As enthusiasts we are elated that BMW and ///M are creating a product that should in theory get closer to our ideal driver’s car- the 1 ///M. Here at BimmerFile we love the concept of this work in progress. Both staff and readers have been following the progress and speculation of this much anticipated model almost with religious fervor. All of the information we have acquired from sources have painted a fairly decent picture of what this future model will bring in terms of performance and how it will be priced somewhere in the mid forty thousand dollar range for a base car.
The pricing makes us wonder a bit as to what demand such a vehicle would have. In the speculated price point there will be many similarly priced cars fulfilling the same needs. Some of these competitors will either be new or slightly used. That begs the question: What would you buy for $45k? The model years of the choices in the poll take into account that the 1 series ///M version will not appear stateside until after March of 2011 as a 2012 model year from what we are hearing.
Ok, so it is not a marketing campaign or even an advertisement. Simply it is an image that was taken during BMW’s victory at the 24hrs of the ‘Ring and edited with minimal post production, but it speaks volumes. BMW maintaining the lead with broken and distant Audi signage.
Some of the best marketing one can do is participating in events that people actually care about, well at least we do! Oh and it makes a nice desktop background.
Last week the BMW Group launched the 2011 North American model lineup with a grand evaluation experience. The list of vehicles launched is quite lengthy, so much so I hope I do not leave anyone out. Introduced as New for 2011 was the 535i/550i, Aplina B7, Active Hybrid 7, Z4sDrive35is, 335is, the ///M3 Competition Package, Rolls Royce Ghost (not for track- too expensive to wreck I would imagine) and MINI Countryman (for show only as it was an early prototype). Vehicles that were given the Life Cycle Impulse treatment or power train changes were the 1,3, X5 and MINIs. The evil brothers, the X5 ///M and X6 ///M, made their home on the track as well. Some vehicles were not invited to the festivities- the X3 and 6 Series were left off the list as both are being sent out to pasture for 2011 with their life cycles ending (crickets in the background).
While the list of vehicles is a bit overwhelming, and I still can’t get my head around all the cars I have to finish reviewing, it was a launch event for the ages. Don’t you worry about those reviews, they are coming soon- I have extensive notes written in codes that only make sense to me and voice memos. The event included track drives, street drives and model specific classes. The event really got me to thinking about who else would launch so many vehicles to the press at a single event that just happened to be at a racetrack? Who else but BMW would give journalists cars, a track and say go drive the way these cars were intended to be driven? I have been scratching my head on that one for the last few days. I have concluded that no other manufacturer would even care to or consider launching so many true passenger cars at a race track. That is what makes the BMW Group different and the underlying reason why we are so loyal- they (BMW) care about driving cars in an age when the majority of people are being driven by their cars.
This event not only launched a vast number of vehicles for a wide range of consumers but cemented the notion that the BMW Group is committed to cars with sporting intentions, and to enthusiasts like you and I. By offering up all of these cars to be driven on the track BMW/MINI essentially announced that they had nothing to hide, that even an executive sedan that cradles you in the lap of luxury can still hold its own on the track. This all keeps them honest and shows that the brand still is true to its values. Professional drivers and staff members from the BMW Performance Center were on hand to take you on a hot lap or provide you with some gentle advice (or some tough love) on how to improve your driving. I know I sound like I have drank one too many glasses of BMW flavored Kool-Aid (a mix of apple juice and sparkling water for those interested), but I am being honest here; shooting from the hip.
While this editorial has been in the works since late last year, I have refrained from publishing it until now- to better coincide with the official public unveiling of the the 2011 F10 BMW 5 Series.
BMW since the 1970’s has had separate classes of sedans based mainly on size and the level of luxury. This was even true through the late 80’s and 90’s when BMW was accused of producing “the same sausage at different lengths”. The 3 Series has always been the smaller sportier car with less luxury and available options while the flagship sedan was the posh 7 Series. The 7 exuded class and luxury. It was loaded with latest exclusive technologies and ultra premium materials while providing its clientele with copious quantities of space both in the passenger compartment and luggage area. The 5 Series has always been somewhere in the middle in terms of size, luxury and available technology.
Looking at the current 3 series (E90: 2005- current), the current 5 (E60: 2003- until this June), and the last generation 7 series (E65: 2002-2009) it is hard for most to discern the shared design language let alone shared components. Chris Bangle led the revolution to change the look of BMWs, “We were making sausages at different lengths and management at that time and especially Chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim and technical director Wolfgang Reitzle felt we needed to break away and chart a new course for the company and the brand,” Bangle said in David Kiley’s book Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World. Under his leadership (he did not pen the designs) each model had its own style and enough exclusive bits and pieces to make each standout as an individual. Engines, transmissions and other mechanicals were shared throughout the lineup but for the most part things went their separate ways, especially once you openned the doors and gazed at the interior.
This independently produced video (not officially endorsed by BMW in any capacity) sums up what we enthusiasts have known for quite some time. It is an honest, though comical (literally) comparison of BMW and other in-class brands.
Well worth the watch though it is sure to be pulled. Enjoy!
These new models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. The MSRP of the 740i is $71,025 and the long wheelbase 740Li will retail for $75,425 (prices Include $875 Destination and Handling charge). Both models will be available with the full complement of well-known 7 Series options and packages, including the M Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Seating Packages, Rear Entertainment Package, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package.
The introduction of the Z4 sDrive35iS embraces the “iS” tradition of BMWs of yesteryear with both enhanced performance and the addition of standard sport-oriented features.The base price of $61,050 includes the DCT transmission, Adaptive M Suspension, Enhanced Servotronic steering, M Sport Package equipment, 18” alloy wheels, Specially tuned exhaust sound, Exterior mirror caps in oxide silver, Special 35is-labeled interior items and an exclusive aerodynamic package. In addition to options already available for the Z4 the “iS” model will also make available exclusive options of M 19″ wheels ($1,200) and an Exclusive Ivory White Leather Pkg $1,650 (Anthracite Wood Trim Ivory White Nappa Leather).
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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.
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Sections: //1M\\, BF Poll, Opinion Jun 25th, 2010 24 Comments 
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