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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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\\, //X6 M\\, BimmerCast Sep 1st, 2011 9 Comments 
