iPhone Integrates with BMW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Chrome Accessories for the E93

A British outfit is selling chrome interior accessories for the new 2007 convertibles and coupes. They are also carrying the same parts in titan and soon carbon. They provide free shipping in the UK and give no information about shipping to the States. I emailed them and they will ship to the US. I was quoted 4.95 pounds for shipping to US for 3 small parts. more.

Car and Driver Snags Photo of 1 Series Convertible

Not an E93 but some new convertible news that is sure to excite BMW convertible fans. Apparently, Car and Driver is not a fan of the E93's hardtop as noted in the quote below.

From Car and Driver: "The most newsworthy aspect of these shots is indeed the most obvious: that the convertible will be offered with a cloth convertible top, one that preserves the roof shape of the coupe while looking remarkably like the convertible top on the E46-generation 3-series convertible, which was sold between 2000 and 2006. No “sheetmetal sandwich” in the trunk as in the new 3-series convertible, no fancy 6-series–style fabric buttresses. Just a simple ragtop, that’s all. We humbly encourage more of that kind of thinking in Munich."more.

Most Indepth Preview of the New Convertible

In the most indepth preview (this article is from January 2007) I have ever seen, World Car Fans details everything about the 2007 BMW 3-series convertibles.

"Light effects, colour schemes and the choice of materials create a unique atmosphere within the new BMW 3 Series Convertible, at the same time highlighting the car’s individual style, dynamic character, and exclusive appeal." more.

Quad Exhaust Modification Preview

Here is a video of a 2007 BMW 335i Coupe with the RD Sport Quad Exhaust modification. Definitely an impressive sound to an already great engine. Hopefully, we'll see this available for the convertible 335i's too. Right now it is only listed for coupes at:

http://www.autotalent.com/product_info.php?products_id=446