Look for this new range of accessories to debut at the NYC Auto Show in April. And for what it’s worth, most of this has already been shown in several European shows without much fanfare.
BMW AG Press Release: The BMW driver with a particular passion for dynamic motoring and individual, sporting style now has new options to live out his or her personal preferences and enhance the performance of the car to an even higher level. Expanding the wide range of Original BMW Accessories, the new range of BMW Performance products comprises a number of components for an even greater and more exhilarating driving experience.
With just over 100 days since the opening of BMW Welt, or to us English speakers: BMW “World”, I thought it would be a good time to begin an on going series dedicated to the BMW European Delivery program.
Since opening on October 17th of 2007, BMW Welt has welcomed more than a half of a million visitors and 3500 cars have been delivered. Just over 700 hundred of these deliveries were customers from the US.
The fourth generation BMW M3 is the largest, fattest M3 ever created. Yet it’s also the fastest and most tenacious while being entirely livable as a daily driver. In creating this new generation of M3, BMW has built a car that is as close to everything to everyone as anything on the market. Whether it be at the track, on the highway or making a coffee run, the M3 handles it all with ease. But can a car that is all things to all people be a true M3?
The moment I pushed the start button and laid eyes on the M menu in the iDrive I knew that this M3 would be dramatically different than all those that came before it. For better or worse, a different kind of technology is at play with this car. From M Dynamic mode, to the much celebrated M Differential Lock, BMW has given the new version of this iconic car the tools to help the typical M formula of performance reach new heights.
Based on all the hype over the last few months, you’d expect the BMW 135i to be able to walk on water. European journalists have raved about the car and customers have already begun forming lines at dealerships here in the US. Praise flowing from computer keyboards around the world is enough to make almost any automotive enthusiast take notice.
Even BMW has gotten in the act trotting an early 70′s era 2002tii at every marketing opportunity they can. And why not, all the right ingredients are there; short overhangs, 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, 300hp all wrapped in small coupe packaging. It’s almost enough to forget about the one glaring issue – all 3373 lbs of it. That’s over 1000 lbs heavier than the 2002tii – the classic BMW that 1 Series coupe was clearly inspired by.
However I’ll let you in on a little secret, it simply doesn’t matter. Over some of the best roads northern California has to offer I found the 135i to be more enjoyable than the far more capable new M3 I drove the day before. I’d go so far as to call my time with the 135i manual one of the most memorable and rewarding driving experiences of my life.
Want to see how a BMW 135i stacks up next to the new MINI Clubman? We’ve got the first photos in the world of the two side by side. Look for both reviews next Monday. One here on BF and the other on MotoringFile.
After a week of driving the new M3, 1 Series and MINI Clubman I’m finally back ready to start sharing my opinions on the cars. Look for the 1 Series review this Monday (if not just a little earlier) and the M3 review Tuesday. In the meantime, here’s the full collection of photos from the event.
Today was 1 Series day at the BMW/MINI press week out in Monterey. I had 300 plus miles on some of the most incredible roads in North American to examine the car that everyone is so eager to drive. It was, as you can imagine an absolute joy of the highest order. The 1 Series is simply… well I suppose I should save it for the review next Monday. Until then, here are some photos from the day.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: Accessories Feb 20th, 2008 10 Comments 
