A recent study reveals that certain models of older cars are cheaper to fix and 10% less likely to break down.  For instance, the many BMW 3 Series vehicles have been recognized as “Peter Pan” cars, because their age doesn’t mean more repairs, it actually is a indication of less repairs. BMW 3 Series vehicles experience fewer problems overall.

With these BMWs, the older models are cheaper to fix, making them a better value. Consumers may be looking for the prestige and advanced features of the latest models, but those models may make them see the inside of a repair shop more often. Older ones have the BMW quality behind then, and they simply do not show their age.

For instance, more recent BMW 3 Series models are about three times more likely to have braking system problems than earlier vehicles.

Warranty Direct said: “Buying new may be the most desirable option when it comes to purchasing a car but it isn’t always the most cost-effective route.

“Our analysis shows new doesn’t necessarily mean more reliable, not to mention the steeper repair costs.”

The fight between car manufacturers and repair shops, particularly concerning BMW vehicles and those shops that repair them, is ramping up. New BMW vehicles are increasingly computerized, requiring more information from the car manufacturer when the car needs repairs. It has been a debate for a while, but now, this may turn into a legal one in many states and countries. Repair shops are concerned—sometimes their hands are tied when trying to do repairs.

The shops are uniting with some of the aftermarket parts makers and they’re hoping to get the information they need from manufacturers such as BMW. What they are demanding will affect regulations that would make it a requirement for manufacturers to share more repair codes with repair shops as well as parts dealers. A trade group representing BMW and others are against sharing this information. Whereas groups representing repair shops have offered up alternatives that would protect these manufacturers’ trade secrets while making sure they can repair the technology that is part of these newer BMWs.

Basically, they want access to the information that they need to repair the cars. Manufacturers stress that they already share the really essential diagnostic information with repair shops and that the argument is motivated by aftermarket parts dealers. The say aftermarket parts dealers just want this proprietary data to make their products–BMW parts that are less expensive knock-offs. But repair shop technicians say that without access to additional repair codes, they can’t perform basic fixes on increasingly computerized cars like BMWs. The argument may be solved in a legal venue.

The same category of technology seen in BMW’s Head Up Display will eventually be used to help repair BMW vehicles. The science-fiction sounding concept—Augmented Reality­—is amazingly hi-tech. This cutting edge technology will make diagnosing and repairs much simpler. A recent demonstration was done on the BMW 7 series,  the technology showed how by wearing a special set of glasses makes repairing and troubleshooting easier, and ultimately faster. With the glasses, a technician can view instructions and mechanical drawings as overlays and animations .The technology even shows which tool to use, and the order of steps needed to fix the problem. It can point out which function to check to try to figure out what is defective and needs to be replaced. The technology is still in the works, but BMW is partnering with companies to stay on the cutting edge.

The 2012 ActiveHybrid 3 is the latest green addition to BMW’s exceptional 2012 BMW 3 Series. Available at dealerships next fall, the ActiveHybrid 3 will be the third hybrid sedan that BMW offers.

Their fuel-efficiency efforts aren’t just about hybrid technology though—the TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine in the 2012 328i will improve power and gas mileage.

There’s also a 335-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine, an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Plus, the 2012 3 Series has more room for the rear passengers and cargo. Bigger doesn’t mean heavier though, because BMW uses lightweight materials like aluminum—the 2012 model is about 100 pounds lighter than the previous one.

Hybrids have been perceived as lacking power and acceleration. Not with these hybrids. The company is committed to improving efficiency without giving up any power or performance, whether it’s a new hybrid or gas-only model. The next-generation 3 Series is bigger, lighter and more powerful than before—a pretty remarkable combination.

That performance has the ability to move on electricity alone for up to 2.5 miles at speeds up to 37 mph, which means greater fuel savings when stuck in traffic or city driving.  The ActiveHybrid 3 has achieved a great overall fuel efficiency of 36.7 mpg when tested in Europe.

The 2012 BMW 328i benefits less from electricity and more from the superior engineering in its new TwinPower Turbo engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That’s an improved output of 10 more horsepower and 60 more pound-feet than the six-cylinder. Additional power means the new BMW 328i can go from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds. With the BMW 3 Series, it’s a win-win situation.

BMW has begun a recall affecting about 240,000 vehicles in the US. This is due to a problem with the rear lights, which is potentially hazardous. No accidents have been reported that were caused by the defect.

BMW says the recall affects model years from 2002 to 2005 of the 325i, 325xi, 330i and 330xi cars. The rear light problem means that brake lights, turn signals, or taillights could malfunction. According to the NHTSA, there is an electrical contact resistance that’s the defect. Obviously, if taillights, brake lights or turn signals aren’t illuminated, this could cause problems. The other drivers on the road would lack information about the BMW’s motion or even if they are on the road at night. The functioning of these taillights can be sporadic, which reduces the ability to warn other drivers if the car is turning or stopping, or if the car is in from of them. The defect could cause a crash without warning.

BMW has begun a recall affecting about 240,000 vehicles in the US. This is due to a problem with the rear lights, which is potentially hazardous. No accidents have been reported that were caused by the defect.

BMW says the recall affects model years from 2002 to 2005 of the 325i, 325xi, 330i and 330xi cars. The rear light problem means that brake lights, turn signals, or taillights could malfunction. According to the NHTSA, there is an electrical contact resistance that’s the defect. Obviously, if taillights, brake lights or turn signals aren’t illuminated, this could cause problems. The other drivers on the road would lack information about the BMW’s motion or even if they are on the road at night. The functioning of these taillights can be sporadic, which reduces the ability to warn other drivers if the car is turning or stopping, or if the car is in from of them. The defect could cause a crash without warning.

BMW says that the defect has been fixed in some 20,000 vehicles just as part of their regular maintenance. Recalls of all the affected vehicles will begin soon.

There is another recall of about 20,000 X5 SUV diesel vehicles worldwide, 2,000 of which are in the US. They were manufactured between September 2008 and April 2009. The reason is a problem that could keep the filter heaters running, even after the engines are turned off, which drains the battery when the temperature outside is low.