E93 Fanatic

Not Exactly Inspiring Confidence

2011-12-19T23:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't written much on this blog lately; though, I should because quite a lot has gone on with my 2007 BMW 335i this past year. Unfortunately little of it has been great news to share.

The most recent event was a second failure of the fuel injectors on the car. In March 2010, they were all replaced by my dealer in Michigan. Only 2 of the injectors failed back then, positions 4 & 6. Well I had a similar feeling something was wrong again with them a week ago.

Fast forward to late last week and I get news from my dealership here in Dallas that the same injectors that failed last March have failed again and were being replaced under under warranty; even though, my car came out of warranty last July when I hit the 4 year mark.

So twice my fuel injectors have failed and both times in less than 2 years time. Once at 31k miles and the other at 46k miles. This doesn't make me feel all too happy with my decision to keep the car.

After also having to fix a burnt rear fuze box due to an arching failed B+ cable only 1 month out of warranty that cost me $1,700 to fix, I really am not happy with the owning the car decision.

So, now I'm seriously reconsidering keep my 335i and looking to move on to something else. I know these cars are complex and have no expectation of Toyota Camry-like reliability, but this is getting ridiculous being only 5 months out of warranty.

I'm curious. Is anyone else having these fuel injector failures? Anyone have to get replacements more than once?

Will We All Be Driving 2 and 4 Series BMWs?

2011-06-15T12:55:00.005-04:00

Reports are surfacing that BMW may be changing their convertible options for the 1 and 3 series cars to be 2 and 4 series vehicles.

You can read more about this breaking news on AutoBlog.

MSN Declares 335is a Top Ten "Need to See" Convertible

2011-04-06T17:03:00.005-04:00

"Living up to the company's motto, this folding hardtop is a fantastic package for anyone who wants a BMW with "M" specs but who can't afford it." - MSN article

If you wanted to feel better about your decision to purchase or continue driving what you already have, MSN today made the 335is convertible one of their Ten Best picks. No surprise really since it is the one to beat in the four seat, hard-top convertible segment.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1183495#5

A Couple New Zealand Reviewers Pit the 335i against a Volvo C70

2010-11-05T12:34:00.003-04:00

The Volvo reviewer feels the C70 is enough car for him and for most people. He is probably right. The C70 is a nice car but it doesn't match the sophisticated driving dynamics of the 335i.

What's interesting is the comparison of "the boots" (trunks) of the two vehicles. I thought BMW's was bad, the Volvo requires the top to be lifted back up to get underneath the space below the folded top. At least Volvo has a button that's easily accessible in the trunk to make this simple, but still it shows an interesting difference I had not seen in other reviews of the Volvo C70.

Not a lot new here, but an interesting perspective on two competitors in the hardtop convertible market.

You Can Get a Limited Slip Differential for a Non //M Car

2010-06-09T09:40:00.005-04:00

"It's called DTC but it should be called fun," says the Autocar reviewer in the video. "The car will come out of corners like a proper rear-wheel car"

Limited Slip Differential or LSD is something that can be had on the //M3 but not the 335i, that is until now. Dinan sells a version for $2,595 (comes in two versions one for Auto and the other for Manual transmission.) Another manufacturer Quaife is selling their LSD for $1,305, that's a special price on the E90Post board.

So why even get a LSD for your car? Limited Slip Differential is designed to provide power to both wheels instantaneously allowing for faster lap times, better control and even power distribution. Most will feel the advantage if they track their cars. For thosee who do not track their car they will see some advantage when roads are rough where the LSD will correct the impact of one wheel hitting lumps and bumps on the freeway without having the pounding we feel in the open differential that is in a stock 335i.

You can learn more about Open vs LSD differentials here.

CSL Trunk Lid Finally Available for E93

2010-04-06T22:13:00.002-04:00

DUKE DYNAMICS has released a new rear trunk lid for the E93. It's similar to the CSL Trunk lid look that can be found on many modified E92 coupes. The part isn't inexpensive but it is highly unique and is a rather large part since it replaces the trunk lid and is not just a rear spoiler piece. It lists at $999, but is currently discounted to $845.

Check it out for yourself if you want to see some additional pictures of the CSL Trunk lid. more.

MotorTrend Bores Us All with a Tease

2010-03-24T21:34:00.005-04:00

Okay you may just want to skip this post. I was really hoping MotorTrend was going to race the BMW 335i convertible against the Infiniti G37, Lexus ISC 350, and Audi S5 but instead this is just a lame race to see whose top folds down fastest.

Even more boring, it is the Audi because guess why? It's a soft-top and the other three are hard-tops. The Lexus wins that pointless contest, but really who cares about this. Why didn't MotorTrend show us a top-down drag race? Now that would've been worth writing about (oops, I still wrote something...) more.

DIY Oil Change

2010-02-06T23:24:00.004-05:00

An excellent step-by-step oil change on a BMW 335i is available at the Team BHP website. Full photos of the DIY oil change is available on the site with complete write up. I highly recommend this site for those of you who like changing oil instead of having to hassle with the dealership. more.

BMW Announces Pricing for US 2011 3-Series Models

2010-01-29T07:33:00.004-05:00

U.S. pricing information for the 2011 BMW 3-Series models was just announced late last night. You can view all of the pricing details at BimmerPost's blog by clicking here.

Here are the main details about the changes for the 2011 BMW 3-series Convertibles (E93):

328i - $45,875 MSRP (includes $875 destination and handling)
335i - $52,075 MSRP (includes $875 destination and handling)
335is - $59,075 MSRP (includes $875 destination and handling)

Changes from 2010 to 2011:
New headlights, tail lights, hood, kidney grill, sideskirts, wheels, front and rear fascias.
335i coupe gets new N55 twin scroll turbocharged inline-6 engine
New colors: Vermillion Red, Deep Sea Blue, Mineral White Metallic (Mineral White is available starting June 2010).
Optional Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System replaces BMW's HiFi professional system.
Bamboo Anthracite Wood trim now available
Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available on the 335is as a $1,575 option.

The big change of course is the addition of the all-new 335is. Car & Driver reviewed the newly enhanced N54 engine that is in the 335is.

More Details Leak About 2011 3 Series Coupe/Convertible

2010-01-04T21:21:00.004-05:00

BMW Blog is reporting that several assumed changes are coming for the new 3 series coupe and convertible. Most reports have thought some front fascia and rear light treatments were bound to occur based on where mules where covered when photographed in early testing.

Here is a link to some details around the LED Angel Eyes treatment coming from spyshots: BMW Blog Article

Performance changes include power numbers for the N54 engine to increase in line with the new Z4 sDrive35is: "335 horsepower (340hp in Europe) at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”; an electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft bringing the torque peak to 369 lb-ft."

The Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), which was currently only available on the current M3, will now be available on 335is models. I believe the new "s" added to 335i means "sport" package models. more.

Interior Trim Tool Kit for Christmas

2009-12-24T09:37:00.001-05:00

I'm getting a few things for my car this Christmas and one thing I wanted to add to my toolbox is a decent set of interior trim removal tools. After some searching, I found a great set of 10 nylon pry tools from Eastwood. The kit is $39.99 plus tax and shipping is currently free. Looks like a good kit and I saw it mentioned on Bimmerpost from someone doing a full trim replacement on a 1-series.

To order the kit, go to Eastwood's site. It's a nice set for our cars and any future automotive projects. more.

LeatherZ Complete Gauge Kit

2009-12-24T00:07:00.003-05:00

LeatherZ has released a relatively affordable gauge cluster kit for the E9x 3-series cars, including the E93 convertibles. The kit allows for 3 gauges to fit in place of where the ashtray currently is in the center console. Pricing is about 10-20% lower than other custom solutions I've seen and the cluster kit is configurable running from $305-$550 depending on which VDO gauges you choose.

There are a few recommendations from the supplier dependent on what kind of car you have:

E9x 328i - Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature and Voltmeter

E9x 335i (Stock) - 0-15PSI Boost, Oil Pressure and Water Temperature

E9x 335i (Modified) - 0-30 PSI Boost (Or Vacuum/Boost), Oil Pressure and Water Temperature

E9x 335i (Track Setup) - Pyrometer, Oil Pressure and Water Temperature

Installation takes from 4-6 hours and instructions come with the kit when ordered. I was disappointed the instructions are not available online. This would really help those of us considering buying the set who are DIY types to see what is involved.

This is definitely something I plan to do with my car in the next year or so. Hopefully someone on the boards will beat me to the task and post some instructions with photos. more.

BMWCCA Going Social

2009-11-20T10:14:00.003-05:00

The BMW Car Club of America is extending their social reach with a new Facebook Fan Page and a more active Twitter account @BMWCCA. If you are not a BMWCCA Member, I highly recommend joining. The Roundel publication alone is reason enough to join as it has the best BMW owner, history and enthusiast content available. I've been a member for over 10 years and have loved every minute of it.

The Club also holds several driving performance and safety events. I wish my car was able to join the track events, but Club rules force me to have a roll cage which is a real shame as the requirement is quite extreme as compared to most track policies which only require rollbars and 5-point belts for convertibles. Oh well, it's still a great club and worth joining so do so today and at minimum join the Facebook and Twitter accounts to stay engaged.

2010 Facelift Images Show Minor Changes Coming

2009-09-29T14:08:00.002-04:00

Car Magazine (UK) is reporting some coming changes for the next BMW E93 convertible. Several images hint at areas that may get some modification in what looks to be a minor-facelift.

Some changes appear to be modifications around LED usage on the front and rear lights, expect tiny LED bulbs galore like the Audi A5. LED lighting abuse is the new trend in automotive design.

Other changes could happen around the side skirts, lower rear bumper and front lower lip. All areas are hidden on the "mule" pictured by Car Magazine. I'm personally hoping for some new side skirts as I would love to see something a bit more sporty than the current M-Sport side skirts and not as aggressive as the M3 sides.

In-car Internet access and the improved iDrive changes are all part of the technology changes. BMW Blog is reporting that there is a lot of speculation about the new N55 engine replacing the current 335i N54 engine. more.

Service Manual Released Covering E93

2009-09-19T08:39:00.004-04:00

Bentley Publishers has finally released a service manual for the 2006-2009 BMW 3-series models that covers the 335i and 328i convertibles. If you are not familiar with these books, you should be. Bentley makes some great books for the do it yourself mechanic.

If you are not so daring as taking on the projects yourself, the books are great for understanding what is being done to your car if you hire the work out. Also, I find these books to be a great resource to help diagnose problems and use for routine maintenance.

The price is a bit steep at $81.87 right now on Amazon.com, but at over 1,200 pages it sounds very comprehensive. more.

One Owner Shares His Waterfall of Angst

2009-09-15T10:28:00.004-04:00

Sometimes the ownership experience can be ruined by a engineering failure or design flaw or you happen to get the "lemon" of the bunch. Such is the case with one owner who is suffering a down pouring of dislike on his E93. He started a blog - called BimmerIssues - with one post to get the word out about his car's flooding issue that happens in heavy downpour or car wash.

I personally haven't had this issue. I will on occasion get a small amount of water coming through the corner where the top connects with the front windshield and the driver's window, but I've owned a couple convertibles and have always had some minor drips, but it's nothing like the video above.

It's always good understanding what issues can happen to best understand the car. So, I decided to post this person's experience if you want to know the other side of ownership that isn't all roses and balloons, like mine has been. more.

Garage419 Reviews the 335i Convertible in Paradise

2009-09-08T04:43:00.000-04:00

Loaded with great driving shots of the 2009 BMW 335i convertible driving along California’s ultra scenic driver’s road The Pacific Coast Highway, the team at Garage419 takes out the E93. “Wide open stretches, tight corners” is some of what makes the PCH such a great road to enjoy the dynamics of the 335i convertible.

There are some great sounds from the exhaust note too. Nothing is really new here but some great video shots make the video a joy to watch and personally makes me weep thinking how my car gets beat to hell on Michigan’s pothole infested roads; instead of living in the paradise that is driving through the windy roads of Northern California.

Euro Split Armrest for Added Comfort

2009-07-11T22:05:00.005-04:00

There are a few features we don't get in our 3-series BMWs in the States, well at least we don't get them stock. Of course you probably are used to the game of being able to buy OEM parts after your purchase, even if they are parts that could've come on your car from the factory like they are made available across the Atlantic. After owning several BMWs, this has become old hat in my experience.

I fell for it again and decided to order a $265 part (price included shipping) from Tischer BMW, the OEM BMW E90 Sedan Split Armrest (the E90 part fits the E92/E93.) I had put this modification off because it seemed kind of dumb to me, but a couple of good friends did the install and really liked the improvement of the upgrade.

There is also a lot of talk on the boards in a DIY thread concerning the hassle of a small gear you have to install to get the full effect of the upgrade (gives a more natural not so springy pop of the armrest when it is released. Stock just shoots right up.) Anyway the gear was a bit of hassle but two posts really helped: Putting in the spring and the other tip is "So here's a tip so this doesn't happen to anyone else. Once the gear is inserted properly and you're attempting to place the armrest in, HOLD the gear in place firmly with your finger. Trust me, you'll avoid a lot of aggravation."

Another helpful post, involved how to remove the armrest from an E92/E93 as opposed to the E90 model the DIY was originally done for.

Also, before installing the new armrest you'll want to remove your iPod holder from the stock armrest and install it on the new armrest. Details can be found on this post. I removed the iPod holder and used a small piece of card paper for a magazine subscription and made a template from that for drilling the new holes. Be careful not to drill too far in. Don't worry if it pokes right through quickly, as there is just a thin piece of plastic to drill through. Make sure your drill bit isn't long so you continue to the other side, tough to do but just be careful and don't worry when the drill pokes through the thin layer of plastic since you did not go through any leather.

The install took me about 20 minutes including the time to remove and reattach the iPod leather holder.

BMW Performance Automatic Shift Knob

2009-07-09T17:35:00.004-04:00

You gotta love an installation that involves pulling up with a little force and snapping out a small leather boot, taking a mere two minutes. That's all that's involved in installing the new BMW Performance Auto Shift Knob. The new knob is the first and only automatic shifter replacement for the E90/E92/E93 BMWs with Steptronic transmissions.

It looks good with some Alcantara trim and smooth black leather. The shifter also is a bit bulkier than stock and has a very nice, sturdy, sporty feel to it. The boot that can be ordered continues the Alcantara and leather theme.

I took some photos comparing the new knob to stock to help everyone see how the two differ. Hope you like what you see. I've had some great compliments about it from the E90Post board and even Tischer BMW asked to use one of my photos for their online product catalog.

Price for the item is $115 ($185 with the boot) from Tischer. Details are on this group buy thread.

Next up, a leather split armrest...

The Best Cosmetic Modification: New Wheels

2009-06-11T11:00:00.008-04:00

I have done quite a few modifications to my car over the past two years of ownership, but nothing makes it really unique and custom like some new wheels. Fortunately, a good friend of mine whom I originally met on the E90Post forums is in the process of buying a new M3 coupe and he was selling his 19" BBS-CH wheel and tire set from his 2006 BMW 330i.

I had the set installed yesterday and had to add TPMS sensors since the 2006 models didn't need them. This added some minor cost both for parts and installation. It seems worth it since you have to get the dealership to program turning off the warning light when no sensors are installed. Seemed like an annoyance I wanted to avoid so I went with new TPMS sensors. Tire Rack has a great non-OEM set that ran $200.

Exhaust Tips for the Warranty Cautious Modder

2009-03-31T13:28:00.007-04:00

I really want a Eisenmann quad exhaust system. Really. After looking into adding an after-market exhaust that wasn't Dinan, to my Dinan modified 335i, I decided to wait until I'm out of warranty before I change the whole exhaust system on my car. A good modification that is low cost and adds a nice after-market look is exhaust tips.

I went with 3.8" chrome tips from Cyba off the E90 board. Ordering was easy and the price was far better than Dimsa tips. The Cyba tips ran $99 including shipping. Dimsa tips are $145 (special right now down from $175) not including shipping.

Locally, I went to S & K Muffler in Royal Oak, Michigan to have the tips installed. They do require that the stock exhaust is cut and the tips are welded on. Cost was $60 for the installation. It took about an hour to install, while I waited.

An Even More Striking Interior

2009-03-26T10:49:00.002-04:00

Tastefully modifying your interior is a very difficult thing when you start changing trim pieces out with non-OEM or something different from the typical carbon fiber treatment. Sometimes, interior customizations look a bit too "Pimp My Ride." Fortunately, a customization worthy of consideration was done by Richy, Richy@RichmannMotorSport.com, from BMW MotorSport (Richmann Motorsports).

The center console is wrapped in black leatherette, giving the 3-series interior a bit of a M3 look and actually it really cleans up the look of the aluminum trim and black leather interior combination. Fit is a bit tight, as the installer mentioned it took some strong arming to get the trim to pop back into place since the leatherette ads some thickness to the pieces, but it does click in.

Sorry, but there are no details on pricing. It looks pretty low cost though, particularly if you are just trimming the center console section with your existing parts.

All in all, I think it looks amazing and may consider this as a way to give my car some new life after five or so years. Provided of course, I stop looking at the photo and think 'damn that looks good and probably isn't too bad price wise...' more.

A Sexier Skirt

2009-03-24T10:19:00.010-04:00

I was on E90Post.com yesterday, yeah I know -- big surprise, and I came across some great photos of one of my favorite E93’s on the board (see photo at left.) Of course, the first thing you notice about Steven’s montego blue 335i convertible is the BMW star spoke 179 wheels. If you take another look, you’ll notice some aggressive side skirts.

At first, I thought the skirts were the OEM M3 side skirts from the M3. That’s not the case as Steven told me his were a better choice as the OEMs don’t fit properly and require quite a bit of customization to get a better fit, that still isn’t perfect. Fortunately, an after-market supplier has solved the problem.

The car above features M-Force Design’s E92 M3 Style Side Skirts. Fitment is 100% and the installation requires no tape or glue and are installed “exactly like an OEM replacement part." Pricing painted that includes shipping from a recent group buy on E90Post is $570, $410 unpainted/primed.

These definitely have my attention as my stock side skirts could use a more aggressive look and the car wash I used during my first winter with the car put some nice scratches into the clearcoat, though I was able to buff most of them out using my Flex random orbital polisher.

Featured Custom Phillipino 335i Convertible

2009-03-22T11:13:00.005-04:00

This car has been featured in several global car magazines. For the most part, it is a beautifully modded alpine white convertible. The wheels, quad exhaust and various touches make it a standout. My only gripe is the black and white hood. It's not horrible, just not my thing. Other than that, it is a beautifully executed, extremely modified convertible.

Accolades include, "Auto Extreme (local TV show) and has bagged 8 trophies in 7 major car shows here in the Philippines. Mostly best Euro and best BMW. She has been featured in 2 international magazines and 2 local magazines. She has also been featured in a Japanese website and a local website."

You can see all of the featured publications, full articles, on E90Post.com - check it out.

M Sport Perforated Leather Steering Wheel Installed

2009-03-17T22:14:00.004-04:00

After researching various steering wheel options, I decided to forgo the BMW Performance Steering Wheel once I learned its installation estimate at the dealership increase from 1.5 hours to 4 hours. The install also seemed beyond my skill level since it required some wiring modifications from both sides of the . I was very impressed with the new M Sport Perforated Leather Steering Wheel after I spent some time checking out my friend’s 2008 M3 convertible.

I decided to save $300 on the part and do the install myself, as it looked fairly simple. There is an excellent DIY on E90Post.com that helped a ton and the install only took me 40 minutes. Post #573 in the DIY helped immensely as the removal of the airbag took the most effort and it was unclear in the original post to see how you pop the airbag off with a screwdriver. I was also able to avoid the step of disconnecting the battery. The car goes into “sleep mode” if you let it sit with the door open and keep the key inside the house and don’t open a door or engage an interior light. If you do the sleep mode thing, you avoid the hassle of getting access to the E93’s battery, which involves removing several screws.

The M Sport wheel really has a nice feel. It is much thicker than the standard wheel. You can see the difference in the photo on the side. You’ll love the feel and it is a great modification, though a bit pricey for models with paddle shifters ($695 for the part from Tischer BMW online.) You always grab the wheel while you drive, so it really is a modification you enjoy all the time.

Is This Too Much of an Exhaust Note for a BMW?

2009-03-07T09:18:00.002-05:00

One of the best parts of making the car you have "yours"is the research in finding what performance and cosmetic modifications make sense to your car and your taste. Choosing a pedal set or a front lip is pretty simple stuff. Deciding which exhaust upgrade to buy is the most complex of all, in my opinion. Sound, look, cost, and performance gains all go into one of the most cosmetic performance upgrades you can do to your convertible. Most performance changes you can see when you pop the hood, exhausts can beautify and increase your horsepower gains.

After spending a little time in my friend's new 2008 E93 M3 and hearing how amazing the quad exhaust of the M3 is, I decided to spend some time researching exhausts. I had narrowed down my choices to two: Active Autowerks and BMW Performance. I thought for sure I'd order one of these in the coming month that was until I heard the Eisenmann quad RACE exhaust and how amazing a quad exhaust looks on an E93.

Of course, going with a quad exhaust requires some other cosmetic changes to the rear end of the car. The best look I could find is using the 92/e93 OEM M-Technik Rear Bumper with a carbon fiber rear diffuser. An example can be seen on the E93 at right; though, not with quad exhausts. The M-Technik gives the rear a clean look in my opinion, add quad exhausts and you'll have a very sweet custom change to your E93. Non of this is cheap when you add the $2,300 for the quad exhaust and about $1,800 for the M-Technik parts.

For those interested in a less dramatic and less costly change, the BMW Performance exhaust is getting some great reviews on E90Post.com and you can pickup this exhaust for about $1,500 and it is a simple bolt-on installation.

Intake Options for the 335i

2009-03-04T16:10:00.006-05:00

My latest infatuation is researching air intakes for the 335i engine. There are quite a few out there now and some really have a great looking setup. Here are few things I've learned looking at intakes:

1. Dual or Single cone? Dual cones definitely give you a higher performance boost and most choices give you about a 12-15 horsepower gain. Single cone benefits are minimal compared to stock so if you are doing this you want some performance gain.

2. Costs range from $130 for a nice BMS dual cone to almost $2,000 for a beautiful, yet insane, all carbon GruppeM model. I find the better choices are in the $300-$400 range for a good looking dual cone setup.

3. Low or high sitting intakes. Some intakes are installed where the filters sit low in the engine bay and this setup can cause water getting easily into the filter's air flow which can lock up your engine. The best choice is to go with an intake that sits high in the engine bay so water is less likely to get into your air flow.

4. Warranty. Replacing an intake could affect your warranty with BMW (or in my case Dinan.) It's a rare thing but intakes affect engine performance and if you have a major engine issue it seems you could get into some sticky discussions on a warranty claim if the reason for an issue isn't crystal clear. So, be aware of this when considering this kind of modification.

There are two dual intakes I'm considering. The best looking one is the Injen model (see image above) that runs in the $400 price range and even comes in a red color with red filters. Sure the red/red thing is a bit "ricey" but there is something very cool about the look that is appealing. The other choice is probably the favorite preference of the E90Post.com board, aFe Dual Filter Intake; it's gain is a supposed 27 horsepower. It's a nice setup in the mid $300 range. It looks good and actually is considerably easier to install than the Injen product.

My big issue with any option after researching all of this is warranty. I have the Dinan software and really wonder if any future claims could be derailed if I do have an engine issue before my 4 years or 50,000 miles are up. For this reason, I may just wait two and a half years and do this modification and look at getting the BMW Performance Steering Wheel now.

Excellent How to Change Oil Steps from BMW Blog

2009-02-02T13:58:00.003-05:00

I have been following BMW Blog on Twitter and found a great link to one of their recent blog posts. They are doing some How To topics and this time covered something many of us can benefit from considering owners (like myself) don't like to wait 15k - 20k miles before BMW will change our oil under their free maintenance agreement.

Check out their detailed, visual instructions here: How To Change Oil On a BMW

The cost to change the oil at my dealership runs about $105 a change, so this How To can save you a lot of cash for more modifications.

//M Sport Package Finally Coming Stateside

2008-12-29T20:15:00.002-05:00

BMW is finally making the highly desirable //M Sport package an option in 2009 3-series convertibles (sedans and coupes too.) This package was something I really wanted back when I ordered my car in the Spring of 2007. The wheels alone are super nice and solid reason to choose this package if you are planning to order a convertible in 2009.

The equipment differentiation between the M Sport Packages and the current Sport Packages are:

M door sills
M footrest
M gearshift lever
M steering wheel
M wheels
Available with an M exterior color
Anthracite Headliner (not available on Convertibles)
Aerodynamic package

more.

Eliminating Insurance of Non-Timed Track Events

2008-10-21T10:16:00.005-04:00

Not many of us with 3-series convertibles get involved in track days with our cars, but I have certainly been tempted and would like to eventually see how my car does with its installed Stage II Dinan and possibly some future modifications. Unfortunately, a new article on insurance companies and coverage may end many track events across the nation and is certainly making me reconsider the possibility of tracking my E93 (probably a better idea is buying an old E30 and use it as a dedicated track car with minimal investment.)

Just curious, has anyone participated in any track events or driver schools with their E93? Would you not participate if you knew this insurance "loophole" was closed?

From the New York Times: "IT’S no secret that insurance companies don’t like the people they cover to drive fast. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the industry has been removing a policy loophole that insured drivers on racetracks.

"What’s happened is that many insurers have redefined the term “racing.” Policies have long had exclusions for racing, but it was defined as a “timed event.”

"High-performance driver education neatly avoided that definition. Although cars may take laps at top speed, they aren’t timed.

"At many schools, including those held by the Porsche Club of America and the BMW Car Club of America, students are required to attend classroom sessions. On the track, drivers get one-on-one tutoring from an instructor under controlled conditions. The cars are generally sent around the track in small groups with passing limited to straightaways — and only when the driver being passed signals that doing so is all right. So because these runs were not timed, many drivers were covered by their normal automobile policies." more.

Plenty of Competition... This Time Lexus

2008-10-04T09:37:00.004-04:00

There are two additional luxury hardtop convertible competitors coming to take on the venerable BMW 3-series: the Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS250C. Lexus is the first to hit the auto show circuit having debuted their hardtop this past week at the Paris Auto Show. Funny side note, check out the wheels on the show car. They look quite a bit like the BMW 335i with sport package wheels, Style 189.

The folding top action is reminiscent of the hardtop action on the Chrysler Sebring. Fortunately for Lexus, the top up and top down looks give the car a similar sporty look like the BMW. You can see the top action in the video below.

Having driven the Lexus IS series a couple times (my wife drives a Lexus RX and I request the IS as a loaner car), I haven't been impressed by the car's driving dynamics nor the leather of the seats. The IS just feels boring. Corning stinks as does the constant over-steer of the car. None of this will really matter for the convertible version as I'm sure it will attract a fairly large percentage of female drivers who want it more for it's look than it's handling. But don't get me wrong, the Lexus is a nice car and would make a great cruiser for a lot of us who enjoy convertibles as a third recreational car. more.

Integrated Digital Vent Gauge System

2008-10-01T14:04:00.006-04:00

This is a pretty nice, stealth boost gauge option by a small third-party vendor. The Boost PSI gauge uses orange lights integrated fully into the driver's left side air vent.

There is a new Do-It-Yourself thread on Bimmerfest that shows how to install the product. Seems pretty straight forward and looks great in the accompanying videos in the DIY Thread. more.

UPDATE: The product has recently been updated with a slightly tweaked front face to better match the interior's matte black finish. More info here: http://www.rixeffects.com/p3/ventgauge.

PMS-Lifting Experience

2008-09-24T13:58:00.003-04:00

It's bad enough trying to defend a convertible purchase over a coupe on the enthusiast boards. I can't count how many threads I have read where E92 coupe owners laugh at us E93 convertible owners because we bought a "gay" or "chick" car because the top goes down. Not that I really care about being laughed at by a bunch of boy racers, but this review from the Mother Proof blog website isn't exactly helping the masculinity factor of my car.

From Mother Proof: "A BMW convertible is always fun, but did you know that the 2008 BMW 335i convertible is also a wonderful PMS buster? As the 335i rolled into my driveway, I was already suffering from the dreaded PMS headache and stomachache, but driving it proved to be a PMS-lifting experience.

It provided the comfort I needed (awesome lumbar support and heated seats) as well as the sassy style that was so befitting of my personality at the time. If I felt a little punchy, the car said, “Girl, I can relate. Beat this guy when the light turns green. I won’t let you down.” Backed by 300 ponies and a zippy six-speed manual transmission, the 335i put a smile back on my face." more.

What I Built

2008-09-20T21:19:00.004-04:00

The new BMW 3 series sedan recently debuted online with the new 3 Sedan Explore website. As part of the site's navigation, there is a compilation gallery of owner cars from E30 BMWs to the present. As mentioned in another blog posting here, BMW NA was requesting use of owner photos they found on Flickr. With the site's launch they did use a couple photos I had signed a release form for.

As a 3 series fan, it is personally exciting seeing one of my cars on the site. I wish I had some great photos from my prior '97 3 series ownership. I loved that car and it would've been great seeing pictures in a couple of the years. Anyway, it is a great site and as an enthusiast it is great having BMW showcase my pride and joy and others who obviously care for their own personal expression of the ultimate driving machine. So if you get a chance, explore the new 3 sedan and don't forget to checkout the "What You Built" section of the site.more.

Douche Rocks out to his Logic 7 Sound System

2008-09-12T10:00:00.003-04:00

Oh great, here we go again... Some idiot BMW driver giving all of us a bad reputation. This time it's some kid who decides it's time to suspend his collapsable roof and crank up the sound system in the new M3 convertible. One can only believe he is drunk and decided it was better to dance like an idiot than drive his car. I mean what's up with the towel waving and white man over-bite two step.

Anyway, I was only hoping that at the end of the video someone like Terry Tate from the Reebok ads was going to bolt across the lawn and sack this fool. more.

BMW Considers Bringing the 320i to the States

2008-09-04T12:22:00.003-04:00

BMW may bring a 4-cylinder 3-series back to the states. This hasn't happened since the late 1990s when the 318i and 318ti were around on the E36 body styles. Personally I love this news. I think it's a great way to bring down the cost of the 3-series, which is something 1-series barely did, and would allow for a nice commuter version of the 3-series for gas conscience buyers. I loved my old 1.9 liter Z3 4 cylinder engine. It was easy to work on and provided a decent amount of power for that car. Granted the 3-series is much more heavier than a '96 Z3, but the new 320i's engine has been well received over seas and apparently is a spirited driver though no speed demon as it takes ~9.5 seconds from 0-60 from its 156 hp engine.

From Edmunds Inside Line: "In Europe, the 167-horsepower 320i is a healthy volume seller, as is the 120i, and BMW project director Oliver Friedmann tells Inside Line that such an addition to the company's North American offerings "would have a desirable effect on many fronts."

The direct-injection four-cylinder gas BMWs are, by many accounts, the best models sold by the company. And the fuel consumption numbers speak volumes." more.

"Winter" Car Dilemma

2008-08-27T10:31:00.007-04:00

I love driving my E93 and find it a great way to get to and from work everyday, but there are days I'd rather just leave it parked in the garage away from the rain and snow. A couple months back, I started searching Craigslist and AutoTrader for an used E36 or even an E30 BMW 3-series model to use as my 'winter' car.

I finally found a perfect example last weekend in a 1993 318is 5 speed manual coupe that I bought for $3,000. It is in great shape, though it has 182k miles on it. Everything runs well, it had a recent tune up about 3k miles back and was being used as a commuter car for a family in a neighboring upscale town that took good care of it. One of the things I really liked hearing from the prior owner was how they replaced the leather on the driver's seat a couple years ago because it was heavily worn. Now that's someone who takes care of their cars.

Unfortunately, this nice little find may be short lived for me. I had a hell of a time convincing my wife I needed another car to keep my E93 baby even more flawless and preserved. So, the agreement was that I was looking for a car for her brother and that if he didn't want to take the car I bought then I get to keep it. My brother in-law is coming down this weekend to check the 318is out and I'm certain he will drive off with it.

So my question to you is what would you do? Should I do a little side deal with the brother in-law and possibly risk the side deal coming out and biting me in the ass if my wife finds out? Should I just let him look at it and hope he doesn't go with it? Should I just park it under a tree and feed the birds a lot?

Any other thoughts?

The competition heats up

2008-08-18T11:09:00.004-04:00

Rumors of an Infiniti G37 hardtop convertible have been around for at least a good year now and finally Infiniti has released the first official photo of the car, shown top down. The interesting part will be seeing the car top up. We all know the 335i convertible looks amazing top down but there is a lot of criticism of it top up, especially from E92 coupe owners...lol.

From Edmunds Inside Line: "The world got its first official look at the 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible on Saturday, as the automaker unveiled a photo of the car at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The G37 convertible, with a three-piece automatic retractable hardtop, will go on sale in the spring of 2009."

I'll be sure to take a bunch of photos of the G37 convertible next year when it makes its pass at the 2009 Detroit International Auto Show.

So, what are some of your thoughts on the design of the G37 convertible? Do you like it? Think the E93 has a formidable challenger? more.

BMW Performance: Why do you torment me?

2008-08-11T10:22:00.003-04:00

I was at the dealership last friday getting a radiator fluid top off as my fluid level apparently evaporated just enough to send me a nasty warning light last week. Wondering around the dealership, I looked into the parts cabinet display and noticed a very nice looking steering wheel with cutouts for the paddle shifters on my 335i steptronic. The new part was the BMW Performance Steering Wheel which I held in my hands and felt a dramatic difference than the stock wheel with it's beefier feel and of course the whole light up display showing 1/4 mile timer, lap timer, section timer, lat/long g force, oil/water temp, and stopwatch.

Of course there is a member on E90Post.com who has some great shots of the steering wheel, photos galore. I'm thinking with the alcantara trim on the wheel, adding a few alcantara pieces would tie the wheel together beautifully in the interior. After a quick look, I found alcantara shift boot and e-brake pieces that would like quite nice with the performance wheel and pricing is fairly affordable which is nice since the Performance Steering Wheel is in the ~$1,000 price point (I found it for $995 from Tischer BMW online.)

While I have no set timing on when I'll add this modification, I do expect to get it installed with the additional alcantara pieces some time time around September or October. The new steering wheel looks and feels very nice; though, like anything else BMW I wish it was a little easier on the wallet.

Convertible Top Maintenance Demo Video

2008-08-05T09:37:00.003-04:00

I have been wondering how best to maintain the functionality of my hardtop convertible. Fortunately, Pat Goss of Motorweek covered a couple tips on proper lubrication of the movable parts using White Lithium Grease. He also shows how to apply the grease using a Q-Tip. The video also shows how to treat the rubber trim around the windows and sections of a collapsable roof.

Basically, this video is a great resource for those of us wondering how best to do proper care of this complex roof system.

Let me know if you have any other tips or suggestions.

Solzhenitsyn Passes On

2008-08-04T15:25:00.003-04:00

While not E93 related, I just had to share how this world lost one of its greatest authors - Alexander Solzhenitsyn. His contribution to literature is amazing. The Gulag Archipelago trilogy is one of my favorite reads of all time; it covered his experiences in the Russian prison camps in Siberia -- simply amazing, horrific, and inspiring! Anyway, I thought I'd share my respect for him and highly recommend his words. more.

BMW Communicates with Flickr Photo Users

2008-08-04T14:25:00.003-04:00

I was on vacation last week when out of the blue a nice couple emails came across from BMW North America asking if I could sign a release form to be considered for their using my photos on Flickr for a new 3-series web site effort. Here is the text from the email I received:

Dear BMW enthusiast,

We are reaching out to owners of past and current 3 Series
models for photography, videos, and stories to be included
in the new 3 Series interactive showcase on bmwusa.com as
we get ready to launch the new 2009 3 Series Sedan. One or
more of your images was found on Flickr and identified as
possible content to be used on this site:

--URL of Image on Flickr--

Your image will be displayed anonymously and your name will
not be associated with them, although you may allow us to
use a screen name if you wish. Your image will be linked
back to your Flickr page.

If you agree to give us permission to use your material, we
will need your signature on a release form, submitted by
Aug. 6.

Please visit bmwusa.com/submityour3 to download and submit
your release form. All submission directions are included
in the form. If you have additional questions, please
email new3series@bmwusa.com.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

So, I signed my waivers and hope to have a picture or two showcased in the upcoming site. Anyone else receive one of these?

'09 Model Changes Coming

2008-07-15T10:01:00.005-04:00

Details are starting to emerge about the next 3-series. The big news are some changes to the iDrive and the additional option of the 7-speed dual clutch currently found on the new M3.

Some enhancements for iDrive include the following: "Infotainment has been bolstered significantly by the ConnectedDrive fused iDrive and 80 gigabyte hard drive. ConnectedDrive features BMW Online which – surprise, surprise – enables you to access e-mail, news and stock market updates whilst driving; could be a bit disconcerting in the current economic environment though."

But to me the best option is the dual clutch. This is some very cool technology and out shifts a traditional manual. "The heart of the new BMW transmission is the double clutch system that acts to smooth out gearshifts to the point that they are often only discernible by watching the rise and fall of engine rpm on the... tachometer." more.

335i a Better Choice than the New M3 Convertible

2008-07-08T15:52:00.004-04:00

MSN UK Review: "The M3 coupé stunned, the saloon impressed - so what's left for the cabrio? Well, if nothing else chopping the roof off lets you hear more of the fabulous engine note. Which has to be a good thing. And we've got the first sight of the M division's new automated gearbox.

"Called M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT), this seven-speed unit ramps up BMW's already impressive head start in automated manual gearboxes. Indeed, with a cheeky jibe at Ferrari it even claims to have been first with the technology, SMG apparently beating the supercar builder's F1 gearbox by six months.

"The extra weight, softer chassis and body flex do diminish the M3's hardcore appeal though. And in that respect it's hard to ignore the fact the cheaper 335i's smooth, more flexible power delivery and only marginal performance handicap probably suit the convertible's character better than the M3's manic, race derived V8." more.

M3 Convertible "Compromised and confused"

2008-07-08T15:34:00.003-04:00

Jeremy Clarkson, of Top Gear fame, has not been a fan of the new hard top convertibles from BMW (see his review of the 335i convertible last year) and he is consistent has he trashes the new M3 cabrio.

From Times Online: "I like the new M3. As a coupé... The saloon version is even better. It doesn’t have a carbon fibre roof, which makes no difference at all, but it does have four doors and a bigger boot, which means your children can come too. And it’s a little bit cheaper.

"The new convertible version, however, has a problem. Taking the roof off, say, a Peugeot doesn’t really matter. Who cares if it’s all floppy as a result. It was never built to be the ultimate driving machine in the first place.

"The problem is that BMW’s M cars are built to be the last word in precision, handling, fun, grip and speed. And if you take the roof off, you are sacrificing torsional rigidity, which means you are sacrificing precision, handling, fun, grip and speed. You are therefore removing the whole point of the car. It’s much the same story with the Porsche 911." more.

Dimsa Exhaust Tips for 335i

2008-06-30T09:10:00.003-04:00

Finally someone has come out with some very nice exhaust tips for a cool cosmetic look to the back of the 335i cars. Dimsa tips are simply that, replacement tips to the OEM exhaust system. These will do nothing for performance; it's purely a look thing, but boy do they look amazing. I'll be ordering mine soon and having a local muffler shop install them. The tips are 3.5" or 4" diameter and come in chrome or powdercoated black. Both styles look very nice; though, I'm a traditionalist and will go with the chrome on my car (I'll add some pictures when I get around to ordering and installing them in the next month or so.) You can order the pair for $175 at JlevisW.com. more.

The Ultimate Hardtop Convertible: Ferrari California

2008-06-24T22:07:00.002-04:00

New pictures surfaced showing the Ferrari California featuring a pretty sweet hardtop convertible. Checkout some of the new pictures on Autoblog. more.

Yikes! Bimmerfest Member Suffers Major Top Failure

2008-06-23T09:10:00.003-04:00

No one ever said there wasn't any risk when buying a retractable hard top convertible, but one member on Bimmerfest's message board is living with a very ugly reality. It seems a grinding sound was heard as the owner was lowering her top and much distress and anguish later the car was towed to a nearby BMW dealership. The rear passenger side back panel (the one with the rear window) popped loose and caused some gnarly panel shifts. The front panel reacted to the rear panel by popping up to on the passenger side really making the whole roof a sad mess. You can see a lot more of this, as the owner posted various photos on Picasa Web Albums.

All of this got me thinking about the hardtop maintenance. I apply 303 Aerospace vinyl/rubber protectant to all of my rubber seals, but doing this really wouldn't prevent anything as drastic as this issue from happening. I also have read that some people apply grease to some of the joints of their tops. I haven't tried that but am definitely looking into doing this now as a I'm sure some grease on the joints would be helpful to keep everything working nicely.

For those of you with a hardtop convertible, what do you do to maintain your top? What products, tips or suggestions do you have understanding that the problems of the Bimmerfest poster is more of a defect than a lack of maintenance care, the car only had 5k miles on it... Yikes! more.

New M3 Convertible Experience Website

2008-06-05T12:23:00.002-04:00

I rarely go out to the international BMW website but today I did and in doing so found some great content about the M3 convertible. There are several experience videos showing Performance, Style, Character and Philosophy about the new car. One of the better videos, I found, was the one on Performance: M DCT Drivelogic that features the double clutch transmission showing how it works and how it benefits. You can also look into some more detailed shots of the interior, like the M Sport seats. This site is definitely worth checking out, just understand that seeing the M convertible could dampen one's love of the 335i convertible. more.

Some serious auto detailing with fellow E90Post members

2008-05-26T10:03:00.006-04:00

Well I finally had an opportunity Sunday to do some serious detailing on my E93. Two fellow members of E90Post brought their cars too, an E46 M3 and an E90. It took us a good six hours to detail all three cars using a variety of products and tools, including our Flex Random Orbital Polishers and Menzerna and Zaino polishes.

The steps:
Apply and remove Zaino Glass Polish on windows
Wash car with Zaino car wash
Dry and then clay bar with lubricant for clay
Wash car again with Zaino car wash
Dry
Apply Menzerna Intensive Polish with Flex random orbital polisher, spread polish on 1 setting and then polish area at setting 4.5 on Flex
Remove, doesn't have to be perfect
Apply Menzerna Micro Polish with Flex random orbital polisher, spread polish on 1 setting and then polish area at setting 4.5 on Flex
Remove, has to be perfect.
Apply Zaino Z-2 PRO Car Polish with micro fiber pad, let it set for half hour or longer
Remove
Apply Zaino Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal
Remove
Apply Zaino Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal
Remove

The final results...

All Images

My Custom Front End

2008-04-30T09:05:00.005-04:00

I thought I'd take a moment and share what I did to get the front end look I have on my 335i. First of all, the body modeling is from the BMW Aero Kit, but I only went with the front lip. It's part number is: 511 10414371. The kidney grilles are painted to match my exterior and have a black matte look for the slats. They were ordered from Unique Euro Design. These guys were great and I definitely recommend them. I had one problem with the first set I received but they mailed me a new set quickly and easily. I also bought the black lower mesh below the headlights from them too. To install the lower mesh, I had to remove the entire front bumper. Thanks to E90Post.com I used a DIY post that was great at showing what to do. One note though: Make sure you remove your headlight washer covers before popping off the bumper, not doing that ran me $50 in parts and paint to get new washer covers.

So that is what I did to get the look I have and please feel free to send me any questions or comments.

BMW M3 Convertible Ready for UK Release

2008-04-26T09:45:00.005-04:00

Much to my pleasure a barrage of photos were released by BMW showing the new M3 convertible in Melbourne Red Metallic; though, I must admit I prefer the crimson red on my 335i better.

An interesting aspect comes to light in these new photos. I have been considering replacing my side mirrors with the new M3 side mirrors, but wasn't sure how the different high-gloss black treatment on the mirror body covers would look with my chrome window trim. Some prior BMW M3 Convertible images showed the M3 with the same chrome trim, but these new images show a black window trim meaning to get a clean look I should probably alter my window trim to black as well. All said and done, the OEM way to make these mods would run approximately $3,000 ($2k for the mirrors and $1k for the window trim.) Quiet a hefty cosmetic modification. Oh well, I still like the new M3 side mirrors better but I also like $3,000 in my pocket.

From AutoBlog.com: "To signal the beginning of sales of the M3 convertible in the UK, BMW decided to release two-dozen more photos of its drop-top super coupe, and that's enough of a reason for us to include them in a gallery with its white counterpart. Everything remains the same, including the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed DCT gearbox, all without that pesky roof to keep you from enjoying the 420 hp, 4.0-liter V8 when your sending it up into its 8.400-rpm redline." more (tons of pics).

Fluttering Noise Service Bulletin

2008-04-22T14:51:00.003-04:00

Some owners of the new 3-series convertibles have reported an annoying fluttering noise in the cabin of the car when the hard top is up. I personally have not experienced this but several have and it has finally been recognized and addressed by BMW in a new service bulletin. Details can be found at: Service Bulletin Details Here.

Alpina's Version of the M3 Cabriolet

2008-03-29T19:49:00.001-04:00

So if the opportunity existed for those of us on U.S. shores, would I buy an Alpina cabriolet? After reading this review, I would seriously consider it but unfortunately those of us stateside will never see this car let alone test drive one.

From Autocar.co.uk: "No question, the B3 cabrio is an exceptionally desirable car, one that combines monster pace with reasonable economy and emissions, genuine seating for four, and a proper folding metal hood that will allow you to enjoy those fleeting moments when the sun comes out in this country. And as ever it will almost certainly offer a more relaxing driving experience than the factory M3 cabrio, without feeling overly compromised by the removal of its roof. We like it, we like it a lot." more.

This Guy Is Cool, Literally

2008-03-26T15:15:00.004-04:00

Near freezing weather in Seattle and driving top down for the test drive. This is one news reporter I can hangout with. Checkout a chilly drive in March as the local NBC automotive reviewer takes the 335i convertible for a spin. Amazingly there was no rain on his day out. As a former Northwest resident (Portland, in my case), I enjoyed seeing some nice twisty roads and green in March.

This guy even takes the car to Costco. He is completely nuts and why this is a fun review to watch. A bit abnormal and plenty of positive words as he does laps in a parking garage before handing the keys back. More.

3-Series Conception

2008-03-26T15:09:00.003-04:00

Ever wanted to know where the 3-series BMWs are built and what the plant looks like. Here is a video showcasing the new Leipzig plant where all 3-series models are produced. This is definitely worth a watch. Check it out.

Chris Bangle Talks about the 335i Convertible

2008-03-11T15:58:00.003-04:00

Wow, this is one cool video from the world's most polarizing automotive designer. Here Chris Bangle discusses some of the challenges and styling decisions that came together for the 2007 3-series convertible.

He talks about the "blood line" of the convertible. It is the the line from the top of the door to the end of the back seat. Watch and you will see what Bangle is talking about. Enjoy!

335i Launch Video on BMW-web.tv

2008-03-11T15:48:00.004-04:00

While this video has been out for quite awhile, I have never viewed this full length version. These marketing videos are always pretty funny. It's interesting to see who the aspirational target customer BMW had in mind as they went to launch. Apparently, wearing shoes is optional and a hot trophy wife is required attire. Oh well, I guess that's the difference between consumptional target and aspiring..?

A reduced version was featured on the BMW convertible launch website. In fact, I used to carry a shortened version of this on my PS3 since BMW/NA had included a download to work with the portable Playstation. Anyway, here is the full version that was produced for product launch last year.

Great Product Perspective Video from BMW

2008-03-04T10:06:00.002-05:00

I just love this video of this BMW 335i cabriolet shot in Mt Dandenong Victoria. It just has some great shots, effects, and a stylized look that makes me want to go out and drive. Enjoy!

335i Convertible Wins Play Car of the Year

2008-03-04T09:52:00.004-05:00

Add this one to your awards given by web sites looking to generate more site traffic via press releases. Well whatever the reason, the 335i convertible was recognized by Cars.com as the 2008 Play Car of the Year and I'm not one to disagree.

From Cars.com: "The convertible's chassis is tuned for the discriminating enthusiast, with confidence-inspiring handling and compliant ride quality. In addition, the convertible's retractable metal roof adds year-round practicality and comfort and helps keep wind noise to a minimum. Plus, with the roof lowered, you're able to fully enjoy the inline-six's sweet exhaust note. The price for this kind of fun is on the high side, for sure, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. In this case, it's money well spent." more.

M3 Convertible Debuts at Geneva Auto Show

2008-03-04T09:34:00.006-05:00

From Jalopnik: "The sleek and speedy vert has been unveiled after a long rumor mill process and the swiftly shifting hardtop is here to show the goods. While it gets 100% of all the things that make the M3 on it's own a fun little toy, the thing we noticed the most will be the something the golf playing lawyers who buy them."

Not much different here except the amazing new V8 in the M3. One changes is the upcoming M-DCT (dual clutch transmission) that's basically an automated manual that uses two clutches for inhumanly quick shifts.

I was really hoping for a rear spoiler option made available by the new M3 convertible, but the show car has no spoiler. Oh well, guess the limited options that exist continue to remain well... limited.

more images and information from Jalopnik

2008 Detroit Auto Show

2008-01-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I ventured down to the Detroit Auto Show with several members from E90Post.com. I took several images of the BMW display at the show and have a full set available for all to view on Flickr.

The show was complete with three major debuts: 1-series, M3, and X6. Unfortunately, no concept vehicles were on display especially since I was really looking forward to seeing the 2002tii Concept BMW showed at the Tokyo Auto Show. The CS concept shown in China was also not on display in Detroit. Concepts aside, the new vehicles look great. All of us were impressed by the look and interior room available in the 1-series. I even climbed into the back seat of a coupe and it really didn't feel much different from my 335i convertible. All in all, the 1-series is an impressive car. Would I swap a 135i convertible for my 335i? Not a chance. I love the hard top and the extra room which I need for carting around my twin boys. The 135i convertible while roomier than expected certainly gives up some interior space primarily back seat width and legroom.

The X6 is an interesting vehicle. Beautiful interior and an impressive V8 twin turbo engine. But I just don't get this SUV. It's huge like the X5 but lacks the interior hauling capacity of a SUV. So who wants a SUV that can't really haul anything??? I suppose if you just want to sit high and suck gas, BMW has a new vehicle for you. Just not my taste.

The M3 coupe and sedan were on display. Unfortunately no M3 convertible yet. I'm sure next year. The M3 wheels are stunning and something I may consider for a future wheel upgrade in 2008. The front reflector is horrid on the M3 and isn't flush with the front bumper. It distracts from an otherwise gorgeous car.

more images.

M3 Cabrio Images Leaked

2008-01-14T17:07:00.000-05:00

Finally some non-camouflaged images of the upcoming M3 convertible made their way to the Internet late last week. Autoblog has a brief write-up with a gallery of images on their site.

Personally, I think the pictures don't do the car justice since the car is shown in white. The white 3-series cabriolets show the roof fold lines too much and with the additional body mold changes on the M3, the car just looks too busy with too many creases that visually interrupt the flow of the car. Of course, this could just be me being jealous in the coming year as I get passed by a M3 convertible thinking "damn! If only I had waited a year."

"The folding-roof M3 doesn't officially debut until the Geneva Auto Salon in March, but a German magazine jumped the gun and posted images on their website. Embargo apparently broken, the pictures continue to propagate about the internet." more.

Diesels Coming to 3-Series US Model Line

2008-01-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

As much as I wanted a diesel E93, I just couldn't wait. I was looking forward to the new convertible and just bit early on a 335i. No real regrets, but for those of you who are still looking to buy you might want to wait to gain some nice fuel savings and still get BMW performance.

From Autoblog: "n the U.S., the 3.0L twin-turbo diesel is expected to produce 265 hp and 425 ft-lbs of torque, which is plenty for us. At the same time, it will return 23 city/33 highway mpg and take the 335d sedan to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too." more.

Dinan Finally Releases Software Upgrade for 335i Engines

2007-12-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

The Vishnu Proceed software upgrade has been all the rage on the BMW enthusiasts boards but I've personally been waiting for a performance upgrade that comes with the piece of mind of not voiding my BMW warranty. Well Dinan has finally come through with performance and sleeping easy at night.

"Dinan, North America’s BMW tuner, is pleased to announce the introduction of the anxiously awaited Performance Engine Software for BMW 335 models. And as always, Dinan matches the new car warranty coverage for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles, including the possibility of consequential damages*. No one offers better performance or backs it up with such comprehensive warranty coverage.

"The results of Dinan’s tuning are nothing short of breathtaking, with the added boost and related recalibration producing maximum output of 384 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 421 lb-ft torque at 4300 rpm. All of this additional power is available from Dinan’s software alone, which is easily downloaded by your Authorized Dinan Dealer in about an hour for 2007 models (2008 model year vehicles require that the ECU is removed and shipped to Dinan for installation of the software at this time).

"*In order to qualify for Dinan’s matching new car warranty coverage, which includes consequential damages, the vehicle MUST be equipped with either a factory oil cooler (not all 335s were equipped from the factory with an oil cooler) or Dinan’s High Capacity Oil Cooler (recommended).

Part #D900-30T3
Suggested Retail: $1999.00
Installation: 1 Hour" more.

As quick as a 650i cabriolet

2007-12-05T11:37:00.000-05:00

Review from Canada at Wheels.ca: "What was once a hardtop canopy for four occupants is now a dense pile of metal, plastic and glass folded into illogically compressed proportions. The whole apparatus then parks itself into the $72,195 as-tested 335i Cabriolet's trunk, taking all of 22 whirring, purring seconds to accomplish this engineering feat.

"The performance is like a freakish Cirque du Soleil contortionist act, but right there in your laneway. If you happen to have an audience, they'll "oooh" and "ahhh" and undoubtedly ask for an encore.

"If you're one of those "have-it-all" types, get the 335i. You'll own the best-driving four-seat convertible for your money." more.

First snow commute

2007-12-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

Okay, it was a minor test for my new winter tires but hey it was the first drive to work with snow on the roads. Fortunately, it was a pretty smooth sailing even on my unplowed side street. In some weird way, I'm looking forward to a real test in the coming weeks when I get some serious snow fall; though the tires isn't my big concern, that would be ground clearance.

eBay Find: How about M3 Seats for your E93?

2007-12-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting find on eBay. A full set of M3 seats plus the center trim and door panels for a meager $4,500. Okay, it's not meager, but hey if you want that M3 look it's probably a lot less than buying direct from BMW. The big question is do the seats bolt on the same as our E93 seats, probably not... Might work best for an E92 but even that is a wild guess.

Autoblog Improves Their Garage

2007-11-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

From Autoblog.com: "The 335 is one of the BMWiest of BMWs. They mean it when they say "Driving Machine." The 335i's mission is to devour miles. When you're behind the wheel, it's easy to forget mundane things like work, caught up as you are in apex-clipping joy. This is one of those cars that will have you seeking out the windy, hilly, un-crowded way. Retract the roof, hit the seat heaters if it's chilly, and listen to the cannonade from the twin pipes peal off the countryside." more.

Winter in Michigan is Not High Performance Weather

2007-11-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

Well I switched out my stock 18" rims and runflat tires with a winter tire setup from Tire Rack. I went with a 17" wheel and tire set. The wheels are ASA JH3 and the tires are non-runflat Dunlop Winter Sport M3 XL. After some research on the topic, this seemed like a good setup for the coming onslaught of bad Michigan weather. A lot of owners can't decide whether to go with All Season or Winter tires. The majority of owners who have 3-series RWD cars emphatically recommend a snow tire setup which is why I also went this route. I also read some great reviews about the Dunlops. Bridgestone also makes some great snow tires too. I chose Dunlops because I have had great experience with them on prior cars; though, I've never bought this particular tire. I'll report more on handling and feel after I catch a few bad weather days.

Close up

Under the Designer Microscope

2007-11-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

From Car Design News: "The criticisms of its design were few and minor, and this car delivers exceptionally in capability and design as both a coupe GT and cabriolet. Barely any compromise is evident - a very impressive achievement. But it is a car without a clear identity. It's not a true GT, nor is it a cabrio in the traditional sense. With its conflicting requirements it's hard to place, but the 3 series coupe cabriolet is a new breed of BMW, and perhaps the perfect single car solution for many of us." more.

M3 Rear Spoiler for Sale

2007-11-05T15:09:00.000-05:00

Aftermarket autoparts retailer, Jlevi SW recently added the M3 rear spoiler for the E93 to its online catalog. I have seen a few pictures of owners of this part post pictures on E90Post.com and it looks pretty good. It's defintely better looking than the BMW Aero Kit Rear Spoiler. If you are interested in learning more about the M3 spoiler and want to order one, go here for more information.

The over $100,000 335i convertible

2007-11-03T11:11:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's over $100,000 in Australia but the Australian dollar is almost a $1 for a $1 conversion, so let's not complain about the US pricing of the 335i. It could be much worse and is in many countries.

From Australia: "YOU might have seen a BMW advertisement recently in which a 3-Series “sheds its skin” as it thunders along a lonely desert road.

The car starts out as a wagon, but at high speed the rear hatch assembly “blows away” to reveal a 3-Series sedan. Then, the rear doors are similarly shed to reveal a 3-Series Coupe; and finally, the roof peels away to leave a 3-Series Convertible spearing off into the distance.

As well as being a clever piece of ad-making, it’s something of an evolutionary tale – one which clearly places the convertible at the top of the 3-Series food chain. The most highly evolved model of all, you might say." more.

Top Down Driving for the Northern Driver

2007-10-30T12:32:00.000-04:00

Don't know how I missed this one, but here is an automotive video review from Motors TV that is shot in Spain last year in the winter time. I'm sure there will be plenty of snow shots of E93s to come as winter hits us very soon. For now, here's a sneak peak of how the convertible looks on a snow filled mountain. I wonder if they drove the car with the stock runflat tires?more.

Painted Kidney Grilles and Black Lower Mesh Install

2007-10-18T11:30:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago on a hot muggy Saturday morning I spent a couple hours removing my front bumper and installing lower black mesh, painted kidney grilles, and white GP Thunder fog lights. I had ordered the grilles and lower mesh pieces from Unique Euro Design. The color match on the painted kidney grilles is perfect and working with Unique Euro Design was great. I definitely recommend them.

To do this project you have only have to remove the whole bumper if you are going to replace the lower mesh. If you only want to replace the kidney grilles or the fog lights, you can do this without removing the bumper. Here are a couple Do It Yourself instructions I found useful for doing this project.

Removing the Front Bumper

Replacing the Kidney Grilles

Replacing the Fog Lights

For the fog lights I went with GP Thunder bulbs purchased at http://www.hid-lights.com, their service I definitely recommend.

Is the 335i Too Good?

2007-10-03T15:25:00.000-04:00

I know it's an article on a 335i sedan and some points may not be valid for the convertible model, but still look what an auto enthusiast has to say about the new 335i.

From Autospies.com: "About three weeks ago, we were given the 2007 BMW 335 sedan (Manual, sport, premium, premium sound)from BMW corporate, as a long term review car.

If you’re regular reader, you know I have been driving a couple Carrera S’s over the past two years, as my daily drivers."

"So there’s my case but also remember, this is not just BMW 335 vs. Porsche here…I would pick a 335 (Coupe if it was my $) over ANYTHING that’s on the market right now. Including cars like the 535, 550, M5, E550, GS450, Infiniti G&M, etc." more.

Brilliant BMW 3-Series TV Spot

2007-10-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

You have to love it when an ad is created that appeals so well with its customers. Here is an ad from BMW that really resignates. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I'm Sexy, Cool, Smart, and Rich...

2007-09-27T14:45:00.000-04:00

After reading an article in today's Autoblog.com about the VW Eros winning EveCars.com's ladies' choice for Car of the Year, I had to see what they said about the BMW drop top. Well, what else would they say, "Look at me! I'm sexy, cool, smart and rich." My question is where did they get the cargo net in their trunk photo?

From EveCars.com: "A cabriolet doesn't have to be an expensive hairdo's worst enemy: lower the BMW 3 Series Convertible's metal roof and put your foot down and you'll barely notice that you're roofless. There's hardly any draught and it's astonishingly quiet. The ride is plush but beautifully poised and the engines are smooth and eager – the pick is the delicious 3.0 turbo petrol." more at http://www.evecars.com/car-review.aspx?rt=215&EC=6.

BMW CCA Reviews iPhone Compatability

2007-09-21T23:46:00.000-04:00

I have already covered this topic here days after the iPhone launch. For those, who wish to read a more extensive review on the iPhone's compatability with BMW cars this review from Roundel magazine will surely meet your geeky desires.

From BMW CCA: "BMW promised compatibility for the "6FL" factory iPod/USB interface but was silent on the dealer-installed MOST bus interface for the iPod. If the phone is attached via the iPod cable adapter, the phone still communicates with the car via Bluetooth and will stop playing music if a call comes in."

"In the car, the iPhone is easy to use, both as a phone and a music player. The driver can make and receive phone calls from BMW’s MFL (Multifunktion Lenkrad or multifunction steering wheel) as well as from iDrive or the MID (Multi-Information Display), depending on how the car is equipped." more.

Enhancing your backside

2007-09-18T10:40:00.000-04:00

I did a post here awhile back featuring various front lip spoilers you could choose from for an E93. This time I've compiled several options for those interested in personalizing the rear of their BMW. This is a modification I'm currently not interested in until I look into doing a complete exhaust upgrade to a quad exhaust sytem, something I may do in a year or two. Right now I'm enjoying the "golf tee mod" sound boost I did last week.

Back to the rear options for a different look. Here are some of the looks you can get if you pursue this modification. My personal favorite is the RD Sport. I think it looks very clean.

AC Schnitzer

Hamann

RD Sport

BMW M-Tech/M-Sport

BMW Aero Kit

If Prince drove a BMW, this would be the one

2007-09-12T15:48:00.000-04:00

Alpina unveiled its take on the BMW 335i convertible at the Frankfurt Auto Show today. If one can look past the ugly pinestripes and the gawdy purple interior and exterior, there actually are some nice touches. My personal favorite is the best rear spoiler I have seen for the E93. I so wish I could order just the spoiler from this car as I would buy it in a second! It's perfect! If you want to learn more about Alpina's take on the E93 checkout Autospies.com's pictures from the Frankfurt Auto Show.

The Greatest BMW Convertible Commercial

2007-08-31T13:31:00.000-04:00

An oldie but a goodie, this add for the past model (E46) BMW commercial is very well done and deserves to be highlighted on a BMW convertible blog. I'm sure many of you have seen it already, but if not enjoy.

Fantastic as an Automatic? You bet!

2007-08-21T08:58:00.000-04:00

335i Coupe review from Car and Driver magazine: "Yes, the 335i’s ZF-sourced six-speed automatic is among the world’s very best transmissions, and we can’t heap enough praise on it. Responsive and quick to act, it is the perfect autobox for this kind of car.

"In the 335i, two small IHI turbochargers serve three cylinders apiece with a max boost of 9.0 psi. With low inertia, the turbos spool up right away, and the direct injection allows a high (for a charged engine) compression ratio of 10.5:1. All of this serves to quicken throttle response. Thus, the 335i’s power doesn’t come in the form of a delayed rush. Rather, the bonus power feels as natural as, well, the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter engine itself. So good is this engine that it won the 2007 International Engine of the Year award for its size class. For our part, we’ve submitted it for canonization by the pope." more.

The Coming 2008 M3 Convertible

2007-08-15T14:09:00.000-04:00

I recently ran across some amazing new pictures of a lightly disguised M3 convertible. Enough from me, here they are. You can see the full set along with several exotic cars here.

Riding around in Liberace's dressing room

2007-08-08T09:55:00.000-04:00

From The Guardian UK: "In fact, within about three miles, I had even grown to find the creaminess winningly appropriate - bright and accommodating, like the car itself. It wasn't, after all, that cheap shiny leather that causes you eventually to slide under the accelerator, but some quality hide with a nap that seems to hold you like a friend during a time of trouble.

You could always spot a 3 Series convertible. The canvas roof was the giveaway. Now the convertible travels incognito, its hard top - and the boot it electronically stows away into - cunningly styled to give no indication of their true articulated selves, which is entirely in keeping with the car's overall message: calm, unshowy, with just a quiet touch of the Batmobiles about it." more.

A Techy Review of the 335i Convertible

2007-08-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

From CNET Reviews: "With its twin-turbocharger inline six-cylinder engine, the 2007 BMW 335i Convertible offers a sublime driving experience. Its retractable hardtop feels solid when up, and offers open-air driving when down. The Bluetooth system accesses cell phone books."

The review is a video review featuring a gorgeous Sparkling Graphite 335i convertible with coral red leather interior. more.

Hamann Custom E93

2007-07-31T23:51:00.000-04:00

Hamann Motorsports has released a new custom E93 complete with visual and performance modifications. One of the better design treatments is the new rear lip spoiler. Let me know what you think about it? I am considering buying one when I find a place to order it. I know that Bravarian Auto Sport carries Hamann, so I am looking to see when they list in their catalogue for pricing. more.

Look of BMW Aero Front Lip Spoiler

2007-07-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

I had my dealership, Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills Michigan, paint and install a front lip spoiler on my new 335i convertible. The picture included with this post shows how sharp this look is on the new model and is clearly a great choice if you are looking for a more aggressive front-end. Total cost for this installation was $650 which includes the part, painting, and dealer installation.

I am still looking to do a modification to the rear lip but have yet to find a proper spoiler to compliment the convertible's lines. The BMW Aero kit does sell a rear spoiler but it doesn't look clean enough in my opinion. Hamann recently came out with a rear spoiler that does look a bit more promising, you can check it out here.

"As Boring as a Bucket of Wallpaper Paste"...Really?

2007-07-30T10:32:00.000-04:00

It's not often I read a negative review of the new 335i convertible. In fact, this is the first time I've read a flat out negative review. Leave it to someone in love with Jaguars and other British marquees to criticize a remarkable execution of form and function by the Germans.

From the Times Online: "And I’m sorry again, but anyone with a 335i is going to spend his entire life explaining to colleagues why he didn’t go the extra mile and get the big boy instead.

It will be particularly painful when the time comes to sell. M3s on the secondhand market are always fairly cheap, so to make your 335i look attractive you’ll have to sell it on for mere pennies.

And even that might not do the trick, because of the way it looks. I stand corrected with other BMW models. But with the 3-series, I’m sorry.

It’s not the Natural History Museum or the Trellick Tower, and it never will be. It is, I’m afraid, Coventry Cathedral. A turd that even time cannot succeed in polishing." For the full story...more.

Replaced Reflectors

2007-07-16T10:45:00.000-04:00

A popular modification on the new BMW 3-series is replacing the amber reflectors located on the front wheel wells. I recently installed my reflectors with painted reflectors from Bimmian. The color match in person looks perfect but there is some color difference that does show up in the pictures I took, but I will tell you that everyone who looks at it in person thinks the color match is spot on. I'm very pleased with this modifcation and it took me only about 20 minutes to do. Here is a link from E90post.com that shows the details of doing the change.

Here is a picture of the car with the standard reflectors (before the change):

Bracing Breeze Worldwide Book Review

2007-07-16T10:01:00.001-04:00

Like many waiting for their ordered cars to show up from Germany, I was hungering for all the information I could possibly get about my future new car. One of my many Google searches turned up an interesting find -- a book all about the history of the BMW 3-series entitled Bracing Breeze Worldwide: BMW 3 Series Convertibles”, the problem it was only in German. After doing a bit more Googling I did learn the book comes in English too along with a DVD. The book is published by Heel-Verlag, ISBN number 978-3-89880-809-5.

Getting the book was not an easy task. I tried Amazon, Amazon (UK), Barnes & Noble, and various searches until I finally got around to just emailing the publisher, who at the time did not even have the book on their web site; it is there now. So, after a few back and forth emails with a service representative at the publisher I ordered the book. I did that in late May, about the time my car was getting built by BMW. Funny how things happen but the book and my car showed up the same day almost 8 weeks later. The bad part is my book was supposed to come with the DVD, but there was no DVD to be found..? I guess I’m waiting another 8 weeks for the DVD now.

The book is written a lot like several cookbooks I own. There are plenty of travel pictures the author puts into words that gives a little history eventually leading to some of the history and information about the cars, much like a book on Italian cooking that gives you some history before it gets to the food. There is nothing wrong with this style but it is a bit dry and each section writes like a template that gets repeated over and over again. I found myself just skipping to the discussion about the cars by the time I got to the E46 model.

Unfortunately, the author(s), not sure who wrote this since no author is attributed, seem to know nothing first-hand about driving any of the cars covered in the book. The details about the cars could be easily gathered by reading the brochures from the dealerships and this is the most disappointing element of this book. What you really want to know is how the cars performed, handled, and what feeling the driver takes away from each variation as BMW evolved the convertible 3-series over the years. It’s rather fitting the book concludes with line dimensional drawings of each model just like a brochure.

I also felt let down by the coverage of the new E93 convertible. The pictures are stock BMW (in fact, all automotive pictures may be stock, I cannot confirm this though) and only a platinum, cream beige model is shown. Some variation in color combinations would’ve been nice, but I’m sure this publication was rushed out to meet the veracious hunger us new convertible owners are seeking as we seek to get our hands on everything 3-series convertible.

Of course getting my new car was far more exciting than getting any book, even a better written version with better pictures. Unfortunately, the book wasn’t really worth the wait and I found very little value and enjoyment reading this publication. I understand it is just an overview book for fans of this car and shouldn’t really be held to any literary standard; however, I have a coffee table book that came out in 1996 when I got my BMW Z3 that is really a gem and something I enjoy even to this day. That book shows the early Z3 in variety of color combinations, driving shots, and covers the history of the roadster (BMW and others) in a great, exciting way. Bracing Breeze Worldwide just doesn’t keep the reader's interest visually or mentally.

Took Delivery of My 335i Convertible

2007-07-10T09:24:00.001-04:00

I took delivery of my new E93 335i convertible yesterday afternoon after a 7 and a 1/2 week wait. It was a painful wait but worth it when what I exactly wanted arrived at my local dealership. I'm planning on doing some minor cosmetic modifications soon and will post more about those changes as I make them. In stock form, this car is beautiful and really doesn't need any tweeking (besides getting rid of those dumb side amber reflectors.)

iPhone Integrates with BMW

2007-06-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

The new Apple iPhone has been confirmed by BMW that it meets the minimum Bluetooth requirements for current model BMWs. A full press release about the iPhone from BMW can be seen here (Adobe Acrobat format.) I will be one of the many out today trying to get a new iPhone. My 335i should arrive at my dealership the week of July 9th so I will post more about integration once I get my hands on both of these new toys.

Unless You're Some Sort of Performance Freak

2007-06-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

Here is an old review from February 2007 when BMW launched the convertible to the press. Paul Tan's website is a fun and engaging rant and rave on the automotive industry. I found the performance comments quite amuzing after reading E90post.com and hearing all of the coupe owners brag about performance (a mere .2 seconds better 0-60 times... Now count that did you feel it?) My only disappointment about the review is the use of all stock photography and video, there is no unique media content.

From Paultan.org: "Convertibles. Gotta love them. You might not want to own one, but you definitely have to like what they represent. Unless you’re some sort of performance freak. In which case, you’re a separate sort of insane." more.

Foot Pedals

2007-06-28T10:18:00.001-04:00

There are a few options for those looking to change out their foot pedals for a more racing styled look. I ran across probably the best looking pair I have ever seen and it's actually sold by BMW Accessories. The stainless steel pedals have a nice, understated yet stylish look about them that is very appealing to me. You can order them directly through your BMW dealership. Part number and pricing information is available here. Installation is quite easy. The brake (and clutch) pedals are simply slip off; though it does take some muscle to do this it is fairly straight forward. The accelerator pedal requires a bit more sophistication as one needs to remove some screws behind the base of the pedal and slide it up and out.

Front Lip Spoiler Options for Your Convertible

2007-06-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

Here are some options available for those who want a more agressive front facia on their BMW convertible. I personally opted for the BMW aero kit's front lip spoiler and am having it installed by my local BMW dealership. Having the dealership do it is a bit more expensive than do it yourself or finding a local mod shop do it. Total cost for the part, painting, and installation was $640. I have seen others get this done for around $400 going the do it yourself route.

Some choices for those interested in such a modification:

BMW OEM Aero Front Lip Spoiler

Hamann Front Lip Spoiler

Hartge Front Lip Spoiler

Reiger Front Lip Spoiler

Crimson Red 328i Video Review

2007-06-23T13:03:00.000-04:00

A new video review of the convertible is now online at the San Jose Mercury News website. You can check out a full review here.

Tracking Your BMW Car Order

2007-06-20T17:30:00.000-04:00

My car is currently enroute crossing the Atlantic Ocean. If you decide to order a BMW, a great resourse can be found on E90post.com. For more details, click here.

Best Car and Value for a Performance 4 Seater

2007-06-18T14:10:00.000-04:00

From the Detroit Free Press: "The 335i is the first German car I can remember that can hold more cups than people, as a mocha-latte stop in Louisville revealed. Two spring-loaded cupholders pop out of the passenger side of the dashboard; the center console has a conveniently located one just aft of the shifter; another lurks beneath the armrest in the console's small storage bin, and two more hide beneath a lid in the middle of the rear seat." more.

Limited Options for Convertible Rear Spoiler

2007-06-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

There are currently very few options for those wanting to install a rear spoiler on the new convertible. Of course, BMW North America does offer a rear spoiler on the E92 coupe which could be used on the new convertible. For pictures of this option look here.

Another less known option is currently offered by a company out of Costa Mesa, California. This option is the one shown in the image on this blog post. You can find out more through the Bimmerfest Forums here.

It is important to note that a lot of the options available for the coupe are not feasible for the convertible since the rear lip treatment would impact the rare light on the convertible.