Today at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW introduced the X6. Officially it’s a “concept”, but very rarely are concept cars camaflouged for hot weather testing in Death Valley. They are gonna build this turd, probably in Spartansburg, SC.

Once again, BMW is befuddling me. This car… oh, sorry… this Sport Activity Coupe (which means that it really is a SAC of shit) is tall and heavy like an SUV, but has a raked roofline like a sports coupe. Hmmm… so BMW took the most impractical aspects of two completely different classes of car and melded them in into an SUV with no rear headroom, very little cargo capacity and lousy fuel economy. What’s not logical about that? Never mind the styling is somewhat lackluster, and in profile reminds more of a Subaru Legacy Sedan or Infiniti M than a BMW.

If BMW truly wanted to meld the best aspects of a sports coupe and SUV, why not create a low-slung, ass-haulin’ shooting brake?

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi all seem to be in a rush be the first into new, yet-undiscovered car segments. My fear is in the rush to be all things to all people, they will spread themselves too thin, that they may put their future in jeopardy.

I pride myself on discriminating subtle differences among cars. I don’t know if automotive designers are running out of ideas, are lazy, or if I’m just getting old… but I’m having a tougher time. Most recently, I was having trouble distinguishing the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES350 from any angle but the front, until I thoroughly examined each car in detail. (Come on, Toyota… even if the Lexus is just a tarted-up version of the Camry, couldn’t you have differentiated the two a little more!)

Based on the spy shots and press photos for the new BMW X5, I was preparing myself for another in-depth study, as the E53 X5 and the E70 X5 looked pretty much identical to me. Then I stumbled on this cool video, and I can clearly see all the differences.

Kicking Tires (yea, Dave!) reports that BMW is bringing back the manual transmission on the M5. Amen, alleluia.

I’m hoping that this is another step for BMW to return to it’s roots. Over the past several years, they have seemed to lose their direction. The Ultimate Driving Machine became the Ultimate Doohickey Machine, with lots of weird gadgets, and styling to match.

The new 3 Series, especially, gave me hope that BMW understood that they were losing the core constituency, and that they were working to bring back the faithful. One only has to compare the interior design evolution of the 3 Series, E46 vs. E90, to see that BMW is no longer building for the driver.

Adding a manual to the M5, at least in my mind, confirms they understand the error of their ways.

And before some yahoo tells me BMW hasn’t lost any customers: Two years ago, my father was looking for a replacement his E39 5 Series. He narrowed it down to the 545i and a M-B E500. As I usually do, I “helped” him test drive each (tee hee).

The 545i was hands down the better handling car, and much more fun to drive at speed. But… the Active Steering made the 545i terribly uncomfortable to drive at low speed. My father felt he would never be able to use iDrive except to set up some defaults at first. My parents felt the styling was more like a barge than a BMW. And finally the interior was decidedly cheaper looking than something costing around 70K. When push came to shove, the E500 was a car that was much more liveable than 545i.

Who knows, if BMW works hard, they may win him back.

Forbes Auto has named the BMW 3 Series coupe as one of the top ten city cars.

I wholeheartedly agree, but I may be a little biased (see image above). My 325Ci has great acceleration, and definitely strokes my overdeveloped ego. Yet, I never have trouble finding a parking spot on the street, though I usually park in the alley behind my house, and I’ve averaged almost 25 MPG since I bought the car, despite driving like a crazed idiot in traffic. (yes… I am “that guy in the BMW”)

I found one thing curious, though. Forbes singled out the coupe, ignoring the new E90 sedan and E91 wagon. From everything I’ve read, the new 3 Series is an improvment on the old. Maybe Jalopnik is right, and some of the choices Forbes made are innane.

Granted I am a little biased (see image above), but I’ve have been in love with the E46 coupe since it was introduced. Plain and simple, I think it’s the most beautiful BMW since the E24 6 Series (1976-1990).

So, in light of some of the more controversial design, I have been waiting for the unveiling of the 3 Series coupe with some trepidation. Thankfully, based on the pictures that have been floating around, BMW has created another drop-dead gorgeous coupe. My best guess is that these pictures are pretty close, since all the sources are so consistent.

And… no chrome eyelids! The only thing I can fault would be the taillights… BMW doesn’t seem to know what to do with taillights these days. Every BMW model has a different taillight design, none of which scream BMW.

So, the 64K question is: Will I trade my current ride for an E92? At this point, the answer is no. As nice as it is, it’s not so different that I feel the need to trade newer. Even though the engines in the E92 are going to be sex on wheels, I guess my love affair with my car isn’t quite over yet.

(Image from Leftlane News via Jalopnik)

As much as I love BMWs, I have been very disappointed with the latest models. Chris Bangle and crew are kind of like that Santino guy on Project Runway. It just seems that they start with a good idea and then muck it all up with crazy details in the interest of being ugly stylish.

For the most part, though, I have been happy with the new BMW 3 Series… except for the stupid chrome eyelids. I think that I may have mentioned this before.

Well, BMW has finally wised up and listened to me. World Car Fans has spy shots of the M3 coupe and sedan WITHOUT CHROME EYELIDS.

Your gratitude has been noted.

(Keeping the BMW puns going for Ed’s benefit.)

I knew those crazy Scots wouldn’t be the last. Even though Motor Trend picked the Civic, and the Europeans picked the Renault Clio (WTF?), Automobile Magazine has named the BMW 3-Series Automobile of the Year.

I just hate the chrome eyelids. Otherwise, I keep hearing such spectacular things about that car. I really need to don my fake mustache and make a poseur-test-drive.

I received a letter today that my 325Ci is being recalled for faulty ignition coils. I was thinking “Fine, it happens.”

As I was reading the notice, though, I realized that it said “… 2002, 2003 and 2004 model year BMW automobiles, equipped with six, eight and twelve cylinder engines…” WTF?!?!? That’s like every single BMW sold in the US! Potentially that is 600,000 cars and SUVs (oh, sorry… SAVs) in North America alone.

How is it I haven’t heard about this? I’ve been busy lately, but I think I would have noticed if 600K BMWs were recalled. GM would be crucified for that many.

Best I can figure is BMW has been sneaky on this one. They are calling this a “Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign.” OK, it been a long time since I had to use my BS in MechE, but I think if a few of the ignition coils failed, my Ultimate Driving Machine would sound more like a ‘78 Olds 88 Diesel. A bit more than an emissions issue, in my book. It’s not a safety issue like some, but many other manufacturers have reported lesser recalls to higher fan fare. My current theory is this kind of recall doesn’t get the usual governmental paper-pushers all worked up, and avoids significant press.

Also, this seems to be something that has been a phased in. I’ve been trawling the BMW message boards, and it seems that a 5 Series owner here, a Z4 owner there have been getting these notices for a several months now. Also, some owners have been getting the coils replaced for even further back through a secret recall, extended warranty, etc.

Obviously, BMW knows a thing or two about good press vs. bad press. GM and Ford should take a lesson. When you need to recall, don’t delay until the last minute and be proactive before it hits critical mass. BMW is only getting away with this because they have given themselves the luxury of time before we’re all stranded on the road. Also avoid a nasty public demand from consumers or a governmental agency.

This stuff happens to all manufacturers, but I’m pretty amazed how this has played out.

Once again, Dave and the guys over at MPH have a kick-butt spy photo, this time of the BMW 3 Series hardtop convertible. (Those guys get all the good stuff.)

As I’ve previously stated, BMW is making a great decision to make the next 3 Series convertible with a retractable hardtop. While much more complicated than a traditional soft-top, these are infinitely superior for those of us in climates where you spend at least 50% of time with the top up. The visibility is much better, and driving with the top up is much quieter.

When it was leaked that BMW was going to make the convertible a hardtop, I was a little concerned that BMW would have to compromise the styling to accommodate the mechanics of the top. It looks like they haven’t had to compromise much of anything. This thing could end up being the most stunning BMW in years. When I say stunning, I mean not fucking hideous. Somebody must have finally taken away Chris Bangle’s ugly stick.

(Note to BMW: Please NO CHROME EYELIDS ON THE GRILLE. They just look silly.)

I’ve been incredibly busy at my real job, and had guests from out of town in all weekend… thus why no posts. But I couldn’t this go:

WHY? WHY? WHY?

This ridiculous monstrosity from Mattig will be shown at the Essen Motor Show. The Essen Motor Show is a bit like a German version of our SEMA, which of course mean I have no use for it.

Never mind it’s for an E46 which isn’t even produced anymore. Nothing like taking a $35K sport sedan and making it look like a $10K ricer.

This thing is sex on wheels. And with the seats down, you could comfortably do the deed.

The guys at MPH have the latest spy photos of the BMW M5 Touring (that’s station wagon in Bimmer-speak). I personally think that the 5-Series wagon is vastly more pleasing than the sedan. Then again, I just have a weird thing for wagons. Regardless, those of us who are city dwellers, and have limited parking, need a car that can be practical and still emotionally titillating. And with a 500hp V10, the M5 Touring should be able to haul… both literally and figuratively speaking.

I think the previous object of my lust has just been cast aside.

… even the Scottish. I’m talking about a Car of the Year.

Everybody seems to have a Car of the Year. There’s Motor Trend Car of the Year, European Car of the Year, World Car of Year, Canadian Car of the Year, plus the 10Best, Viewer’s Choice… you get the idea. I’m thinking of starting a Bitchy Queens of Logan Circle Car of the Year. It will always have to be a BMW 3-Series, Mazda Miata or Mercedes SLK.

Anyhow, in between nasty bites of haggis, the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers named the BMW 3 Series Car of Year:

I’m pretty sure that they won’t be the last ones. This seems a good choice. Believe it not, I haven’t driven the new E90 3 Series yet. Everything I’ve read says it is even more fun to drive than the last gen E46. BMW took the safe road on this one, though I do have a couple issues with it:

• The stupid chrome “eyelids” on the grille make it look like Paris Hilton after a bender.
• The dash doesn’t have the slight driver-slant like previous ones. It just seems to be forgetting it’s purpose, to be driven. The new flat dash might as well add a gazillion cup holder like a minivan.

My morning at work has been a complete waste. I discovered BMW’s archival site and I can’t drag myself away from it.

It has complete information about past models, links to people and events that are related and vice versa. It gives you not only the technical data, but the historical context of specific models. There is an image gallery where you can type in any model you are interested in, and see dozens of photos and tech drawings. There is so much to see here, my feeble little brain is about to explode. (Or it could have too many Manhattans last night… whatever).

If you really want to burn some time, login as guest, select “Simple Search”, and then select “Product”, “Automobile” and “Decade”. You’ll get a year by year synopsis of the models the BMW sold. (Keep in mind they didn’t start selling cars until 1929 or so.) I keep stumbling on Bimmers I didn’t even know existed. Who knew there was a 2002 Cabrio, or a 1600 “Touring” hatchback?

I wish every manufacturer had this type of archive. It would sure help when I get distracted and need the racing history the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon or the genesis of the Plymouth Volare.

Couple of warnings:

• This site is HIGHLY addictive. I’m looking for a support group already.
• The English version is somewhat incomplete. I’ve run into several pages in German, and some with an entry that says “Waiting For Translation.”
• My favorite year-by-year summary basically stops at 1975.

The entire blogosphere is high. Autoblog posted pictures from the Frankfurt Auto Show of the BMW Z4 coupe. Every comment babbles on how beautiful it is. Are they nuts?!?! Chris Bangle has created some controversial designs over the past couple years… and by controversial I mean fucking ugly and weird. Luckily, the designs are getting back to a modern interpretation of the classic BMWs. Nothing, though, got wacked by Bangle’s ugly stick quite as bad as the Z4. Now they created the Z4 coupe… and it’s just as ugly. It’s a shame because the overall proportions and shape of car is fine… all it needs is someone to smooth out all the weird intersecting creased curves. It gets my vote for the ugliest concept car at Frankfurt. Amazing since Ssangyong was there.

On the other side is the Ford iosis. This car is truly stunning. As a rule, I’m usually luke warm on Fords designs. They occasionally come out with a great design, but more often than not create generic designs that evoke no emotion, good or bad. But if this is any indication, they could be back on the cutting edge of design.

This is actually the second time in a year Ford has shown an absolute hottie. At Detroit, they showed the Shelby GR-1, which was completely clad in polished aluminum. I saw it at the Chicago Auto Show, and I kept dragging Scott back to it throughout the day. He was annoyed, but I just couldn’t take my eyes off it.

Shiny things do that to me.

or I better hit the lottery soon. I just saw on Autoblog that it looks like BMW will expand the E90 M3 models.

I drive an E46 coupe (see the banner), and would have loved to get the M3 if I had an extra 15K laying around. I’ve never understood why BMW didn’t continue the M3 sedan when they switched to the E46 platform, as there are so many others who prefer a sedan. They could have sold tons.

I’ve been saying my next car will be a wagon. Sure would be nice if it were an M3 wagon.