Best BMW Chrome Accessories

Similar to M badges, there are many myths surrounding chrome accessories for BMW'. Probably the most common myth is that a product described as chrome is made from metal.

Chrome accessories can be categorized into four main groups:
* Chrome on metal
* Chrome on plastic
* Metal
* Painted plastic
Chrome on metal is what most believe chrome to be. This is where a metal substrate or base is plated with chrome. However, a large number of chrome accessories do not fall into this group.
Today, many original BMW items are chrome plating on an ABS plastic substrate. The quality of the finish of the plastic is critical to achieving a good chrome finish and BMW excels at this.

The likes of BMW 3 series E36 chrome window switch surrounds, BMW chrome SRS badges, BMW chrome door locking pins and BMW chrome gear knobs to name a few are all based on an ABS plastic substrate with a perfect almost mirror finish. As would be expected of chrome, they are also scratch resistant, hard wearing and will last for years. Using chrome on ABS also probably allows BMW to keep the cost of their chrome products lower.

Aftermarket plastic based chrome products never seem to be able to replicate the quality of original BMW products of the same type. The finish on many of them can only be described as average, whereas some are not fit for sale in my opinion. It is these products that have given the chrome on plastic concept a bad reputation.
Most vendors won't mention in the product description that an item is chromed plastic as it frightens customers away who, often incorrectly, assume that the quality will be poor. Indeed some assume just as incorrectly that a plastic based product cannot be chrome.
Because many aftermarket manufacturers are so bad at the chrome on plastic game, maybe this is why they have turned to using other metals.

These are metals that have the bright and shiny appearance of chrome but are stainless steel, polished steel, polished aluminum or nickel to name but a few. These products are generally described as 'chrome style' and do the job very well. BMW even use nickel for their range of key rings.

Read More

Best New Cars Online

The automobile journalists' association organizes a competition called TestFest. TestFest takes place in the Niagara, on the lake in Canada. All the Canadian automakers visit this place with their personal choice of the latest new luxury cars. The competition will then mark the "Car of the Year" and "The Utility Vehicle" of the year from this list.

All the vehicles undergo a test drive, back to back, under the same conditions by AJAC'S top reviewers, and get labeled anonymously through ratings consisting of 23 characteristics, which include the costs, interiors space, handling, and performance. In the current year, 70 reviewers-writers belonging to Canada's media tested 51 models in 12 various classifications. They have also written various reviews which provide information for people buying new cars. Note that these do not include every new vehicle of 2010, but only models totally new for 2010 or the ones which are properly revised for the current year. For instance Canada's top cars i.e. Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas are not included in this list, since their previous year version is almost similar to the current year version. On the contrary, Canada no.3 car Mazda3 had three versions within this list because there was a significant revision on this model compared to the last year.

The Lexus HS250h was not included since people might consider it as a cheap new car, and not costly enough to qualify. The BMW Z4 got an entry in the form of a manual transmission auto. Anyway test drive for both of these was also conducted as well. In the end of the test drive, the total points for each vehicle were calculated, and the one with maximum points was announced as the winner of its particular class. A fresh judgment round will be held again in February for each winner at the auto show in Toronto. The utility vehicle and the car of the year will be announced then.

Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Extended Warranty

The Chevrolet Malibu is a terrific vehicle, but like any automobile, it can run into serious problems. Just one major problem with your Malibu may cost you thousands of dollars to repair if Chevrolet's manufacturer's warranty is not there to protect you. If you drive a Chevrolet Malibu, you should seriously consider getting a Chevrolet Extended Warranty to cover your vehicle.

The award winning 2010 Malibu emphasizes quality construction, civilized road manners and practicality, with clean and contemporary styling. The 2010 Malibu has three trim levels: LS, LT, & LTZ. All models come with a 169-hp, 2.4 liter E85 (ethanol) compatible four-cylinder engine as the standard power plant. The LS includes a 4-speed automatic transmission while the LT and LTZ include a 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the LT and LTZ models is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic. The Malibu comes with a large assortment of standard safety features such as seat mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags, traction control, stability control, and anti lock brakes. Bluetooth is optional on the LT trim and standard on the LTZ.

Read More