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This week we talk 1M allocation and production trying to put the nail in the coffin on many of the questions we’ve been getting. We also talk briefly about the 1M MotoGP pace car that happens to look an awful lot like some sort of 1M GTS.
But more importantly what the hell is that? A 1M CSL? We suspect that this is just a 1M that the guys at BMW have feted with a combination of BMW Performance parts and a bespoke rear wing. But we can’t help but think it might be more. The black wheels we know will be offering as BMW Performance M wheels. But what about the splitter? The insane wing? Louvers in the hood? Hopefully we’ll know more soon. You can also see the car in this official video. (Hat tip to Bimmerpost for the link)
Official Release: Dorna Sports and BMW have reached an agreement to extend the German manufacturer’s position as the Official Car to MotoGP until 2016, thus prolonging what has been a highly successful and strong partnership since its beginnings in 1999.
Last week BMW invited BimmerFile to meet the people behind the ConnectedDrive program and the its lead Dr. Eckhard Stienmeier to see some of the future technology first-hand. While it was a great opportunity to get to know technology better, it was a better chance to get to know the people and see the enthusiasm behind the ideas.
ConnectedDrive is BMW’s program to bring different levels of connectivity into the car safely. The program started inconspicuously in the early 90′s with the Park Distance control on the E32 7 Series. The next big step for ConnectedDrive was addition of Advanced eCall which debuted in 1997. However today requirements are much different and there is much more connectivity needed required by owners.
While in Munich recently I had a chance to see quite a few examples of the F20 1 Series hatch. While I don’t have photos (it’s a little rude to whip out your camera when you’re invited inside BMW HQ) I do have some first hand impressions. As we’ve reported here in the past the interior is getting a significant upgrade in quality of materials. The new look will be much closer to the X3, 5 and 7 series interior design and layout. In fact every F20 I saw the dash of had at least a small screen a la the X3. Could the F20 get a display standard? Based on what I saw and what we’ve heard I believe so. And it would make sense considering we expect the F30 3 Series to get the same standard screen. As on the X3 and 5 Series, ticking the navigation box would give you the wide screen display sen in the X3.
Over the past few days we’ve experienced some extraordinary moments at BMW HQ in Munich. Of course we can’t show you some of the more interesting ones (cameras weren’t allowed inside the Fiz for instance) but we can show you over 200 photos of the BMW Welt, Four Cylinder building and inside the BMW Museum (and the new Art Car exhibit). We’ll have more on the latter soon. Until then, enjoy the photos. (Fully gallery after the break)
I’ve been a BMW enthusiast since I could talk. My dad’s 2002 did it to me. Some of my first memories were of me helping him with the hood up in our driveway. Ok, maybe not the best picture of BMW reliability but in my 3 year old mind this was what cars where. But oddly when he sold it (I was seven) I had this feeling of regret. It defined him as an enthusiast in my mind. Someone who had owned Detroit muscle and yet had the foresight to think differently.
These days BMW as a brand is too omnipresent to be categorized under thinking different. Yet among enthusiasts there is still a badge of honor associated with buying the right BMW. And that brings me to the 1M. I have wanted a 1M for as long as I can remember. Ok let me explain.
BMW has released a look inside the new N20 four cylinder turbo – an engine we will all know very well soon enough. The engine will be powering all 28i models in the US starting with the Z4 and 5 Series this fall. After that expect it to filter to the rest of the range as cars are updated or replaced.
We have read the tea leaves and have come to the realization that BMW’s internationally acclaimed twin turbo inline six is nearing its end of days. The N54 was slow to be received by most enthusiasts as it seemingly changed BMW’s recipe for success by passing on natural aspiration for forced induction- something BMW had only really been doing with their diesels up to the engine’s launch in 2007.
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\\, //M3\\, //M5\\, BimmerCast Feb 28th, 2011 14 Comments 
