First it was Jeremey Clarkson calling it the most fun car of the year. Then we followed officially naming it the BimmerFile’s BMW of the year. Now another third of Top Gear has chimed in and given it top honors for 2011. Richard Hammond has named the 1M is own 2011 car of the year. Here’s an excerpt:

Visually, it tells you straightaway that while it might be still right now, what it wants to do more than anything is bounce up and down like a mad thing, crap on the rug and tear off with the TV remote in its teeth. Comparisons are made with the original BMW M3 every time this car is talked about, and with good reason. The M3, when it popped up in 1987, was adored for its track-derived focus, razor-sharp performance and fizzing, raucous energy.

That, though, was a car built for homologation reasons: BMW wanted to race and had to build a number of road-going versions to qualify. The new 1M Coupe has been built simply because BMW felt there was a market for a modern car with all of those attributes. It could have been a cynical marketing exercise, another example of men in suits telling us what we want. Except they’re exactly right – we want it.

Sounds right to us.

Source: Top gear

Don’t worry. We won’t ruin it for you like other sites out there. But we do want to advise our readers that you should pick up a copy of the latest edition of EVO. Not only is it the annual ECOTY issue (EVO Car of the Year) but it also features the a couple of M cars prominently. And if you’ve been following EVO this year then you’ll know that the M5 and 1M are held in very high regard but what many proclaim as the best automotive magazine on the planet.

So go grab one at your local news-stand. Or better yet buy the iPad version for much cheaper.

However first you’ll want to go check out the 1M and M5 videos on EVO before you get the mag though. They are brilliant and give you some glimpse into where they ultimately end up in the voting.

Chris Harris attended the same event M5 in Spain as us and he came away with some similar opinions (no surprise there as the car is sublime). He just posted his video diary on “evo” regarding his time in the all new M5. In this video he sets out to answer these five questions:

• Has it got any range?
• Has it got torque?
• Can you not rev the tits off it and still go quite quickly?
• Does its gearbox want to break your neck everytime you change gears quickly?
• Can an M5 really be turbocharged?

BMW is said to be developing a new brand of electric cars exclusive to China, giving into pressure from the Chinese authorities. “It will be a purely Chinese brand. It will have no connection with the BMW brand,” board member Friedrich Eichiner told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. He further stated that there would be a risk of brand dilution if the BMW moniker was utilized for the proposed vehicle.

Reportedly, BMW has been under pressure from the Chinese authorities to create a new brand for the Chinese market. All Western manufacturers have been told by that they must develop models and more specifically, new brands, for the Chinese market in order to be allowed to build new factories in the country. A primary condition of creating these new brands is that the foreign companies cooperate with a Chinese company.

BMW will work with its Chinese partner Brilliance to create a brand for building “New Energy Vehicles,” which are named in China’s latest five year plan as a strategic industry.

It is still unknown how many electric cars BMW will manufacture with Brilliance or the name of the new formed brand, what is certain is that BMW will not be using or sharing the BMWi technologies with the Chinese. BMW does not want to share too much of its intellectual property with other companies, especially in China, known for its knock-offs and copying.

Source:Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Auto News Question: “In the overall luxury market, do you see movement toward more fuel-efficient vehicles? Do you see buyers dropping down in segments: 7 series to 5 series, 5 series to 3 series?

O’Donnell Answer: “Yes, the 2014 and 2015 period with the front-drive cars. But what I do see happening is that the premium segment will expand. At the New York auto show, Mercedes-Benz was showing the A class. We will be expanding into new niches. The consumer will be spoiled for choice.”

Was he talking about BMW in general coming to market with FWD cars or more specifically to the US? In the remainder of the interview he discusses only the US market so it can be taken from this interview that the FWD model will indeed be coming to the US. This is a new revelation to us here at BF and seems to go against what others sources have been insinuating for a good deal of time. One way or another MINI will have some new competition and will not be the only FWD car that can handle on the black anymore.

We all know that the end of the naturally aspirated engine is history due to future emission regulations but what is the future? According to the WSJ it is at least for the short term, European luxury brands bringing some frugal powerplants that have been missing from US offerings. Audi and Mercedes Benz plan on offering more diesels, even in their flagship models the A8 and S Class. These diesels will boost each sedans fuel economy significantly and begs the question, Why has it taken so long? While BMW currently offers a diesel in two models, the 3 Series and X5, it is not the most efficient offering in the arsenal and unfortunately there are no additional diesels being announced at this time. BMW already leads in terms of efficiency within the luxury segment and the article noted above did not mention while the other Europeans are bringing new diesels, BMW recently introduced a turbo four cylinder that has equally impressive efficiency and will be gasoline fueled. What it all boils down to is that gas prices will continue to rise and as a society we will try and use less but not sacrifice performance so technology will reign supreme. BMW’s next chapter in electric mobility will also be out in the real world this summer in the form of the Active E, an electric 1 Series.

Brilliance Automotive, BMW’s Chinese partner has recently unveiled an all new mid-sized car but its name is not so new- the 530. The Brilliance 530 will debut in 2012 and will feature a four cylinder with a minuscule 136hp output- not competition for a real 530i. We find this idea utterly amusing, BMW’s own partner is now using the German’s naming convention…

BMW and Brilliance also recently unveiled a plugin hybrid 5 Series designed for the expansive Chinese market.

Photo:ChinaAutoWeb

Our readers have commented over the years that BMW should have brought a 5 Series diesel to market when they re-introduced oil burners to the US.

The model that everyone has been clamoring for is the 535d and The Diesel Driver went to Europe to drive just that model.

It comes as no surprise to us that the editor drooled over the 535d’s balance of luxury, power and efficiency. We wouldn’t expect anything different from a turbo diesel powered BMW.

“On our 528 km (328 mile) drive from Munich to Bratislava to Vienna and back to Munich, the 535d delivered excellent real-world fuel economy, using only 7.1 l/100 km (34 mpg) at an average speed of 111 km/h (68.9 mph).”

For the full review head over to The Diesel Driver.

In a surprise move, BMW M’s head of R&D, Albert Biermann told AutoCar a bit about future M offerings.

“Turbocharging provides more power and performance but with better fuel economy and emissions,” says Albert Biermann, BMW M’s head of R&D. The V8 is the same ‘S63’ unit used in the X5 M and X6 M, but with revised induction and exhausts for sharper throttle response and a more solid top end. Biermann also stated, “There will be some all-wheel-drive surprises on M cars in the future.”

Many have concluded that his comment about M going 4 wheeling was directed at only the ///M5, which is set to make its public debut in a few weeks at Sahnghai but we take that to mean that M is looking into offering more models (outside just the X5 and X6) in all wheel drive. The M5 being offered in all wheel drive is no surprise as many of the early spy videos showed the car getting power on the tarmac a little too even to be rear wheel drive. When Alpina created an xDrive version of their flagship B7 the writing was on the wall that M would likely follow suit. If you read between the lines this may also indicate that to the chagrin of many enthusiasts the X3 may be offered in an M version as well as the the next 3 series. These two platforms are intertwined and dollars spent on one can easily translate to the other for the most part so it just makes sense to build one thinking about the other.

The fact is that the “snow belt” accounts for much of BMWs sales figures and many in that region prefer all wheel drive (thanks to other brands spending marketing dollars to push AWD) so BMW and M needs to heed to the buyers wishes. BMW has been selling more xDrive vehicles over the past few years, actually selling more AWD than even Audi. Does this mean that BMW M has gone from naturally aspirated and rear wheel drive to boosted AWD overnight? We doubt it, as the main reason for going to turbos was for emissions/efficiency reasons. Adding AWD always kills efficiency so unless M has designed a system that is only active at the push of a button (engagement driver selectable), or intelligent enough to not add much weight or drag how are they going to get the MPG numbers where they want in an AWD vehicle?

Source: Autocar

It is about a year away from when the F-code 3 Series sedan hits the market and the speculation as to its looks has begun in full force. This time with Car and Driver taking their stab at it.

The F30 3 Series will build on BMW’s Efficient Dynamics program through the use of increasingly efficient engines, thanks to a full tilt technology overhaul. Gone will be the naturally aspirate powerplants, replaced by turbo offerings in both four and six cylinder varieties.

Rumors of increased use of lightweight materials continues but what is definite is that BMW has used the Munich wind tunnel to get the most efficient air movement and lowest drag coefficient they could to squeeze out the MPGs. Spy photos have been limited as this car is being heavily tested in BMWs new indoor environmental lab. The new lab allows the engineers to recreate any climate deluge they want at the press of a few buttons. That sure beats the heat of a desert!

Stay tuned for more news on the 2013 3er.

Source: Car and Driver

But then not recognising the M5 for what it was quickly became part of the mystique. Essentially it was a Q-car, an ordinary-looking executive saloon powered by an extraordinary, race-derived engine. As the first true supersaloon, it sparked a power struggle that has lasted a quarter of a century and seen four generations take the fight to the opposition it created. Next year, the most powerful and advanced M5 yet looks set to push the bar higher still. For now, though, let’s rewind to the M5’s 25th birthday bash late last year. Based at the M division’s long-established Nürburgring test centre a five-minute walk from the Ring pit lane, it provided the perfect opportunity to chart the evolution of a modern motoring icon. Four generations of M5 are lined up in the pale autumnal sun. The Green Hell beckons.

But while the E60 is the fastest and most impressive M5, it isn’t the most likeable. It lacks the easygoing simplicity of the E28 and E34 and the perfectly blended attributes of the one I’d want to drive home from the Ring…

Click on over to EVO for the entire piece.

As we have been reporting, BMW has green lighted the Vision Efficient Dynamics car which made its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. There is a road worthy prototype being tweaked and tested as you read this. It features the promised three cylinder diesel and two electric motor system as originally promised. This is cutting edge technology packaged in radically styled vehicle.

The slippery exterior features BMWs new and much talked about “air curtains” to decrease turbulence and drag but the real conversation piece is the aforementioned propulsion system which is capable of exerting 328 horses, has a 31 mile electric only range, an estimated fuel economy of around 63 mpg and a total range of 435 miles. BMW states it is as fast as the recently departed M6.

BMW has set 2013 as its goal for the VEDs launch, which happens to be the same time frame as BMWs all electric city car (iSetta) and after the Olympics in London which BMW happens to be the mobility partner for. While pricing is still a long ways out, but according to Bloomberg, BMW indicated that the Vision EfficientDynamics will be priced below Rolls Royce models and higher than all current BMWs. So expect it to fall between the $150,00 760Li and the $245,000 Rolls Royce Ghost, that would be right around $200K in our book.

We love the idea of a supercar that is fuel efficient and spews 30% less junk in the air than its conventional petrol powered competition but is the price tag worth it? This car will not be the fastest or even the most attractive so will its “greeness” be enough to get the ultra wealthy to dip into their gold toilet fund and buy a car instead? People have said BMW needs a halo vehicle and they are now going to build one, the question is whether the badge on the hood will be viewed as exotic enough to get people that badge shop to buy one. Maybe BMW launches a new brand on the wings of the VED, but when there is a $30k car with the same badge as a $200k car people may just wince.

Source: Bloomberg

According to Autocar, there will be two new FWD 1-Series variants. The first will be a 5-door hatchback followed by a GT like version. The new FWD 1-Series will have a larger cabin thanks to more upright A-pillars and windshield.

The FWD variants will be built on a modified version of the MINI Countryman platform and are to hit showrooms (in Europe) in September 2013.

Internally known as the UKL (acronym for Unter Klasse), the two FWD models will be accompanied by 4 rear wheel drive 1-Series versions which may be renamed 2 Series (at least in coupe form). RWD versions will include 3 & 5-door hatches along with a coupe and cabriolet.

FWD models will be powered by the much rumored with 1.5 liter, 3-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Codenamed the N37 and N38, respectively, the engines are halfed versions of BMW’s current 3.0 liter offerings and will feature all of the current Efficient Dynamics tricks as well as some we have yet to see.

The Bayern Police have apprehended and arrested a BMW AG employee and employee of a supplier on suspicion of stealing seats and associated parts worth in excess of $4 million from production lines. They allegedly faked production orders and took these excess items out of the factory to be sold on the internet. BMW has yet to formally comment on the matter as the investigation is on-going but one questions how tight of a ship BMW is running if that many seats were taken. There may be more arrest made over the coming weeks as more than 15 people are alleged to be part of the pilfering ring.

A loss of $4 million is nothing to sneeze at. Though not the typical news we like to discuss here but interesting none the less, compliments of Bloomberg. Thanks Glenn for the tip!

Martha Stewart, well known for her domestic skills and jail time for insider trading, recently spent some quality time in Spartanburg with the BMW X3.

She was there to film a behind the scenes of the X3 production for an upcoming episode of her show on The Hallmark Channel. She also tested the X3 at the BMW Performance Center.

Will this spot be like the fantastic National Geographic episode several years back or is just another way to show us enthusiasts that we are few and far between and the masses like their vehicles like a puff pastry and donned with bows?

We have a feeling it will be more along the lines of the latter. Since we do not make it a habit and will not go out of our way to watch Martha, we doubt we will ever find out. If someone out there happens to watch that episode- please let us know how it turned out.

Source: GoUpState

Our friends over at Autoblog were part of a small faction of the media that had the honor of driving a pristine example of the original ///M5. If you are a fan of classic BMWs or stand by the belief that the feel of the drive is something only 20 year old BMWs have you should definitely click the above link and read the review in its entirety. We are a bit partial to the E28 here at BF and hold it on a pedestal of sorts, so the reviewers opinion came no surprise to us.

To wet the palate here is a small excerpt:

Twenty-three years after it left the factory floor, I’m sitting behind the wheel of a 1988 BMW M5 cruising up Pacific Coast Highway. Unlike most cars with two decades under their floor pan (and the mileage to accompany it), this particular example is in pristine condition having just over 12,000 miles on its odometer. Owned by BMW Classic, the division tasked with restoring and maintaining historic BMW vehicles, and on loan to BMW’s press fleet, we’ve been handed the keys of this museum piece to partake in a caravan heading up the coast from Santa Monica to Monterey. Full disclosure insists that I admit to having a serious soft spot for the E28 and the M5 in particular, so bear with me. As a teenager, my father had a 1984 E28 533i with a five-speed manual transmission. I learned how to drive stick shift on that car – and I took it to more than a few high school formals. The 533i was quick (181 horsepower), but it was no M5. When the M5 debuted, the posters went up on my wall, but I never had the chance to sit behind the wheel or take one for a spin. Until now… Inserted into the door slot, a twist of the M5′s illuminated key activates all four of the loud servo-driven door locks. The driver door opens smoothly, and I settle my six-foot two-inch frame into the front seat. Immediately, I am overwhelmed by the smell – older BMW’s have a very characteristic rustic leathery odor. It’s not offensive, but it brings back a flood of old memories that catch me off guard. I like it already.

Photo: Autoblog

Reportedly the redesigned 9-3 set to debut in 2012 will be the first SAAB to be powered by BMW. The motor more than likely will be a yet to be released 4 cylinder turbo as BMW has said in the past they would refrain from selling their 6 cylinders to other mainstream manufacturers.

The deal is rumored to be announced in Trollhaettan, Sweden, on Sept. 29, before the Paris Motor Show.

In addition to the deal for BMW engines, Spyker (Saab’s parent company) has openly announced that they continue to negotiate terms with BMW for use of the MINI Countryman platform. The MINI platform would become the basis of the planned Saab 9-2, expected to launch in 2014.

Bloomberg Business has a fascinating glimpse into both the Megacity project and BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. And one of the things that first strikes you is the level of dedication for the Megacity project from Mr. Reithofer. Here’s an excerpt:

“I would have decided to produce the Megacity Vehicle even if, contrary to our expectations, it doesn’t make money in the first generation,” says Reithofer, who hasn’t been afraid to break with traditions such as adding front-wheel drive models to the BMW brand, exiting Formula 1 auto racing, and linking with rival Mercedes to save purchasing costs. “As a leader, you can either be an entrepreneur or an administrator. I see myself as an entrepreneur.”

In a way that tells you everything you need to know about Mr. Reithofer. He is ruthlessly dedicated to the future of the industry and making sure BMW remains independent. And with 47% ownership by the Quandt family it’s allowed BMW to have a long view of things and not be as obsessed by quarterly earnings as its rivals. Again here’s an excerpt from Bloomberg:

There are many contestants, of course, in the race to build an electric car. Later this year, Nissan Motor will introduce the battery-powered Leaf, and General Motors will launch the electric Chevrolet Volt, which extends its range with a gas generator. More of a threat to BMW is Daimler, which has a broader development pipeline. A battery-powered A-Class compact will debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month, adding to fuel-cell buses on the streets of Hamburg, electric-powered Vito vans in Stuttgart, and a test fleet of 1,500 battery-powered Smarts in places such as Berlin, Paris, Rome, and London. The view from Munich is that the rivals are pedestrian.

“Since we’re BMW, we don’t want to create just any old electric car,” says design chief van Hooydonk. “We want to deliver what people so far think is impossible: the combination of joy and zero emissions.”

Though the Mini E is popular and seems to carry some component of joy, the electric version of the car is nothing special technically. The rushed project pushed out in 2008 is a simple conversion, which placed more than 5,000 laptop batteries where the back seat is supposed to be.

Perhaps the most daring part of Reithofer’s plan for the Megacity is that he expects to make money with the car, despite the use of costly materials like lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber. The company has set up a $100 million factory near Seattle, together with partner SGL Group, to make the carbon fiber for the car’s passenger safety cell. The use of carbon fiber is key to BMW’s strategy for the Megacity, which will be big enough for four people and be marketed under a new BMW subbrand. Because the material is 50 percent lighter than steel, the carbon fiber will reduce the size and cost of the battery needed to move the car. Until now the automotive use of carbon fiber has been limited to Formula 1 race cars and other high-performance autos, where price isn’t an issue. But BMW insists it can mass-market carbon fiber components, which will be glued together to form the safety cell. In addition, BMW is preparing a new test vehicle—the ActiveE, a converted 1 Series coupe—which will have lithium-ion battery packs developed by BMW and its partners Samsung SDI and Robert Bosch, as well as new electric motors.

Some of it is a recap of what we all know as BimmerFile readers but put into context it’s an incredible story that, if successful, will be told for generations to come.

Source: Bloomberg Business

From advanced paint facilities and engine foundries that create zero waste water BMW’s pursuit of environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices is a decades old effort though not publicized enough. A recent CNBC piece on waste briefly mentions BMW’s use of landfill methane gas to provide power for their South Carolina manufacturing facilities. The facility was recently upgraded with new turbines to improve efficiency to combat green house gases even more.

hat tip Jalopnik

What can we say except for WOW! Gerald, aka “Alpine325ci” has the title as the resident photoshopper extraordinaire over with our friends at Bimmerpost and he deserves it, as the car looks great.

His render puts into a visual many of the specifics we have described in words, such as the mirrors taken directly from the M3 and the more aggressive side vent. He was able to show what we believe the full front air dam will eventually look like. There are a few things that don’t quite match up with what Gabe has described first hand. The side faring comes in earlier and there’s a bit more detail just in front of the rear wheel that isn’t seen here. Also, we expect the lights to be subtly tweaked and may feature some of the more recent changes BMW has made across the line with LEDs and DRL halos (possibly coming to all 1ers as a late update). And is the inclusion of a carbon fiber roof a bit too much for this entry level ///M car? As you likely read earlier this week our sources hint at yes but we will see soon enough. (more images after the break)