Vista BMW Blog

South Florida has many accolades to its name and many attractions which draw tourists and snow birds alike to our tropical climate. However, one group makes the pilgrimage to south Florida each year, and stays, for three months for very different reasons. Many of them never see the beach while they are here and most spend the majority of their time fully covered from head to toe, with long pants, tall boots, and wool jackets being their everyday apparel. These are the participants of the world famous, internationally recognized Winter Equestrian Festival and it’s taking place right in your back yard.

The Winter Equestrian Festival pounded its first hoof prints into the hearts of the Wellington community in 1979 and the event has since grown to astounding degrees. Every week for three months, the best of the best from around the world compete in either hunters, jumpers or dressage horse shows. Each Sunday throughout the duration of the festival, a Grand Prix, the type of horse jumping which you see Olympic athletes compete in within a stadium, is held.

An aside to all the grandeur and majesty of this event, participants and spectators are invited to enjoy shopping and 5-star meals throughout the festival site. For more information about the Winter Equestrian Festival and attending the events, visit the event website at www.equestriansport.com.

Some tips for your trip from the Palm Beach Daily News:

What: Winter Equestrian Festival, a 12-week hunter-jumper-dressage horse show circuit produced by Equestrian Sport Productions with more than $5.5 million in prize money and competitors from two dozen nations

When: Wednesdays through Sundays through March 29, starting daily at 8 a.m.

Where: Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, 14440 Pierson Road, Wellington

General admission: Free through Jan. 18. Subsequent weeks: $15 for grand prix Sundays and other headlining events. Free for seniors and children 12 and younger.

Parking: Free

Information: www.equestriansport.com or 793-5867

Looking into the New Year, there are a lot of exciting things on the horizon including the new “Get Connected” BMW application for iPhone. Early reports indicate that the iPhone app will provide the driver the ability to use functions of the iPhone via the iDrive controller and the display for the car’s audio system.

We don’t know much about what is expected from this app and BMW tells us that more felixibity for the app is underway prior to the March 2011 launch, but here is what we do know.

If you love internet radio this is a feature you will love. The application will allow users the options of hundreds of thousands of internet radio stations. Connect your iPhone to your BMW and get caught up on the latest Twitter/Facebook news all through your computer.

In order to have the ability to use this application with your BMW, make sure that your vehicle has the option “6NR,” available from March 2011 on.

Only the best pre-owned BMWs qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Vehicle Program. To be eligible for enrollment in the Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program, a late-model vehicle must be in service for at least six months or have more than 6,000 miles but less than 60,000 miles on the odometer. They must pass an extensive examination - a thorough and rigorous inspection by BMW factory-trained technicians. They inspect the vehicle for safety, performance and wear. If something is not right, it is fixed. If it cannot be fixed, the car cannot become a Certified Pre-Owned BMW. Below are the items which are covered under the BMW CPO warranty:

• Engine
• Transmission (auto and manual)
• Fuel system
• Front and rear suspension
• Brakes and ABS
• Air conditioning
• The electrical system

When a car is certified BMW is required to do hundreds of checks on the car to bring it up to spec before it can be considered covered as a CPO warranty. In order to become a BMW CPO vehicle, every vehicle must undergo a comprehensive inspection process by a BMW trained technician.  The inspection essentially works to confirm that the car is as close as can be to a car that just rolled out of the factory. After all systems are checked, from engine performance to the operation of the glove box, the vehicle is then road tested to ensure the highest level of performance, which drivers have come to expect from BMW.

Whether you are looking to certify your BMW or considering purchasing a CPO BMW product, take solace in know these facts:

• It is a recent BMW model with less than 60,000 miles
• It has been thoroughly inspected by a BMW trained technician
• It’s accompanied by a complete CARFAX Vehicle History Report
• It’s covered by the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Protection Plan for up to 6 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date. *
• It has $0 Maintenance for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)
• It’s backed by a nationwide network of BMW centers
• It’s covered by BMW Roadside Assistance.

*The Certified Pre-Owned BMW Limited Warranty provides coverage for up to 2 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of expiration of the 4 year/50,000 mile (whichever comes first) BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See your BMW center or visit bmwusa.com/cpo for complete details of warranty coverage.

It’s is estimated that over half of holiday shoppers made at least one purchase online. With the rise of internet usage, it only makes sense to consider using this valuable resource to purchase your next vehicle.  However, there are several things to consider before making this decision.

Edmunds.com, whom buys their entire test-fleet online, says this of online car buying, “We’re surprised that it hasn’t caught on with more shoppers. People are either used to going to the dealership or figure that the buying process will be just as complicated online. Well, it isn’t.”

Reduce the hassle of shopping and in-person negotiation, and go online. Start by researching the type of vehicle that you are looking for; there are many sites out there that can assist you with this. One you have narrowed down the make and model which you are looking for, create a “wish-list” of options and begin to big out dealers. Keep in mind that since this is Internet shopping, don’t limit yourself geographically, it might be worth it in the end.

At any given time, Vista BMW of Coconut Creek and Pompano Beach has an average of 500 cars in stock at anytime. Vista also will provide free shipping ANYWHERE in the country.

Earlier this week, at the Detroit Auto Show, BMW revealed the newest additions to its model line-up and their pricing. The much acclaimed 1 Series M, proclaimed by many enthusiasts to outpace an older model (E30) of the beloved M3, will start pricing at $47,010. The rockin’ 650i has gone topless for a starting price of $91,375.

The BMW 1 Series M will be powered by a twin-turbo 3-liter in-line 6-cyolinder engine- the first turbo 6 for an M car. The feisty new 1 Series M is said to produce 340 horsepower, thrusting the little whip from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.

The upscale and distinctive BMW 650i boasts 400 horses under the hood and a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8. Scoot along in the new 650i convertible from 0-60 in about 4.9 seconds.

The 1 Series M is slated to go on sale in May with a looser definitive date of spring 2011 for the 650i. Stay tuned to the Vista BMW Facebook page and website for the most up-to-date information.

The car that you expect everything from continues to and exceed your expectations. The 2011 Kelly Blue book has named the BMW brand as the “Best Resale Value Luxury Brand” for the 2011 model year.

“At BMW, we believe our vehicles’ strong resale value is a result not only of the innovation, engineering and design aesthetics built into each one of our cars, but also the quality of the BMW ownership experience in total,” said Peter Miles, BMW of North America’s Executive Vice President of Operations. 

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide, determined by an expert staff of automotive analysts. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership.

So what does this mean to you? Your BMW not only maintains mechanical and physical integrity but also fiscal integrity, two things which we believe are intricately intertwined.

There are some things that never go out of style; that will always perform as you expect and will never cease to turn heads; the BMW 3 Series is one of those things.  For twenty straight years, the BMW 3 Series has been named to the Car and Driver 10Best list.  

This year, bring home the best of everything in a new BMW 3 series. The unmatched power, agility and of course daring good looks will make you feel nothing short of genius. Try one on for size today at Vista BMW in Coconut Creek or Pompano, and take it home for just $439 a month no money down. We promise you’ll like what you see.

The holidays are hectic- to say the least. This holiday season, let Vista BMW help you take the hassle out of car maintenance. Our factory-trained technicians and state-of-the-art service facility will ensure your vehicle is repaired and serviced with only genuine BMW parts and procedures.

Vista is here to help make the holiday season a little easier on your pocketbook too. From now until Christmas we are offering $25 off any repair or service over $200. Looking for a

quick tune up to increase power and reduce hesitation before heading off on holiday? Don’t miss Vista’s fuel injection and induction system cleaning special for just $159.95.

Once the inside of your car is running well, make sure it is up to par on the exterior with Vista’s special $89.95 professional detail service. Once you are all ready to jump in your shiny, clean, perfect running BMW, make sure to stop by the parts department and pick up a few gifts and share the JOY. Receive a 20% discount on all lifestyle products and accessories. Plus, get a free t-shirt or hat with any purchase over $25.

Just like the holidays, these deals won’t last forever, so head to Vista BMW before 12/31/2010 and take advantage of all that Vista has to offer.

You may have just finished your last left-over’s from Thanksgiving, but it’s time to think about Christmas shopping and at Vista BMW, we’re here to help! Whether you are shopping for a soon-to-be new owner, or Bimmer Enthusiast, we have some great gifts for you and things to stuff the stocking too!

Currently, Vista stocks over 100 gifts under $25. Here are some of our favorites:

The BMW Plush Bear: $25.00
Created for BMW by Gund, this super soft, adorable plush teddy beach proudly wears the BMW logo.

Travel Tumbler: $15

Bring it with you. Roundel Travel Mug: 18 oz. stainless steel mug with slide-lock top. Travel Tumbler: Insulated tumbler features press-on lid with sliding open/close mechanism for easy drinking. Fits all BMW models. 14 oz.

Travel Mug: $20

Insulated stainless steel tumbler features soft silicon rubber gripper band, push on/off lid and non-skid rubber base pad. Fits most BMW models. Available in red, blue or stainless steel finish. Holds 15 oz

The Driver Short Sleeve Pique Polo: $20

100% combed cotton polo. In celebration of this year’s inaugural BMW Championship PGA TOUR event! We are proud to present the BMW Lifestyle Golf Collection.

The Roundel Cap: $15

Structured, cotton twill cap.
Structured, cotton twill cap. Six-panel cap with Velcro closure at back. Import.

Looking for that special “big” gift, check out some of the suggestions below:

Do you have a future BMW Driver in your house? Prepare them the right way with the BMW M3GT Motorsport Pedal Car! Not a M3 driver you say? Check out the M6 and 3 Series convertibles for the young driver.

For the young at heart, don’t forget to include a replica of their favorite BMW on your shopping list.

If you are looking for some enjoyment on just two wheels, but want the luxury and quality that you know and expect from BMW, make sure to roll in and pick up the BMW Silver and White Cruise Bike and pedal your way long south Florida’s coast with that BMW smile.

Whatever, however, whenever you choose to gift, just make sure you are sharing the JOY!

Car and Driver again graced BMW with several awards with their announcement of this year’s 10 Best Winners Charts. For 2011, the M3 GTS proudly made the list of the 10Best Foreign Cars We Want, while the 3 Series made its 20th consecutive appearance on the general 10Best list. They had this to say about the 3 Series:

“The chassis balance is exquisite, with handling that encourages risky behavior but a ride that you wouldn’t feel bad subjecting your grandma to. The fluid steering weights up just right, the brake pedal bypasses the soles of your shoes and goes straight to your brain, and the manual transmission—should you be wise enough to specify it—boasts a shifter that knows its way effortlessly from gear to gear.”

They continued to say the 3 Series is the “recipe that everyone else wants” and its performance in their test has been unmatched by any other vehicle or manufacturer for 2 decades. They conclude by saying “try one – it will make you feel smart, and will practically grab you by the lapels and pull you in for a drive”. That’s impressive, BMW, and we congratulate you!