OEM Plus. It’s a philosophy I’ve used for a number of my recent cars and the 1M is no exception. The idea is simple – add only BMW designed, engineered or inspired accessories that enhance the look and feel of the car. And while it’s only been two weeks and 400 miles since taking delivery the big changes have already been made.

First up was the BMW Performance Carbon Fiber spoiler. A tricky install that requires a methodical approach, the spoiler slots onto the back of the 1M perfectly completing the lines of the deck-lid. It also harkens back to the classic E28 M5 and 535is spoilers from the 80′s (some of my personal favorites). But you can’t add one piece of CF without another.

Next up was the carbon fiber mirror caps which are installed by simply (and gracefully) pulling off the existing ones before popping on the replacements. One of the easier maneuvers but again patience is required (as are the foam inserts that come with the CF mirrors).

Upfront I added the absolutely essential BMW Performance gloss black grille – exactly what the 1M should have had from the factory.

The one addition I’ve made so far to the interior is the Alcantara typically found on the BMW Performance steering wheel. It adds a touch more of the soft stuff in a perfect place for it – somewhere you don’t actually touch very often. A good thing considering Alcantara is known to disintegrate rather rapidly with repeated human contact (search for 330i ZHP steering wheel warranty claims and you’ll see what I mean).

The results of all of this is a sportier look with more contrast (outside) that better defines the car in both style and purpose. Oh and to someone who cars about the details, it looks (and in the case of the Alcantara) feels fantastic.

Speaking of the details, it’s interesting to note that all the carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are handmade and show exceptional craftsmanship. You’d expect that given the cost though.

But about performance? We’ll have to wait for that as both BMW and the aftermarket get better acquainted with the car. Instead next up we’ll talk about the rules of the break-in period and if they really matter.

While we have known for sometime that BMW was going to have an additional option for Apps, the official announcement was just made. Essentially BMW has taken MINI Connected and stamped a BMW logo on it. The BMW Connected App first appeared in the Apple iOS app store at the end of December and is required to use the BMW Connected Drive system.

The BMW Connected app delivers web radio, video and Facebook/Twitter integration. 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.

BMW Connected App is only compatible with cars produced from March onward and is also known as the $250 6NR option (which is only available with Navigation and USB connection).

Our sources have indicated that BMW is considering Blackberry and Android versions for later in 2011.

iTunes link: BMW Connected

Press Release: For the first time following the launch of MINI Connected, the BMW Group is now also offering select iPhone applications for integrated use in a BMW. This capability sees the already extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features enhanced by a function hitherto unmatched by the competition. With this offer, BMW is once again underlining its leadership role in the field of in-car integration technology. The new option is designed to improve the integration of the Apple iPhone in the car and will be available from March 2011.

BMW Connected app: listen to web radio, send and receive Facebook and Twitter posts.

With the BMW Connected app, functions such as web radio, Facebook and Twitter can be shown on the car’s display and be operated by means of the iDrive Controller. In addition to the new special option Apps, the requirements for this function are Bluetooth connectivity and the Navigation system Professional (both special options), as well as an iPhone with the BMW Connected app, which can be downloaded free of charge in the Apple App Store. If the iPhone is connected to the car via the USB socket or snap-in adapter, the content of the BMW Connected app appears on the display, which is ideally positioned in the driver’s line of vision. This means drivers can leave their iPhone in the holder and keep up with personal Facebook or Twitter posts in comfort and safety via the large vehicle display. Using preformulated text modules, which can be individually defined and stored in the iPhone app, the app can also be used to call up vehicle information such as current speed, outside temperature or navigation destination, enabling the driver to reply to new posts and messages from the car at any time.

As with Facebook and Twitter, the web radio feature can also be operated via the Navigation display using the iDrive Controller. It means that vehicle occupants have access to thousands of internet radio stations around the world, irrespective of the car’s location. As with the iPhone, music station searches can be carried out via a wide range of search parameters such as genre, country or local stations. Stored favourite stations can also be called up.

Whereas Facebook and Twitter can only be accessed inside the vehicle, the web radio feature of the BMW Connected App is also available on the iPhone beyond the confines of the car. In addition to allowing the use of the BMW Connected app, this interface also opens up the possibility of using future applications in the vehicle which have been adapted in collaboration with BMW. As such the Apps interface only marks the beginning of extended iPhone integration through BMW ConnectedDrive. Further functions and apps will follow at regular intervals and will be available for download from the App Store to customers who have opted for the special option Apps and the related interface.

PlugIn: simple operation of the iPhone’s iPod function in the car.

As well as permitting the integration of apps, the new interface offers a further in-car entertainment function known as PlugIn. This allows the operation of functions via the familiar Apple iPod user interface that appears in the car’s display. Since the PlugIn feature gives the car direct access to the iPod functions of the iPhone, BMW owners can also avail themselves of all the extended options in the car. These include, for example, Genius playlists that allow the driver to automatically generate mixes of similar tracks from the music catalogue. All stored playlists are shown with their original album cover art – just as they would be on an iPhone or iPod. Here, once again, BMW is affirming its leadership role in the field of infotainment.

As the software for the various BMW ConnectedDrive options is in the user’s iPhone, regular updates can extend and adapt these functions, thereby guaranteeing the long-term use of current and future iPhone functions. It marks a new era in the integration of consumer electronics in the car. The requirement for this comprehensive integration is a snap-in adapter.

Video playback: vodcasts in the car as well.

Last but not least, the new Apps interface also allows video podcasts from the iPhone’s iPod function to be played and watched on the in-car display – when the vehicle is stationary.

We’ve heard from several sources that BMW North American has ceased all sales of European parts within the US through dealers. Primarily that means things like euro rotors (for the E46), rear foglight switches and the like. The reason? Our sources are telling us that another automaker had an issue with some European parts failing on cars in the US and that BMW NA’s legal department made the move to quash all sales of non-US parts at US dealers.

What this means is that savvy parts departments (you know, the ones we all love) are frankly going to be hurting as sales of several key Euro pieces will be no more. It also means that those of us in the US who want these parts will have to rely on 3rd party companies and individuals selling often times over the web.

We’re hoping that someone at BMW NA legal comes to their senses but we’re not holding our breath.

All of us we here at BimmerFile are enormous fans of the Nordschleife. Some of us dream of driving there while some of us already have and await the next trip to the Green Hell.

What better way to start your daydreams about speeding around the “Karrusell” than a piece of toast branded with the ‘Ring on it? Heck we can’t think of one better except for having a tall glass of Gerolsteiner and lemon to wash it down.

It seems we are not alone as the Nürburgring fan shop has an officially licensed toaster available for just shy of 30 euros. We know of at least one person out there that should own this piece of machinery… it would match the plate on their Z4- (MB; we’ll get you one if you do not already have it sitting on your counter!)

You asked for it, and now we have it- the official BMW Performance 1 Series accessories price reductions. Pricing has come down across the board for all items. This is thanks in no small part to the new Accessory Development Manager of BMW Performance and Motorsport, Eric Riehle.

Eric, a true enthusiast, was kind enough to take the passenger seat with us for an in-depth interview that will be published soon. Stay tuned for more BMW Performance news during the weeks ahead.

+ BMW 1 Series BMW Performance Price List / Official Price Reduction PDF

BMWNA recently announced that it was reducing some of the BMW Performance accessories prices for the 1 Series. This is welcomed news, as all along we have felt that the BMW Performance line are a top notch products but the pricing was a bit steep considering the larger market (even for the over-engineered and great looking accessories they are).

Some of the reductions are as follows:

BMW Performance Sport Brakes (P/N- 34 110 443 865)

Original MSRP= $2450

New MSRP= $1868

BMW Performance Black Kidney Grilles (P/N- 51 710 441 920/921)

Original MSRP= $132

New MSRP= $84

BMW Performance Carbon Fiber Strut Brace (P/N- 51 710 429 377)

Original MSRP= $1522

New MSRP= $995

After the long wait we finally have some more information on the Power Kit for the 135i and 335i. Some of it is good news and some if it not so good. BMW has gone extra lengths to improve cooling with this kit, to keep reliability intact. As with all BMW Performance Accessories the factory warranty remains.

The kit is available for new car purchases as a port installed option. While it is recommended to install the exhaust with the kit is not a requirement, this will also cut down on labor time. Output is increased to levels we all expected, with an added bump in torque to the automatic as the transmission has a higher threshold.

The kit is not currently available as a dealer installed accessory though it is anticipated to be introduced to dealers as soon as it is certified.

Some pricing models are included, but at this point your dealer is the best option for prices as this can only be added to new car sales.

When this kit is given the approval to be installed outside the port there will be different versions of it based on the DME- ECU of the vehicle. There will be an increase cost for dealer installed kits of older pre-LCI vehicles but we will have more on that later.

BMW Performance Power Kit

Aftersales is pleased to announce the launch of the much anticipated BMW Performance Power Kit for the 135i and 335i models. With sporty performance, outstanding driving dynamics and innovative technology, the BMW Performance Power Kit maintains all of BMW’s key attributes but allows our customers to put a personal touch on their BMW.

The effects of the modifications to the engine tuning parameters include:

• Increased torque of 317ft-lbs (manual transmission) or 332ft-lbs (automatic transmission) available from just 1,500 rpm.

• Increased power output of 20 horsepower from 300 to 320hp

• Faster acceleration from 0 to 60m/hour (0.2seconds quicker than the standard model) and from 50 to 75m/hour (0.5seconds quicker than the standard model).

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, meanwhile remain the same as for the standard model. To deal with the extra heat generated as a result of the engine modifications, an additional radiator, air intakes and a more powerful fan for the main radiator are incorporated into each kit.

Note: The performance modifications of the BMW Performance Power Kit in no way void the vehicle warranty. Additionally quality standards are not compromised in any way.

At this time there will be no center installation of the Power Kits until further notification. The Power Kits will be available for the pre E9x LCI models at that time as well.

Cost of Power Kit with Exhaust:

E90 ZMP

• Dealer cost of Power Kit MSRP $1,795
• Dealer cost of Air Duct Kit MSRP $ 195
• Dealer cost of Exhaust E90 MSRP $2,327
• Installation at Port (6 hours @$85) Labor $ 510
• Total $4,827

E92 ZMP

• Dealer cost of Power Kit MSRP $1,795
• Dealer cost of Air Duct Kit MSRP $ 195
• Dealer cost of Exhaust E92 MSRP $1,862
• Installation at Port (6 hours @$85) Labor $ 510
• Total $4,362

Last week I had the privilege of spending some time with Stephen Zoepf, behind the wheel of a 135i equipped with many of the latest offerings from BMW Performance. Stephen is the Accessory Development Manager – Performance, at BMW of North America. Aside from the wonderful car I was able to experience, Stephen helped shed some light on the BMW Performance program in general.

Since it is hard to conduct a full interview from behind the wheel of a car with an intoxicating exhaust, some of this information may be paraphrased. Enjoy!

BimmerFile: Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you became involved with BMW Performance?

Stephen Zoepf: I was born in Brussels, Belgium in 1979 and graduated from MIT in 2001 with a degree in electrical engineering. As a product development engineer with the Ford Motor Company, I acquired my taste for performance tuning as a member of the Ford Focus SVT development team. Started with BMWNA in 2004 as an accessory development engineer, and in 2007 began my position within BMW Performance.

BF: What is the premise behind BMW Performance?

SZ: BMW Performance was originally conceptualized for the US market, where tuning and car modification is very personal and individualized. In the EU many aftermarket manufacturers focus on whole cars rather than individual components (ALPINA etc.), as that is what the buying public has asked for, though things are beginning to change.

BF: So BMW Performance caters more towards the US market?

SZ: Not necessarily. While based out of the US, BMW Performance offers products for a global market. The US may be the largest single market for BMWs but it only accounts for a percentage of total sales.

BF: Who is in charge of R&D of BMW Performance? Is ///M involved?

SZ: The items are designed and tested in Germany as part of BMW AG. While ///M is not directly involved it serves a role and recently has begun to share some of its expertise and developments within other areas of the BMW Group (including BMW Performance).

BF: Can you elaborate more on ///M sharing some of its goodies?

SZ: You will find that the ///M division has contributed to several non-///M models in terms of research, development and final product. The new Z4 is a prime example; the Adaptive M Suspension is an ///M creation and available as an option. You will begin to see more examples of this in future brand offerings.

BF: What makes BMW Performance different from other tuning companies?

SZ: BMW Performance has the advantage of being able to design performance parts at the same time as the standard parts are being designed. Fitment and structure are not compromised because of this. We do not reverse engineer; we engineer from the start. We take the individual car’s options into consideration as well as making sure the reliability is just as good as a standard part.

The Performance Steering Wheel, for example, utilizes the car’s on board control units to provide the necessary information via the car’s “bus”. An aftermarket company could not offer such a part without additional hardware or installation difficulties.

BF: How do the parts affect the car’s warranty or maintenance plan?

SZ: This is another area we differ from other tuners. We offer a factory warranty on all parts for a minimum of 2 years or 24,000 miles. If the part is installed at the dealer it is covered for the remainder of the new vehicle warranty in months/miles or the 2 years/ 24,000.

What many do not realize is that BMW Performance parts also qualify for coverage under the Maintenance Program (condition based service). If you purchase an intake, a brake kit (etc.) for a 128i and your car is due for service, the correct air filter or pads/rotors would be replaced as indicated with no charge. It is treated the same as a standard BMW for 4 years or 50,000 miles.

BF: Many BMW drivers choose to lease their cars for one reason or another; is it possible to lease a BMW and have BMW Performance parts installed?

SZ: We are working with BMW Financial Services to residualize some items. Currently, the aero kit and wheels can be residualized for a portion of the cost. In the future we hope to expand upon this.

BF: What happened to those gorgeous seats our readers were drooling over?

SZ: We would have loved to offer those seats as part of the BMW Performance line to US customers but it was not to be. In order for those seats to be legal for sale in the US, they would have had to pass crash testing (about 8 tests) and the passenger seat would have needed to be redesigned, incorporating a passenger occupancy mat. The testing would have made the cost per seat well above what customers would be willing to pay for such an accessory.

BF: After the Geneva Auto Show we learned that the European market would be receiving an engine kit that would increase the output of the N54 twin turbo motor. When will the US receive this kit?

SZ: We expect to release the same tuning kit in the US market later this year, which will upgrade both the output and cooling capacity of the N54 engine, although the details are still being finalized.

BF: Why only the specific increases in output with the Engine Kit, as many other tuners are offering significantly more performance?

SZ: As I mentioned earlier, BMW Performance takes reliability and longevity into consideration when designing parts. We could have increased the performance more but may have compromised the remainder of the car’s components, especially the drive train. The current transmissions and differentials are designed for a specific output range, going beyond that increases the risk of component failure.

BF: With BMW selling mostly diesel cars in the EU, why not offer a tuning upgrade for diesel engines?

SZ: We are considering all options at this time and have not ruled out performance upgrades for diesel models.

BF: While we are fans of the current product offerings, we wonder if more track-oriented or “hardcore” items would become available for enthusiasts from BMW Performance.

SZ: BMW Performance will not be offering items specifically geared towards competition. However, that is where the soon-to-launch BMW Motorsport division will step in.

BF: BMW Motorsport?

SZ: Yes, BMW Motorsport will soon, through a select dealer network, sell racing components. Enthusiasts will be able to order parts designed by BMW Motorsport for BMWs to be used in racing, from bodies in white, to higher-capacity brake pads for an E90 ///M3. We expect to support most BMWs currently available to racers with additional parts.

BF: That is great news for all those interested in tracking their car or competing in a racing series! Having parts available directly from BMW will alleviate some concerns with fitment and other variables… sign me up for some ///M3 track pads!

SZ: In the coming months we hope to have this program fully established.

BF: I thank you for your time, but one final question: Are the rumors true that BMW will be launching factory built BMW Performance cars similar to the John Cooper Works Minis?

SZ: I really cannot comment on any future possible production cars at this time, though it has been a pleasure sharing more about BMW Performance with you.

BMW Performance 135i

We here at BimmerFile have been fans of the 1 Series since its launch. It is one of the few cars that out of the box is ready for some time at the track and will not completely melt a giant hole in your wallet. That is not to say it is perfect; like most cars designed for the masses there are little things that could be tweaked to make the car even better and of course increase its sporting intentions. Some of those tweaks would discourage most buyers but not us enthusiasts.

We are not the only ones looking for a bit more performance and sport out of the current array of BMW models; the BMW Performance Parts division is right there with us in the quest for the true “Ultimate Driving Machine”.

I recently had the privilege of spending some seat time with Stephen Zoepf, Accessory Development Manager for BMW Performance Parts, and Matthew Russell of BMW Product and Technology Communications in a fully equipped BMW Performance 135i. Outside of being employees of the weiss mit blau they are true enthusiasts and you are likely to catch them out on a track somewhere in an E30 ///M3 or even 328i sport wagon in quest for the perfect line.

Over the course of the week we will be posting our exclusive candid interview about BMW Performance and some other ground breaking things BMW has in store for us in the not so distant future, but for now we will put our focus on the BMW Performance 135i.

How do you make a great car even better? Find its weaknesses and attack them from different angles. That is what BMW Performance has done to this 1 Series. As Equipped:

Exterior:

For increased down forces and a more performance look, this car is fitted with the aerodynamics kit, carbon fiber mirrors, rear diffuser and lip spoiler. The aero kit features brake cooling ducts to divert air towards the brakes, something the boys over at ///M can learn a thing or two about as the ///M3 lacks this feature. The 135i is more aggressive looking with these parts and at high speeds they are said to improve the handling/down forces based on wind tunnel testing.

Braking:

To increase the braking and decrease weight, cross-drilled rotors were installed. This car was (unnecessarily) equipped with the brake caliper kit, same calipers just in yellow paint when compared to the stock 6 piston fixed caliper 135i brakes. These brakes, bite and bite down hard. The brake kit provides the 128i with the same system as a 135i.

We never reached track temperatures with these pads or rotors but for aggressive street driving you would be hard pressed to find something better. It is worth commenting that the issue some have reported about these calipers overheating/cracking was found by the engineers to not be a function of the caliper but of aftermarket replacement track pads that were improperly fit and causing the subsequent issues. These calipers feature the same ceramics as much more expensive exotics are using; compliments of Brembo.

Suspension/Wheels:

To improve the handling characteristics, the dampers and springs were upgraded. This suspension kit is sold as separate components because BMW builds many different versions of springs to combat a specific cars weight distribution and options. When ordering the springs you will need a VIN or list the options in the car, no part numbers.

The suspension is surprisingly not as harsh as one would imagine a full-blown performance suspension would be. It sorted out road imperfections much better than expected, so if you have fillings or caps this suspension will not rattle them out! The suspension seemingly became better the harder it was pushed. It was firm and predictable. One of the best non-adaptive suspensions out there, it was impressive, especially considering the car was shod with runflats. It provides about an inch of drop and eliminates all remaining wheel gap, for a much nicer look. I would rate it a step above the stock ZSP but not as effective as a coil over setup (which more often than not sacrifices daily ride a bit too much for most).

The 135i’s characteristic under-steer still remains even with the suspension and wheel upgrade, I had hoped it would have been more neutral but that needs to be dialed in with camber and wider rubber. The BMW Performance wheels are not forged; they are cast and machined. This process is said to decrease the weight of the wheels by about 2 pounds each when compared to the stock wheels, and these just look a lot nicer.

Exhaust:

A great exhaust note is something to marvel at, something car lovers drool over, BMW Performance nailed the note on this exhaust. It is has a nice throaty rumble that is audible in the car when you want it to be and not when you are cruising at 80 mph out on that long stretch of desert highway (or bumper to bumper NJ traffic). This exhaust is drone free on the highway so that means no throbbing headache! You will find yourself opening the windows to hear the rumble, especially under bridges and in tunnels. It will also provide you with a modest 5hp bump in addition to all that sound.

What makes the BMW Performance exhaust different? The exhaust is designed around and uses the stock exhaust fitment and muffler clamshells, so it is a direct fit with no differences in dimensions. The interior of the system is where most of the magic lies, and opposed to the stock system the tip is polished stainless rather than black.

Interior:

On the interior of the car carbon fiber was everywhere, and if that is your cup of tea BMW Performance offers a full kit or piece by piece. The weaves looked great and the resin was bubble free. Having personal experience laying up this stuff I would have to think they are vacuum bagging each piece individually to get the fit and finish they have achieved.

If you rather spend your coin on interior items that improve performance, the shifter and short shift kit is for you. With 25% shorter throws along with a crisp and precise action this shifter and kit will not disappoint. A new carrier/linkage is required in certain models (including the 135i) because when BMW Performance set out to design the ultimate shifter the clearance between the linkage and drive shaft was a little too close for comfort when using the stock setup. Something most of us would not think about when shopping for a short shift kit. The stainless and Alcantara® clad shifter is comfortable and looks great. (This shifter will be one of the first things I add to my own car as soon as a kit is available, it is more precise and just feels better than even the current ///M3 setup; dare I say it is comparable to the Z4 ///Ms shifter? One of the best I have felt.)

That leaves us with the BMW Performance Steering Wheel. The Performance Steering Wheel displays critical data from the powertrain and chassis via the cars internal bus, there are no accelerometers with the wheel. It uses the cars various modules such as DSC for yaw rates and the ECU for other data used. The information is shown on an LCD high up on the wheel where your eyes focus naturally. It provides you with a G-meter, a stopwatch with lap timing functions, a quarter-mile timer, an engine temp readout, and adjustable shift lights. The wheel is wrapped in leather and Alcantara®, which is said to be improved from previous generations of the material and provides greater longevity.

The shift lights are completely adjustable, you can have them come on for performance driving or if you are into extreme fuel conservation, set them where the ideal shift point is to maintain the best fuel efficiency. The adjustable shift points allow this wheel to be tailored to each car (gas/diesel) and each driver.

The wheel feels great in you hand and is easy to operate after a few minutes of fiddling with it. It is a nice piece of functional technology that would benefit those taking their cars out on track or those who want to know what exactly the car is doing or capable of. It is a bit novel, and may lose some of its wow after you have used it for a while, for some it is a must and others would choose to put the money elsewhere; whatever your take is, at least it is an option.

Conclusions: The 135i is a great car by itself without any modifications but with them, it is a far better car. The suspension is a huge improvement over the stock setup, while you do sacrifice some ride characteristics the handling more than makes up for it. Add in the shifter and exhaust and you have a car that will make you smile every time you get behind the wheel, you will find yourself running to get that bottle of milk you do not need on a regular basis.

After the Geneva auto show we broke the news to the US market that an engine tune was coming for the N54 twin turbo in the 135i/335i. If so equipped you would be hard pressed to find a car that would handle better, sound better, or perform better at a similar price point than a BMW Performance 135i. Of course there are other options out there as far as tuning and we respect them as well, it is just nice to have another choice. BMW Performance parts also come with a true factory warranty.

While we will provide you with a good deal more information about BMW Performance later in the week from our interview, we just thought this review would prepare you for what is to come.

This may just be one of the simplest to install accessories you can add to your E90 3 Series BMW. No tools required; that is right NO tools! So those of you afraid of a wrench or messing with the “ultimate driving machine” you are safe with this one.

In about 15 minutes you can add some functional storage to the underside of the rear-shelf. This drawer works great for keeping miscellaneous items (such as bike components) from banging around the trunk. It also allows easy access to these items even when other stuff is taking up the main trunk area; the major setback to storing things under the cargo floor. As you can see from these photos; BMW over engineered the drawer and it even retains the ability to hold up the lower load floor to make accessing items under it easier.

There are three parts for this install:

Luggage Compartment Drawer Part # 51477131155

Left Adapter Part #51476956665

Right Adapter Part #51476956666

Pricing varies from dealer to dealer but as with many BMW parts you may find the best prices at GetBMWParts

Thanks Nick!

It has been made official: BMW Performance will be offering a performance upgrade for the N54 twin turbo six! The engine software and components that gave the new 740i an increase in horsepower and torque will essentially now be available as a dealer installed option for 135i and 335i models.

The BMW Performance Power Kit consists of both software and hardware components including additional water cooling. The kit will be installed and covered under warranty by BMW. In European terms this gives the engine 20 more horsepower (326 from 306) and 50 more Newton meters (450 from 400). In the US that should figure to somewhere in the 321 hp and 336 ft/lbs neighborhood. The performance increase is noted as .2 of a second from a standstill to .5 seconds faster in the passing range.

Official US information has not been released but we have heard for some months that this was in the works and that we could expect something at dealers this summer. We will update you as we hear more so as always stay tuned!

Thanks for the tip Larry!

For all of you fans of the new 7 Series there is now something you can gawk at when trying figure out what day of the week it is besides the wallpaper on your computer monitor. “Der neue BMW 7er” (the new BMW 7 series) calendar features 13 photos, taken by Jonathan Spira, of a BMW 730d throughout Germany, Austria and Slovenia.

It includes U.S., German, Austrian, Christian and Jewish holidays for 2009. Some of those holidays will definitely be helpful when planning your next European Delivery! The photos featured include those from inside and outside of the car as well as the scenery of the 1600 km trip.

It would make an excellent choice for those of you looking to replace your current 2008 calendar or as a late holiday gift for all of the procrastinators out there (myself included)!

A full interactive preview is available here

For all of you that had hopes of placing the beauties in your car some time in the near future; we bring you some news. The good news is that for all you reading this from outside the US of A this has no bearing on you, the bad news is what many had already speculated.

These fantastically designed and engineered seats bearing the BMW Performance branding will not be for sale from the product launch in the US. They do not contain the passenger occupancy mat as is required for all passenger cars in the US. The interesting thing is they did manage to design in side airbags and all of the other safety features.

Sources indicate that BMWNA has not ruled out future availability of these seats as they are aware there is a definite market for them. US pricing or a possible date the seats may become available for the US has not been discussed or even speculated as there are too many variables (such as testing that must be completed if the mats are eventually built in) to consider. While we would love to see these seats brought to the US it hard to imagine there is much market for them in the current financial climate.

It would be interesting to see the sales numbers on these after the first year; they are a great looking seat with immense purpose yet how many would be willing to spend the bucks required to call them their own?

Since these parts are designed, and installed by BMW certified technicians they will carry a BMW warranty. These parts are installed after purchase and not at the factory. Many of the parts will be available at your local dealers now though the full line should be available by April of ’09. Here are a few pictures and we will continue to update as we acquire more info.

Link to UK Brochure

Remember those impressive look parts BMW rolled out for the tii concept in Tokyo and Chicago recently? They are now officially available worldwide. However as previously reported on BF, they will not be marketed with the new tii sub-brand but simply “BMW Performance” accessories similar to what debuted for the 3er last year.

+ BMW 1 Series Accessories

Today BMW officially rolled out it’s new line of 1 Series BMW branded performance parts at the Geneva Motor Show. Autoblog has the best gallery we’ve seen so far so we highly recommend a click over to check it all out. No surprises but it’s nice to see these parts in “real world” photos (even if we’ve already seen most of them at previous shows).

+ BMW 1 Series Performance Parts Gallery / Autoblog