Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[There's no substitution for BMW's E30 Mmmmm3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/theres-no-substitution-for-bmws-e30-mmmmm3/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/theres-no-substitution-for-bmws-e30-mmmmm3/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/theres-no-substitution-for-bmws-e30-mmmmm3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



If you told someone that you had a friend with a four-cylinder BMW who "would let me wash the car," and in exchange for the privilege then let you drive that clean BMW once around the block, your first question would probably be "What kind of BMW is this?" There's a chance you wouldn't be surprised once you found out the coupe in question was the E30 M3, a car our own Zach Bowman dubbed the "Mmmmm3."

Petrolicious talks to Gabor Mester about the car he fell in love with, a black version of the original "Munich mauler" that was owned by the parents of a high-school friend - oh, and Mester was also in high school when this washing and driving took place. When the original owners were ready to sell, Mestor was ready to buy, and he hasn't had a single regret about it since.

You can enjoy his story in his words in the video below.

Continue reading There's no substitution for BMW's E30 Mmmmm3

There's no substitution for BMW's E30 Mmmmm3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3e30 m3gabor mesterpetroliciousvideoMon, 17 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20619992/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/theres-no-substitution-for-bmws-e30-mmmmm3/20619992/article-detail.xml 20619992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/m3-petrolicious_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/m3-petrolicious.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M3 gets the video retrospective treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-gets-the-video-retrospective-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-gets-the-video-retrospective-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-gets-the-video-retrospective-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW E30 M3 parked in garage - front view - video screencap

With BMW on the cusp of pulling back the sheets on its next-generation M3 (or should we say, M4?), the crew from Electric Federal has taken it upon themselves to give us a generation-by-generation look at the evolution of the most renowned of BMW's sports coupes. The video below features plenty of beautiful shots of each generation of M3, starting with the ever lust-worthy E30 before finishing up with the current iteration. BWS Motorsport's Mark Norris provides the narration, complete with a brief synopsis of what makes each generation so special.

As usual, the clip is fit for big-screen viewing. You can watch the action below for yourself. Meanwhile, we'll be busy figuring out which vital organs we can sell to get our hands on our own E30 M3.

Continue reading BMW M3 gets the video retrospective treatment

BMW M3 gets the video retrospective treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 3 seriesbmw m3m3retrospectivevideoMon, 10 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605745/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-gets-the-video-retrospective-treatment/20605745/article-detail.xml 20605745 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-m3-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-m3-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M3 driving off cliff is a chilling PSA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-driving-off-cliff-is-a-chilling-psa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-driving-off-cliff-is-a-chilling-psa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-driving-off-cliff-is-a-chilling-psa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW E46 M3 about to go over a cliff - video screencap

We're a little shocked that the unnamed owner of this cliff-diving E46 BMW M3 would upload the in-car footage of his accident to YouTube. Not only that, he uploaded two videos: raw footage of his roll down the cliff (it looks like somewhere in the Southwest, maybe Arizona) and a tribute video for his BMW that suffered the most severe consequences of understeer. Not only does uploading the videos leave him wide open for judgment by fellow enthusiasts (just read the YouTube comments), but we imagine if the police and his insurance company somehow don't know about the incident already, they will shortly. Scroll below to view for yourself.

The raw footage shows the sort of driving that led to the M3's violent tumble, and it serves as a good public service announcement reminder for everyone out there: Just like the Spengler's streams, double yellow lines aren't meant to be crossed. Also, hard driving is one thing, but hammering on public roads at speeds clearly above your skill levels as a driver is not only a recipe for legal trouble, it's a script for ruining your car at the very least, if not your life.

Continue reading BMW M3 driving off cliff is a chilling PSA

BMW M3 driving off cliff is a chilling PSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 drive off cliffbmw m3 falls off cliff whilebmw m3 goes off cliffbmwm3driveoffcliffbmwm3fallsoffcliffwhilebmwm3goesoffcliffdriving faile46 bmwfailm3 cliff rollvideoMon, 10 Jun 2013 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20606062/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/bmw-m3-driving-off-cliff-is-a-chilling-psa/20606062/article-detail.xml 20606062 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-m3-cliff-roll_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bmw-m3-cliff-roll.jpg <![CDATA[Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DTM Champion Faceoff Video

BMW recently had a little fun with two of the company's past DTM champions. Roberto Ravaglia and Bruno Spengler, winners of the 1989 and 2012 championships, respectively, both showed up at the world-famous Hockenheimring with their title-winning cars. The two swapped seats, with Ravaglia taking the helm of Spengler's BMW M3 DTM racer and Spengler sliding behind the wheel of Ravaglia's first-generation M3 racer in the classic BMW Bank livery, and headed for the track. Spengler got a 23 second head start in the first-gen M3 with Ravaglia chasing behind.

It didn't take long for the older hotshoe to sort out his new ride and close the gap. The short clip below follows the two as they make their way around the circuit, but the really interesting portion comes when the pair begin discussing what they like and don't like about each other's machines. You can check out the full video below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head

Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bruno spenglerdtmdtm champions videoraceroberto ravagliavideoMon, 06 May 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/20558410/article-detail.xml 20558410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dtm-champ-faceoff-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dtm-champ-faceoff-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW says current M3 sold out, no new AWD M models planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/bmw-says-current-m3-sold-out-no-new-awd-m-models-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/bmw-says-current-m3-sold-out-no-new-awd-m-models-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/bmw-says-current-m3-sold-out-no-new-awd-m-models-planned/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Car and Driver asked the head of BMW M, Friedrich Nitschke, a few questions about what the go-fast division had in mind for the future, and was rewarded with some enlightening answers. The best news to purist ears is that Nitschke said customers don't want all-wheel drive on their M cars, so it's the rear wheels alone that will propel new product into the future. If you want both an M badge and four driven wheels, it's the X5 M, X6 M and M Performance models you're looking for in the catalog.

"Mixed bag" is the phrase you're looking for regarding the other answers. Nitschke said that future M engines "at the core of their architecture" would "be closer to BMW AG engines" that are optimized for M cars, instead of following in the line of unique marvels like the V10 and naturally aspirated V8. They will keep the high redlines, however, with Nitschke saying "there is room beyond" the 7,000 rpm mark in BMW's current V8 turbos.

Managing weight will keep the same priority for M that it is for every other brand, so electrically assisted power steering is coming, as is an "unconventional" materials mix. At the smaller end of the M scale, Nitschke described three-cylinder engines as "attractive," saying that the brand can produce more than 310 horsepower from a three-pot.

As for the current M3, it's all gone. Nitschke said the company has about six more months of coupe and convertible production, but the units to come already have customers "on principle."

BMW says current M3 sold out, no new AWD M models planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw m3friedrich nitschkeMon, 06 May 2013 08:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558342/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/bmw-says-current-m3-sold-out-no-new-awd-m-models-planned/20558342/article-detail.xml 20558342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-m-future-details_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-m-future-details.jpg <![CDATA[BMW may be planning AMG Black Series competitors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/bmw-may-be-planning-amg-black-series-competitors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/bmw-may-be-planning-amg-black-series-competitors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/01/bmw-may-be-planning-amg-black-series-competitors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M3 CRT

Word has it BMW has its heart set on giving the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series a run for its money in the US. According to BimmerBoost.com, the German automaker has been making more and more noise about offering a number of specialty models aimed specifically at enthusiasts. While at the Detroit Auto Show this year, the BMW PR machine revealed 2013 will be "an interesting year" and that buyers can expect one or two products aimed specifically at swiping buyers from the clutches of the C63 AMG Black Series. The news came courtesy of Automobile writer Marc Noordeloos' Twitter machine.

Noordeloos reportedly interviewed several executives familiar with the M models while in Detroit, and says the M division would like to offer hardware like the M3 CSL, GTS or CRT to buyers here in the States. That sounds great to us, but saying something doesn't make it true, and manufacturers rarely find it in their hearts to bring money-losing machines to our green shores. Still, that won't stop us from crossing our fingers.

BMW may be planning AMG Black Series competitors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw performance modelsm3 crtm3 cslm3 gtsFri, 01 Feb 2013 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443428/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/01/bmw-may-be-planning-amg-black-series-competitors/20443428/article-detail.xml 20443428 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/bmw-m3-crt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/bmw-m3-crt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the G-Power G1 Hurricane RS sprint to 195 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/watch-the-g-power-g1-hurricane-rs-sprint-to-195-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/watch-the-g-power-g1-hurricane-rs-sprint-to-195-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/watch-the-g-power-g1-hurricane-rs-sprint-to-195-mph/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

G-Power G1 Hurricane RS 628

If you don't remember the batty G-Power G1 Hurricane RS, here's a little refresher: imagine 600 horsepower from a supercharged version of the 4.0-liter V8 that powers the BMW M3, shoved into the engine bay of the 1 Series M Coupe. G-Power says the creation is good for a top end of 205 mph, and the crew at Auto Sport recently got the chance to explore the machine's upper octaves. Fortunately for us, they brought along a camera to capture the ride. While their top-end run didn't quite manage to break the magical 200 mph barrier, the G1 Hurricane RS did manage to serve up a sprint to 195 mph. Impressive.

Of course, the video also includes all the requisite throttle blips and shots of the car getting sideways on command. Looks like loads of fun, but we feel compelled to remind everyone to keep their antics off of public roads and on the track where they belong. Check out the video below to see the G1 Hurricane RS dash to 195 mph.

Continue reading Watch the G-Power G1 Hurricane RS sprint to 195 mph

Watch the G-Power G1 Hurricane RS sprint to 195 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series m coupebmwbmw 1 series m coupebmw m3g-powerg-power g1 hurricane rsg1 hurricane rsm3videoSun, 04 Nov 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370022/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/04/watch-the-g-power-g1-hurricane-rs-sprint-to-195-mph/20370022/article-detail.xml 20370022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/g-power-g1-hurricane-rs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/g-power-g1-hurricane-rs-628.jpg <![CDATA[600-hp G-Power 1 Series is excessively cool]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/600-hp-g-power-1-series-is-excessively-cool/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/600-hp-g-power-1-series-is-excessively-cool/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/600-hp-g-power-1-series-is-excessively-cool/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

G-Power G1 Hurricane RS

Save some unforeseen circumstance we've yet to encounter, you'll never hear us turn down shoving extra horsepower at a vehicle. The minds at G-Power seem to understand that concept better than most and have just finished pumping a full 600 horsepower into the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The team is calling their newest creation the G1 Hurricane RS, and the car makes use of a supercharged version of the same V8 that powers the BMW M3. Likewise, the tuner's engineers plucked the dual-clutch gearbox from the larger M for service in the G1 Hurricane.

With 427 pound feet of torque on hand, the smallest of the G-Power line can bolt to 125 miles per hour in around 12.7 seconds on its way to a top end of 205 mph. The company threw in a set of carbon ceramic brakes to help bring the wicked 1 Series down from speed, which also helped reduce unsprung weight by half. Further weight reductions come in the form of a carbon fiber hood and trunk lid. G-Power plans to build just 30 examples of its wild little 1 Series M Coupe, so if you want one, you better get on the phone now. Head over to the G-Power site fore more information.

600-hp G-Power 1 Series is excessively cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series m coupebmwbmw 1 series m coupebmw m3g-powerg-power g1 hurricane rsg1 hurricane rshurricanem3Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/600-hp-g-power-1-series-is-excessively-cool/20356341/article-detail.xml 20356341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-g-power-g1-hurricane-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-g-power-g1-hurricane-628.jpg <![CDATA[Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW DTM driver Augusto Farfus takes his wife Liri around the 'Ring in an M3

Augusto Farfus isn't even 30 years old yet, but he already has a certain commanding precision on many of the world's greatest racetracks, including Germany's famed Nürburgring. In the latest installment of the "Scare Your Wife At The Track" internet video meme, the BMW DTM driver takes his wife, Liri, for a high-speed tour of the Nürburgring in a BMW M3 Coupe.

When Liri agreed to hop in the passenger seat for a hot lap with her husband, we have a feeling the two had different meanings of "slow" and "exciting" driving. While most of us would have a hard enough time just staying on the challenging track, Farfus tackles the Green Hell while explaining elements of the track and dealing with his wife screaming in fear for most of the nearly 10-minute video. At one point (around the 5:02 mark) it looks as if Mrs. Farfus even starts to pass out a little just before saying that she's going to be sick, but she still handles the ordeal better than the respective wives of Riccardo Patrese and João Barbosa, the reigning queens of the Scare Your Wife meme.

Farfus, who we learn early in the video has a nickname of "Ninho" from his wife, is having fun the entire video commenting on a classic Mercedes-Benz as they blow past it, an Audi driver who Farfus comments "probably thinks he knows the track" as they pass it in a turn and numerous other cars and motorcycles.

Check out the video below to see whether or not Ninho will end up in the dog house for his antics.

Continue reading Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus

Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesaugusto farfusbmwbmw dtmbmw m3dash camdashcamdtmliri farfusnürburgringnurburgringvideoTue, 25 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/20332041/article-detail.xml 20332041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/augusto-farfus-wife-bmw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/augusto-farfus-wife-bmw.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #300]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/autoblog-podcast-300/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/autoblog-podcast-300/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/autoblog-podcast-300/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2014 BMW M3 engine, Paris Motor Show, Lincoln marketing, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer, 2013 Range Rover pricing

autoblog podcast logo

Episode #300 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Chris Paukert celebrate this podcast milestone by asking Chris Shunk to return and guest host for us. We talk about the 2014 BMW M3 engine spy shots, mull Jim Farley's comments on the "Burden of being Lincoln," discuss what's going to interesting at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, touch on the return of the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer nameplates, plus we chat about the 2013 Range Rover pricing. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #300:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Volvo S60 T5 AWD
2013 Porsche Panamera GTS

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman
Guests: Chris Shunk

Runtime: 01:16:02
Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #300

Autoblog Podcast #300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 range roverautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 300bmw m3bmw m3 enginefeaturedjeep cherokeejeep grand wagoneerlincolnpodcast 300Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #300Autoblog01:16:02 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20326900/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/18/autoblog-podcast-300/20326900/article-detail.xml 20326900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Face of next BMW M3 caught while testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/face-of-next-bmw-m3-caught-while-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/face-of-next-bmw-m3-caught-while-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/face-of-next-bmw-m3-caught-while-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW M3 spy shots - hot weather testing

Behold our first clear glimpse at the 2014 BMW M3. Photographers spotted the high performance sedan undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Engineers peeled back a slab of heavy nose cladding for the first time, revealing the machine's menacing lower valance and headlamps. The design features sizable air intakes down low, and it looks as if a new hood is part of the recipe as well. If these photos are any indication, the M3 will continue to boast a prominent power bulge for the next model year.

Massive drilled rotors and similarly potent-looking calipers are part of the song and dance, which is a good thing. BMW has made it clear the 2014 M3 will bow with a forced induction inline six in place of the current model's fire-breathing high-rev V8. Even so, we don't expect to see a reduction in power or performance.

Face of next BMW M3 caught while testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw m32014 bmw m3 spy shots2014 m33 seriesbmwbmw m3m3spy photosspy shotsTue, 31 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20289983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/face-of-next-bmw-m3-caught-while-testing/20289983/article-detail.xml 20289983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmw-m3-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmw-m3-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Automobile</i> pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/automobile-pits-classic-190e-against-original-m3-and-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/automobile-pits-classic-190e-against-original-m3-and-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/automobile-pits-classic-190e-against-original-m3-and-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 vs BMW E30 M3

If you were to compile a list of the greatest sports sedans ever made, what would you put at the very top?

Raise your hand if you said the BMW M3. Now, everybody, put your hands down.

But what if we told you that BMW's standard-bearer was actually created in response to a four-cylinder-powered Mercedes-Benz produced for competition that the factory didn't even want to be a part of? History books tell us that the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 made its first major impact on the world scene when a young Ayrton Senna piloted one to victory at the Nürburgring in a promotional race in 1984.

BMW responded in 1986 with the E30 M3. It boasted more power and less weight, and the two machines did battle in touring and rally racing for the next decade. But which one is a better car?

Automobile Magazine decided to find out. One stock 190E 2.3-16 and one stock M3 (though a later Sport Evo model, making the comparo a bit lopsided) were procured in Germany and driven 'round the 'Ring. We won't spoil the video by telling you which was declared the victor, but we will tell you that host Jason Cammisa purchased one of them and shipped it home.

Scroll down below to watch the video, and to find out which machine has a new home in California.

Continue reading Automobile pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner

Automobile pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>190e190e 2.3-16automobile magazinebmwbmw m3e30e30 m3jason cammisam3mercedes-benz 190e 2.3-16Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276582/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/automobile-pits-classic-190e-against-original-m3-and-the/20276582/article-detail.xml 20276582 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/m-b-190e-23-16-vs-bmw-e30-m3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/m-b-190e-23-16-vs-bmw-e30-m3.jpg <![CDATA[BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M3 M Performance Edition in Frozen Red - studio shot

If you're tired of the usual shiny paint job that appears on 99-percent of the cars on the road, a matte finish could be just what the proverbial doctor ordered. But while matte black is the common choice among the anti-gloss set, to our eyes, it can often look like someone simply forgot to apply the primer. That's why many of us around the virtual Autoblog watercooler like matte color wraps - such as those displayed by Alfa Romeo with the red 4C Concept and Ferrari with the green 599 HY-KERS prototype.

Once the strict purview of aftermarket mod-jobs, matte finishes are growing more maintstream as select manufacturers have begun offering them direct from the factory. Notable examples include Mercedes-Benz (which we checked out in Detroit this year), Hyundai (which is launching the Veloster Turbo in matte gray) and Maserati (which launched the GranTurismo S Limited Edition in flat blue). But few have embraced the anti-glare approach like BMW has with its recent succession of special edition M3s. The Bavarian automaker dubs them "Frozen," and is now coming back with an array of special editions of both the M3 coupe and its newer, bigger brother, the M5 sedan.

BMW is launching the M Performance Editions of both the M3 and M5 in Frozen Red, Frozen White and Frozen Blue. Black leather interiors with accent stitching color-keyed to match the exterior - along with Alcantara-wrapped steering wheels and piano black trim - come as part of the package, as do matte black alloys. Both models also come packaged with buckets full of additional equipment to make the specials even more so.

Only 30 such M3s and another 30 M5s will be made, and made available, unfortunately, exclusively in the UK. But if past Frozen editions are anything to go by, BMW is likely to find more than enough demand to make the matte red, white and blue editions available in the USA soon enough. In the meantime, you can scope 'em out in the high-res image gallery above and the press release by scrolling below.

Continue reading BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors

BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series5 seriesbmwbmw frozenbmw m performance editionbmw m performance editionsbmw m3bmw m5m performance editionm3m5mattewrapThu, 31 May 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/20248614/article-detail.xml 20248614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-m3-frozen-red_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-m3-frozen-red.jpg <![CDATA[BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW M3 vs. X5 M

It's nice to see that someone at BMW apparently has a wry sense of humor when it comes to the X5 M. We are not shy about admitting that we find it hard to take the 550-horsepower SUV seriously - we famously called it a "2.7-ton Miata with a lampshade on its head and a serious coke habit," when we reviewed it back in 2010. But this little 30-second spot pairing it with the M3 has us tickled with nostalgic memories of the 1996 CART finale at Laguna Seca.

Sixteen years ago, there was no Mazda in the storied track's name, just a heck of a battle through all 11 turns of the final lap of the season. Rookie-of-the-year Alex Zanardi made one of the historic racing moves, passing Bryan Herta on the inside of the downhill "Corkscrew" turn, running through the dirt to make the lead change stick.

If you're wondering what this might have to do with the X5 M, click through the jump to see both the BMW ad and the vintage CART footage.

Continue reading BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo

BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardibmwbmw m3bmw x5 mbmw x5mcartlaguna secam3videox5 mx5mMon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/20179106/article-detail.xml 20179106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/x5m-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/x5m-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 DTM (Castrol/Aral livery)

With six cars joining the grid this year in the DTM series, BMW is sure to present wildly different liveries - largely determined by the sponsors brought on board - for each one. And this is the first.

Based on a sponsorship deal with BP, this particular M3 DTM is decked out in the bright green color of Castrol Edge motor oil and the light blue of German gas station network Aral. This car's unveiling is the first time we're seeing the new touring car in anything but flat black or BMW's trademark striped white color scheme.

To pull of its entry into the competitive German racing series and take on its rivals at Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW is bringing in four of its proven factory drivers (including three-time World Touring Car Championship winner Andy Priaulx) and has poached longtime Mercedes AMG driver Bruno Spengler and Audi's reigning DTM champ Martin Tomczyk.

All eyes will be focused on Hockenheim where the season kicks off in late April.

Continue reading BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery

BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aralaral ultimatebmwbmw m3bmw m3 dtmbpcastrolcastrol edgedtmgerman touring carm3m3 dtmtouring carWed, 01 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/bmw-sharpens-its-edge-with-first-m3-dtm-livery/20160323/article-detail.xml 20160323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-castrol_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-castrol.jpg <![CDATA[BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 DTM Safety Car

Choosing a safety car to pace a racing series is tricky business that almost invariably results in either a constant flux of vehicles called into duty or playing favorites between the manufacturers taking part in the series. NASCAR changes its pace cars about as quickly as it changes tires. Formula One sticks with Mercedes-Benz machinery, and nobody seems to complain very much. But DTM bridges the gap with a slightly different approach.

In the German touring car series, each of the participating automakers provides safety cars to the series organizers, which alternate between them from one race to another. That was simple enough when it was just Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but now that BMW has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, DTM is putting a third car into the rotation. And this is our first look at it.

Revealed with a handful of crude snapshots on the BMW Motorsport fan page on Facebook, the BMW M3 DTM Safety Car looks closer to the standard, roadgoing M3 than the DTM racer, but with some extra modifications. Those include special wheels, an emergency light bar and a stripped-out cockpit with full roll cage and Recaro buckets. But there could be something special going on under the hood as well, where a bright orange engine cover lurks under a unique louvered hood. That could mean a more powerful version of the outgoing M3's high-revving V8 engine to help it stay out in front of all that racing machinery.

We'll have to wait for BMW to release additional information to find out, but for now you can check out the low-res images in the gallery above.

BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m32012 bmw m3 dtm safety car3 seriesbmwbmw m3bmw m3 dtmbmw m3 dtm safety cardtmm3pace carsafety cartouring carMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/bmw-hooks-dtm-up-with-new-m3-safety-car/20154032/article-detail.xml 20154032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-dtm-safety-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/m3-dtm-safety-web.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Autocar</i> gets sideways in the 2012 BMW M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 drift video

The 2012 BMW M5 is something of an anomaly. Despite its size and weight, the big luxury sedan is actually quicker than its less corpulent sibling, the BMW M3, around a road course. With a 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine capable of sucking down small communities, there's no arguing the M5's power. But fast cars aren't necessarily fun. Take the Jaguar XKR, for example. It's blisteringly quick, but comes saddled with a traction control system that requires an advanced degree in computer science and a thorough comprehension of black magic to completely disengage. Roasting the tires in the big cat hardly seems worth it.

The M5 is no such beast. The goons at Autocar recently took the portly bruiser out for a little parking lot fun to see just how the machine performs once things get sideways. It would seem that the muscle-bound German is a willing dance partner. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Autocar gets sideways in the 2012 BMW M5

Autocar gets sideways in the 2012 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 BMW M5autocarbmwBMW M3bmw m4BMW M5bmw m5 drift videodriftdrift videom5m5 drift videoSun, 01 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/01/autocar-gets-sideways-in-the-2012-bmw-m5/20137646/article-detail.xml 20137646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-bmw-m5-drift-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-bmw-m5-drift-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M5 quicker than 1 M Coupe quicker than M3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 front three-quarter

Autobild recently set out to settle the question of which M vehicle is the fastest in the BMW stable at the moment. Not surprisingly, the German enthusiast publication found the BMW M3 CRT to be the quickest around the Sachsenring, setting the magazine's fastest time around the track with a 1:38.37 minute lap time. That's impressive, but not nearly as astounding as the time drummed up by the new BMW M5. The portly sedan did the same deed in 1:38.90, or just three hundredths of a second slower than the special-edition M3.

And what of the sibling rivalry between the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the standard M3? As it turns out, the magazine's shoes have given the nod to the smaller of the two coupes. The 1 Series M Coupe barely eked out a win over the M3, though the M3 Convertible took nearly two extra seconds to make it around the course than its hardtop twin.

BMW M5 quicker than 1 M Coupe quicker than M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 m coupe1 series1 series m1 series m coupe1m coupeautobildbmw 1 series m coupebmw mbmw m3bmw m5mm1m3m5Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20136715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/bmw-m5-quicker-than-1-m-coupe-quicker-than-m3/20136715/article-detail.xml 20136715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Six-cylinder BMW M3 caught on and around Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/six-cylinder-bmw-m3-caught-on-and-around-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/six-cylinder-bmw-m3-caught-on-and-around-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/six-cylinder-bmw-m3-caught-on-and-around-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 BMW M3 Testing

That Roundel-obsessed crew over at F30post.com has laid its paws on a quick clip of the next-generation BMW M3 turning a few hot laps at the Nürburgring. The video gives us the best look and listen yet to the performance 3 Series under duress, and it certainly sounds as if the vehicle has finally shed its high-winding V8 for six-cylinder power. That feeling? It's just the universe re-aligning itself. Don't worry about it. BMW hasn't said exactly what sort of power the next-generation M3 will produce when it arrives, but we'd guess that the number will land north of the 414-horsepower available from the current model.

The only question is whether or not BMW has abandoned its tried-and-true inline six for a more blasphemous V6 configuration. The automaker has publicly said that it wouldn't embrace the V, but there's a growing tied of rumor that would suggest otherwise. Either way, we'll find out when the M bows in mid-2012. Hit the jump to check out the full video for yourself.

Continue reading Six-cylinder BMW M3 caught on and around Nürburgring

Six-cylinder BMW M3 caught on and around Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m32013 bmw m3 video2013 m3bmwbmw m3m3videoFri, 11 Nov 2011 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20103977/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/six-cylinder-bmw-m3-caught-on-and-around-nurburgring/20103977/article-detail.xml 20103977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-bmw-m3-testing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-bmw-m3-testing-628.jpg <![CDATA[New BMW M3 to come in sedan form first]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/new-bmw-m3-to-come-in-sedan-form-first/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/new-bmw-m3-to-come-in-sedan-form-first/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/new-bmw-m3-to-come-in-sedan-form-first/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport

Typically, when BMW releases a new M3, it launches it in coupe form first. (In fact, sales of the M3 sedan have, in North America at least, slowed to such an extent that BMW NA was tempted to stop bringing it here altogether.) But not the new model - according to the latest intel, the next-gen M3 will arrive in four-door guise first.

Sources indicate a couple of reasons for that: First, the new 3 Series (pictured above in M Sport guise) on which it'll be based has so far has only come out in sedan form. Second, because the next-gen M3 is anticipated to lose some of its edge. Which would be a shame, but there's a far more straightforward reason than either of those two: there will be no coupe or convertible M3 from here on out.

Well, sorta. There will be, only it won't be called the M3. It'll probably be called the M4, since BMW is said to be spinning the two-door version of the 3 Series off into a 4 Series - more closely mirroring the 5 Series sedan and its coupe/convertible counterpart, the 6 Series. Since BMW has yet to unveil the 4 Series, we're likely to be looking at an M3 sedan first.

We expect it'll have a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine in place of the outgoing model's naturally aspirated V8, but the jury's still out on whether those pistons will be arranged in a V or a straight line.

New BMW M3 to come in sedan form first originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series4 seriesbmwbmw 3 seriesbmw 4 seriesbmw mbmw m3bmw m4m3m4Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20090391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/new-bmw-m3-to-come-in-sedan-form-first/20090391/article-detail.xml 20090391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/0064-2012-bmw-3-series-1318619332-1319577192_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/0064-2012-bmw-3-series-1318619332-1319577192.jpg -1 2