Thanks to a crafty member of 1Addicts we have the final US 1M ordering guide. Early thoughts? Both good and bad.
When the ordering guide first was released there was outrage that BMW was forcing potential owners to order several packages just to get popular options such as an iPod connector and Navigation. In talking with BMWNA M Brand head Matthew Russell it was clear he was pushing for changes that would satisfy those who wanted a few specific options without having to order $5000 worth of packages. While that’s proven to be correct in two cases, we’re still left needing to order a full specced car for a couple of key options.
(In part two of our manual vs automatic debate we’re writing about the unyielding march of technology and how that’s actually a good thing — even for manual drivers).
The manual is a dying breed. Why? Because of progress. While rowing the gears of a manual can be a great experience, it’s simply time to move on and start experiencing new technology and new kinds of involvement.
But first, let’s talk about how the auto liberated the sports car and made all cars less boring. 40 years ago a sports car or even a sporty car rarely had an auto available. That meant manual transmissions were exclusive to those who knew how to drive them or those who could stomach the left foot shuffle that US traffic made mandatory. But as car makers started realizing that the lowly automatic could indeed be sporty, they started dropping them into everything. While some bemoaned the loss of a few sacred cows, it started to break down walls for many of us. In effect, it democratized sports cars for the masses.
Next fall BMW will be releasing an updated traffic feature built into ConnectedDrive in several European countries. This updated program will allow for more dense coverage, more frequent updating and quicker optimized re-routing. The program and the technology will eventually make it to the US but no time-table has yet been given.
Official Release: From autumn 2011, all new BMW cars can be equipped with an innovative traffic information system to ensure that sheer driving pleasure is compromised as little as possible by tiresome traffic jams and tailbacks. Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) has been developed by BMW ConnectedDrive for BMW navigation systems. It delivers unique dependability and accuracy in the automotive sector when generating, transmitting and applying information on the latest traffic situation in real-time. This data is used for calculating the most efficient route and making any subsequent detour recommendations.
(The last five minutes of the race as it happened)
Joey Hand, Scott Pruett and Graham Rahal have beat out the vastly more experienced team of Dario Franchitti, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray in an identical Dinan tuned BMW powered prototype. Here’s more from Speed TV:
A costly pit lane mistake could have kept Joey Hand and the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing crew from victory in the 49th Rolex 24 at Daytona. But a smart late-race call by the Tim Keene-led crew and a remarkable drive by the BMW factory driver propelled the defending Rolex Series champions to a dramatic down-to-the-wire win and Ganassi’s first 1-2 finish in America’s famous endurance classic.
With the 1M pacing the 24 hours of Daytona, Chris Neville from SpeedTV had a chance to take the car for a quick spin. For those that don’t know Chris is well versed in racing and performance cars as a former race winner in many series. And he’s also clearly a fan of the 1M. He’s particularly impressed with the brakes and what the short wheelbase does for turn-in as compared to the M3.
It’s the right of passage many of us graduate to early in life that quickly becomes a badge of honor. It’s the subtle cue to another enthusiast that you’re serious about the art of driving and a student of automotive history. In my mind there are cars that require a manual.
The M3s or 911s of the world just don’t seem as bare-chested with a pair of flappy paddles. And you know the moment. When you peer into either of those cars and see that dreaded auto knob. Your heart drops just a bit. If your a manual driver you care about that car. And you know it’s been wronged by someone who chose ease over interaction on the ordering spec (unless of course it’s a dedicated track car).
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We’re back this week with the number one most requested feature: IMPROVED AUDIO. With the help with a certified audio engineer we’ve worked on the recording process and production to bring everything up a notch (or two). Granted it’s still a podcast and still not done in a professional studio but it’s step-up in to our ears.
Now onto the show. The M3 Wagon? Frankly I can’t see it being made in time but Michael stands his ground and remains pretty confident it’s, at the very least, being considered. Then we move onto the Countryman based hybrid that BMW will eventually be offering and why it may not be such a bad thing.
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: //1M\\ Jan 31st, 2011 28 Comments 
