We got a chance to sit down with the head of the M Division hours before the unveiling of the 1M yesterday to talk about a number of topics. Yes the 1M was a big part of the discussion but we also touched on a number of topics:
The death of manual transmissions
The concept behind the 1M
The 1M being the spiritual successor to the E30 M3
The importance of feel
Why the engine doesn’t define the 1M as it does in all other M cars
And a ton more. Definitely one of the best we’ve done to date.
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You want to feel like you were there? Here’s the full 15 minute video of the 1M’s introduction at the BMWCCA Oktoberfest. It’s got everything from a (very) close look at the car to crowd reaction to Dr. Segler’s entire introduction speech (which you will find no where else). Enjoy.
BMW has a long history of supporting the BMW CCA (car club of America) and this year they are doing so with a bevy of historic race cars at the Club’s largest meet. Octoberfest (held this year at the famed Road American in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin) will host four of the more well known BMW race cars of the past 30 years (PDF factsheet in parenthesis):
Our favorite public source of inside information Scott26 (or Herr26 depending on the site) is back with more on the expansion of the X line-up. We’ve heard lots about the proposed X4 coupé. Now we get to hear some of the back story and further rumors of the X335is and an X3M. Yes the X3M. Here’s the report (originally posted by Scott26 on Bimmerpost):
When X5 was introduced in 1999 We went straight to the top of the segment by offering the more car-like Sport Activity Vehicle. Customers appreciated that it’s core BMW attributes were enhanced and kept intact by the introduction of the X5.
When we introduced X3 in 2003 We created a new segment for a premium medium class Sport Activity Vehicle. A car that sits below 700,000 units sold since introduction, and about to be replaced by the second generation X3.
BMWs M Division is continuing to pump out the products. Obviously there are the cars but over the last few years accessories and M branded options have spread across the BMW range. Now M is branding those options as the M Performance range for both “series cars” (standard BMWs) and M products. That means M will be selling performance accessories to further enhance their own cars like the M3 (not just interior trim and pedals).
The M Performance range for the BMW M3.
The first of these new accessories were released earlier this year with the carbon fiber rear spoiler and front-apron flaps that both added extra downforce to the M3. Also available starting last spring are the 19″ Competition wheels that come on the Competition package as well. However as we can now see this is just the start of the range.
Released this fall is the M Performance sports silencer that’s meant to further enhance the V8 engine sound. The extremely heat-resistant sports silencer, which is 40 percent lighter than the regular series production component, consists of a chromium-nickel material developed for motor racing. The characteristic M double tailpipes are made of titanium.
The newly conceived product range will ultimately be comprised of retrofittable components for the drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit. Look for further announcements regarding M Performance soon.
Ever wonder which stock BMW M car has the fastest time around the ‘Ring? Wonder no more. Taken from the German auto publication Sport Auto, here are the fastest to the slowest as recorded by their famous test driver Horst von Saurma (M cars in bold).
7:50 BMW M3 CSL
7:50 BMW X5 E53 LM (M70 S70B56 engine from a V12 LMR w/700 bhp)
8:05 BMW M3 E92
8:07 BMW Z8 E52 (also listed at a more believable 8:18)
8:09 BMW M6 E63
8:10 BMW Alpina B6 S E63
8:13 BMW M5 E60
8:14 BMW Alpina B3 Biturbo Coupé E92
8:22 BMW M3 E46
8:22 BMW M Coupe E36/8
8:24 BMW X6 M E71
8:26 BMW 335i E92 Coupe
8:28 BMW M5 E39
8:32 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe E86
8:32 BMW Z4 3.0i Coupe E86
8:32 BMW Z3 M Roadster E36/8
8:34 BMW Z3 3.0i E36/8
8:35 BMW M3 E36
8:35 MINI John Cooper Works R56
8:39 BMW 135i Coupe E82 (hard to believe but this is from Sport Auto)
With the press introduction of the M3 GTS the fine folks at M have released a series of clips demonstrating the car’s abilities, a few sound bites from the GTS project manager and a look back at the last 25 years of the M3. However instead of making you wade through them all we’ve edited each together to create something of a cohesive video. Enjoy.
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\\, //M5\\, //M6\\, //M\\, BimmerCast Aug 28th, 2010 7 Comments 
