Painted Kidney Grilles and Black Lower Mesh Install

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?

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.