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After a long day of interviews at the North American International Auto Show Todd and Matt caught up with BMWNA’s M Boss Matthew Russell with an impromptu interview that covered a range of topics. First up we talk 3 Series and the fact that the NAIAS this year is all about 3er. But then we quickly move onto the M5 and why Mr. Russell loves the X5M but thinks the M5 is hands-down the best car in the world.

Then things move onto the 1M and Todd asked the big question; will we ever see a 1M again? Mr. Russell clearly admits that M took notice of the excitement around the 1M but no promises have or will be made any time soon.

What about the US Alpina range that Russell also heads? Will we see something more than a B7 that’s currently in the US market? Russell would like to see some new offerings – especially something like the diesel powered D3. There’s also clearly more that can be done on the 5 and 6 series platform and Russell doesn’t want to rule anything there either. But at this time there’s nothing to confirm.

It’s a quick show but one we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

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We’re back but a week since our last show with a look ahead at 2012 and some improved audio quality and another big 60 minute show. But more importantly we tell you how to properly order an F30 and what those “Lines” really are.

After the F30 we move onto the Detroit and Geneva Motor shows and what to expect at each. But what about M? 2012 will initially be the year of the M5 and then as things warm-up a drop-top with close to 600 hp. We break-down what to expect from the new halo M car – the M6. Finally I admit to temporarily putting an E60 M5 into limp mode due to cold weather and a little impatience.

Then we move onto the i3 and the i8 – the latter which has recently sprouted some very normal looking doors.

Finally we talk tech and BMW apps. More specifically we get into the positives and negatives of BMW Apps and BMW’s Online service. But more importantly, through our sources, we take a hypothetical look at the feature of BMW’s online in-car services. If you think things are interesting now, just wait a few years.

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Something funny happened after Michael and I finished our last podcast for BimmerFile. We started talking MINIs. And as we’re prone to do, we quickly started talking about future cars and the direction of the brand. What followed was the most efficient use of ten minutes possible to MINI fans. In short we break down when you’ll see the next generation MINI, what will be under the hood, and what will happen to the rest of the MINI range through 2015. IF you’re a MINI fan, you’ll not want to miss this one.

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After a very long break we’re back with another big show. First up we recap the last two months of BMW news starting of course with the 6er Gran Coupe and then quickly moving onto the F30 and next generation M3. We round out the news with some thought on DTM and the future of BMW’s racing programs. But this show is all about our personal highs and lows of the year with Michael and I dishing a few surprises.

Here’s the full list of news recapped (after the break).

• 6 series Gran Coupe
• M6 Gran Coupe
• F30 and BMW of North America’s option snafu
• F80 M3 updates (V6 or not?)
• DTM and the future of the M3 in racing

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After a very long break we’re back with our biggest and longest show ever. We start with the M5 and new 3 Series and Michael’s first-hand experiences with both cars. And as much as that could be a show in itself, we move on to tackle pretty much every other major BMW topic from the last three months. The show runs a little over an hour and weighs in at 45 mb but it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Here’s the full list (after the break).

• M5: Engine diff and the truth behind the M5′s sound enhancement
• F30: We talk design and equippment
• Active E: Quick review
• 650i/640i Coupe + Convertible (Yes we finally found a 6er to love)
• Z4 2.8i + 528i: A four cylinder to be proud of
• F20 120d / 118d: Michael gives us his take on the new 1er
• 3 series vs 4 series? We give you some insight from some of our sources.
• 1M Slammed by Motor Trend? Our take.
• M3 Frozen with all M Performance options driven through the Alps (yes we actually did it).
• The new V6 M3? We give you the inside details

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We at BF get a lot of opportunities to drive BMWs. But rarely do we have a chance to current M line-up aganst each-other at a track like Laguna Seca. And more than anything we wanted to see how each the M3 and the X6M stacked up against the newest and most acclaimed M cars in years – the 1 Series M Coupe. I won’t give the results away but one thing that was pretty telling was how excited I was on each lap with each car at the famed corkscrew. There’s one car late in the recording that causes me to almost scream like a little girl.

The big take away from this test (beyond the eventual winner) has to be the track. I’m not talking about Laguna (which of course is one of the best tracks in the US). I specifically talking about driving street cars on a close circuit. We’ve long been a big proponent of track time and clubs such as the BMWCCA who host such events. We simply can’t stress enough how much better a driver it makes you and how it improves your understanding of what your car can and cannot do.

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We caught up with Mr Watts while at Laguna Seca where M was showing off the new M5 for the first time on US soil. We wanted to check in on the latest from the M Division (ie the M5) as well as shed some more light on the background of the 1M. Specifically we were able to get some fascinating new details surrounding the 1M and how it almost didn’t come to market. Mr. Watts also was able to dispel some persistent rumors around the car. Specifically whether we’ll see a 2012 model year and whether or not a 1M CSL is coming.

It’s a must listen for any BMW M fan – especially 1M owners.

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We’re back after a month break that saw Michael make the big move across the pond to Germany. But the news never stops and, as you’d expect, we have a ton to catch-up on. Full list of topics after the break.

• 1M CSL Rumor (squashed)
• M2; what to expect
• X1 M and X3 M
• Z4M Coming?
• M5 Engine details
• Valencia Orange F20 1 Series?
• 6 Series Gran Coupe boring?
• 5GT M Sport (is it a punch-line?)
• M1 rumors
• N20 and Start/Stop on the US
• F32 M3 Tri-turbo engine

And more.

As you may have guessed we’re pretty pumped for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring this weekend here at BF. Sure F1 is at Valencia, but for those could do without the glitz and glamour and would rather focus on the ultimate man and machine, there isn’t a better race in the world. So with that said we thought it appropriate to do a little refresher on the track that will be featured this weekend and that has so shaped BMW over the years.

The Nordschleife Nurburgring has been synonymous with the BMW brand since the 1930′s. BMW and its products are probably more closely tied to the ‘Ring than any other manufacturer. Every car BMW designs and engineers ultimately makes its way to the ‘Ring for what some would consider the most important part of its development process.

But the beauty of the Nordschleife is that you can actually drive any street legal car on it much of the year. All it takes is around $30 and you have a chance to tackle the most famous (and perhaps dangerous) track in the world. Having driven it in the past I can tell you that there is simply nothing that can totally prepare you for the experience. No matter how great video games have become, there is no way they can match the sensation of the real track. And beyond that the paddock area is about as close to automotive heaven as you can get. Every kind of car from every manufacturer is there in one of the best impromptu car shows you’ll ever see.

So to celebrate the 2010 24 Hours of the Nurburgring we’re presenting both our BMW podcast (recording while driving the ‘Ring with our good friend and Axel) and the official BMW PDF all about the history of the track. A highly recommended and listen read for anyone with interest in the ultimate track.

+ The Nordschleife Line / Sport Auto PDF (by BMW, 2003)

You can see more photos of our last trip to the ‘Ring below.

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The best news we’ve heard for awhile. The the 5 Series GT is failing to sell to wagon owners. What we’ve been saying would likely happen has happened and BMW is dealing with the 5GT stealing share not from the the previous E60 based 5 Series wagon. But the good news here? It looks like BMWNA will be bringing the next generation 3 Series wagon over to the US based on these sales.

Moving on to the M range we talk M5 details. Yes the 560 hp + super sedan is just months away and we’re getting hints at several pieces of technology that haven’t been talked about yet. And one of those pieces of technology (no surprised to listeners of the show) will be ceramic brakes.

We also touch on what will be under the hood of the F3X M3. Our sources are telling us it’ll be a modified version of the N55. But you’ll have to listen to hear it all.

Finally what about the 1M CSL? We won’t say it’s not happening but it remains very unlikely in our mind. But there is something coming for 1M owners…

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Rounding out our 1M coverage is BimmerCast #51 featuring BMW NA M Brand Manager Matthew Russell giving us further insight into the 1 Series M Coupe. Mr. Russell talks about the car in relation to the various generation of M3 as well as the Z3 and Z4 M products. He also gives us a glimpse into what went on behind the scenes at M to make it all happen.

And for those of you ready for a new topic we’ll be back next week with BimmerCast #52 on the future of the 1 and 3 Series.

Launch and video photos after the break.

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Video: On the Track

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BimmerCast #50 is the follow-up our 1M review we release yesterday. It’s a deep dive in the car and our experiences on track and on public roads. If you want to get detailed on this car in a way the review didn’t, click play.

Additionally we’ve pieced together some video of one lap 1M so you can get a bit of a visual as well. One note – unfortunately I was recording through an iPhone and as I was turning into the second to last corner a call came in which shut off the recording. And no, I didn’t take it.

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We have a very special show this week as we take to the track in the much hyped 1M. We’ll have a thorough review of the car coming very soon but first we wanted to give you our quick thoughts on the car at the track.

Update: We’ve pieced together some video of the lap so you can get a bit of a visual as well. One note – unfortunately I was recording through an iPhone and as I was turning into the second to last corner a call came in which shut off the recording. And no, I didn’t take it.

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This week’s show sees us going from energy effecient to insanely fast. We start talking about the ActiveE and the new US spec four cylinder Z4. More specifically we talk about the new Z4 28i and how it stacks up in terms of performance and effeciency to the old Z4 30i model. And then there’s the 50:50 weight distribution 1 Series based ActiveE. 168hp and 250 nM of torque. Not bad for an electric car.

We then move onto the 560 hp + M5 and how it will soon reign as the fastest BMW of all time. Not bad for a 4,000 lbs + four doors.

After moving through some 1M talk we then can’t let the Z4 GT3 go unnoticed. Why has BMW revised a one year old customer racecar? And what happens after the M3 GT2 is put out to pasture in a year or two? Will the Z4 take it’s place. And then what of a road going version? We can’t help but speculate.

And yes we ran long so no talk of the front wheel drive BMWs. Look for that in the next show.

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We’re back after a few weeks off with a full show on our favorite letter in the alphabet. We start off talking about the management changes at the BMW M with Dr Kay Segler going back to MINI (to bring some of his magic to another M brand) while his replacement steps in. We break-down what may have led to the change and what to look for out of the new guy at the top.

Then we move onto product. First up is the M5. Yes it’s just a concept but we all know that it’s 99% what we’ll see on dealer floors later this year. Then we move into the M3 lightweight at those gorgeous seats. We give our guesses on weight savings and then move onto to the 1M MotoGP car. Is it a 1M CSL? Perhaps. But more probable than that we could be seeing the first glimpses of BMW Performance M parts for the 1M.

Then we talk about Mfest and what to expect. Held at the Nurburgring this June the Mfest will feature the debut of the M3 lightweight along with another surprise or two.

Finally we take a look at the new F13 6 Series Coupe which just debuted digitally a couple weeks back.

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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.

We them move onto the M3 Performance exhaust and it’s glorious sound. A sound incredible enough to make Michael drive with windows down in 15 F degree weather.

Then there’s the next generation M5. Will it have an auto, DCT or even a manual. We weigh in with our thoughts in each and why an auto (a different kind of auto mind you) may not be a bad option.

And what about this rumor of the N54 going away? It’s true and we break down what to expect for the IS cars that still have it. Part and parcel to that is BMW Performance’s new tuned N55. This is the first time BMW has tuned a car with Valvetronic so it’ll be interesting to compare it to the previous offering from Performance.

Finally I wrap-up my recent trip to Munich with talk about the BMW Museum and the incredible Art Car collection that is currently on display. In short, it’s a must see.

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We’re back from a small break to talk about seemingly everything BMW. We start off with the M3 and what we want to see out of a special M3. We’re talking special here folks – not software and wheels. We want something we can’t get elsewhere. Hit the comment section below to give us (and in turn BMW) your thoughts as well.

We then tackle 1M production numbers and engine changes. Yes there will be engine changes. And final US numbers? They’re evolving but we give you a few bits of info which we can’t and won’t print (yet).

Moving on the M5 using an automatic. Looks like it’s not a done deal yet but the writing is on the wall – DCT may not be the transmission of choice as many of us had expected.

Michael and I then go through the BMW news from the past few weeks ranging from F20 1 Series updates to the F30 3 Series news. And the latter is where we spend the most time talking about weight, engines and overall position of the new car.

And what’s this about Infiniti and Acura? We also spend some time breaking down how those cars position themselves in the marketplace against BMW and even Audi (hint – they blow Audi away).

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It’s a special BimmerCast in that we have two guests on the show. Frequent contributor and BF photographer Matt Adams is on the show along with MotoringFile editor Nathaniel Salzman.

Why? For starters Michael had previous olbigations. But beyond that we wanted to get some opinions on the most devisive topic we’ve had in BF in quite some time: auto vs manual. Have an opinion as well? Share them in the comment section. It’s certainly no less valid than ours!

We also spend some time on 1M options and argue debate BMW’s intentions with option grouping.

Finally we do a little day-dreaming about the potential M3 wagon that is rumored as a potential model in the next year.

Show notes: Yes I’m sick. Sorry about that!

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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.

Of course we have some 1M discussion. This time it’s around the real-world weight figures we had on the site. Next up is the M5 which we got a glimpse of last week as it was being loaded onto a cargo plane (destined for some exotic testing location surely).

Finally sunroofs. We’re not fans (on coupes at least) as they add weight, complexity and rattles. Our advice if you love the sun? Go with one of BMW’s excellent convertibles. But we want to hear your thoughts.

(Due to connection issues this episode of the BimmerCast has poor audio quality – you’ve been warned) We’re back from NAIAS and ready to recap what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard. But first BMw has a new four cylinder and it’s destined for the US market. Yes this is the engine that is meant to kill the last naturally aspirated inline six with more power and better efficiency. We break down what it is, when we’ll see it and how it stacks up against the competition.

Then there’s NAIAS 2011. Yes there was a BMW stand outside of the 1M. The new 6er and the 1 Series coupe and convertible were in attendance and looks great. The 6er in particularly was gorgeous in person (if you could get the Chinese automotive engineers away from it).

We then move to Alpina and it’s future in the US. Yes there is a future but it’s hard to do anything more than speculate about B3s, B5s and even D3s on US roads.

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