Over the course 2010 we’ve tested everything from an electric car to a first class cabin wrapped in a BMW (the 5er GT). We raced a $500 car 24 hours, took a pre-production MINI Countryman to the track and we’re one of the first people to see the 1M in person. And during that time we also recorded 30 BimmerCasts touching on every BMW topic you could imagine (you can check them all out here). So for all of you who may have missed some of it, here are our favorite highlights of 2010.
Before we get to the regular features, the topic that generated the most comments (and clicks) from readers was unquestionably the 1M. Here’s a look at some highlights (after the break):
We’re not entirely sure what the guys at Teamspeed have here but we love it. While we doubt it’s production version of the Vision Concept (likely called the i8) it could easily be an updated version of the original Vision concept debuted at Frankfurt 2009.
With the upcoming Megacity range of lightweight efficient vehicles, BMW is gearing up to produce enormous amounts of Carbon Fiber. However one of the biggest hurdles in CF production is of course cost. So BMW engineers have been hard at work developing a way to minimize cost while maximizing the effectiveness of the material.
The video above (likely the most boring and/or interesting videos you’ll see all year) shows BMW’s thinking on how to effectively make cheap CF. Due to manufacturing and design reasons the Megacity will be a body on frame design with the chassis made out of aluminum and the body made out of carbon fiber. The thought is that the aluminum structure would have been too costly to make out of CF. Additionally an aluminum crash structure is also easier to deal with on the repair side.
As we predicted BMW has taken MINI Connected and stamped a BMW logo on it for use in the refreshed 2011 1 Series line-up. And the first real fruits of that have shown up today in the Apple iOS app store.
No surprise given MINI Connected functionality but the BMW app delivers web radio, Facebook and Twitter integration. The app also gives you access to fuel level, range and trip computer functionality (updated each time you plugin). Perhaps just as important the app also allows for the iPod-out functionality co-developed by Apple and BMW. iPod-out puts an automotive grade interface (designed by Apple) on the cars screen for easier navigation. It also supports future features simply by updating the iOS on your device.
According to BMW insider Scott 27 the Vision concept car that BMW has touted for well over a year will become the i8. Under the new naming conventions BMW intends to use the “i” prefix to all highly efficient models marketed under the new BMW Project “i” sub-brand. Certainly nothing “visionary” about that but it’s certainly in keeping with BMW naming traditions.
Anyone up for some post Christmas shopping? The 1980 prototype wagon we featured a few months ago has made its way to eBay and currently resting with a $7,000 bid. Here’s the auction description:
“this car was built on the BMW production line for display at the Frankfurt Auto Show. There were only two cars made like this. It was built on the 735i chassis – and is a European model. This was never a production car. Details include – - 8,179 original miles, tan cloth interior, a manual sunroof and windows, roof rack, alloy wheels & automatic transmission. The car was imported to the US and brought up to DOT and EPA standards in Ohio.”
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
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: BF Feature Dec 31st, 2010 3 Comments 
