Archive for February 2008

Official BMW Performance Parts Video

Sections: Accessories, E81/82/E87 1 Series, Video Feb 22nd, 2008 7 Comments

BMW ConnectedDrive Brings the World Wide Web to the Car Display in a BMW

Sections: Technology Feb 22nd, 2008 1 Comment

Sheer driving pleasure and the joy of surfing. BMW combines the thrill of mobility and unrestricted use of the internet. As the world’s first car maker, BMW allows unrestricted access to the World Wide Web in the car’s display.


Offering this outstanding innovation, BMW ConnectedDrive gives the driver and his passengers the option to surf the internet while travelling, calling up any random internet site either by entering the URL address through the iDrive control system or via a personalised list of favourites, and then presenting the website on the central display in the instrument panel.


continued →

5th Gear Compares the Cayman & the 135i

Sections: Video Feb 21st, 2008 10 Comments

Part 1

continued →

Vintage Find: 1979 BMW Alpina B6

Sections: E21 3 Series Feb 21st, 2008 1 Comment

Courtesy of Bring a Trailer we have another rare and limited edition BMW Alpina, this time for sale on Roadfly. This example also just happens to be signed by famous German racer and test driver Hans Stuck.

Read / Bring a Trailer

BMW Performance Debuts in Geneva

Sections: Accessories Feb 20th, 2008 10 Comments

Look for this new range of accessories to debut at the NYC Auto Show in April. And for what it’s worth, most of this has already been shown in several European shows without much fanfare.

BMW AG Press Release: The BMW driver with a particular passion for dynamic motoring and individual, sporting style now has new options to live out his or her personal preferences and enhance the performance of the car to an even higher level. Expanding the wide range of Original BMW Accessories, the new range of BMW Performance products comprises a number of components for an even greater and more exhilarating driving experience.

continued →

BMWUSA European Delivery: Part 1

Sections: European Delivery, Sales/Marketing Feb 19th, 2008 24 Comments

With just over 100 days since the opening of BMW Welt, or to us English speakers: BMW “World”, I thought it would be a good time to begin an on going series dedicated to the BMW European Delivery program.

Since opening on October 17th of 2007, BMW Welt has welcomed more than a half of a million visitors and 3500 cars have been delivered. Just over 700 hundred of these deliveries were customers from the US.

continued →

BimmerFile Review: M3

Sections: //M3\\, E90 3 Series, Review Feb 19th, 2008 19 Comments

The fourth generation BMW M3 is the largest, fattest M3 ever created. Yet it’s also the fastest and most tenacious while being entirely livable as a daily driver. In creating this new generation of M3, BMW has built a car that is as close to everything to everyone as anything on the market. Whether it be at the track, on the highway or making a coffee run, the M3 handles it all with ease. But can a car that is all things to all people be a true M3?

The moment I pushed the start button and laid eyes on the M menu in the iDrive I knew that this M3 would be dramatically different than all those that came before it. For better or worse, a different kind of technology is at play with this car. From M Dynamic mode, to the much celebrated M Differential Lock, BMW has given the new version of this iconic car the tools to help the typical M formula of performance reach new heights.

continued →

BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series, Review Feb 17th, 2008 54 Comments

Based on all the hype over the last few months, you’d expect the BMW 135i to be able to walk on water. European journalists have raved about the car and customers have already begun forming lines at dealerships here in the US. Praise flowing from computer keyboards around the world is enough to make almost any automotive enthusiast take notice.

Even BMW has gotten in the act trotting an early 70’s era 2002tii at every marketing opportunity they can. And why not, all the right ingredients are there; short overhangs, 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, 300hp all wrapped in small coupe packaging. It’s almost enough to forget about the one glaring issue - all 3373 lbs of it. That’s over 1000 lbs heavier than the 2002tii - the classic BMW that 1 Series coupe was clearly inspired by.

However I’ll let you in on a little secret, it simply doesn’t matter. Over some of the best roads northern California has to offer I found the 135i to be more enjoyable than the far more capable new M3 I drove the day before. I’d go so far as to call my time with the 135i manual one of the most memorable and rewarding driving experiences of my life.

continued →

Car & Driver Does 0-60 in 4.7 w/the 135i

Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series, In the Press Feb 16th, 2008 2 Comments

Based on my experience with the car, I knew the official 5.1 seconds number was going to be conservative. Now we have official proof of that.

135i First Test / Car & Driver

BMW 135i vs the MINI Clubman in Pictures

Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series, MINI Feb 16th, 2008 1 Comment

Want to see how a BMW 135i stacks up next to the new MINI Clubman? We’ve got the first photos in the world of the two side by side. Look for both reviews next Monday. One here on BF and the other on MotoringFile.

BMW Press Launch in Photos

Sections: //M3\\, E81/82/E87 1 Series, MINI Feb 16th, 2008 4 Comments

After a week of driving the new M3, 1 Series and MINI Clubman I’m finally back ready to start sharing my opinions on the cars. Look for the 1 Series review this Monday (if not just a little earlier) and the M3 review Tuesday. In the meantime, here’s the full collection of photos from the event.

continued →

BMW 1 Series Press Launch in Photos

Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series Feb 15th, 2008 12 Comments

Today was 1 Series day at the BMW/MINI press week out in Monterey. I had 300 plus miles on some of the most incredible roads in North American to examine the car that everyone is so eager to drive. It was, as you can imagine an absolute joy of the highest order. The 1 Series is simply… well I suppose I should save it for the review next Monday. Until then, here are some photos from the day.

continued →