Sections: //M3\\ Aug 27th, 2008 19 Comments 
Car magazine is reporting that BMW has shelved plans for the M3 CSL. It’s not surprising given the constraints put on the company by the dollar and the general worldwide economy. Still it’s an unfortunate in that BMW has decided to put money towards an M version of the X6 and X5 rather than stick to their roots with traditional M type vehicles.
Sections: //M3\\, Review Aug 12th, 2008 8 Comments 
To many BMW enthusiasts the words “convertible M3″ are a dichotomy. The popular belief among most enthusiasts is that a car like an M3 should be a focused device meant for precision on and off the track. It’s a tool that shouldn’t be inherently compromised by, say, cutting off a huge structural component like the roof. All this has made the convertible M3 traditionally a little bit of a poseur car in the minds of some automotive enthusiasts. And it doesn’t help that you’re more likely to see one parked out in front of a Starbucks rather than a track.
The problem with convertibles is really quite straightforward and it has less to do with perception and more to do with physics. While the normal M3 coupe is the last word in structural rigidity, the convertible version has a few major issues to overcome in that area. For starters the roof (typically a major structural component) has been eliminated. Never mind that BMW has fitted a smart (and relatively attractive) retractible aluminum hardtop to the new M3, the structural rigidity that was once there has been almost literally cut in half. continued →
Sections: //M3\\, //M5\\, //M6\\, //M\\ Jul 29th, 2008 5 Comments BMW M GmbH will be introducing some changes for the year 2009. All 2009 ///M cars will feature the new iDrive system. The information and photos are for EU models.
Most notably will be the change of the rear on the ///M3 sedan. There are new lights, a new rear bumper and trunk lid. On the interior there are new vent grills, modification to trim pieces and doors.
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Sections: //M3\\, Motorsport, Video Jul 23rd, 2008 No Comments The new ///M3 is off the rack and finally out on the track for 2009!
How can we get some lap time in this well engineered machine?
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Sections: //M3\\, Video Jul 14th, 2008 3 Comments Sections: //M3\\, E81/82/E87 1 Series, E90 3 Series, Official News Jul 6th, 2008 28 Comments 
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”).
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Sections: //M3\\, Review Jul 1st, 2008 16 Comments 
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. continued →
Sections: //M3\\, Motorsport Jun 30th, 2008 8 Comments Including a sneak peak at one of our upcoming reviews…
Sections: //M3\\, EfficientDynamics, Video Jun 26th, 2008 11 Comments 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!
Sections: //M3\\, E60 5 Series, E63/E64 6 Series, E90 3 Series, Official News Jun 16th, 2008 8 Comments 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
Colors, Trims & Upholstery
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Sections: //M3\\, E81/82/E87 1 Series, E90 3 Series, Video Jun 3rd, 2008 9 Comments This is a video follow-up to the excellent test Edmund’s Inside Line ran last month. Highly recommended - especially for M3 and 1 Series fans.
Sections: //M3\\ May 19th, 2008 3 Comments 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!
Photo from M3Post via BimmerPost
Copyright © 2002-2007 Gabriel Bridger
