Autoblog

BMW offering carbon fiber components for M3

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW

BMW M3 with carbon fiber components - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah, the BMW M3. In coupe, convertible or sedan form (the latter of which may be making its exit in the near future), we've always been quite fond of this track day stunner. Now, owners have the chance to add some tasteful upgrades to the full range of M3 models by way of BMW Performance carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories.

Made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the mirror caps and front splitters can be fitted to any current M3, and a rear deck lid spoiler is available for coupe and sedan models. (Sorry, droptop lovers.) Naturally, these upgrades are covered under the BMW Performance two-year warranty, and can be purchased from authorized BMW dealers. Official pricing hasn't been dished out just yet, but if these accessories are like the rest of BMW's options list, don't expect any bargains. Hit the jump for the full details in BMW's press release.

Gallery: BMW M3 Carbon Fiber Parts

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW offering carbon fiber components for M3

BMW offering carbon fiber components for M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW M3 Sedan may not live to see another generation

Noah Joseph — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

BMW M3 Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Between the emergence of the M3 GTS and the Competition Package - to say nothing of the new 335is - there's been plenty of news for fans of BMW's performance-oriented 3 Series. Unfortunately, not all of it is good, as reports indicate that the Bavarian automaker is looking to discontinue the four-door M3 sedan.

Although the current M3 sedan looks poised to continue through to the end of its current lifecycle, sources suggest that the next-gen M3 will remain a two-door (coupe and convertible) affair only. The reason has apparently been cited as lagging sales for the V8 super-sedan, which was highly demanded by American buyers in the previous generation but has failed to live up to its potential in the marketplace. So if you've been eying that M3 sedan on the local dealer's lot but were waiting to see what the next model would bring, now may be the time, hombre.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan

[Source: BimmerFile via eGMCarTech]

Report: BMW M3 Sedan may not live to see another generation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Cadillac

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their ~~cars'~~ support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.

Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3

[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Motorcycle

Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

After securing his record ninth MotoGP title, there's little doubt that Valentino Rossi is the fastest man on two wheels. And BMW has acknowledged the Italian rider's speed by awarding him a brand-spankin'-new M3 sedan.

The German automaker is a sponsor of the motorbike racing series, providing organizers with safety cars and other vehicles, and even using it to debut the new X6 M crossover earlier this year. And every year BMW gifts a car to the rider who proved the fastest in qualifying over the course of the season. Rossi's won the "M Award" five times now, but before he drove off in his new V8 sports sedan, BMW gave him a rare opportunity to sample the new hardcore M3 GTS.

So what did the fastest man on two wheels think of the fastest Bimmer on four? Quite a lot, apparently, as the multiple world champion said he wants to be first on the list when the M3 GTS goes on sale next year. That's quite a glowing endorsement, and all it cost them was a test drive. Click on the thumbnails below for a high-res image gallery.

Gallery: Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS

[Source: BMW M Division]

Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW switching to turbocharged M cars

Michael Harley — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, BMW

After two decades of normally-aspirated high-revving engines shoehorned under the hoods of its M cars, BMW is changing direction and will begin to offer direct-injection turbocharged powerplants in its future high-performance flagships. The German automaker is blaming tough environmental emission standards and the soaring manufacturing costs of the specialty-built V8 and V10 engines found in today's M3, M5, and M6 models for its decision. We also suspect the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have successfully offered torque-laden forced-induction powerplants for years on their performance models may have something to do with it (also keep in mind that an aftermarket-tuned version of BMW's own twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 can easily match the power output of the M3's normally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8). The first new M model to carry the turbocharged honor will be the X6 xDrive M, with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reportedly making 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That same engine is reportedly going into the next F10-chassis M5 due in late 2010.

[Source: Autoweek]

BMW switching to turbocharged M cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW updates M models for 2009

John Neff — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 MY changes

BMW's lineup of M-fortified vehicles now numbers nine, which is the largest it's ever been in the sub-brand's 30-year history. Munich has tweaked the lineup for 2009, and while nothing groundbreaking has been added, the additions and changes are worth noting. For instance, the BMW M3 Sedan gets a new rear end that sports updated taillights with two LED light clusters, and the entire M3 line gets some minor interior tweaks, new colors and crash-active headrests. The M5 and M6 soldier on with larger sideview mirrors, though BMW mentions that regenerative braking and an uncoupling air conditioner compressor - both fuel saving technologies - are right around the corner.

Of course, all M models are now offered with the latest generation of the automaker's much maligned iDrive control system. We haven't had the opportunity to sample the new version yet, so we'll refrain from making fun of its user interface for now. A new, impressively large 8.8-inch nav screen is, however, available with the optional Professional navigation system package and each system has moved from being DVD-based to storing all the info on an in-dash 80GB hard drive. This fall, BMW will also be offering ConnectedDrive, the first application of unrestricted internet access in a car, across the M lineup and iPhone integration has now been worked out, as well.

Perhaps the most significant addition is the arrival of a Competition Package for the M6 Coupe. The Competition Package includes a newly tuned performance suspension that lowers the car 12 mm up front and 10 mm in the rear, an adaptable suspension control system and double-spoke forged alloy wheels. BMW claims this will be the most athletic M6 you can buy and that there will be visual distinctions to set it apart from a standard M6. Unfortunately, BMW refrained from showing us what those visual distinctions will be. You can view what they did show us, however, in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 BMW M model changes

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW updates M models for 2009

BMW updates M models for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The future of M: BMW X5, X6 and less

Michael Harley — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, BMW, Specialty

The CEO of BMW M GmbH, Ludwig Willisch, spilled his guts to Auto-Motor-und-Sport in a recent interview about the future of BMW's high-performance M division. The news was good, bad, and downright dumbfounding. For the good, Willish mentioned that future M-models will include high-revving turbocharged engines, and offer ceramic brakes. The bad news is that there will be no E91 M3 Touring, E92 M3 CSL, or M1 Concept. Apparently, BMW doesn't feel there is enough of a market to support those vehicles. The perplexing news is that BMW is currently working on M-versions of the X5 and X6 (apparently to answer a question that enthusiasts have yet to ask). While we cannot control the electrochemical signals being sent between neurons within BMW's think tank, we can continue to hope that BMW doesn't dilute the M-brand the way Mercedes-Benz has with AMG.

[Source: Auto-motor-und-sport via BMWblog]

The future of M: BMW X5, X6 and less originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Europe, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of BMW's latest M3

It's been 30 years since the first BMW wearing a trademark tri-color marking was introduced in a homologation effort as the M1. Since then 300,000 vehicles have been graced with that coveted "M" telltale, and still countless others have had the logo applied in the hopes the letter would add some magic to a plebian 318 or 528. Fully one percent of BMWs sold in 2007 were M models, and the milestone 300,000th car, an alpine white M3 Coupe, will live with its owner in the town of its birth, the East Bavarian hamlet of Regensburg. The M3 is likely the most legendary M car, with the original E30 version also existing for homologation purposes and morphing into the current V8-powered technical tour de force that can now be had in Coupe, Sedan or Convertible guise - a true triple threat. There appears no end in sight for BMW's M division's masterful application of the art and science of high performance engineering. Now, if BMW would just return our calls, we can permanently add the 300,001st M-model to the Autoblog Garage, though we're certain it's already built and sold. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles

BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spied: BMW M3 Sedan facelift... already?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

When the BMW M3 sedan made its debut, we knew based on its two door counterpart,'s performance that it would be fast. But this is one bit of ground we didn't anticipate the V8 super-sedan would cover quite so quickly: Barely on the market already, the M3 Sedan is getting a facelift.

The revisions, of course, will be minor, but spy shots like the one above suggest that, in addition to the new tail lights being fitted to the regular four-door 3-Series, the M3 Sedan is expected to get some new LEDs up front. Other minor changes will be made to the rear, including a modified rear bumper and diffuser, along with a few updates to the interior. We won't be complaining, just as long as it's as fast as the existing model.

[Source: M3Post.com]

Spied: BMW M3 Sedan facelift... already? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW dealerships pats itself on back for delivering M3 sedan to eBay winner

John Neff — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Auctions, BMW, Carsumer Advocacy

The saga of Ken Tanisaka and BMW of Lincoln, Nebraska is almost over, as the embattled eBay winner of a nicely-priced BMW M3 sedan has exchanged funds with the dealership and the car is set to be shipped for delivery. It's been a long road for Ken involving lawyers and lots of patience as the dealership, part of the Husker Auto Group, stubbornly fought not to honor its eBay auction that Ken won for $10,000 below MSRP.

Now that it's almost over, BMW of Lincoln should be glad that the firestorm of negative media attention with which it's had to deal is about to end. That's what you would think, but this particular dealership seems to relish in making the wrong choices. Autoblog reader Dale pointed us to this advert that was emailed to him from the Husker Auto Group, which paints the whole ordeal as a case of the dealership bending over backwards to make a customer happy. Read the most choice paragraph below.

Being the honorable dealership that Husker is, [it] agreed to honor the price of $60,000 for the BMW E90 M3. This vehicle typically would have been priced around $70,000. At Husker BMW, we honor all contracts. And in this case we covered the $10,000 for the vehicle to make our customer happy.

True, the Husker Auto Group eventually honored the auction that Ken rightfully won, but we'd hardly describe its behavior as honorable. The decision to let go of the car for $10k below sticker appears motivated less by the desire to make Ken happy than to get out from under the harsh spotlight of attention that was aimed at the dealership by a loosely organized but large group of compassionate internet citizens. The last thing this dealership should be doing is bragging about its customer service.

[Source: imakenews.com]

BMW dealerships pats itself on back for delivering M3 sedan to eBay winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Practical performance with BMW's M3 Sedan

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW

Click the above image for more pictures of the BMW M3 Sedan

There hasn't been a BMW M3 sedan since the E36 generation, but that doesn't mean BMW has forgotten how to build a fast saloon car. The M3 Sedan takes everything good about the M3 coupe and adds two doors to the mix, allowing you to better justify the purchase with your significant other. BMW has thrown out the standard headlights on the sedan and replaced them with the lights found on the coupe, giving it a more sporting design in the process.The basic specs are all the same as the coupe, but you should check out our previous post on the M3 Sedan to find out more.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan

Tokyo Motor Show: Practical performance with BMW's M3 Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan - desktop wallpaper-sized pics

John Neff — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

click on any image to view high-res gallery of 2008 BMW M3 Sedan

In our haste to bring you news of the 2008 BMW M3 sedan being unveiled, we showed you the best official pics we could find at the time, which were only 800 pixels wide. We don't know many people with 800 pixel-wide monitors, so we updated our gallery with high-resolution pics straight from BMW. They're 1,280 pixels wide, which should cover most screens corner to corner.

We noticed a couple of things about BMW's new M sedan this time around that we missed before. Take a closer look at the steering wheel, which features red and blue stitching that mimics the M colors. Also notice two shots of the M3 Sedan's trunk at the end of the gallery. One shows a parcel shelf that slides out from underneath the trunk's ceiling, while the other shows how much cargo room is available with the back seats folded forward. We thought these pics particularly interesting because they illustrate the entire point in BMW making an M3 sedan: more utility. The M3 Coupe is great, but not nearly as practical as the M3 Sedan will be.

To download the larger pics, just browse the gallery and right click on your favorite pics. Save the images to your computer, and the 1,280 pixel-wide version will be downloaded regardless of what size pic you're looking at.

[Source: BMW]

Pics Aplenty: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan - desktop wallpaper-sized pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 BMW M3 Sedan unveiled!

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, BMW

click above image to view 28 pics of the 2008 BMW M3 Sedan

We've been waiting a long time for BMW to snap out of its haze and bring us a four-door version of the venerable M3 coupe. That time has officially come. And it turns out the leaked photo from earlier today was probably from BMW itself, as even though it wasn't included in the official batch of images released tonight, it's the same car you're looking at here.

On the outside, the M3 sedan gets plenty of work done to its front and rear fascias, leaving everything between the A-pillar and C-pillar intact from the base 3-Series sedan (sorry, no carbon fiber roof for the sedan). The front end is a complete carryover from the M3 coupe, with wide fenders, a dramatic front clip, bulging hood and vented quarter panels. Out back, a small lip spoiler sits atop the trunk, while M-specific quad pipes let Bimmer cognoscenti know that they're behind something special.

Naturally, the M3 sedan benefits from BMW's new 414 (SAE) HP 4.0L V8, allowing the 3,531-pound four-door to reach 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH. In a move that should make family-oriented speed freaks burst into tears, BMW will only be offering a six-speed manual version at launch. Although, according to previous reports, BMW's dual-clutch M-DCT gearbox should be available at a later date. The chassis, suspension and interior also benefit from a host of upgrades, all available to read about in the press release after the jump and view in our gallery below. Look for the M3 sedan to debut in Los Angeles next month.

[Source: BMW via Motive]

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan

Continue reading 2008 BMW M3 Sedan unveiled!

2008 BMW M3 Sedan unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official shots of BMW M3 sedan leaked

John Neff — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

UPDATE: Truth be told, these could be photoshops. At first glance they looked like brochure shots to us, but we'll let you decide.

click above image to both pics of the BMW M3 sedan

God bless forums, you have to love them. The occasional flame war aside (who are we to talk?), they're often the repository of choice material like this, what appears to be the first official images of the BMW M3 sedan scanned from a brochure. The main shot is large enough to appreciate how well the M3 style plays with the proportions of the 3-Series sedan, while the tiny pic gives us a profile comparison between the M3 coupe and sedan. What do you need to know about the M3 sedan that's different from the M3 coupe. Well, it's got two extra doors, but aside from that the same 420 HP V8 will be powering the rear wheels, which is all that's important to us. Any more details will have to wait until BMW officially takes the wraps off of its super sedan, which is expected to happen at an upcoming auto show, hopefully the L.A. Auto Show in mid-November.

Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: M3post.com]

Gallery: BMW M3 sedan

Official shots of BMW M3 sedan leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW debuting dual-clutch gearbox in M3 sedan

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, BMW

The expansion of BMW's M3 lineup is expected to take place sooner than we anticipated, and a new version of the Bavarian bomber will finally put the oft-maligned sequential gearbox to rest. According to Auto Telegraaf, BMW will be debuting the M3 sedan at a major Stateside auto show, likely L.A. or Detroit, and along with an extra set of doors, it'll be sporting the automaker's new dual-clutch gearbox. Rumored to be dubbed "M DCT," the new 'box will get seven forward gears that can be controlled by either a new shift lever, much like the one found in the new X5, or steering-wheel mounted paddles shifters. BMW also plans to offer a traditional six-speed manual for those who prefer to row their own gears.

The regularly spied convertible version of the M3 is also on its way, which is proving to be an engineering challenge for the M-division due to the extra tonnage the retractable hardtop tacks onto the curb weight. We've heard that a track-bred CSL is also under development, and that its debut is likely to take place some time in 2009.

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

BMW debuting dual-clutch gearbox in M3 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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