We have obtained the September 2008 product marketing guide for the UK. In this guide it states a good deal of information about the upcoming release of option 609; BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system. This document also confirms that in addition to the newly designed 7 series the 1er and 3er will also feature the new system from September onwards.
Last week we mentioned many of these iDrive features from the experiences of those who had access to the system in testing, but now we can offer up the official information.
Over the past few days we have confirmed upcoming features from official BMW announcements originating outside of the US; first the DCT in the 3er coupe (BMW Australia) and now the new iDrive (BMW UK).
While this information does not definitely mean the US or other markets will be receiving these options we have been hearing from other sources to expect these options in the Fall. BMW would need a really good reason not to offer them to its largest market in the US especially with the upcoming mid cycle refresh/ LCI (Life Cycle Impulse/ “Facelift”).
For better or worse the BMW M3 has grown up. The Alpine White four door M3 we tested for a week could not illustrate this any better. From its (relatively) compliant ride to the 3726 lbs curb weight, the E90 four door M3 is a completely different animal from what came before it. Yet as a concept it has held true to its motorsports roots. The engine noise, the ability to configure your driving experience, its the little things that add up to the special feel only an M product can deliver.
We tested the E90 four door M3 in and around Chicago as well a couple long distance drives around the midwest to get a clearer picture of how the M3 has changed and ultimately if it lives up to the badge and the M brand. What we found is a car that defines the word sport sedan perhaps better than anything ever made while offering creature comforts that BMW owners have come to expect.
It is once again Friday so what a better way to kick off the weekend then showing a clip of the guys at Top Gear doing what they do best. Once you watch the clip and then do a double take we would love to hear your comments on hybrids in general, BMW will be releasing hybrids in the X6 and 7 series sometime next year so even BMW fans are not immune to the wrath of the hybrid!
You can now order 2009 MY BMWs in the US (except the Z4 & 7). There are changes in store for the 3,5, and 6 series cars in terms of wheel choices, colors and option packages. It is interesting that the E90 LCI is not formally mentioned, but that there are no listed changes for the E92/93. So it is safe to say that the LCI is coming or these listed changes would be across the 3 series and not just for the E90!
On another note: Nowhere is the 335d mentioned… a bit perplexing or the rumors that the launch will be in December are true. The ordering guides should further clarify.
Update: This image was tipped to us and was hosted on E90Post.com, we do not know where it originated but is apparently the final design of the rear LED lights and new wheels.
3 Series sedan and Sport Wagon SOP 09.08
Standard Equipment
New 328i/xi 16″ light alloy multi-spoke wheels
New 335i/xi 17″ light alloy Double spoke wheels
Colors, Trims & Upholstery
Space Gray Metallic replace Sparkling Graphite
Tasman Green Metallic replaces Deep Green
Blue Water Metallic replaces Arctic
New Fine line Aluminum trim replaces current aluminum
Light Burl Walnut replaces Light Poplar trim
New Oyster Dakota leather and Saddle Brown Dakota are available
As we had originally stated the //M3 sedan will be getting an update along with the rest of the E90 sedans. The front fascia will remain the same as it already has the //M specific aerodynamics and aggressive look. This spy shot from our friends at BimmerPost shows that the rear will see the new notched CELIS LED lighting more along the lines of the X6. The interior tweaks are still being hid very well for all the E90s (aside from the iDrive) as the spies have not yet released photos of them.
Space Grey appears to be a new option for the sedan. The coupe version has been wearing that since its inception; so it is nice of the coupe to finally share its paint with its four-door sibling because it is such a great color!
This means there are going to be some really angry owners of the pre-LCI E90 //M3, the car is getting a new look six months after the intro, especially if they paid a premium!
Another solid article by the folks at Edmunds. Instead of focusing on trying to find a competitor to the 135i they simply matched it up with it’s big brother the 335i and the previous generation M3. All cars I might add that are on my 2009 shopping list. Here’s an excerpt:
Considered by most editors to be the best-of-both-worlds compromise between the larger 335i and the harsher M3, the 135i is the perfect package in many ways. On the tightest, twistiest roads, the 135i is unquestionably the car to have. Offering the perfect combination of nimbleness, suspension compliance and tractable power delivery, it is easily the most rapid car over mountain roads.
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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.