Official Release: Dirk Müller (DE) and Tommy Milner (US) celebrated victory with the BMW M3 GT2 in the first round of the Asian Le Mans Series. At the “Okayama International Circuit” the drivers of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team put in a flawless performance and crossed the line as winners in the GT2 category after 113 laps, relegating Marc Lieb (DE) and Wolf Henzler (DE) in their Porsche 911 RSR to second with a gap of 0.292 seconds. Following the victory in the American Le Mans Series race in Road America (US), this is the second win for the new GT sports car, and also the car’s maiden win in Asia.
We have been hearing different things from different people about what ///M has in store for us enthusiasts in the near future. If you have been following the site over the past week you may have noticed that our friends in Garching have been clueing us in on both new and old projects that will not see production.
What they are hinting at is that some of the exercises completed in the ///M5 CSL project could be used in future vehicles and that several projects are underway. In typical BMW car launch fashion we have seen nearly undisguised test mules (1 ///M and a form of ///M3), and two concept cars (M///5 CSL and Convert) within a 3 week period. Our favorite Bavarian brand usually releases a model after such occurrences and from what we have been hearing, something may be in the works for early November.
Specifics are sketchy but center around a Special Edition ///M3 with weight/content reductions (no rear seat, etc.), improved (‘Ring specific) suspension, larger wheels and special badging. At this point we are trying to sort out fact from fiction but from many angles it seems like something is brewing and wanted to keep you informed as best we can though more than likely the US will not see this model. We will update you as we receive more hard facts.
We’ve seen the early 90’s era pictures but until now never had official confirmation from BMW that the car was ever built. However today, the M division finally revealed that BMW considered building the car to compete against the large Mercedes convertibles of the day. The project was cancelled just weeks before it was to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show because of the thought it was harm sales of the highly profitable 3 Series convertible.
Official Release: The BMW Group and the SGL Group have agreed on the establishment of a joint venture for the production of carbon fibres and textile semi-finished products (CFRP) for use in vehicle construction. The total investment volume is € 90 million in the first development phase, the two companies stated on Thursday.
The joint venture will be operated through two companies, one based in North America (SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC), and the other in Germany (SGL Automotive Fibers GmbH & Co KG). The BMW Group holds 49% of the shares, and the SGL Group 51%. The two groups will be equally represented in the management of the two companies; major corporate decisions must be made unanimously by both partners. The joint venture will initially create around 180 new jobs in North America and Germany. Its establishment is subject to approval by the cartel authorities.
This latest photo (from Speedlux) gives us a sneak peak at the rear LED taillights that we’ll see on the coupe an convertible 3 series models after the LCI (life-cycle impulse or facelift). We expect some mild changed to the front headlights and facia but nothing radical inside and out. Perhaps one of the more noticeable changes to enthusiasts will be a few new optional wheel choices. In fact the image above clearly shows a set of some new wheels on the M3 convertible. As is customary, the M Division generally doesn’t have standard BMW wheels lying around for testing mules, so what are these?
Look for the changes to be launched in the spring of 2011.
In BimmerCast #7 I commented on how BMW removed the “smoker’s package” on the 2010 3 Series. While I have no issue with the lack of ash tray and it being replaced by another rubber bottomed cubby, I was displeased with the lack of a power socket.
The thing is, BMW did not remove the socket altogether. The engineers just placed it in a location that nobody would ever see or think to look for such a thing. There is no plastic plug or anything to indicate an outlet may be there. If you are sitting in the car it is not visible. You actually have to get on your hands and knees to search for the thing. As the photos show, it is tucked away in the passenger side foot well under the glove box.
Glad to see it has not become one of those items lost to the bean counters.
Many thanks for help locating the socket go out to our friends over at BMW of Ridgefield, and BMWNA!
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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: //M3\\, Motorsport, Official News Oct 31st, 2009 2 Comments 
