Apple recently introduced the new iPhone 5. There are three key differences between it and earlier iPhone models that affect its integration in BMW vehicles. First, the physical dimensions of the body of the new phone are thinner and longer compared to the iPhone 4/4S. Second, the iPhone uses a new 8-pin connector in place of the traditional 30-pin connector used on all other iPhone variants as well as iPod touch and iPod nano. The third is the elimination of the analog video signal.

Click on the article title above to read the FAQ regarding the use of iPhone 5 and iOS 6, as answered by BMW, together with an overview of Y-Cable and Bluetooth use.

We’ve just spied the X3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, AKA “facelift) prototype for the first time. As seen on the mule, the X3 LCI will receive an update front and rear bumper, side mirrors, and headlights, as has been the pattern for recent BMW LCI models.

The headlight shape does not appear to be changing, but we may see updated lighting elements within the headlights, as we did with the recent 7 Series LCI. We do not anticipate that the headlights will be connected with the kidney grilles (in keeping with BMW’s current and future styling trend) and the camouflage doesn’t appear to be hiding such a change.

The side mirrors will get shapelier and lose their blocky squared-off shape. The interior has not been spied yet, … CONTINUED

You’ve seen plenty of images of the 2013 3 Series Touring (F31), now have a gander at how it looks compared to its predecessor - the E91 3 Series Touring, in some side-by-side comparison photos.

Both look great in our opinion and they both look like fresh designs to our eyes. To a person who has never seen either car, it may indeed be difficult to guess as to which is the newer/older design.

The stage is set for a grand finale: BMW Motorsport travels to the tenth and final round of the 2012 DTM season full of confidence having already picked up four wins and ten podiums. Ahead of the race at the Hockenheimring (DE) [on Sunday at , the best-placed BMW driver is Bruno Spengler (CA), who is second in the drivers’ standings on 124 points, three behind overall leader Gary Paffett (GB, Mercedes). Also within touching distance of the top of the standings is BMW Team Schnitzer. The team from Freilassing (DE) has 143 points to its name in the team competition and trails the leading Mercedes crew by just eight points.

It is almost six months since BMW returned to the DTM at the opening race of … CONTINUED

We bring you the first ever look at the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe prototype in live action - from a recent test session on the Nurburgring track.

This is the first we’ve seen of the prototype on the Ring, as well as being fitted with M Sport Brakes.

As always, don’t worry about the headlights and tail lights of the prototypes at this stage of testing. They are merely fakes for testing purposes. Expect the 4GC to share the lights with the rest of the upcoming 4 Series lineup.

Codenamed as the F36, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be positioned and priced in the 3/4 Series lineup just as the 6 Series Gran Coupe is positioned in the 5/6 Series lineup (in between the coupe and convertible … CONTINUED

Although not full hi-res images, BMW has posted on its facebook page the first photos of M Performance Parts fitted on the F31 3 Series Touring and F11 5 Series Touring.

As expected, both the F31 and F11 generally share the M Performance Parts from the sedan versions - including black kidney grilles, front bumper splitters (carbon fiber for the F11), carbon fiber mirror caps, rear diffuser, side skirt trim, M Performance brakes, M Performance exhaust system and 20″ wheels (different styles for the F31 and F11).

Here’s an idea for those who have the new iPhone 5, looking for a cradle solution, and cannot wait until BMW releases its snap-in adapter next year… make your own!

Here is a DIY by a BIMMERPOST showing how he managed to fabricate his own iPhone 5 cradle for the BMW center console using a base plate of the original cradle adapter and the Apple USB to lightning cable, he’s managed to come up with a solution that holds his phone and provides all features except iPod Out functionality and antennae connectivity.

Have a peek at the first completely uncovered 2014 M6 Gran Coupe, captured by a daring photographer in a BMW factory. It may only be a side view, but there’s no doubt this is the M6 Gran Coupe.

Its blue M brakes (a new M signature going forward), sideskirts, and mirrors are all evidence this is the M6 Gran Coupe.

What is also seen for the first time on this car are the production wheels, a completely new BMW wheel design.

We’ve captured the next generation X5 M prototype on video for the first time and despite all its camouflage and cladding, still impresses with its furious sounds on the Nurbrugring test track. Have a look and listen inside.

Think there are a lot of 1 Series in Taiwan? If you didn’t, this should change your mind. This recent meet saw over sixty 1 Series in attendance, with twenty of them being 1M coupes, which would be impressive even in a big BMW market like the US or Germany.

Check out the event videos and photos.