strut mechanism at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. The 2011 BMW X3 comes with a choice of engines, a 3.0-liter inline-6 and a turbocharged version of the same engine. They get essentially the same fuel economy, but the turbocharged engine has more power. Otherwise the two models, xDrive28i and xDrive35i are nearly identical, though the turbocharged model comes with slightly larger wheels. Our brief test drive in a 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i suggested that the X3 now demonstrates some of the best poise and isolation we've ever experienced in an SUV on gravel roads. Combined with a tasteful exterior redesign that holds onto BMW's usual design cues, but makes the previous version look suddenly dowdy and dated, the new X3 has the latest in safety and convenience systems to coddle its owners. Operating efficiency, too, has been given a boost by the fitting of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, standard on all models, retains as much of a rear-drive feel as it can muster, using a multi-plate clutch to vary rear-to-front torque split from fully 100 percent committed to the rear to 40 percent sent forward to assist with traction. An optional electronic damping control system is available to vary shock response according to conditions, with a driver-selectable three-position switch to focus its operation to the driver's intended activity. This so-called Performance Control switch also affects the level of steering assist, and the xDrive all-wheel drive system by selecting a 20/80 front-to-rear torque-split in steady state driving and also providing some so-called torque-vectoring influence in corners by braking an inside wheel. These new technologies may prove decisive to buyers searching for the latest in safety and dynamic systems.